Bob Marshman Construction Training Centre
The Bob Marshman Construction Training Centre, located in Salisbury, South Brisbane, is not just a building; it is a benchmark for the future of sustainable construction. As Australia's first Certified Commercial Passivhaus Training Facility, this project embodies leadership and innovation in addressing climate change. Designed with the goal of reaching carbon zero by mid-October 2024, just four months after completion, this facility is reimagining sustainable building ethos.
The vision for the Bob Marshman Building was clear: to act as a pathfinder for the construction industry, demonstrating how new-age buildings can aid in mitigating the effects of climate change, rather than exacerbating them. Delivered on time and under budget, the centre exemplifies excellence in Passivhaus design principles, with projected energy savings between 50 and 90 percent. The building boasts pandemic safety measures, superior indoor air quality, and a suite of eco-conscious features, including solar panels, circular economy initiatives, EV chargers, and advanced rainwater systems. Additionally, the design prioritises airtightness, incorporates heat recovery systems, and utilises next-level insulation, all while eliminating thermal bridges to maximise energy conservation. Phil Driver, the CEO of the Construction Training Centre remarked to the Australian Passivhaus Association, “The objectives of our trust require us to be leaders in our industry. The burning platform for our industry is climate change. We decided to build a new building, and we should be building it as a pathfinder, showing industry how it can be done.”
“The objects of our trust require us to be a leader in our industry. The burning platform for our industry is climate change. We decided to build a new building and we should be building it as a pathfinder, showing industry how it can be done.”
Phil Driver
CEO of CTC
In alignment with Passivhaus principles, the construction materials used throughout the build were carefully selected for their sustainability credentials. Carbon-neutral materials were integral to the project, with concrete, plasterboard, and Austral Bricks Mineral Contours, from Brickworks’ Carbon Neutral Climate Offset Program, playing key roles in both external cladding and internal feature walls. These materials not only contribute to the building's environmental goals but also enhance its contemporary appeal, creating a harmonious blend of form and function. The Bob Marshman Construction Training Centre is among the first of its kind in a subtropical climate, designed specifically to address issues such as mould outbreaks that are prevalent in Queensland’s humid environment. By raising the bar for construction standards in subtropical regions, this project sets a precedent for future builds, ensuring they are resilient, robust and, thus, sustainable.
With an estimated 17,000 students set to train in the building each year, the cultural impact of the project extends far beyond its physical structure. The centre is poised to inspire the next generation of construction professionals, showcasing the importance of carbon offsets and the innovative use of materials that pair with Passivhaus environmental and design principles. It stands as a testament to what is possible when sustainability and design excellence converge.
Learn about our products.
Join us at an event.
