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CHAPTER I

I. GENERAL DESIGN INFORMATION

Section 1

1.1 General

The objective of the research undertaken was to study three exemplar sustainable

mixed-use developments and investigate how sustainability was defined and

delivered. The aim is that the outcomes of the research will provide guidance and

inspiration for similar developments to allow them to define sustainability within the

context of their own development. Additionally the aim is that the technologies and

solutions applied in the exemplar developments could be applied in the Philippines

context to meet increasingly reduced carbon emission targets at Government Level

(Building Regulations) and a Local Level (Planning).

Sustainability was researched with a particular focus on energy reduction and supply

across the sites. This included reviewing the passive measures adopted as part of the

sites energy strategy and decisions made regarding the building envelopes.

Strategies employed for the optimisation of energy efficiency across the site were

considered along with the central energy supply options and onsite renewable

technologies.
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The following key issues were investigated for each of the developments:

Passive design and daylight access

Adopted energy strategy

Adopted potable water reduction strategy

Approach to speculative building elements

Differing energy demands and profiles – energy recovery and re-use

Visual demonstration of sustainability

Applicability of solutions to other sites (accoutring for climatic differences)

Environmental performance targets

Financial support methods

The project planning application was completed in 2012 and the development

is now underway. The scheme includes a network of public spaces including

a convention centre for more than 12,000 people, exhibition centre, theatre,

offices, 1400 apartments and retail space.

The local climate is temperate year round.

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The development is being designed to achieve a LEED Gold rating, a Green

Star rating and a Gold Earth Check rating.

While visiting Sydney I was also introduced to Barangaroo South a new mixed use

development on the harbour, which is currently underway with the first building to be

completed in 2015. The aim is that the scheme will have zero net operational carbon

emissions covering energy, waste and commuter travel carbon emissions, setting new

world-class standards in sustainability. The mixed-use precinct will consist of

commercial office buildings, residential apartments, an international hotel, shops,

cafes, restaurants, and cultural facilities. The blueprint for the development has been

published as follows - http://www.barangaroosouth.com.au/flipbook/index.html.

Lessons from the standards set for this scheme have been incorporated where

relevant.

1.2 Approach
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The following approach was adopted to undertake the research:

Conduct background research;

Contact relevant stakeholders (designers, developers and contractor team

members) to establish a schedule of meetings prior to departure;

Send background information and a scope of questions to each stakeholder

prior to meeting;

Identify and meet with local tenants/occupant groups where possible;

Physically tour each site.

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BACKGROUND

2.1 Mixed Use Developments (RESIDENTIAL + OFFICE)

Sustainable mixed-use developments are those that address social, environmental

and economic issues at a master planning and individual building level.

Mixed use relates to the inclusion of ‘domestic’ and ‘non-domestic’ (office, retail,

community etc) within a typically large-scale development. This is based on the

concept of creating local communities or urban villages that reduce the need to travel

and create a more vibrant area where non-residents may chose to visit.

The objective is to bring ‘living, working and leisure’ activities together into one area

while reducing environmental impact (environmental sustainability), allowing

businesses to establish and grow affordably, providing local employment (economic

sustainability) and provide good quality place making with a community focus (social

sustainability).

For new developments a challenge lies in how this is translated into a set of

comprehensive benchmarks or policies that can deliver the desired outcomes and can
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be successfully adopted by design teams, developers, contractors and future tenants.

This was the basis of a workshop held by Clyde Gateway and BRE for the proposed

National Business District at Shawfield, Glasgow and was the inspiration for the

research undertaken.

The research undertaken focuses on the reduction of environmental impact as the

key area under influence by building services professionals.

Research Inspiration

The vision statement for the development includes four key themes that are intended

to guide the development –

Integrated design

Climate ready

Responsible development

Catalyst for change

A stakeholder workshop (attended by more than sixty delegates from the private and
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public sector - including myself, Angela Reid) was held in March 2013 to discuss

how the development should demonstrate:

‘the latest thinking in integrated and responsible development to create an

environment which is both attractive for business, and the wider community.

The development of the landscape, infrastructure and buildings should be

undertaken using a considered and integrated approach. The project should

deliver a climate ready facility which will be a catalyst for further economic and

social investment in the area.’

During the workshop discussions were held to identify key issues which would shape

the delivery of the mixed use development and assist in the Business Case for the

site. A summary report was issued following the workshop and the key points from the

delegates feedback is summarised below:

‘The majority (81%) of delegates agreed with the four themes that the project

team had previously identified as being important drivers for the development

of the Park. However, the audience could come to no consensus on which of

the themes was most important and stated that the Park should clearly
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demonstrate how it tackles each of these in an innovative manner.’

‘Almost all delegates (96%) stated that the Park should be developed using and

integrated approach, with a further 74% stating that this approach should be

clearly visible and recognisable to those working in or visiting the site.’

‘How this approach could be recognised by users/visitors should be a through

a mixture of landscape design, buildings and visible signs of integration and

innovation. Almost two-thirds of delegates (60%) stated that this integrated

design approach would be attractive to businesses seeking to relocate at the

Park.’

‘Delegates attending the workshop placed a high level of importance (88%) on

the ability of the Park and its buildings to demonstrate ‘Climate Ready’ features.

These features could be related to the supply and demand for energy on the

Park, the integration of flood defences and surface water management, and

the provision of information and communication systems.’

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‘A high level of importance (92%) was given to the Park demonstrating its

responsible approach to development. The Park should be articulated through

the demonstration of features such as place making, community integration

and economic development.’

‘Providing amenities within the Park to allow the local communities to use the

site on a daily basis should be included in the development of the area and

the associated buildings. If these aspirations are realised, a high percentage

(95%) of delegates stated that the Park could contribute positively to

sustainable economic growth.’

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CHAPTER II

2. PROPOSED SITE AND SITE CRITERIA

SECTION II

Actual site Features

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a) Land size : Approximately 16 000 hectare

Land use : For residential apartment + Office Building

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b) Zoning

c) Accesibility

d) Characteristics & Conditions and Vulnerabilities to Natural hazard

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g). Orientation, Topography, Climate

-having Tropical Climate ( wet and dry )