• Manly Vale Breathing Wall

    Vine intervention

    It’s like a jungle sometimes, but is the grass always greener for buildings that boast green walls and roofs? Laura Timberlake explores.

  • 1728 00 Vhh N23 Website Landscape Large

    Matters of the heart

    The adoption of a prefabrication strategy in the design and construction of mechanical services systems at the new Victorian Heart Hospital in Clayton solved numerous challenges associated with the build and project timelines. As Sean McGowan reports, the approach is a precursor to future healthcare projects.

  • Southlawncarpark

    A little more (ventilation) conversation

    Almost everyone who works on HVAC in Australia would be familiar with the AS 1668 series. Right now, AS 1668.2 and AS 1668.4 – which between them cover mechanical and natural ventilation in buildings – are open for public comment.

  • 1223 Eco Main Feature

    Tight done right

    The owners of a Passivhaus residential development in Melbourne’s inner suburbs have adopted a pragmatic approach to design, ensuring the best possible outcome on a site overshadowed by neighbouring buildings. Sean McGowan reports.

  • Brain Ai

    (Very) artificial intelligence (well, maybe) – a practical view 

    Recent professional opinions on the use of AI in real–world building applications have raised some concerns with Alan Obrart, L.AIRAH.

  • 1223 Eco Ie Feature

    Hilltop harmony

    Perched on a rocky crest in Mansfield, Victoria, Robbie J Walker’s off-grid house defies harsh weather conditions to heat and cool itself writes Nick Johns-Wickberg.

  • Operating Theatre

    Standard operating procedure

    AIRAH’s Infection Control and Operating Theatre Practices Special Technical Group is taking a close look at hospital air quality guidelines.

  • Smart Building

    One smart building, please

    Desiring to use actionable data from our buildings is undoubtedly a good thing. To effectively do this, however, defining terms and allocating responsibility for tasks is essential – especially when the “smarts” from our edifices exist in the space between systems.

  • Smarter Future

    Powering a smarter future

    What role does data play in the electrification of buildings? With a focus on machine learning, artificial intelligence and the interaction with the electricity grid, a panel at AIRAH’s recent Building Date Forum explored this fascinating topic.

  • 05 22 Eco Forum

    CFD Analysis of Fixture Output Impact on Upper Room Germicidal Ultraviolet Light System Performance

    Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) using electromagnetic radiation in the UV‑C wavelength band of 200–280nm can prevent the reproduction of microorganisms. Several factors related to UV fixtures, HVAC layout and the resulting airflow flow patterns can affect the performance of upper‑room UVGI applications.

  • 1011 23 Transport Feature

    Right on track

    Given the considerable amount of transport infrastructure under construction, on drawing boards and taking shape in the daydreams of ambitious politicians, the concept of zero carbon transport buildings is featuring heavily in discussions amount those concerned about sustainability for our stations.

  • 1023 Matrix One Feature

    Dutch treat

    A six-storey Amsterdam building comprising laboratories and office space incorporates sustainable thinking from every possible angle, writes Laura Timberlake.

  • Trust Numbers

    Trusting the numbers

    The hot topic in the world of big data analytics right now is validation. We ask members of AIRAH’s Big Data and Analytics STG: What exactly is it, and why is it so important?

  • Drive To Thrive

    Drive to thrive

    The Data-Driven Smart Buildings Symposium was held at the University of New South Wales earlier this year. Dr Stephen White, L.AIRAH, reports.

  • Lot Fourteen Sundari Carmody Sculpture One All That We Can See 1

    Virtuous circle

    A major urban renewal project in South Australia is transforming the former Royal Adelaide Hospital site into a $2.2 billion world-class innovation district. As Sean McGowan reports, Lot Fourteen is bringing curated, collaborative research and business enterprises together to solve complex global challenges.

  • 05 22 Eco Forum

    Striking a balance: planning and implementation considerations for natural gas removal in hospitals

    This paper examines the challenges associated with removing natural gas from hospitals and transitioning to all-electric systems. It emphasises the unique energy requirements of hospitals and the need to prioritise patient care and safety over energy efficiency.

  • 05 22 Eco Forum

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in the building and property industry 

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is an area of computer science that emphasises the creation of intelligent agents, which are systems that can learn and act autonomously. AI deals with the question of how to create computers that are capable of intelligent behaviour.

  • Air Of Authority Cover

    Air of authority

    With the release of a fast-tracked pathogen mitigation standard and updates to advice on building ventilation from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the US seems to be taking the lead on indoor air quality. Ecolibrium asked three local experts for their views. Mark Vender reports.

  • Big News For Big Buildings Cover

    Big news for big buildings

    In the GBCA’s Green Star Design and As-Built ratings, projects can now be allocated an extra point by doing a whole-building test – a good thing, according to Sean Maxwell.

  • John Olver Transit Center 1

    Going places

    An innovative building constructed a decade ago is aging gracefully – and usefully.