Ark development with sustainable benefits

Building designed to reduce environmental impact

North Sydney’s skyline has a new iconic landmark addition following the practical completion of Investa’s Ark development. The development, with an estimated end value of $240 million, began on the site of the old North Sydney Telephone Exchange in 2006, and was designed by Rice Daubney Architects.

The flagship development at 40 Mount Street has already been awarded a 6 Star Green Star design rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (Office Design v2 Certified Rating). It has also been designed to achieve a 5 Star NABERS Energy rating.

Coca-Cola Amatil and Vodafone Hutchison Australia will be establishing their Australian headquarters at Ark. Both have pre-committed to lease approximately 11,000 m² each, for 10 years with further option periods, accounting for approximately 22,000 m². Together with AWE Ltd, Ark is approximately 85% leased as at practical completion.

Tina Tang, Investa’s Group General Manager, Developments, said: “The fact that Ark is opening 85% leased is an exceptional result and even more remarkable given the market conditions over the last 18 months. Interest in Ark demonstrates that tenants appreciate the inherent value to their business of having larger floor plates, daylight penetration, energy efficient, well-built and well-serviced space.”

“Builder’s Thiess have done an outstanding job in delivering the design intent envisioned by Investa and our architects, Rice Daubney. The attention to detail in this design makes for a great working space, with outdoor areas and some highly original public art at street level to create a strong connection to the history of the area,” said Tang.

A playful oversized child’s toy telephone, entitled Lines of Communication, is sited directly on street level by Hany Armanious and Mary Teague. The piece re-uses cable and desks from the North Sydney Telephone Exchange of 1936 which stood on the site.

Features of the development include: on-site tri-generation power supply using a gas-fired engine to produce heat, cooling and power; greywater recycling system for re-use of shower and basin wastewater; efficient lighting and controls; natural light from three sides (side services core) to minimise the use of lighting; ozone-friendly and energy-efficient chillers; variable speed controllers to major plant motors; parking and charging bays for electric and hybrid pool cars; cycling facilities (including bike racks, lockers and showers); a 3D Building Information Model (BIM) which combines all of the design as-built information about the architecture, services and fit-outs in the building.

Waste recycling initiatives include: tenant commingle waste collection program; other recycling services (e-waste, phones, batteries, etc) and the site recycled 90% of construction waste during demolition.

A stormwater recycling system has been installed for re-use of rainwater collected from the roof and balconies. Other water measures include: waterless urinals, flow restrictors on all taps and water sub-metering (15-minute intervals with online interface.