Ausgrid Smart Grid Smart City Information Centre
An interactive community education space, focusing on sustainability technologies and energy efficiency
Client
Ausgrid
Location
Newcastle, NSW
The Centre provides a showcase for sustainable design, aimed at promoting energy-efficiency in mass-market housing.
Sustainable design features include the use of recycled local Ausgrid power poles in wall cladding, providing a dynamic sustainable life-cycle narrative
to the project. Natural light is supplemented by a range of low energy lighting options and control systems. Water-efficient taps and toilets are installed
in the bathrooms, with toilets using reclaimed water. Flooring is made from recycled rubber, including 70% recycled tyres and bamboo flooring
is sustainable and non-toxic. The ceiling is Echopanel containing 60% recycled PET and stone bench tops have 42% recycled content, recovered from
production waste. Joinery includes X-board Kraft for internal structure, a material which contains recovered paper waste and sugar-cane fibres and
is recyclable. Stacking chairs in the Auditorium are partially constructed from recycled car batteries and can be recycled at the end of their life.