1 Bligh Street


Project Description
Sydney, NSW, Australia

At the time of construction, 1 Bligh Street set a new environmental performance benchmark for the development of tall buildings.  This project has the distinction of being the first double-skin ventilated facade office building in Australia.  One key to the performance of this building is Embedia's Solarai control system.  By optimally positioning the horizontal (venetian) blinds, located within the facade, solar heat gain is effectively minimized greatly reducing energy used by mechanical cooling systems.  Optimal positioning allows exterior views to be maintained while uncomfortable glare is eliminated and natural light is harvested.  Thanks to the unique dynamic facade, 45 per cent of the interior space achieved high daylight levels significantly reducing reliance on artificial lighting.  A multi-year study performed by the environmental and sustainable design consulting firm Cundall, estimated a 42% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and annual energy saving of over $2 million compared to similarly sized conventional office towers.  

  • Project Architect
    Architectus / Ingenhoven
  • Control Features
    Predictive Solar Tracking , Double Skin Facade , Exterior Venetian Blinds , Anti-glare Regions , Control Panel Software , Floorplan Views , Custom Dashboard Interface , Mobile Web App
  • Certification and Awards
    6 Green Star Certified - Green Building Council of Australia
    5 Star Energy Rating - Nabers
    Best Tall Building Asia and Australasia 2012 - Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
    Sir Arthur G. Stephenson Award – Commercial Architecture 2012 - Australian Institute of Architects (NSW)
    Milo Dunphy Award – Sustainable Architecture 2012 - Australian Institute of Architects (NSW)
    Urban Design – Architecture Award 2012 - Australian Institute of Architects (NSW)
    DEXUS/City of Sydney design competition winner
    UDIA NSW Awards for Excellence Retail/Commercial Development 2011
    Highly Commended – Office Architecture + Office Development 2011 - Asia Pacific International Property Awards
    Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award 2008