Top marks for student accommodation in Australia
The student residence at Monash University, near Melbourne, has redefined standards for light construction in Australia. This passive construction model uses a combination of Group solutions and proves that energy efficiency and comfortable living can go hand in hand.
Extreme temperatures, intense sunlight, and ambitious carbon neutrality targets: welcome to Australia! This was the context behind the decision by Monash University in Frankstone, near Melbourne, to rebuild its student residence. Much more than just a living space, the idea was to create a laboratory for light and sustainable construction.
With its 6,500 m² spread over six floors, Gillies Hall opted for cross-laminated timber, which reconciles seemingly contradictory requirements: maximizing natural light without overheating while complying with the strictest passive building standards.
A range of solutions tailored to Australian requirements
Faced with these demanding requirements, Saint-Gobain developed a range of solutions adapted to Australian conditions. More than 1,000 m² of high-performance insulating glass was supplied by the SGIC center in Bamberg. The wooden curtain walls incorporate Climaplus Extreme solar control glazing, a solution that effectively blocks excess heat while admitting natural light. Climaplus COOL-LITE® SKN 176 glazing was chosen for the wood-aluminum windows and the wood facade on the ground floor. This solution combines very high light transmission with effective solar protection. And with high-performance Swisspacer Ultimate spacers, it eliminates thermal bridges and ensures that the glazing remains leak-tight over time.
Benchmark energy efficiency
This sustainable, high-performance approach has paid off. Completed in 2019, the energy requirements for Gillies Hall are 70% to 80% lower than a conventional Australian building. More than just a residence, it has become a benchmark for passive construction.
So much so that it has inspired other ambitious projects in the region, like the Scion Building in Whakarewarewa, New Zealand. The headquarters of the Scion forestry research institute directly incorporates this combination of wood and high-performance glazing. Similarly, the Blum Building in Christchurch, completed in 2021 for one of the world’s leading manufacturers of kitchen and furniture fittings, applies the same principles of energy efficiency and natural light to enhance the well-being of occupants.