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