At the start of his career, Joe Grasso might have been surprised to hear he’d be asked to comment on sustainability in 2024.
However, with 16 years as Founder and Managing Director of Figurehead Construction, Joe says business has always been about integrity in every interaction. This principle guides Figurehead's approach to staff, clients, contractors, consultants, and the end users of building projects.
At The Urban Developer's Urbanity 2024, Joe discussed the practical challenges and strategic initiatives required to achieve net-zero emissions in the property development sector. He drew from Figurehead's experiences, particularly the development of their new office, 116 Rokeby.
The office aims to set a benchmark for environmental responsibility in the construction industry. At the conference, Grasso clarified that pursuing sustainable development in the short term posed financial risks. Flipping the mindset with a long-term perspective on the asset's value, Figurehead embraced these challenges, recognising the essential nature of sustainability credentials for future viability.
Read more: Net-Zero Nation Building: Industry Push or Policy Shove? | TUD
116 Rokeby: Figurehead's Innovative, Net Zero Headquarters in Collingwood
116 Rokeby, located in Collingwood, was designed with a clear focus on sustainability. It features state-of-the-art design innovations such as a double-skin façade and all-electric energy systems.
These innovations, along with the use of renewable energy sources, significantly contribute to the building's energy efficiency and carbon neutrality. The development has attained high sustainability ratings, including a Platinum WELL Certification and a 5.5-Star NABERS Energy rating for Carbon Neutral operations, setting a new standard for commercial buildings in Melbourne.
Read More: How Melbourne's City of Yarra is pioneering zero-carbon commercial developments
Video Feature: 116 Rokeby by Carr & Figurehead - The Local Project
Offices Now Leasing: 116rokeby.com.au
Best Sustainable Commercial Project Under $30M: Decjuba's Greenstar Office in Cremorne
Innovations in building materials and techniques are making sustainable building more achievable. Advances such as green concrete, which reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional concrete, are paving the way for more environmentally friendly construction sites. Decjuba, a renowned Australian fashion retailer, has transformed its approach under the guidance of its visionary leadership at the final hour.
What started as a brutalist concrete design was completely reimagined to meet 5-star Greenstar standards.
Figurehead worked closely with consultants to incorporate green concrete, which has a much lower carbon footprint, and locally sourced cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (GLT). These materials aren’t just better for the environment—they also add a warm, natural aesthetic to the building. E.g., instead of sticking to a full concrete structure, we used CLT for the floors and walls, and GLT for the columns. This not only reduced the carbon impact but also sped up construction since these timber elements were prefabricated off-site. And we didn’t stop there. The building’s energy efficiency was boosted by conducting airtightness testing to ensure it meets top-tier standards for energy performance and indoor air quality.
Master Builders Victoria recognised the project in their 2024 Excellence in Construction Awards.
Pictured: Figurehead Site Manager Richard Herbert, Project Manager Adrian DiCosmo & Director Joe Grasso
Read more: 2024 Master Builders Victoria Excellence in Construction Awards
Joe Grasso expressed, "There's definitely alignment with Decjuba as both our companies strive towards similar goals. We're proving that sustainable practices are not only good for the planet, but also for business. It’s about setting a precedent that, we hope, will inspire others in our industry and beyond."
Relevant Projects:
Located in an emerging pocket of thriving Collingwood, 116 Rokeby, an 11-level office building has been designed exclusively for design, property and construction companies who share a passion for premium spaces and a commitment to considered impact.
An understanding of the changing needs of an office building informed the Carr design of ‘a breathing space,’ where work, sustainability and lifestyle converge. The “vertical village” at 116 Rokeby features a communal rooftop with kitchen and ground floor café offering, and premium end-of-trip facilities redefine the role of the office to create a series of flexible spaces for changing needs of office workers.
“We’ve created a building that deeply considers work-life integration,” explains Rebecca Trenorden, Carr Associate Director.
“One of the main things COVID showed us is the deep need for social connection and great amenities, and this ability to have a building community where likeminded tenants share a space that’s so connected is very rare.”
Figurehead Group are the developer and builder of 116 Rokeby, with Figurehead and Flux Construction teams set to occupy two floors of the building.
Joe Grasso, Founder and Managing Director, Figurehead Group has a vision for the building to become a hub for like-minded professionals who appreciate design and innovation.
“We want the space to be inspiring, and motivate people to come and do their best work,” Joe says.
“Our business is focused on continuous improvement, ensuring we produce a product that’s the absolute best in market.
116 Rokeby is a part of this story, and the building features spaces to support innovation and ensure the office is a great place to work.”
Sustainability and Innovation
Sustainability has been deeply considered in every aspect of 116 Rokeby — inside and out — to set a new benchmark in environmental and wellness credentials in this emerging commercial precinct. Targeting Platinum WELL™, 5.5-Star NABERS and Climate Active Carbon Neutral Building Certification, 116 Rokeby is an exemplar of how considered design can have a positive impact on the environment and the people that interact with the space.
A key inclusion is the double-skin northern façade. An exemplar of both form and function, utilising automatic sensor-controlled blinds and a plenum to perform an impactful chimney stack effect with great impact on energy saving. It naturally heats and cools the building, whilst improving internal amenity through clear glazing and an abundance of natural light.
“The diaphanous northern façade at 116 Rokeby has environmental sustainability innovation at its core,” says Stephen McGarry, Carr Associate Director.
First Nations Collaboration
Another first, 116 Rokeby will also have a commissioned artwork imprinted into the concrete southern façade as a respectful acknowledgment of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people and a representation of Figurehead’s journey and commitment to reconciliation. The artwork, ‘Reflections of a Breathing Space’, is a collaboration by two First Nations artists: NAIDOC Creative Talent of the Year in 2022, sand artist, Lowell Hunter, and painter, illustrator and digital artist, Gerard Black.
"The intention of this artwork is to respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land, of which 116 Rokeby St Collingwood resides upon today,” First Nations Sand Artist Lowell Hunter says of the artwork collaboration with Figurehead.
“By committing to working respectfully with First Nations people you start to develop a deeper sense of the rich and strong culture that exists within our communities - this is something that we should all embrace and be proud of,” he continues.
Construction at 116 Rokeby has commenced; with completion due in early 2024.
There will be seven floors available for lease; details available via request at 116rokeby.com.au