RFI answers

Whilst the annual ground temperature varies based on distance from the surface. At depths larger than 5m, the temperature tends to stabilise and can be assumed to be roughly the same as the average dry bulb temperature for the year.

Teams can use the provided weather file to calculate this. Should teams wish to consider depths of less than 5m, a finer temporal averaging period can be used, and the organisers encourage teams to research this based on the requirements of your design solution.

This is completely up to you – teams are not ristricted to any particular technology and we want to see a variety of ideas across the teams! We have provided assumptions for PV, however given the vast range of technologies available, teams will need to research and report on any assumptions made for their chosen technology.

Teams are allowed to use the LCA tool of their choice however to allow comparision between teams, the NABERS national emissions factors database must be used unless the emissions intensity for a product/material is not available within that database. In this case the team must provide a reference for the value they are using, and demonstrate how it is applicable to the Australian market including an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).

The required NABERS tools for use are those included within the challenge brief.

There is no need to include the surrounding topography of the site. We want all teams to start with the same baseline regarding this.

The challenge is primarily related to the external envelope, noting that internal partitions are typically between rooms so cannot have any transparent elements. However, teams are able to explore the thermal properties of the internal partitions should they wish to.

The HVAC system applies to any space that requires ventilation and/or air conditioning (both heating and/or cooling) to achieve the minimum outdoor air supply rates as well as the required space temperature and humidity setpoints. This applies in all highlighlighted/hatched spaces.

Acceptable documents include the following, provided that it clearly shows (for each team member) that they will be a full-time student in tertiary eduction on 1 January 2025 :

• Photograps of student ID
• Letter on University letterhead confirming current enrolment
• Official transcripts
• Any other document that proves you are a full-time student on the date specified

Drawings and required inputs have now been provided and can be accessed through the portal once a notification of intent has been submitted.

RFIs can be submitted up to 14 March, with final responses provided by 31 March. The next round of RFI responses will be published by 28 February.

Yes, all participants will be issued with an electronic certificate once the judging has taken place. For a certificate to be gene

Resolution should be sufficient to capture the important details of the model. Whilst evidence of validation checks would assist the judges in marking submissions, intensive validation is not required. That said, good modelling practice should always use some form of validation to provide comfort to the modeller that results are reasonable.

This is at the discretion of the judges, however if teams do choose to include additional variables, the same page limit still applies. Should teams wish to include additional variables, clear justification as to why these are important must be provided.

No, it is expected that students have access to appropriate software via their university course and/or student licences.

Provided the software complies with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140, it is appropriate for the project. Should the software not align with ASHRAE 140, a short narrative by the team will be required to justify why the chosen software is still suitable.

ASHRAE 55

Teams are advised to use currently available data. Should teams wish to use future projections, they are open to but must provide a reference source.

As required by NABERS, only A1 – A3 emissions should be reported

No

Yes. You will still need to register via the notification of intent

The design of the HVAC system is part of the scope of this project. Teams are free to use whichever systems they deem as reasonable.

Teams are required to make reasonable assumptions where detailed information has intentionally not been provided. We are encouraging teams to think outside the box, with all appropriate assumptions allowed. Judges will not be comparing data to the real building performance – this is a test of your understanding on how energy efficient comfortable buildings are designed.

The National Construction Code provides allowances for infiltration, which includes air movement through doors, gaps in walls and other penetrations. Should teams wish to use lower infiltration rates, justification and a reference source is required.

The gallery space must meet the heating and cooling setpoints 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. This is to preserve collections as much as possible.

Yes

To ensure all teams are working with the same local conditions, the required weather file has been provided. There is no need to take in to account local air quality or the microclimate/wind pressures on façade

Profiles and peak occupant numbers have been provided. Teams are to assume that no high density events occur throughout the year.

All metrics are weighted equally. We fully appreciate that these metrics can often be conflicting, and it is often up to the designer which areas they choose to prioritise.

Each team will receive a participation certificate, which will included listed team members. This will be sent to the team leader.

Yes

No, collection pieces will move from the transport vehicle, held in storgae and then transferred to the gallery. This is why the storage area has the same temperature and humidity requirements as the gallery.

Given Challenge 2 is purely related to energy, please do not include the skylights within your model.

The bonus challenge only applies to the bridge. The stamp on the gallery door and window schedule is a mistake.