North East Water

This commercial project is situated in the small city of Wodonga. Leffler Simes Architects designed the new headquarters of North East Water Regional. 

The focal point in the clients brief was to ensure the building was an inspirational environment to receive the public and to carry out the tasks of an important regional water supply. 

The architects worked closely with local builders Zauner Construction to achieve the light filled, open building that the clients required. 

One of the main achievements in this project is the central atrium, which is provides natural light and gives a focus to the interior of the spaces. The configuration of the building allows the office areas to be naturally ventilated for a good part of the year. 

Builders worked closely with local aluminium window and door manufacturer DLG Aluminium & Glazing to ensure the project met the design brief of light filled and open whilst maintaining sustainable architecture and reducing energy consumption. 

ThermalHEART™ commercial systems were utilised in this project to ensure large spans of glazing were able to be utilised whilst complying with energy ratings. By utilising the ThermalHEART™ aluminium range of windows and doors coupled with double glazing, the clients’ brief of wide, open spaces was able to be met.

The completed building successfully meets many of the clients’ demands including 5 star ESD performance, re-use of existing local materials and an environment that provides a high degree of efficiency.

The completed project is a sustainable architecture that reduces the energy consumption by 60% and pioneers industrial development in the area, establishing a high benchmark for future development.

This project won the “Best Use of Glass” at the Australian Glass and Glazing Association (AGGA) Awards 2014.