Efficiency And Comfort

Striking design could be one way to describe Cimitiere House. Architecturally interesting might be another. However, it is unlikely that the casual observer would ever say anything like “… brilliantly conceived, environmentally responsible.” Yet, that is exactly what it is.

Cimitiere House is one of Tasmania’s first five star Green Star rated environmentally responsible buildings and much of the credit for making it so has to go to the close collaboration between the designers, developers, and Pitt&Sherry, who first presented the idea to Enmore Enterprises, the owners of Cimitiere House.

Some of the innovations incorporated into Cimitiere House include a natural water-cooling system, cross-flow natural air ventilation, low-level power usage, maximised use of natural light, no air-conditioning, and AWS’s recently released ThermalHEART™ window systems.

Andy Turner a Director of Pitt&Sherry, comments, “All of the technologies and environmental initiatives incorporated into Cimitiere House are readily available. However, this is the first time in Tasmania that all of them have been incorporated into one building”.

Architects selected the innovative range of AWS ThermalHEART™ window systems for use in the project due to their exceptional thermal performance outcomes. Designer Series with ThermalHEART™ delivers up to 33% better thermal efficiency than standard double glazed windows. The thermally broken aluminium system incorporates a Polyamide strip which drastically reduces the transfer of heat and cold between the external and internal environments.

AWS Fabricator, Glass Supplies, was engaged to handle the supply of innovative ThermalHEART™ systems for the project. Managing Director Lewis Davies comments, “When we were approached to provide an energy efficient glazing solution for Cimitiere House, the AWS range of thermally broken systems were the ideal choice for the project. We were able to provide the architects and designers with accurate performance data, U values and SHGC to ensure these systems would deliver the desired thermal outcomes.”

“Part of our business philosophy is to collaborate with clients to ensure the best possible outcome for their project is achieved. In this instance, we were lucky to have a thermally efficient system designed to meet the needs of the Australian market on hand, which gave the designers the added flexibility they needed to achieve the desired thermal outcomes.”

Buildings like Cimitiere House are the way of the future. A green building is at least 75% more energy efficient, which means reduced carbon emissions, and a better environment for everyone. Zero emission housing is becoming more common in many OECD countries.

Cimitiere House proves that it is easy being green, we just have to have the will and the confidence to stamp all future infrastructure with the five green stars or more.