Ark is the first high-rise commercial building in Australia to be built as a fully integrated Building Information Model (BIM). Ark’s design ensures that the structure blends into its context responding to the specific conditions of the site while retaining a sense of individuality.
Ark features a podium that incorporates sculpture, art, landscaping and heritage interpretation to engage public interest. A public forecourt is featured at the eastern end of the site that enables overlapping activities to occur throughout the day.
Ark features a series of vertical zinc framed boxes against an angled wall of glass. A delicate glass wing rises above the podium, which makes Ark instantly recognisable within its heritage-rich location.
Constructed on the site of an old Telephone Exchange, the sculpture, art and landscaping have been incorporated into the design. These include ‘1936’ – an artwork by Rice Daubney’s model maker and artist Simon Grimes, which uses original letters for the Telephone Exchange to act as a shadow play on the concrete blade wall in the lobby.
The design has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star Office V2 Design rating from the GBCA and is the first completed high rise commercial building to achieve such a rating in New South Wales, Australia. Green elements of the design include tri-generation power supply, grey and storm-weather recycling systems and electric cars for use by the tenants. The building also features dark grey glazing, window framing, sunshades, efficient lighting and controls, natural light from three sides, parking and charging bays for electric and hybrid cars and cycling facilities.
The Urban Taskforce Award acknowledges development projects that achieve the best outcomes in terms of client requirements, also taking into consideration the environment, business and community concerns.
