Woolworths Heidelberg

Australia’s most sustainable supermarket - demolish the existing Heidelberg Woolworths Supermarket, design and construct Woolworths most sustainable supermarket Australia wide.

Leading the way in contemporary supermarket design, Woolworths Group have unveiled their highly anticipated sustainably designed supermarket located in Melbourne’s northern suburb of Heidelberg. Importantly, the project has achieved a 5 Star Green Star Design and As Built v1.2 rating. 

Certified in March 2020 by the Green Building Council of Australia representing Australian Excellence.

The renewal project involved the demolition and construction of the new multi-level Woolworths Heidelberg Supermarket with a clear mandate on sustainable building design, an initiative stemming from Woolworths 2020 Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy. Sustainability of the building could only be achieved by sourcing the appropriate materials, which became a vital component of the 5 Star Green Star Rating. Terry McCoy, Woolworths Regional Development Manager, commented “external surfaces of the building were specifically chosen to minimise the project’s urban heat island effect.”

With 25% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than a regular Woolworths supermarket which is the equivalent to taking 147 cars off the road each year, construction company George Rydell incorporated a range of environmental features into many aspects of the construction project. Rydell were instrumental in the design and construction of this impressive project that will serve as a blueprint for the group’s future building developments.

A grand feature of the design is the expansive glass façade. George Rydell awarded the glazing package to local fabricator Glazing Works, who installed the floor-to-ceiling KlymetControl® IGU units spanning two levels. Visible from Lower Heidelberg Road, the IGU’s incorporating Toughened KlymetShield® Low E Neutral glass enhances the store entry, filling the space with high levels of natural light whilst achieving optimal thermal efficiency.

Banksia Street façade however exhibits a slightly different IGU makeup, intentionally making the south facing facade opaque in appearance, these IGU’s combine the use of 6mm Toughened ColorSmart™ Black panels, 12mm Argon Gas filled IGU Space and 6mm Toughened EnviroClear®.

With a series of benefits including durability, enhanced energy efficiency, solar control, Grade A safety and reduced UV transmission, these IGU’s are the perfect energy efficient solution for this commercial building envelope.

The Result

Through thoughtful design and carefully selected building materials, Woolworths Heidelberg customers will now be treated to a market feel shopping experience that embraces the shift to sustainable green buildings and enhanced customer experience. A harmony of practicability, purpose and sustainability highlighting the importance of future proofing design and building methodologies for environmental sustainability.

Project Specifications

Sector: Retail

Application: Exterior Windows

Product Mix: KlymetControl® IGU
6mm KlymetShield® Neutral Toughened
12mm Argon Gas Filled IGU Space
6mm EnviroClear® Toughened

Product Mix: KlymetControl® IGU
6mm ColorSmart™ Black Toughened
12mm Argon Gas Filled IGU Space
6mm EnviroClear® Toughened