International House Sydney has won the highest honour - the Grand Prix - in the Excellence in Timber Design Award, as well as the People’s Choice Award and the Sustainability Award in the 2017 Australian Timber Design Awards.
International House Sydney is a distinctive new element in the city. Designed by Tzannes Architects and DesignMake Lendlease the architecture enhances the amenity and character of the public domain as well as the interior environment for its tenants with a fully exposed timber structure that have been detailed with rigour to be enduring and sophisticated.
In the view of the judges International House Sydney has encapsulated the significant sustainability benefits that timber construction provides. The building structure incorporates 100 per cent recycled and certified timber above the ground level, which has resulted in 1,100 tonnes of carbon dioxide being avoided by switching from traditional construction. The building also has 2,700 tonnes of carbon stored in the timber structure.
In addition, the building has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star rating - representing world leadership - and incorporates a number of other sustainability benefits, such 105 kW photovoltaic array on roof, chilled beams and on-site black recycled water for toilet flushing.
International House Sydney has undoubtedly achieved international best practice in sustainability and is to be commended.