The EY Centre at 200 George Street offers a new paradigm in corporate office buildings with an innovative blend of curves, timber finishes and energy efficient solutions. Critical to the energy efficiency is the closed cavity façade by Permasteelisa with a KNX based blind automation solution by Somfy.

A total of over 2,900 automated timber venetian blinds controlled by Somfy algorithms provide shadow management and sun tracking, automatically tilting to allow light into the building without the accompanying heat. This unique façade is the first of its type in Australia and the first in the world to use timber blinds.

The automation of the façade was project managed by Somfy, who provided the motors, designed the automation and delivered the electrical installation for the animeo blind control system. Somfy’s animeo system utilises a KNX/IP back bone with KNX floor level networks controlling Somfy 4AC KNX Motor Controllers. Somfy’s WebRemote gives occupants the flexibility to adapt to their needs by overriding the control of blinds in their local area. Additional KNX interfaces allow override by tenants’ Crestron and AMX audio-visual systems.

These developments have led 200 George Street to become one of Australia’s most environmentally advanced and sustainable buildings. The building has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star – Office Design (v3) rating, representing ‘World Leadership’ in environmental sustainability practices, together with a 5 Star NABERS Energy rating.