Modern times Commercial space beyond COVID-19 - AIRAH
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
MAY 2021 · VOLUME 20.3
RRP $14.95
PRINT POST APPROVAL
NUMBER PP352532/00001
Modern
times
Commercial space
beyond COVID-19.
F E AT U R E The expansion
Colloquially known as Jeff’s Shed, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
has continued to grow in size and function ever since it first opened in 1996.
As Sean McGowan reports, the latest extension has cemented the precinct
as Australia’s most in-demand exhibition and event destination.
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Expansion space.
Image courtesy: MCEC.
FE ATURE
The expansion features an additional 9,000m²
of exhibition space as well as flexible
multipurpose event spaces.
Image courtesy MCEC.
A collaboration between public-private an additional 9,000m² of exhibition
partners the state government of
Victoria, Plenary Group, the Melbourne
space as well as flexible multi-
purpose event spaces. These include a TRIED AND
Convention and Exhibition Trust
(MCET) and Brookfield Global Integrated
1,064‑seat auditorium, meeting rooms,
450‑seat banquet room, café and bar.
TESTED
Solutions (BGIS), along with architects Despite the global push by
And reflecting MCEC’s commitment to
NH Architecture and Woods Bagot in a manufacturers towards refrigerant
sustainability and the environment, the
joint venture, the $205 million expansion utopia – that is, achieving zero ozone
project has achieved a 5 star Green Star –
was completed in late 2018. depletion potential (ODP) and zero
Design certification under the program’s
global warming potential (GWP) –
Adding approximately 20,000m² of Public Building v1 rating tool.
the chiller plant serving the MCEC
space to the Melbourne Convention and
It also meets the sustainability expansion building operates on the
Exhibition Centre (MCEC), the project
requirements stated in the City of tried and tested R134A.
made use of a land-locked site located
Melbourne’s planning scheme 22.19.
between the original exhibition building, “When stage 2 – the expansion
The aim of these is to create a higher
and the convention centre to the west. project – was designed in 2016, the
sustainability outcome, and specifically
need to achieve zero ODP was well
Designed to complement these improve the energy, water and waste
defined but the emphasis on zero
existing spaces, the expansion features efficiency of the city’s buildings.
GWP was still being pursued and no
refrigerants were available at that
The MCEC prides itself on environmentally sustainable time to address that requirement,”
design and architectural ingenuity to minimise the site’s explains WSP’s Bernard Da Cruz.
impact on the environment.
“It is also evident that refrigerants
Image courtesy MCEC.
introduced a few years back that
addressed the criteria partially
can now be considered as good
as obsolete.”
To avoid a similar scenario, Da Cruz
says the best alternative was to adopt
a refrigerant that was well established
and supported in the market, and
achieved the zero ODP requirements
of the project.
“R134A was a common refrigerant
used at the time for chillers,” he says.
“And based on the back-up and long-
term availability of this refrigerant,
a decision was made to adopt it.” ❚
24 M AY 2021 • ECO L I B R I U M
FE ATURE “MCEC prides itself on environmentally sustainable design and architectural The sustainability blueprint mandates extensive ingenuity to minimise the site’s impact green planting through the project. on the environment, and showcase Image courtesy MCEC. best‑practice design features,” says MCEC sustainability manager Sam Ferrier. “As a leader in the tourism and event space, and such a large contributor to the Victorian economy, it is imperative that we lead by example and continue to implement what we can to preserve the environment.” A SEAMLESS ADDITION Constructed by Probuild, the MCEC expansion was designed to be a seamless addition between the two existing buildings. From an architectural perspective, this is most evident in the clean roofline that presents as one across the site, with no rooftop penetrations for plant, and few visible grilles on the façade.
FE ATURE
The Skyfarm will take the place of what is currently a carpark.
Image courtesy the Sustainable Landscape Company.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
But of course, exhibition and event spaces these “critical design elements” modelled and maintained. To this end,
typically require significant HVAC had to be workshopped at length. baffles, fire ratings, air tightness and
systems to maintain comfort conditions. the prevailing winds across the roof
This means the project’s architectural “Ensuring the convention centre roof (for potential smoke direction) were
demands presented significant challenges appeared seamless, with no mechanical all carefully considered.
to the mechanical design team – WSP in services elements protruding from
the roofline, meant we had to intake “Energy Safe Victoria also had to be
its role as mechanical engineering
and discharge from roof trenches and actively consulted on the design and
consultant and Allstaff as mechanical
perimeter louvres,” McClaren says. installation of the boiler flue discharges
services D&C contractor.
within the trench to ensure no
Adam McClaren was lead mechanical Code compliance for smoke spill recirculation of noxious gases occurred,”
engineer on the project for Allstaff discharge in the trench was also a McClaren says, “and that there would
Airconditioning (now Fredon). challenge, requiring that appropriate be no impact on maintenance staff
He says possible solutions that met discharge direction and velocities were when present on the roof.”
