National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Headquarters, Geelong, VIC

The new National Headquarters for the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is located on a prominent and central site in Geelong, shared with several other Commonwealth agencies. The development is an exciting and stylish addition to the former Carlton Hotel — a Geelong Art Deco landmark.

Designed to achieve 6 Star Green Star and 5 star NABERS Energy ratings, and a 5 star NABERS Water rating, the six storey development includes a feature entry with a spacious lobby, as well as a café, over 15,000 m² of A-Grade office accommodation, conference/entertainment facilities and three levels of basement car parking.

NDY worked collaboratively with the developer, Techne Development, from the identification of the site through a government bid process to be selected as the headquarters for the NDIA.

NDY worked with key stakeholders, including architect Woods Bagot, as well as Kane Constructions acting as the head contractor. Through a collaborative approach to the design, we identified unique environmental solutions that addressed tenant requirements for best practice Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) solutions, and the stringent Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements associated with the tenant’s workforce.

The environmental solutions included a number of innovative design solutions, including the first commercial use of thermochromic glass in Australia (glass that changes colour based on sun exposure) to maximise the available views and access to daylight, and minimise thermal and glare impacts. To the NDIA it was particularly valuable because many of their employees have visual impairments, and alternatives risked creating harsh shadows that some individuals perceive as physical obstructions.