The EY Centre

Designed by architects Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp and built by Mirvac, 200 George Street defies the standard protocols of modern office towers made of cold steel and glass. Instead it showcases twin curved forms and the use of softer “more human” touches such as a spectacular wall of timber blinds that provide natural light into the building. Structural materials have been chosen to provide a warmth and patina to the building, allowing it to age well.

Critical to the energy efficiency is the closed cavity façade by façade manufacturer Permasteelisa, with automation developed by Somfy. The façade’s innovative design allows the use of highly transparent glazing to filter natural light into the workspaces.

A total of over 2,900 automated timber venetian blinds controlled by Somfy algorithms provide shadow management and sun tracking, automatically tilting to allow light into the building without the accompanying heat.

This unique façade is the first of its type in Australia and the first in the world to use timber blinds. The automation of the façade was project managed by Somfy, who provided the motors, designed the automation and delivered the electrical installation for the animeo blind control system.

Somfy’s animeo system utilises KNX the global standard for home and building automation along with WebRemote which gives occupants the flexibility to adapt to their needs by overriding the control of blinds in their local area. As its name suggests, WebRemote is a virtual remote control and is accessible at any time through the use of the internet or smartphones.

These developments have led 200 George Street to become one of Australia’s most environmentally advanced and sustainable buildings. The building has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star – Office Design (v3) rating, representing ‘World Leadership’ in environmental sustainability practices, together with a 5 Star NABERS Energy rating.