FUTURE-PROOF BUILDING CENTRES:

The CMS Future-Proof Building Centres have been designed to assist a change in thinking from ‘cost-driven’ design and construction to ‘lifestyle-solution’ design and construction. The centers will help the demand for designers, builders and developers to meet the changing lifestyles of building occupants.

Specifiers, builders, trade professionals and students can visit a real building in a controlled environment. The ‘building within a building’ displays best building practices and assists visitors in learning about the appropriate use of CMS client products in line with current building technology and practices.
• Future-Proof Building Centre – Sydney: Ground Floor
11-19 Albany Street
St Leonards – Ph. (02) 9906 1466
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri/8.30am–5.00pm
• Future-Proof Building Centre – Brisbane:

Unit 2
55 Clarence Street
Cooparoo QLD 4151
Opening Hours: Currently by appointment
• Future-Proof Building Centre – Melbourne:

339 - 341 Swan Street
Richmond VIC 3121
Opening Hours: Currently by appointment
• Future-Proof Building Centre – Adelaide: 29 Jetty Road
Brighton SA 5048
Opening Hours: Currently by appointment
Energy Efficiency
With ecologically sustainable development of huge importance to the growth of our communities, the energy efficiency of our buildings is of prime concern. Building design needs to incorporate the most efficient use of the following to minimise the negative impact on our environment:
  • Insulation for heating and cooling.
  • Window glazing and treatments.
  • Natural forms of heating and cooling using passive and active solar design.
  • Lighting
  • Sustainable, renewable and alternative energy sources.
  • Natural ventilation
Quality Assurance
Consumers and developers alike now demand a high level of quality in materials incorporated into homes and buildings. They require the assurance that products used and installation methods:
  • Carry the Australian Standards approvals.
  • Conform to Australian building codes.
  • Are backed by warranties from reputable manufacturers.
  • Are able to be accounted for in case of litigation.
  • Are of a high standard from fabrication through installation and performance.
  • Are low maintenance allowing for the ‘time poverty’ that our increasingly busy lives impose upon us.
Life-cycle costing
Investors, developers and occupants are looking to incorporate products into their buildings that are costed on the basis of their durability. Land space values reinforce the realisation that it is false economy to invest in inferior products. Awareness is needed in regard to:
  • The quality and maintenance factors of the exterior envelope and interior fit out.
  • Amortisation of inclusions over the life of the building.
  • Higher quality and cost versus lower initial outgoings.
Resource responsibility
Today more than ever we cannot afford to sacrifice environmental impacts for economic expediency in building design and construction. Working with government bodies on ‘smart housing’ initiatives, many specifiers are designing buildings with consideration of their impact on the environment. They are specifing ‘green’ materials and methods which:
  • Are made from recycled materials.
  • Come from a renewable source.
  • Are an efficient and responsible use of limited resources.
  • Have minimal impact on the existing environment.
  • Are able to be recycled after use.
  • Contain fewer toxic components affecting the health of producers, builders and occupants.
  • Use production methods that use less energy , natural resources and the associated pollution problems.
Space Management
Escalating land and building costs necessitates better and more flexible use of space becoming a priority in the design process. In commercial, public and multi-tenancies construction distinct areas of space reduce confusion and increase our sense of ownership. Priority needs to be given to:
  • Efficient utilisation of available land.
  • Adequate and effective site access.
  • Flexibility in design to accommodate children who stay at home longer.
  • Designs to incorporate the needs for businesses operated from the home.
  • Excellence in storage and inclusions within ‘minimalist’ designs.
Sound Control
Today’s buildings contain many elements that generate high levels of noise. The design of multi-tenancy residences, commercial and industrial buildings need to incorporate:
  • Designs that service a variety of occupants within a single building space.
  • Insulation and acoustic material for sound absorption.
  • Glazing to windows and doors.
  • Physical barriers or enclosures.
  • Elements to protect against hearing loss and other associated health concerns associated with high noise levels.
Health and Safety
The health and safety of all building occupants is vitally important. Consideration needs to be given to the incidence of both ‘sick building syndrome’ and ‘building related illness’. When designing and incorporating products within our homes and offices importance should be placed on:
  • Efficient air flow and air conditioning systems.
  • Effective ventilation and moisture control to assist in the reduction of biological contaminants.
  • Installation of anti-allergenic flooring and furnishings to alleviate dust mite and asthma problems.
  • Correct lighting.
  • Exclusion of chemical contaminants from both internal and external sources.
  • Insurance considerations accounting for the possibility of litigation.
  • Work Cover Authority requirements.
  • Regulations covering occupational health and safety.
Security and Automation
The lower cost and ease of accessibility to digital automation means our buildings are becoming increasingly automated and monitored. In their design we need to consider:
  • Security monitoring of occupants and possible invaders – see and be seen.
  • Access control by way of natural landscape elements.
  • Mechanical access through the inclusion of boom gates, bollards, electronic fences etc.
  • Voice activation and a central ‘brain’ to manage lighting, heating, sound, security and access.
Eco Design
Design and deliver buildings, interiors and surrounds using environmentally preferable products.
  • Green construction leads to a long lasting, energy efficient, healthier home and lifestyle.
  • Products that are better for the environment, and reduce material waste that impacts on landfills.
  • Provide healthier building materials and technologies that can be designed into the comfort, durability and recycliability of our buildings.
  • Whole of life environmental performance of building materials.