BHP Billiton—Perth’s First 6 Star Skyscraper

BHP Billiton’s 45-story Brookfield Place tower dominates the Perth skyline in a trailblazing feat of engineering that respects and encompasses its heritage while symbolizing a clear direction for the future.

The multi-award winning skyscraper boasts several recognitions—not only is it the tallest side core building in the Southern Hemisphere, but it also was the first building in Perth to receive a 6 Star Green Star rating.

In keeping with its global commitment to sustainability, BHP’s brief was to embrace environmental considerations every step of the way, and Tetra Tech’s High Performance Buildings Group was commissioned to provide the building and sustainability services. The fitout was fully integrated into the base building works which supported Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) through minimal waste and maximum efficiency. Moving the core from the center of the building to the north exterior face of the building also provided passive ESD credentials because it serves as an enormous concrete heatshield.

Design features that contributed to the overall energy efficiency of the building included working with the client to adopt energy-efficient control strategies and procurement, including over 250 LED LCD displays (for the 40, state-of-the-art video conferencing rooms which reduce the need for remote travel); the integration of the tenant demand base supplementary air conditioning system with the base building monitoring system; and the automated DALIcontrol digital lighting control system throughout the open office and meeting rooms. Such initiatives contributed to a 20 percent improvement on the 5 star NABERS rating for the fitout.

The building floorplate sits on the south of the core, providing all occupants with a view. This was part of the client brief for open communication and a sense of connectedness among staff and to the outside, and to reflect BHP as a connected single entity. The views are breathtaking while ceiling-to-floor windows, broad open staircases, and 9-meter-high (30-feet-high) voids in communal areas promote the sense of space, flow of movement, and connection.

Achieving a 6 Star rating is an accolade for any building—to do so for a fitout exceeding 60,000 square meters (645,834 square feet) is extraordinary and is one of only a few buildings of this size to boast such accreditation. The four innovation points that were achieved during the certification process are also noteworthy, which is perhaps why it has been described as a ‘once in a lifetime project that has helped to transform the Perth skyline.’ Tetra Tech is proud to have contributed to such a lasting legacy for an iconic global brand.