1 Bligh

1 Bligh

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1 Bligh is regarded as the next generation in premium grade sustainable office space, combining leading edge design, technology and sustainability in one of the world's most enviable locations. This striking new addition to Sydney’s skyline is said to be the benchmark in innovation and environmental design, with many of its features a ‘first’ in the Australian market place.
 

Every aspect of the 28-storey office tower, from the double-skin façade to the full-height glass atrium, is designed to optimise sustainability performance and the workplace environment. 1 Bligh is the first high-rise office tower in Australia to feature a double-skin, glass façade.

An outer glass skin protects computer-controlled sun shades, shielding the double glazed curtain wall from the sun, while reflecting natural light into the building. This is one of the most energy efficient features available in high-rise buildings today.

It is also Sydney’s only & first CBD commercial office tower to incorporate black water recycling. The building ‘mines’ black water from the city’s sewers, as well as its ownwaste water, which then goes through a sophisticated cleaning and filtration process.

This reduces water consumption throughout the building and results in the provision of clean, recycled water for the washroom flushing system. Recycled water is also used to irrigate the building’s 9.7m high green wall, outside the building.

More than 100 YPP members attended the event, which featured a tour of the tower, plus an address from Tony Gulliver, Head of Development & Trading, DEXUS Property Group (1 Bligh is the flagship office property for co-owners DEXUS Property Group, DEXUS Wholesale Property Fund (DWPF) and Cbus Property).

Prior to Mr Gulliver’s address, YPP members made their way to the rooftop terrace via lifts in the unique atrium, before enjoying the breathtaking views
over the city.

Once proceedings began, Mr Gulliver told the YPP group that the journey from planning to completion had been complex, including the acquisition and
demolition of five buildings housing over 70 tenants.

He said the building had managed to breach several development control plans due to its environmental benefits. Interestingly, plans for the building attracted no objectors after public exhibition, which was “unusual in its own right”, he said.

Mr Gulliver explained some of the building’s impressive features before YPP members were split into groups for a
more extensive tour. While in the building’s plant room, guide John Swaddling (Head of Unlisted Portfolio, DEXUS Property Group) explained that the entire building - every beam, every column, every pipe - was modelled in 3D before construction began.

This allowed a ‘fly-through’ of the building which saved potential clashes between tradespeople, architects and other stakeholders. “Everyone could see what everyone else was doing. It was economical and simple. It is truly the way of the future,” Mr Swaddling said.

The tower actually has 30 levels, 28 of which can be occupied. He said the building was currently 55% let, from floors 1 to 17.

“We’re generally looking for whole-floor letting but level 17 will have to be broken up into smaller suites.” Mr Swaddling showed his tour group how floors could be connected by exposed staircases, as was the case with top law firm, Clayton Utz.

Another interesting point was that bathrooms and kitchens could be built anywhere, as the building had a vacuum sewer and water system not reliant on pipes.

LOCATION

1 Bligh is located in the heart of the city's core financial precinct to many of Sydney's prime office buildings, including Aurora Place, Chifley Tower, Deutsche Bank Place and Governor Philip andGovernor Macquarie towers (also part ofthe DEXUS portfolio).

The building is positioned between Macquarie Street to the east and George Street to the west, and is within short walking distance to Martin Place to the south.

Circular Quay is two blocks to the north. When viewed from Sydney's North Shore, the building sits in the centre of the city skyline, at the front of the valley created by the low rise heritage buildings around Macquarie Place.

It is highly visible when viewed from the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour. Public transport is nearby, with train stations at Circular Quay, Wynyard and Martin Place a short walking distance away.

Also close by are Circular Quay ferries and bus services along George and Elizabeth Streets. The building has convenient vehicle access and road links to the northern suburbs via the Cahill Expressway and the eastern and southern suburbs via the Eastern Distributor.

SUSTAINABILITY FEATURES

A naturally ventilated glass atrium soar upwards, providing a flow of fresh air and a sense of openness on every floor. Providing dynamic views through the building, the atrium is an arrival point for all floors, enhancing communication, connection and community. Air conditioning is via a hybrid structure combining a variable air volume (VAV) with a chilled beam air conditioning system installed to maximise comfort levels and reduce energy consumption.

Energy is generated through an innovative tri-generation system that uses gas and solar energy to generate cooling, heating and electricity. A series of curved solar thermal collectors provide the energy to drive the cooling systems; an advanced hybrid of VAV and chilled beam air conditioning technology.

Recycled rain water is used to irrigate decorative plantings spread throughout the building, from the rooftop terrace to the open transfer floor and down to the ground plane, green wall and childcare facility.

The development of #1 Bligh St took 10 years to construct, from initial planning to final completion. Five buildings were purchased and demolished before construction work could begin. The acquisition of these buildings started in 1999.

Features

• Prime CBD location with excellent views of Sydney Harbour, plus stunning roof-top terrace
• Unique column-free floor plates designed to maximise workspace, and premium grade office design
• Large 1,637sqm floor plates and suites from 320sqm, with horizontal and vertical connectivity between floors
• Double-skin floor to ceiling glass façade and floor to ceiling glass
• A glazed and naturally ventilated winter garden space at ground floor level and Australia's largest green wall (vertical garden), situated next to an outdoor cafe
• A naturally ventilated internal atrium (approx. 135 metres in height)
• Dedicated child care facility (opening 2012)
• 24 hour on-site security monitoring and patrol services, bicycle storage, locker and shower facilities, on-site car park and loading dock
   

Contacts

Contact the Australian and New Zealand Property Journal (ANZPJ):