Sunshine Signal Control Centre
Sunshine Signal Control Centre
Client:
Rail Network Alliance (RNA)
Location:
Sunshine, Victoria
Status:
Completed
Contact Person:
Olaf Detering
The state-of-the-art Sunshine Signal Control Centre is a vital hub supporting more frequent services through the Melbourne Metro Tunnel and upgraded Sunbury Line. The building houses the latest signaling technology to allow a new fleet of bigger, better trains to travel closer together safely on the city’s expanding rail network.
This ‘nerve centre’ also houses a workplace where staff sometimes need to spend long periods looking at screens and monitoring operations.
Balancing form and function, our design incorporates biophilia to create an uplifting working environment while introducing striking architecture to the setting.
Bright accents punctuating a box-like structure
Inside, natural light floods in through windows and skylights, while the building’s exterior features bright yellow accents to contrast with a monolithic façade.
Staff areas including a kitchen and multi-purpose meeting spaces are consolidated within a common area incorporating a generous skylight and windows.
In addition to abundant natural light, biophilic design principles influenced our interior selections, including natural timber for walls and ceiling linings.
In line with its exterior accents and the shade of some services equipment, vibrant yellow acts as a striking counterpoint to the primary palette and materials within the building.
That yellow also outlines and emphasises window and door openings in an otherwise vertical, structured façade. The outcome playfully breaks up the intentionally box-like nature of the building.
A more sustainable control centre
In all nine categories within the project’s Green Star submission, the Sunshine Signal Control Centre received a ‘Best Practice’ or above score from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
The control centre was awarded 6 Green Stars from the GBCA.
The building’s sustainability features include a solar photovoltaic system, LED lighting and thermal insulation, which together have contributed to an 86% reduction in GHG emissions.
Water efficiency measures such as a rainwater harvesting system and sub-surface drip irrigation system have helped achieve a 92% reduction in potable water consumption.
Double glazed windows and skylights are among the other features that have resulted in a more efficient and sustainable operations building.
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Client:
Rail Network Alliance (RNA)
Location:
Sunshine, Victoria
Status:
Completed
Contact Person:
Olaf Detering
Key People
Olaf Detering
Associate Principal
Melbourne
Michael Raeburn
Associate
Melbourne
