The precinct anchor is the 22,500m² education facility that will deliver state of the art learning environments for up to 6,500 students across subjects including IT, cyber security, design, hospitality and business.

The all-electric campus has been designed to target a 6-star Green Star Buildings v1 rating in recognition of its array of exemplary sustainability initiatives.

A thorough climate change risk and adaptation assessment was undertaken, resulting in the delivery of a meticulously considered design that will resiliently respond to the demands of the local climate, now and long into the future.

Material selection was a key area of consideration throughout the design, seeking to achieve a 30-40% reduction in embodied emissions by using low-carbon materials including mass timber, Glulam timber and terracotta. These low-toxicity materials not only afford high levels of comfort but also provide a biophilic design response that evokes a strong connection to the local landscape.

Sustainability was also prioritised in the site preparation and construction process, with 90% of waste generated from the demolition of existing infrastructure being diverted from landfill in support of the Federal Government’s zero-emissions framework and with no gas-based equipment being used throughout the building.

The ongoing energy consumption of the facilities will be reduced by a minimum of 30% through high-performance building fabric and efficiently designed building systems. As an example, thermally broken double-glazed glass is used for the main building’s glazing to lower its overall energy use, powered mainly by offsite renewable electricity and solar PV cells.

“Our CIT Woden Campus project embodies the principles of Gray Puksand’s Sustainability Action Plan by integrating cutting-edge green technologies and prioritising eco-friendly materials. This design not only aligns with our commitment as an architectural practice, to reducing environmental impact, but also sets a new standard for sustainable architecture.

By focusing on energy efficiency, waste reduction and the use of renewable resources, we are not just meeting the goals of our Sustainability Action Plan – we are driving them forward. CIT Woden Campus has created a blueprint for future projects to continue to push the boundaries of sustainable design and embody our commitment to our Sustainability Action Plan,” said our Sustainability Action Plan Lead, Dale O’Brien.

In addition to supporting these state-of-the-art educational facilities, the precinct will also be home to the Woden Youth Foyer. A pioneering initiative for the state, the Foyer will act as a transitional sanctuary for vulnerable young people who are at risk of homelessness. By providing a stable environment, the Foyer seeks to help these young people complete their education and secure productive employment, empowering them to reach their full potential.

Connecting the precinct to the wider Canberra region, a new public transport interchange will deliver improved infrastructure for buses and a future-proof light rail terminus to accommodate the upcoming light rail expansion into Canberra’s south.

“Decarbonisation, social justice, quality of life and education must be interwoven and at the centre of sustainable urban transformation.

All these elements are embodied in the design of the CIT Woden Campus, with the bold ambition to deliver premium facilities for our communities and for them to feel genuinely welcome. Architectural design excellence fosters inclusivity and diversity for all to engage with this smart learning environment with dignity. Proximity and connectivity to the larger mixed-use precinct and a Connection to Country cultural context deeply integrated into the fabric of the buildings and public realm will ensure a legacy for both the place and the community for years to come.

Undoubtedly, this precinct will create lasting change by reaching many people, fostering growth and identity required to sustain the future,” concluded Solvën Bisceglia.