Project DetailsThe Union Cooperative Society’s Paddington headquarters, on the corners of Latrobe and Given Terraces, has played in integral role in shaping Brisbane’s history since the 1960s. The prominent UCS site is also home to the longstanding Brisbane Workers Club, which has strong roots in Brisbane’s social identity.
THE DESIGN CONCEPT
Proposed plans will transform the existing building into a three-storey mixed-use, multi-residential offering, featuring 20 premium and affordable long-term apartments, including short-term emergency housing for women in crisis. The plans also include four boutique retail outlets, an events and function centre and a reinvigorated Brisbane Workers Club. An expansive outdoor terrace will overlook the site with captivating views toward Mount Coot-Tha.
ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES
JDA Co.’s design concept uses earth-friendly concrete, which holds up to 70% less embodied carbon of typical concrete, for the building structure and a striking façade, featuring movable partial timber panels, galvanised steel and draped greenery. The overall aesthetic seeks to honour the ‘timber and tin’ tradition known to Brisbane’s historical architectural forms. The project will re-use recycled local building materials from nearby sites and sustainably sourced timber throughout.
Sustainability is at the core of the Co-op’s values. The project goal is a carbon neutral building with services that will offset construction. The design houses a hydraulic system to re-use recycled grey water for irrigation, as well as a rainwater capture system to flush toilets and for laundry use. A solar array and potential battery system will offset electricity usage and store energy. A community roof-top bridges between the two buildings on site.
