A new industrial facility at the Port of Brisbane has been recognised as one of the most sustainable industrial buildings in the state, following a Queensland Sustainability Award win at the 2025 Australian Institute of Building Awards.
Developed by the Port of Brisbane and designed and delivered by McNab for Electrolux Group, the $2 million-plus Electrolux Queensland Distribution and Experience Centre was commended for its advanced sustainable design, construction techniques and global collaboration efforts.
The 21,255sqm facility is located on a 42,965sqm site within the Port precinct and functions as a major logistics, warehousing and product experience centre for Electrolux’s operations in Queensland. The centre includes a logistics and inventory warehouse, loading docks, repair workshop and a striking office and showroom complex built from mass timber elements.
The project has been designed to meet 6-Star Green Star certification requirements, with a key focus on energy performance, carbon reduction and material innovation. According to McNab, all external concrete used on the project was low-carbon, cutting embodied CO2 emissions by 63 per cent.
A real-time Building Management System tracks power and water usage, while rooftop solar feeds both the building and the wider Port of Brisbane embedded network. Water capture and reuse systems supply amenities and indoor greenery throughout the building.
A major design component is the Experience Centre’s office and showroom structure, constructed using Glu-Laminated and Cross-Laminated Timber sourced from certified sustainable forests in Europe. This mass timber structure not only reduces embodied carbon but also creates a distinct architectural character for the facility — a rarity in large-scale industrial construction in Australia.
The project also delivered landscaped terraces and outdoor staff areas, intended to improve employee wellbeing while making the most of the facility’s riverfront location.
Port of Brisbane’s Head of Property, Brett Wilson, said the longstanding partnership with McNab allowed the team to trial and scale innovative sustainability features and deliver a first-of-its-kind industrial Experience Centre for Electrolux.
“In the pursuit of a 6-Star GBCA rating, this was a project that pushed the delivery team, spearheaded and expertly coordinated by McNab, to work with industry to find innovative and practical solutions to complex problems, customer requirements and traditional building techniques,” he said.
According to McNab CEO Kunjan Ganatra, the project drew inspiration from international best practice in sustainability, including an overseas study tour early in the design phase.
“Together, we’ve set a new standard for industrial developments across Australia. I couldn’t be prouder of the collective team that made this possible,” Mr Ganatra said.
The facility marks the 18th project between McNab and the Port of Brisbane over the last five years.
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