TRANSPORTING SOLAR SOLUTIONS

Committed to improving access to La Trobe University and the arrival experience of students, staff and visitors to the Bundoora campus, Melbourne University instigated a transport infrastructure upgrade that would increase access to the campus and improve the user experience.

Jointly funded by the University and Victorian State Government, the upgraded bus stop would allow for the addition of a high-frequency bus shuttle service that improved access to the campus. In addition, improved seating, weatherproofing, and enhanced wayfinding and campus information was achieved with the new shelter system from Stoddart Outdoor Infrastructure

Part of a four-stage masterplan for the campus, the upgraded shelter along Science Drive was designed to help reactivate external and internal spaces from the campus to the Agora retail precinct. A greatly improved ‘first impression’ is also afforded to students and staff utilising public transport, and greater accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Key features of the campus-wide upgrade included amenities with environmentally sustainable design initiatives, green walls, rainwater harvesting, low energy consumption lighting, as well as water usage and general waste initiatives to align with University sustainability targets.

In keeping with the University’s brief, Stoddart Outdoor Infrastructure designed, manufactured and installed a series of ‘smart’ shelters, remaking the Science Drive bus terminus and creating a safer and more environmentally friendly shelter system. Architectural in design and innovative in application, the new university shelters are based on the Wellington Shelter design by Stoddart, with custom modifications to meet campus requirements.

Constructed from aluminium and finished in a bright white powdercoat, the long-span shelters provide ample protection from the elements and features rear glass, advertising panels, and suitable seating for patron comfort.

Set in a staggered line, the new shelters are sleek and modern, with a solid but slimline construction that melds well with the surrounding infrastructure. A flat panel roofline allows for the integration of a complex photovoltaic roof system. The solar roof glass panels are a subtle indication that the structures contribute to powering their own lighting, as well as that of the surrounding buildings. A fully concealed hardware network enables remote control and monitoring of the system, with data from the system displayed via an app that wirelessly connects to the micro-inverters located on each panel, allowing the university to monitor the energy production.

Stoddart worked in conjunction with Environmental Technology solutions (ETS) to install the Crystalline BIPV system solar panels from Onyx Solar. 1700mm x 1700mm in size, the industry compliant Onyx crystalline panels are made of laminated glass and generate 28kW of free electricity to the network. The solar system also provides the University the option to use battery storage in the future.

As a leading end-to-end provider of premium outdoor infrastructure solutions across Australia and New Zealand, Stoddart is an experienced supplier for large projects where flexibility, experience, and a commitment to quality are crucial to delivering successful infrastructure projects. Working to a specific brief, Stoddart was able to provide an innovative infrastructure solution for La Trobe with considered functionality and reliable durability that met the new campus ethos.

CONTACT
Stoddart Outdoor Infrastructure
P   1300 557 654
E   info@stoddartinfrastructure.com.au
W   www.stoddartinfrastructure.com.au

PROJECT PARTICULARS
Location Bundoora Campus, Victoria
Client La Trobe University
Solar Panels Environmental Technology Solutions
Shelter Design & Manufacture Stoddart Infrastructure