Smart and responsive development for Sydney

Smart and responsive development for SydneyThe doors have opened on the latest office tower in Sydney’s CBD, heralding a new breed of ‘smart buildings’ featuring high technology that responds to the needs of building occupants.The 37-storey EY Centre at 200 George Street is jointly owned by Mirvac Property Trust and AMP Capital Wholesale Office fund. It was designed by award winning architects Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp.Accounting giant EY will lease about three quarters of the 39,200 sqm building, with Mirvac occupying most of the remaining space for its new headquarters.Mirvac’s chief executive officer and managing director Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz says the company wants to showcase “adaptable workspaces, green credentials, state-of-the-art technology and iconic design”.AMP Capital’s global head of Property Carmel Hourigan says the completion of 200 George Street “adds another premium grade office building to our investors’ portfolio which will deliver superior investment performance for our clients both in the short and long term.”The building’s design features technology to monitor energy consumption, water usage and air quality, enabling adjustments to be made to maintain high levels of workplace productivity and building efficiency.A ‘smart’ tenancy app gathers information from more than 100 beacons and sensors throughout the building and provides live information on usage and availability of facilities. It also provides visitors with guided tours of the tenancy, and real-time information on building and workplace operational performance.With a 6 Star Green Star rating, the building is one of the first in Australia to be fully powered by LED lighting. The development will also encourage tenants to leave their cars at home, with 257 bicycle spaces available for staff and an additional for visitors.Mirvac is experimenting with the use of plants to boost air quality within the building, and has registered its office to achieve one of Australia’s first certifications under the WELL Building Standard. Five retail tenancies on the building’s ground floor and revitalisation of surrounding laneways will deliver an array of food options, as well as public art, leisure and events spaces.