National Circuit Offices
Client
National Capital Development Commission
Location
Canberra, Australia
Value
AUD $70M
3-5 National Circuit was developed for the Attorney-General’s Department and features four levels of office space surrounding an expansive central atrium. It also has two basement levels consisting of basement parking and End of Trip facilities. The building is composed of two oblong elements in a dynamic geometrical relationship with a winter-garden.
Flexibility is the key to the design. The oblong floor plates are linked at the front and rear with circulation bridges at each level providing access to the lifts and the central circulation stair.
Four additional staircases are located adjacent to four services risers and toilet amenities to facilitate separation into as many as four tenancies if required in the future. Further, flexibility is also ensured with an 8.4m grid, regular floor plates and absence of columns or intrusions.
Energy efficiencies meet Commonwealth Government requirements; the northerly orientation is maximised and the narrow facades of the main office elements facing east and west are sun protected with articulated vertical metal sunscreens to the windows. The north and south windows are protected with horizontal blades. At the time of completion, the building was the most energy efficient office building in Canberra.
