2021 National Award for Sustainable Architecture

Jury citation

At Smart Design Studio, the ambition for longevity is underpinned by investment in a sustainable future. Commencing with the adaptation of an existing warehouse space for studio use, the project capitalizes upon the existing fabric, replacing only what was necessary.

Large, existing, south-facing glass clerestory windows illuminate the workspace. Adapted with actuators, window operation is integrated with the building management system. Combined with ceiling fans and underfloor temperature control, this helps to minimize the need for artificially conditioned air and lighting. Rainwater is collected for all non-potable use. Extensive photovoltaic solar panels, combined with battery storage, create an energy-positive building with sufficient power to export to its neighbours. Targeting a six-star NABERS rating, the employees of Smart Design Studio continue the work of the built infrastructure by reducing their office waste to almost zero.

At no point do the sustainable measures negate the experience of the space; rather, each design move capitalizes upon the site and the opportunities presented by the brief. A vigilant balance of aesthetics and functionality, the resulting scheme presents an example of genuinely integrated, sustainable urban architecture.

For more coverage, read the project review of Smart Design Studio (Stokes 14) was reviewed by Katelin Butler from Architecture Australia May/June 2021.

Project credits

Architect: Smart Design Studio; Project team: William Smart, Jo Ann Kok, Rosie Ives, Andy Ostojic, Josephine Cabezas, Goldie Peligrino, Huw Duncan, Ron Keir, Clayton Doueihi, Hon Loong Teng, Jarrod Van Veen; Builder: A. J. Bristow and Sons; Structural engineer: Northrop Consulting Engineers; Mechanical engineer: Froster Engineering; Acoustic engineer: ADP Consulting; Arborist: Jacksons Nature Works; Basix consultant: Graham Hunt; Principal certifying authority: BCA Australia; Electrical consultant: Umow Lai; Contamination consultant: Getex; Ecological consultant: The Carbon Reduction Institute; Heritage consultant: City Plan Heritage; Hydraulic consultant: Sparks and Partners; Landscape consultant: Christopher Owen; Lighting consultant: Steensen Varming; Planning consultant: Urbis; Surveyor: Geometra Consulting; Quantity surveyor: QS Plus; Specialist vault development: UTS; Traffic consultant: Inco Traffic Management; Other consultants: Quisinh Tran; Photographer: Romello Pereira

Smart Design Studio by Smart Design Studio is located in Alexandria, New South Wales, on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation.