Gary Iacono, managing director of Lyons Construction, says the company was thrilled to be awarded this year a 6-Star Green Star rating for Design and As Built for its work building the City of Greater Geelong’s Highton Child and Family Centre.
“The 6-star rating granted by the Green Building Council of Australia denotes world leadership in sustainability practises in the design and construction phases and is the first City of Greater Geelong council building to be awarded this rating,” Gary explains.
Designed by Brand Architects, the building boasts the innovative use of reclaimed, recycled, and sustainably sourced materials.
It features carpet tiles made from reclaimed fishing nets, a wood-type product constructed from reclaimed pine dust and recycled plastic bottles, and linoleum made from linseed oil.
Gary says that every material used in the construction was meticulously considered.
“Where the use of recycled materials wasn’t feasible, the focus was placed on ethical and sustainable sourcing of materials, including the steel used in the building’s structure and the use of recycled water and aggregates to create the concrete slabs.
“Sustainable features include solar panels, stormwater re-use in the toilets and gardens, and water-efficient fittings.
“Even the landscaping promotes sustainability – the use of Boston ivy ensures that during the warmer months when the plant is at its leafiest it protects the walls from absorbing excess heat, minimising dependency on air-conditioning.”
Officially opened in 2019, the building in the grounds of Bellaire Primary School engaged more than 85 per cent of local contractors/suppliers.
Currently, the company awaits confirmation of Greenstar certification for two other council buildings: Leopold Community Hub, and Bella Wiyn Birralee Family Centre in Drysdale.
The Leopold Community Hub features all of the tried-and-true methods of crafting a sustainable building. Similarly, the innovative mechanical, electrical and stormwater systems at Bella Wiyn Birralee Family Centre were meticulously designed to work at maximum efficiency, reduce both the risk of flooding and pollutants entering the waterways.
Up next are the recently awarded Stage 2 works at Newcomb Park Primary School and Bellbrae Primary School, at a combined total cost of $10 million-plus.
“Lyons Construction is thrilled,” Gary says, “to continue to collaborate with local subcontractors and suppliers to deliver these new state-of-the-art facilities.”
Lyons Construction, 100 Fyans Street, Geelong. Inquiries: 5221 4088 or www.lyonsconstruction.com.au
