Macquarie University Central Courtyard Redevelopment
The Central Courtyard redevelopment at Macquarie University is one of the largest and most transformative projects in the University’s recent history. Conducted over multiple stages, the redevelopment included: 1 Central Courtyard – a new four-level building incorporating graduation hall and stage, learning spaces, retail and dining areas; Lincoln Building – extensive refurbishment (internal and façade) of existing building; two new student residential towers with 341 beds (Macquarie University’s first on-campus accommodation). Outdoor areas were also revitalised including the regeneration of a previously enclosed creek.
Northrop provided peer review services across all Building Services disciplines, acting as technical adviser to FDC and their respective contractors. We also provided Sustainability services to achieve 5 Star Green Star certification for each building and complete modelling of both the operational and embodied carbon for the projects.
Working to an existing design across a project of this scale and complexity, along with pivoting to an evolving project scope, brought our technical and collaboration skills to the very forefront. Our Sustainability team worked closely with the design engineers and the contractor to optimise the existing designs and find efficiencies – particularly around how to assess the performance of the complicated central plant system, which required apportionment between the buildings and was oversized to allow for future connection of additional buildings.
The project also included the development of a climate resilience strategy that centred around the expansion of the stormwater management systems and incorporation of additional landscaped areas to manage future flood risks.
Following completion, the project achieved a 5-Star Green Star rating, making it one of the first Green Star rated student accommodation facilities in NSW.
To hear more about this project, contact our Sustainability team - sydney@northrop.com.au. Our team loves working out how to get great outcomes in new development types!
Photography by Anthony Fretwell