Full project details
Laing O’Rourke constructed William McCormack Place 2, a nine-storey office building in Cairns, for the Queensland Government. It was the first commercial building in regional (and tropical) Australia to be awarded a 6-star Star Green Star design rating by Australia’s Green Building Council.
The complex has been built to house the Queensland Department of Public Works and a number of government agencies in Cairns. Laing O’Rourke had previously completed Stage 1 of the complex in 2002, while Stage 2, which includes tenancy areas and a secure three-level car park, was completed in 2010.
The Laing O’Rourke team worked closely with the client to ensure the building met the strict criteria required to gain the Green Star rating. Environmental initiatives included using ceiling fans as an efficient air-conditioning system; installing 193 roof solar cells to provide 63 kW of power; employing a lighting-control system to adjust the levels of artificial light according to direct light; and using greywater for toilets and irrigation.
While large-scale changes to lighting, power and water were essential for achieving the 6-star Green Star rating, so were the smaller details. For example, the use of low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints and carpet was an important aspect of lowering emissions, while the inclusion of substantial bicycle rack space promotes the use of greener modes of transport.
The 6-star Green Star rating for projects like William McCormack Place 2 and Brisbane’s 123 Albert Street reflects Laing O’Rourke’s growing reputation for delivering sustainable buildings that have a reduced carbon footprint.