Congratulations to Fender Katsalidis and the wider project team on 1 Hotel Melbourne receiving both the Hotel of the Year, New Build and the prestigious Paul Davis Award at the Australasia Pacific Hotel Design Awards.

Part of the broader Seafarers precinct, the project brings together adaptive reuse, sustainability and contemporary design along Melbourne’s waterfront, creating a significant addition to the city’s built environment.

EBSA is proud to have contributed to the development with our award-winning MP2 Opposed Opening Louvre system (MP2-FL-OP), developed specifically for the project over a two-year collaboration process. Designed to maintain unobstructed views while delivering high-performance natural ventilation and weather protection, the system was integrated across both the hotel and residential components of the precinct.

The MP2-FL-OP was engineered to support the architectural intent of the façade while achieving strong environmental performance, with advanced dual-blade operation, low air infiltration and high water resistance.

Congratulations to FK, Riverlee and all project partners involved in this well-deserved recognition.

EBSA – Delivering real commercial solutions

First Building has been recognised for its strong commitment to sustainable design, receiving the Commercial Architecture (Large) Award at this year’s Sustainability Awards. This achievement highlights the project’s forward-thinking approach, including its adaptable modular design and focus on low-embodied carbon materials such as rammed earth, bamboo and timber.

Designed by Hassell, First Building is the first completed development in Bradfield City Centre, Australia’s newest city in 100 years, and marks the beginning of a new innovation-led ecosystem. The project houses Stage 1 of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF), supporting collaboration between research, industry, and government in advanced manufacturing.

EBSA is proud to have supplied and integrated key automated façade elements for this project, enhancing both natural ventilation and fire safety.

• Schneider LF550 Frameless Glass Louvres

Certified to AS2047, these large-format operable glass louvres enhance airflow and daylight while maintaining a sleek architectural finish. A total of 12 louvres were installed across the East and West entrances.

• CDC-0252 Chain Actuators

Forty chain actuators were installed on the operable façade elements, providing controlled automation to support dynamic ventilation strategies.

• CPS-M Smoke Control Panel

Designed for safety and efficiency, the system ensures automatic closure on power loss, integrates with the BMS and fire interface, and provides seamless control over the façade’s performance in both everyday and emergency conditions.

The First Building project reflects EBSA’s commitment to delivering intelligent façade solutions that enhance building performance while supporting the principles of sustainability and adaptability.

Congratulations to Hassell and the wider project team on this significant recognition.

We are thrilled to see Quay Quarter Tower recognised as one of only 15 global finalists in the 2025 Earthshot Prize, the world’s most prestigious environmental award.

Dubbed the world’s first fully upcycled skyscraper, Quay Quarter Tower demonstrates how large-scale adaptive reuse can replace demolition, cut carbon emissions, and set a new benchmark for sustainable urban growth.

Originally completed in 1976, the 46-storey office tower was transformed into a 50-storey vertical community through a $600 million redevelopment led by 3XN, BVN, BG&E, Arup and Multiplex. By retaining 65% of the existing structure and 98% of the core, the project avoided more than 12,000 tonnes of embodied carbon, extending the building’s life by decades while doubling its usable space.

EBSA was proud to contribute to this globally recognised project, supplying and installing Schneider G12 FS Louvres, a D+H Mechatronic CPS-M Control Panel, and LDS 100/0600 Actuators for the podium skylight to support natural ventilation and smoke relief.

This recognition from The Earthshot Prize reinforces the importance of rethinking how we design and renew our built environment. Quay Quarter Tower shows that with the right approach, it’s possible to extend the life of existing buildings, reduce environmental impact and deliver spaces that are both functional and future focused.

https://earthshotprize.org/winners-finalists/quay-quarter-tower/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNlM2FleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFtU01sTnpHQUdIWVE5QUdiAR4t_dtJwjEWj87KyETEDclbMyu-x_ciyqJj10PtI9qBtQHupxKhTZlzbROsfQ_aem_nlYpiZ6G3-jMj1l30Largw

We are thrilled to share that EBSA has been recognised at the Zak Awards for Excellence in Façade Design & Engineering, winning the Excellence in Façade Innovation – Product category for the MP2 Opposed Opening Louvre (MP2-FL-OP).

This award adds to a growing list of industry recognition for the MP2 Opposed Opening Louvres, which includes:

Most Innovative Louvre System 2023– APAC Business Awards
Most Innovative Window Solution 2024– AGWA QLD Design Awards
Highly Commended – Most Innovative Window Solution 2024 – AGWA National Awards

Originally introduced in 2012, the Schneider MP2 louvre quickly established itself as a market leader as energy efficiency requirements under the NCC intensified. Its performance has been proven through stringent testing, including cyclone resistance at 32m/s, AS4284 compliance, and even earthquake performance.

The MP2 Opposed Opening Louvre (MP2-FL-OP) was developed in close collaboration with our client on the Seafarers Project to resolve challenges around sightlines, ventilation, and water ingress. The result is a system that allows unobstructed views while maintaining exceptional weather performance, with the added flexibility of simultaneous or independent blade operation.

MP2 Opposed Opening Louvre System – Test Results (AZUMA TEST: AZT0153.23):
• Deflection: 3000 Pa+ / 2500 Pa-
• Water penetration: 1000 Pa
• ULS: 6000+ / 6500-
• Air infiltration: Low

This recognition at the Zak Awards is a reflection of EBSA’s commitment to delivering advanced solutions for natural ventilation, smoke relief, and sustainable design across Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.