The benefits of hierarchy in design

60L is designed as an integrated system. By that, we mean each of the sub-systems such as lighting and heating is designed to work with each other sub-system so that benefits and savings accrue.

This approach is followed through in the way the building deals with heat and light.

Each aspect builds on the next to achieve a total energy saving of 65% compared with a typical commercial building of the same size.

1. Reduce thermal loads

The internal thermal load of the 60L Building is reduced 53%:

2. Widen the thermal control band

The 60L building has been designed to operate between internal temperatures of 19° and 26°. This reduces heating and cooling energy use by 41% by using natural, fresh air ventilation when the outside temperature is between 19° and 26°.

3. Use daylighting

Encouraging daylight to enter the space reduces the electricity consumption for artificial lighting 52% below the (already lower) demand management savings identified above. Further savings are realised because the reduced internal load does not have to be removed by mechanical air conditioning plant.

4. Natural ventilation

Allowing fresh air to flow down through the light wells, across the tenancies and up into the atrium to be vented into the atmosphere through the thermal chimneys. Exposing internal thermal mass (bricks and concrete surfaces) provides a thermal store and lower radiant surface temperatures. A little over 50% of the ceilings are exposed for this purpose. The use of 'night purge' when the overnight outside air temperature is below 24°. This cools the building structure and reduces the need for mechanical (active) cooling during the next day.

5. Low E double glazing

Double glazing and the use of 'low E' window coatings reduces heat loss in winter. This type of glazing also causes the inside surface of the window to be closer to the internal air temperature thereby improving the radiant temperature felt by the occupant. That is, it is more comfortable to sit near one of these windows.