The 1200m2 office building in South Melbourne, designed by SJB Architects, is the new headquarters for the Szencorp group, who provide expertise in sustainable business, including water, energy efficiency, renewable energy and property development. Their desire was to work in a building that expressly demonstrated solutions to environmental problems pressing contemporary society; as a response to state government projections that indicated that Victoria needed to substantially reduce the greenhouse intensity of its stationary energy sector. It became public knowledge that growing energy demands precipitate the need for heavy investment in a new baseload and peak electricity infrastructure, and will further increase the state's greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, the rising water demand in a context of extended below average rainfall underscores the importance of improving water efficiency.

Szencorp purchased 40 Albert Road in 2002 with a determination to refurbish the 1987 office block into an environmentally friendly and healthy workplace with cutting edge design; showcasing and commercialising high technology products and building systems. The building has four levels of office space and two levels of car-parking. From street level, its impressive facade presents a cool collision of full length glass, stone, polished metal pillars, and full-height wire net screens. It seeks to lead by example, with numerous interesting Australian ‘firsts' incorporated into the design. The DryKor conditioning unit uses desiccant technology to dry and cool the office space simultaneously, while the ceramic fuel cell provides both heat and electricity. Greenhouse Gas-neutral, the building management system maximises not only environmental efficiency but also it's often overlooked counterpart, that being occupant comfort, as the vision for the regeneration of 40 Albert Rd included ensuring that the environmental outcomes created the best working environment for employees, visitors and tenants.

The design combines the retention of the original building structure and fabric, with an innovative programme of alterations and additions to improve environmental performance and occupant amenity. Originally, the building had a long, narrow east-west facing plan with a stairwell at the front, which was successful only in blocking both natural light and ventilation deep into the plan.

This was remedied by the architects at SJB by installing a new glazed stairwell beneath a north-facing atrium in the centre of the building. The cascading light encourages use of the staircase, which has obvious health benefits for the users and the environment. The ceiling plenum was exposed to augment the volume of workspace and the thermal performance of the building. New, operable windows provide not only views but fresh air, and abundant natural light to the east and west facades. This fresh air is also pulled through the building by the thermal chimney effect provided by the vented atrium and exhaust dampers.

Outside, a roof deck built from sustainable sourced timber extends and completes the atmosphere created by the architects, as open spaces, barbeque facilities and city views create a visual link between amenity, the natural environment and the built environment. A Central Vacuum Cleaning System has been installed, providing a low-noise means of maintaining building cleanliness. The increased cleaning efficacy reduces allergenic mould, dust and moisture problems, increases occupant health and wellbeing, and prolongs the life of carpets.

The project is all about innovation, education, and demonstration, and the array of awards it has received gestures towards a successful mission. Among them was the Award for Sustainable Architecture at the 2006 Victorian Architecture Awards, where it was congratulated for "going beyond commendable standards and providing leadership for the design profession, the community and the broader development industry in the area of sustainable design." +

Previous. The building has four levels of office space and two levels for car parking.

Top. The facade of the building is a cool collision of full length glass, stone, polished metal pillars and full height wire net screens.

Second. The use of glass creates an atmosphere of open amenability and clean, crisp lines. The vision for this project was to benefit the environment and also to benefit the building's primary users, ensuring the best possible work environment.

Third. Fresh air sweeps through the interior due to operable windows and a central vacuum cleaning system.

Bottom. 40 Albert Road's rooftop boasts sustainable sourced timber, barbeque facilities and sweeping city views.