LESSONS FROM THE CONSULTING ENGINEER
Bernard Da Cruz, director – mechanical sadly common for a copybook approach When the project is well past its planned
at WSP offers some key lessons from to be adopted, resulting in a less-than- completion date and the builder is at
the MCEC expansion project. satisfactory outcome. significant stress to complete the project,
added demand is placed on the HVAC
It is important to understand the overall All engineering designs proposed should team to get the desired outcomes,
project objectives and ensure that you be tested and peer-reviewed from requiring all the assistance one can
engineer the project for the HVAC concept design to ensure the best systems render without compromising on
complexity from the ground up. It is are designed and documented. the designed outcomes. ❚
26 M AY 2021 • ECO L I B R I U M
FE ATURE
FRAMEWORKS TO FARMS
As the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s The Sustainable Landscape Company, with the support of
sustainability manager, Sam Ferrier is focused on reducing the MCEC and the City of Melbourne’s Urban Forest Fund.
the environmental footprint of one of the city’s largest
According to Skyfarm director Brendan Condon,
and most visited buildings.
the rooftop farm will consist of a variety of landscape
As well as working on a range of sustainability programs, treatments including a modular, self-watering farm
the impending implementation of a sustainability framework comprised of Foodcube wicking beds.
developed by the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia
(EEAA) is considered an important step in transforming the way Each 1m² bed holds a deep soil profile as well as 110 litres
sustainability in the event industry is managed in the future. of water in the base. They are connected to each other
via water lines to allow the farm to be watered efficiently
“The framework delegates responsibilities and obligations and on timer if necessary.
to venues, organisers, suppliers and exhibitors in order to
achieve collaborative commitment and sustainability targets “Each Foodcube module can produce over 25kg of fresh
over the next five years,” she says. produce per annum, per square metre, and they are highly
water‑efficient,” says Condon, adding that the only water loss
“By working collaboratively on these commitments, from the Foodcube is via evapotranspiration through foliage.
it’ll make a huge difference to the environmental impact
of the events industry in Australia.” “Being a soil-based system, the Foodcube allows the farm
to use composted organics to create a circular economy system
While the exhibition and events industry has been one of the on the rooftop.”
hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, MCEC has used this
time of low occupancy to work on explorative projects and to test It is anticipated the Melbourne Skyfarm will grow almost
the viability of ideas under a program called Business Relaunch. four tonnes of fresh produce per annum – a large proportion
of which will be donated to Melbourne food charities.
This has seen a number of creative ideas come to fruition
including the installation of new, virtual event studios and Beyond its food production, Condon says the garden will
technologies for hybrid and online events, and the conversion act as a large evaporative air conditioner, transforming what
of exhibition space into a high-end film studio. was a hot carpark into an urban cool zone.
PIE-IN-THE-SKY THINKING “The concrete slab previously acted as a heat bank on
Adding to its ongoing sustainability initiatives, the MCEC is hot summer days, adding to the urban heat island effect
set to welcome the addition of a rooftop farm, which will in the city,” Condon says. “But to now be covered in
transform the 2,000m² Siddeley Street rooftop carpark. urban greenery, it is anticipated to provide the benefits of
fresh produce, urban cooling and urban biodiversity.
Known as Melbourne Skyfarm, the carpark’s roof will be turned
into a thriving working farm. Features include a rooftop orchard “Skyfarm will transform a previously bare and
and farm, nursery, beekeeping, sustainable education space underutilised carpark into a vibrant and productive space
and a 90-seat licensed café with event space. for the public. It could not have been able to happen
without the support of MCEC.”
The project has been initiated by Melbourne-based regeneration
and protection group Odonata, urban company Biofilta and For more information, go to www.melbourneskyfarm.com.au ❚
ATTENTION TO DETAIL “By using identical chillers, and “Airside systems are tailored to and
condenser cooling water (CCW) and controlled for each area’s needs,”
Allstaff worked closely with WSP –
chilled water (CHW) primary‑only McClaren says.
which was novated under Probuild
pumps, this set-up ensures ease of
during the final design and construction “Each of the 12 dividable exhibition
maintainability, common spare
phases. The goal was to implement an bays is able to be independently served
parts, and assists with the reliability
HVAC solution that delivered comfort to the other adjacent bays, should there
of systems,” says McClaren.
conditions in the exhibition and event be multiple concurrent exhibitors.
