NDY was part of the successful design competition for the Brisbane Magistrates Courts, in association with ABM Cox Rayner. The complex consists of two basements, ground and 10 stories totalling approximately 32,000 m². The building houses space for 35 courts, hearing rooms, coroners courts, judges chambers, law library, court support facilities, prisoner facilities, state penalties enforcement registry, alternative dispute resolution unit and administration offices.
The project set a new benchmark in relation to environmental design issues and provides the office component of the building with a 4 Star energy rating.
Environmental initiatives include:
- Maximisation of natural light (all courtrooms are provided with natural light)
- The use of T5 type fluorescent luminaires
- The use of LED external lighting
- Intelligent lighting control systems
- Variable volume primary chilled water systems combined with high efficiency chillers
- Outside air control to all public space and air conditioning units
- Water treatment systems which minimise the use of chemicals
- Rain water recycling
- Use of double glazed low E hermetically sealed glazing systems with external shading
- VVVF lifts, energy saving AC drives
- Use of permanent magnetic motors for public and magistrates lifts.
Additionally, new technologies were incorporated into the project including:
- Use of touch screens for control of security access control and intercom system
- Full integrated AV system for courts, (i.e. not added/retrofitted into courts post construction)
- Use of 20 inch LCD flat panel monitors for CCTV display
- Use of an ‘information wall’ to visually display court matters occurring in the building.
Project Details
Market Sector:
Corrections & Justice
Client: Ainsley Bell and Murchison in joint venture partnership with Cox Rayner
