Western Australia first: WELL Gold certification for Perth office

Background

We had the task of managing the design, construction and relocation of our Perth office when we moved from level 29 to level 31 of the Central Park office tower at 152-158 St Georges Terrace in May 2021.

Our goal was to set a new standard for base building construction and finishes in a building we were already managing on behalf of the landlord. We were eager to rise to the challenge.

COVID-19 restrictions significantly disrupted the time taken to source materials which we had identified to achieve WELL Gold and 5-Star Green Star ratings. Restrictions also affected our access to the site and travel for our NSW-based designed team.

The use of 3D scanning, which allowed us to walk through the site remotely, and video conferencing, went a huge way towards overcoming many of the issues.

Approach

A combined effort between JLL’s design and project teams, our Perth office showcases innovative ways of working with a clear focus on wellness, innovation and technology. The experience of people within the office underpinned the entire design. The office embraces a coworking style that encourages collaboration, knowledge-sharing and innovation. The design also encourages informal and formal discussions.

A concierge and work cafe, breakout areas, digital display screens and meeting suites are fundamental for developing a sense of community that brings people together.

The materials we chose have low environmental impact and are also low in volatile organic compound emittance. This was to provide a comfortable environment to enhanced staff wellbeing as well as being sustainable. Air quality sensors are installed around the office to ensure PM2.5 (particulate matter), carbon dioxide and the overall level of volatile organic compounds are in line with stringent WELL standards.

We also adopted a highly efficient LED lighting design, with 40% reduction in power density compared to the National Construction Code (NCC) 2019. Coupled with occupancy and daylight sensors, the operational energy consumption has been further reduced by thoughtful light zoning controls.

The office incorporates high-tech products to improve user experience and productivity. This includes 34-inch curved monitors, sit-to-stand desks and a coffee tap powered by mobile app with voice recognition.

JLL’s managing director (WA), Angelo Amara said, “We set the goal of achieving WELL Gold and 5 Star Green Star status even before design of the office began, knowing that adequate planning would be critical to success. We take pride in how the design of our office fosters wellbeing for our team. Elements such as energy efficiency, sustainability, facilities and materials were carefully selected in the early planning stages to follow the standards of the two certifications – WELL and Green Star.”

Result

COVID-19 is leading many businesses to re-evaluate employees’ expectations of the workplace. New working habits and behaviours that were formed while large numbers of employees worked from home during the pandemic are now influencing the way we design and create stimulating workplaces.

It is essential the office is a space that people want to come to and work. In our Perth office, we had an opportunity to adopt global best practice to ensure our office remains a relevant workplace. The flexibility we have built into the design will ensure this is the case.

JLL’s Perth office at Central Park is now WELL Gold rated, following an assessment from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI).

The office also has a 5-Star Green Star certification from the Green Building Council of Australia.

JLL’s senior director, Work Dynamics lead (WA), Adam Edmunds said, “To add to the success of the design and build of the Perth office, JLL was honoured to win CoreNet Global’s Workplace Innovation Award. We designed and built this office to be everything a workplace should be. Its focus on health and wellness is unparalleled in the Perth CBD office market and is designed to support dynamic working and foster community and collaboration.”