Unison Networks Substation Switchroom banner
Project by
Year of completion
2022
Project cost
$0.25m - $0.5m
Client
Unison Networks

Unison Network’s Windsor Substation Switchroom, recently (2023) received the FIRST Living Building Challenge vs. 4.0 Petal Certification awarded through the International Living Future Institute for an Infrastructure & Landscape Typology project. First, not only in the world, but for Charissa Snijders Architect's practice as well. A definite milestone moment to celebrate.

The client's brief was clear – to deliver a building that was innovative, low carbon, relocatable, modular, scalable and sustainable. It was also seen as an opportunity for Unison Networks to drive transformational change within the electrical distribution industry. To do so, required the carefully constructed team, primarily comprising of Charissa Snijders Architect, Tricia Love Consultants and the key driver within Unison, project engineer Paul Humphreys.

The first of its kind, ground-breaking achievement, which demonstrates Unison's commitment to a sustainable energy future and sets a new standard in regenerative architecture. It required the team to challenge the status quo at every turn, including design, material selection, alternative solutions, education and demonstration to gain Council approvals. Under challenging circumstances including COVID lockdowns, they broke down every barrier to demonstrate that infrastructure can be sustainable and even positively contribute to both the environment and community.

The level of change realised is transformational. Initial targets were surpassed and significant outcomes beyond the original expectations of Unison were realised.

Some very notable ESD (Environmentally Sustainable Design) achievements for this Petal Certification (Energy, Equity + Beauty) which lead the way in resilient infrastructure design are:

  • Materials: 48.5% of materials used were sourced within 2,000km of site during construction. The use of ‘Red List free’ materials was a priority and we delivered over and above certification requirements. Forty salvaged 1950s Unison power poles for the canopy, screens, internal door frames and furniture. Eight DECLARE products were used.
  • Construction waste: Through strong waste management starting during design and throughout building, the team was able to divert 99% waste from landfill.
  • Net positive water: rainwater harvesting supplies all water on site.
  • Net positive energy: On site solar energy 7.9kW PV array powers 100% of Windsor switch room’s needs and energy produced above and beyond its requirements is sent back to the grid for community use. Plus the Dual 110V DC Lithium Ion battery energy storage for emergency use provides additional resiliency. Through the audit, 3,315 excess kWh were sent back to the grid.
  • 209% less carbon associate with primary materials (walls, structures and internal finishes – embodied carbon + 363% in absolute carbon reduction – which includes embodied and operational (over a lifetime of 60 years) than a typical substation. The switch room won the Low Carbon Future Award at the NZ Energy Excellence Awards in 2022.
  • Biophilic design is incorporated throughout the project
  • Native ecology is restored on site
  • Two organisations have received the JUST Label which addresses diversity and equity

This has been a rewarding project to be a part of and so beautifully demonstrates the power of architecture to facilitate collective and transformational change. 

Only by working together within our construction industry can we bring positive change to ourselves, our environment and our communities. If you are interested in being part of this vital transformational change, please contact me for a conversation. 

We can make a difference - one project at a time.

Credit: Tricia Love Consultants - Sustainability consultants

Products:
Nuralite Outright Rockwool insulation

Nuralite Everguard TPO membrane

Decortech Trespa Meteon panels (external cladding)

XLAM CLT panels

Awards and
recognition

2022
NZ Energy Excellence Award
Low Carbon Future Award
2023
International Living Future Institute
Petal Certification vs 4.0
Charissa Snijders Architect
Auckland
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Professionals used in
Unison Networks Substation Switchroom

About the
Professional

Weaving the story of people and place through award winning design, Charissa works with you to create architecture that is life-affirming, resilient and beautiful.

Working co-creatively with you, the design is innovative and personalised to meet your unique needs. The process is an enriching experience, one that inspires authentic living. 

Charissa Snijders Architect works on everything from the overall design idea to the smallest details. Interiors, exteriors, materials, colour, lighting, landscaping, and creative landmarks. To make sure every design is socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative, Charissa works with Regenerative Practitioner frameworks and The Living Building Challenge (LBC) - a high level green building certification programme.

CHARISSA SNIJDERS

Charissa Snijders is an award-winning Architect who has been working in the field since 1992. She combines vision, artistry, experience, and her skills as an empath to create places of beauty and resonance that restore harmony between people and place. Her integrative approach bridges indigenous wisdom with ground-breaking science.

Charissa’s approach is co-creative; with her client as an integral partner on the team at every stage of the design and building process. Charissa oversees the delivery and documentation of the concept design with the support and expertise of her team. She coordinates and delivers an inspired outcome that is not preconceived, rather a combination of the client’s unique requirements, the story of the land and the budget. The aim is to achieve an outcome beyond the client’s expectations. For Charissa, a successful project inspires authentic living; bringing greater meaning to all those who experience it. 

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.