As already mentioned this project aims to create a warm inviting space that is both practical and scalable for future needs, as well as being a healthy space and with a low environmental impact.
Why use environmentally sustainable design?
The Ministry for the Environment has produced a document indicting that for office buildings the cost premium for using ESD principles is between 6% and 11%, or $120 - $230 per square metre. The cost savings were estimated to be in the region of $11 to $17 annually per square metre. This is likely to be further enhanced in years to come as the cost of energy rises.
In addition to cost savings there are a number of more intangible benefits:
Ø Staff comfort and productivity - Comfortable staff are happy staff, and happy people work more effectively. These buildings also increase productivity by reducing sick leave and raising attention levels through natural lighting, fresh air ventilation and warm, dry conditions.
Ø Environmental benefits - reduced reliance upon fossil fuels that pollute the atmosphere and contribute to man-made climate change, reduced stormwater pollution and erosion and no ozone destroying CFCs in air conditioning.
Ø Community education & leadership - The Cancer Society has a leading education role in the community in relation to health & well being. Having a healthy building is another way of demonstrating this leadership.
The actual costs associated with the majority of the green design features in this building are minimal or cost neutral while the gains may range from reduced operating costs to many of the more intangibles listed above. Some of the features do cost more than standard fittings, or are additional to standard building designs, but all provide a benefit either in reduced running costs or some of the more intangible benefits above.
Building design features
Therapy and interview rooms
These multi-function rooms can be used for one on one or family group support, small meetings and workshops, or as offices down the track if the need arises. The intention is to set one up as a counselling room with couches and support resources, with the other set up as a small meeting room.
Foyer /reception area
This area incorporates both a retail area and resource library, and is a warm, comfortable and inviting space for those having to wait to be seen. The reception allows someone to be greeted the moment they arrive while also screening off the administration area from the public. The only access to behind reception is from a door in the corridor so it is also secure. The incorporation of a lobby entrance ensures that on a windy or cold day the elements & debris remain outside. There are two unisex public toilets off the reception and an area will also be put aside for children.
Administration office
The main administration office will accommodate the Executive Support Officer, Finance Officer, Special Events Coordinator plus any temporary admin staff or volunteers. There will also be a workstation at the reception area and one of the staff will be here at all times between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm. There is built-in storage along one wall, the photocopier is in an alcove, and the server is built into a cupboard in the outside corridor. Both are hidden from view to the public and having them enclosed will also reduce the noise.
Manager’s Office
The manager’s office incorporates a small meeting area and built -in storage space.
Resource room
The resource room incorporates innovative storage in the form of a lundia system which allows a large amount of storage in a small space. There is also room for a work bench on the other side so information packs can easily be collated for distribution.
Open plan support & health promotion area
This large open plan space will house both the Health Promotion Advisor and the Support Coordinator. There is room for up to 6 people in this space, which allows for future expansion as well as for other agencies to share space. Child Cancer Foundation have expressed an interest in this as have a few other community health organisations. Screens and petitions can be used to separate workspaces and cut down on noise. Those working in this office will be equipped with mobile handsets so that they can easily leave the room if they need to have a private or sensitive conversation with someone. As all visitors will be seen in the therapy, interview, or concourse space there are no client privacy issues with the open plan design.
Concourse
All the rooms on the west side are linked by a concourse which is designed to be a restful and inviting space, while also maximising the sunlight into the building. It is multi-functional in that it can be used for interviewing and chatting with people, reading books from the library, or just chilling out. It also serves as a corridor linking all the office spaces together. It can be used for hosting members, and other Society functions. There is access out to the deck so it will be a great summertime space.
Multi-function meeting room
This space will be flexible and multifunctional as it can be used for board and other meetings, training sessions, and functions. As it incorporates an acoustic sound proof dividing wall it can also easily switch between two smaller rooms and a larger room for bigger events. The kitchen and staff room is off the meeting room as well as an accessible toilet & shower. Because there is outside access and it can be locked off from the rest of the building, it can be used by outside groups for evening and weekend meetings without any security issues. There is currently a shortage of well equipped low cost meeting spaces for community group use, especially those that can be used out of hours. We would make this space available free of charge to our partner organisations and any other community organisations working within the area of cancer control / primary prevention, and at a low cost to all other community groups. It would also be available for corporate hire which would provide an additional income to the Centre.
Environmentally sustainable design (ESD) principles
As already mentioned this building has been designed to contain a variety of environmentally sustainable principles intending to reduce its environmental footprint and impact on the surrounding environment. The design utilises passive solar heating in conjunction with sustainable fuel sources, efficient lighting and ventilation systems, high quality internal environment, sustainable transport facilities, and reduced water consumption. These design aspects not only reduce the impact upon the surrounding environment but will also result in lower ongoing energy and maintenance costs and occupant health benefits. Because of these features we believe this design could achieve Four star certification under the newly launched Green Star NZ accreditation programme. Not only would it be the first building in Taranaki to achieve this, it could be the first in NZ. As an organisation that has a long history of demonstrating leadership in the community in relation to health and wellbeing, we are also very committed to the health of the environment. We are very excited about the opportunity to lead the way in this area.
Other elements
In addition to the elements above the project also includes an exterior deck with canopy, landscaping, the fit out of the offices in terms of furniture, car parking, Greenstar accreditation and a new garage. For a floor plan and elevations please see the plans attached.