In March 2007, the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science & Technology and the Department for Transport, Energy & Infrastructure moved into an 11,000m2 integrated fitout in the new City Central Tower 1 building designed by Woods Bagot (South Australia’s first Five Star Green Star building).  This new workplace is part of the South Australian government strategic plan, ensuring that all new facilities will be housed within Five Star Green Star rated buildings.  

A range of facilities have been provided to foster a sense of community and social interaction as well as providing private spaces and more traditional office accommodation.  The large open plan floorplates are linked to a four storey naturally ventilated atrium which will provide high levels of natural daylight and fresh air, improving the indoor environmental quality.

The vertical ‘retail strip’ incorporates themed ‘work cafes’ which are connected by a glazed stair encouraging a sense of community focus.

Some sustainable initiatives include:

• Passive chilled beam technology
• Light sensor controlled lighting
• Minimised supplementary air conditioning
• Automated internal blinds linked to light sensors
• Building management system
• Access to natural light from all occupied spaces
• Demountable partitions
• Low volatile organic compounds
• Toxin absorbing plants
• FSC certified timbers
• Flat screen technology at all workstations.

The result has embraced social as well as environmental aspects for a truly sustainable outcome.