“The result is minimal downtime
spaces while achieving the project’s And when the walls are packed away,
of services during exhibitions.”
sustainability objectives. they work in unison for larger exhibitors.”
Due to the project’s spatial constraints
The resulting HVAC design utilises As is common of Green Star‑rated
and noise considerations, heat rejection is
a combination of constant and buildings, ventilation rates were designed
achieved via crossflow cooling towers.
variable air-handling plant served to be up to 50 per cent greater than those
by three equally sized water-cooled The air-handling units (AHUs) were required for compliance under AS1668.2.
chillers. These were tailored to meet selected with consideration given to coil
the expected turn-down and loading and filter face velocities and pressure According to Bernard Da Cruz, director
scenarios of the spaces while offering drops. The AHUs were zoned to each – mechanical at WSP, the benefits of
long-term flexibility for the building’s individual space to offer more flexibility increased rates of outside air to the
facility manager, BGIS. for the use of the space. occupied indoor space are significant.
28 M AY 2021 • ECO L I B R I U M
FE ATURE
“Recirculated air has significant expected swings in occupancy levels.
AIR DIFFUSION pollutants like VOCs (volatile organic
compounds) and high CO2 levels that
CO2 sensors were used to limit the
build-up of CO2 to lower than 800PM –
With each exhibition bay some are not always able to be filtered by
commonly adopted in the industry and
1,500m² in area and up to 25m in industry‑standard filters,” Da Cruz says.
lower than mandatory requirements.
height, special attention was given
“But on the negative side, using additional
to the design and selection of air “The lower indoor CO2 concentration
outside air than mandated by statutory
diffusion serving these spaces. levels are achieved by automatically
requirements has a significant impact
increasing the outside air to the
Following laboratory testing in on energy consumption. Consequently,
area through motorised dampers,”
Germany, electronically actuated jet an optimum solution was engineered to
says Da Cruz.
diffusers were selected with the ability come to a ‘best for the project’ outcome.”
to alter the projection (throw) of air “The negative impact of this increase
depending on the mode (cooling or in outdoor air is an increase in energy
heating) to ensure delivery to the outgoings, particularly during the
occupied zone without draughts. warmer and cooler periods of the year.
Consequently, an optimum solution
Within the concourse space, jet
diffusers were modelled for horizontal
was engineered to come to a best of
projection. The use of in-screed
project outcome.”
Using additional outside
heating throughout the concourse Multiple temperature sampling points
area – with multiple controlled zones air than mandated by have also been provided in each
– makes best use of the building’s statutory requirements exhibition bay – predominantly located
large thermal mass and reduces in the tiered seating area to provide
AHU fan energy. has a significant impact for the most accurate control.
Each exhibition bay is also supplied on energy consumption
Similar dedicated airside plant and
with connections for natural gas via a controls is provided to the other key
large gas reticulation system for those spaces including the auditorium and
exhibitors requiring the use of gas. Demand-controlled ventilation was not function spaces, meeting rooms and
Each bay features controllers with only used to promote energy efficiency, general administration areas – all of
emergency shutoffs. ❚ but was also designed to modulate on a which are fully controllable by the
per-zone basis to best cater for the large facility manager, BGIS.
The rooftop farm will
consist of a variety of
landscape treatments
including a modular,
self‑watering farm
comprised of foodcube
wicking beds.
Image courtesy
the Sustainable Landscape Company.
30 M AY 2021 • ECO L I B R I U M
FE ATURE
ENERGY OPTIMISATION design to commissioning and beyond.
We avoid a copy-book approach.”
As part of the project’s ESD, a sustainable
management plan (SMP) was developed Areas of greatest energy consumption
by WSP to provide details of the design were evaluated and targeted, followed by
principles and strategies in place to help the associated plant that utilises the most
reduce the environmental impact of energy throughout the life of the facility.
the proposed development.
