With its distinctive “pineapple” architectural feature, 55 Corinthian Drive is one of the most eye-catching properties on the North Shore. It was the prominent location alongside SH1 which prompted APEC Property Development to re-think its original plan for the site. “When we bought the land in 2013, we intended it for a light industrial warehouse,” explains managing director Lawrance Yu. “But that building was going to be many people’s first glimpse of the Albany area – a gateway, if you like. That’s why we decided to raise the bar, represent the quality of the businesses in this region, and set the future tone of local property development.”
55 Corinthian Drive is the North Shore’s first and only five-star Green Star building. Having earned this rating for “design”, the target is to achieve it also for “as built”.
“We were assessed on the environmental impact that is a direct consequence of the building’s site selection, design, construction and maintenance. The ‘green strategies’ that we put in place must provide tangible financial and energy savings and, therefore, environmental benefits,” Lawrance explains.
What does this mean in practical terms for tenants and the surrounding area?
The energy consumption of this “intelligent building” is monitored in real-time via its custom-designed building management system. This can also be used to control and schedule plant operation, and immediately identify potential glitches.
Lighting
The building is long and narrow with 4.5m sheets of glass to allow for maximum natural light and avoid the usual dark corners which occur, for example, around a traditional square building’s central lift system. On the drabbest of winter’s days, energy efficient LEDs can be used to supplement this. Office lighting is zoned in areas of less than 100m2, with occupancy sensors throughout.
Heating and ventilation
Chilled water pumps and air handling units (AHUs) are electronically regulated – for example, speed and direction – to deliver energy savings. The internal zones are just 20-30m2, so that office workers can control the temperature in their own space. The outdoor air AHUs efficiently control interior CO2 levels, achieving air quality 50 per cent higher than standard building code requirements. “It’s proven that staff wellbeing, morale and productivity are improved by optimal air quality, temperature and light levels,” comments Lawrance.
The daily commute
There are four dedicated spaces for energy efficient vehicles and four EV charging points on four of the five car parking levels, with the potential to increase this to 10 charging points per level. Forty-eight secure bike parks for staff are complemented by another eight for visitors, and easy charging for e-bikes, along with showers and lockers.
Water savings
Rooftop collection syphons rainwater into a 30,000-litre underground tank. This is channelled into the bathrooms and used to irrigate the atrium and surrounding grounds, in which 90 per cent of the plants are New Zealand natives.
Quiet, conducive working atmosphere
The external windows are all four-side double glazed and the subsequent noise reduction levels actually exceed Green Star’s requirements. Glare and incoming heat are virtually nil. APEC believes that sustainability is an ongoing process of continual improvement, and is seeking tenants committed to greener ways of working. Indeed, the appointment of a sustainability champion is a requirement of every tenancy agreement.
It is not possible to detail the building’s every feature and potential benefit on this page. More information can be found on the websites of major commercial property agents, including Colliers, Bayley’s and Barfoot & Thompson. Simply search for 55c Corinthian Drive.
To read more about Green Star ratings, visit nzgbc.org.nz/Green-Star
