Council House 2, Sustainable office building in Melbourne, Australia
Council House 2 is a ten-story office building in Melbourne featuring timber slats on its exterior that automatically adjust to changing sunlight levels. The structure incorporates natural ventilation principles similar to termite mound designs to regulate temperature throughout the interior.
The building was completed in 2006 by architect Mick Pearce and represented the first purpose-built office structure in Australia to receive Six Green Star recognition. It marked a turning point in how commercial properties approached environmental performance standards in the country.
The building reflects how contemporary workplaces can integrate environmental responsibility into daily routines visible to anyone passing through. Staff and visitors notice immediately how design choices shape the experience of moving through the space.
This is an active workplace, so not all areas may be accessible to visitors, particularly during business hours. Check ahead to see if public tours or viewing opportunities are available, as general access is typically restricted.
Yellow wind turbines sit atop the building to generate electricity on-site. The facility also recycles treated wastewater from the city system for toilet flushing, plant irrigation, and cooling systems.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