“Plant and equipment that operate
The SMP included strategies to ensure 24/7, while small, can contribute to
sustainability was considered at each the facility’s overall energy outgoings,”
stage of the planning process, and that
says Da Cruz.
further environmental opportunities
be considered. “So while critical plant is selected for its
This included the implementation optimum performance, opportunities to
of energy-efficient HVAC solutions. select the most energy efficient plant from
These not only reduced the facility’s pumps to central plant like chillers and
energy consumption but would also cooling towers, requires evaluation.”
assist in helping MCEC achieve its As well as selecting the plant for energy
goal of reducing CO2/m² emissions by efficiency, optimum performance
30 per cent based on 2015 levels.
at part load was another extremely
According to Da Cruz, it is important important factor in optimising the energy
that on any project, energy optimisation outgoings of the project.
is undertaken with the due diligence
it merits. Other key sustainable design features of
the expansion building include the use
He says WSP lays special emphasis on of high-efficiency motors and variable-
the energy optimisation measures as it speed drives (VSDs), heating and cooling
reflects on the final project outcomes. pipework and ductwork insulation, water-
“Every project’s energy objectives are efficient toilets and bathroom taps, and
evaluated and tested in detail, from rainwater capture, treatment and reuse.
LESSONS FROM THE
MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR
Adam McClaren, lead mechanical You don’t have to reinvent the wheel
engineer on the project for Allstaff when it comes to efficient mechanical
Airconditioning (now Fredon Air), services design.
provides insights into what can be
learned from the MCEC expansion “Often more complicated systems
project. are difficult to commission,
control, tune, maintain, modify
Spend the time, and make the effort,
and understand,”McClaren says.
to be open and transparent with
“We were very conscious of energy
all project stakeholders.
efficiency; however, we were also very
“Conduct, and drive, regular workshops active with engagement with the ICA
to better understand and appreciate and the operators (BGIS) to ensure an
the goals of each stakeholder,” he says, acceptable long-term outcome.”
“and do your best in the services design
to accommodate their requirements, Invest time early with the site/installation
while also being commercially savvy.” team to plan around safety in design.
He says parties often need to reach a “Pay attention to safety in design and
slight compromise in order for all design safety in installation, particularly when
elements to be adequately addressed. working at heights,” McClaren says.
“This is more easily discussed in “The installation of ductwork and heavy
workshops or face-to-face meetings,” attenuators, and diffusers, were at
he says, “rather than via email, high level – in this case some 25m above
telephone or video conference.” ground in the exhibition bays.” ❚
M AY 2021 • ECO L I B R I U M 31
FE ATURE
The wicking beds are portable versatile. PROJECT AT A GLANCE
Image courtesy MCEC.
The personnel
▲ Architect:
NH Architecture + Woods Bagot
▲ Builder: Probuild
▲ Building services engineer:
WSP Buildings
▲ Client: Plenary Group
in partnership with the
Victorian Government
▲ ESD: WSP
▲ Mechanical electrical:
Butler Electrical
▲ Mechanical services D&C
contractor: Allstaff
Airconditioning
▲ Mechanical services engineer: WSP
▲ Project managers: Plenary Group
▲ Review engineer: LCI
HVAC equipment
▲ AHUs: Paragon
▲ Attenuators: NAP
UP AND RUNNING ▲ BMS: Honeywell
The MCEC expansion building officially ▲ Boilers: Simons
opened in July 2018, and gained its 5 star ▲ Chillers: Carrier
Green Star – Design rating in mid-2020.
▲ CRAC units: UAP
The expansion space is ▲ Cooling towers: Evapco
EXPANSION a great example of how ▲ Dampers: Celmec
sustainable features can
OFFSET be seamlessly incorporated
▲ Diffusers/grilles:
Holyoake (Krantz)
As part of the expansion project, the
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition
into functional design ▲ Duct: Allstaff
Trust (MCET) elected to participate ▲ Fans: Fantech
in the Melbourne Renewable
“The expansion space is a great example,” ▲ FCUs: Temperzone
Energy Project (MREP) for the supply
of 4GWh of renewable energy says Ferrier, “of how sustainable features ▲ Filters: Airepure
certificates (RECs) used to offset can be seamlessly incorporated into
functional design.” ▲ Grilles: Holyoake (Krantz)
carbon emissions generated by the
expansion’s operations. Now well on track to meet its 2021 ▲ Heat exchangers: Sondex
“The equivalent of the new target of reducing carbon emissions ▲ Pumps: BKB
expansion’s total electricity by 30 per cent (based on 2015 baseline
of 225kg CO2-e/m²), the MCEC has ▲ Sensors: Honeywell
consumption, is fully powered by
renewable energy that aligns with the recently developed a new five-year ▲ Trench heaters: Holyoake
City of Melbourne’s Climate Change sustainability strategy.
▲ VSDs: Danfoss
Mitigation Strategy,” says the MCEC’s This will feature ambitious energy
sustainability manager Sam Ferrier. ❚ efficiency and carbon emission reduction (Source: WSP and Allstaff Airconditioning)
targets soon to be announced. ❚
32 M AY 2021 • ECO L I B R I U MYou can also read
