Discovery End of Trip Facilities

Photo Source: Gray Puksand

What are End-of-Trip Facilities (EOTF)?

Imagine arriving at work refreshed and energised, ready to take on the day. That's the impact of EOTF - dedicated spaces for employees who cycle, walk, or jog to work.

Typical EOTF amenities include:

• Secure Bike Parking: Safe, sheltered storage for bicycles.

• Locker Facilities: For personal belongings.

• Showers and Change Rooms: To freshen up after commuting.

• Common Areas: Spaces for relaxation or stretching.

Though there's no national definition, EOTF are widely recognized as essential for a healthy, sustainable workplace. A great example is 1 Bligh St, Sydney, where these facilities are well-integrated.

Why Are EOTF Important?

The rise of EOTF reflects Australia's focus on sustainability and employee well-being. Key benefits include:

• Environmental Sustainability: Promotes active transportation (cycling, walking), reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, while improving employee health and productivity.

• Tenant Attraction: Landlords offering EOTF as part of the base building appeal to tenants seeking perks for their employees.

• Employee Attraction & Retention: Workplaces with EOTF are viewed as modern and employee-centric, fostering a healthier, happier workforce.

Photo Source: 20 Bond Street

Legal Requirements and Guidelines

Authority Requirements

Although there’s no single national mandate, states, territories, and local governments have their own requirements, policies, and guidelines for EOTF in new developments or renovations.

For example: City of Sydney Development Control Plan 2012 (Section 3.11): Outlines general provisions for bike parking, showers, and lockers to align with the City of Sydney travel planning guidelines. A travel plan is a package of site-specific measures designed to promote and encourage sustainable modes of travel, such as walking, cycling, public transport, and car sharing.

Green Star EOTF

Green Star significantly influences the required number of lockers, showers, and bike parking in Australian buildings. Under the "Movement and Place" section of Green Star, commercial buildings (excluding apartments) must provide dedicated showers, lockers, and change rooms for staff. The specific requirements for these facilities are outlined in the GBCA guide, depending on the rating target.

For cycle facilities, projects must demonstrate that bicycle infrastructure is available for the stated proportion of users. This includes secure bicycle parking (as per AS 2890.3), weather protection, and changing facilities with showers and lockers to encourage cycling.

Photo Source: 28 Freshwater Place

Well Rating Guideline for EOTF

The WELL Building Standard™ v2 (WELL v2™) focuses on creating spaces that promote human health and well-being through design, operational protocols, and policies based on the latest scientific research.

Projects can earn 3 points under Facilities for Active Occupants, requiring free bike storage, showers, changing facilities, and lockers for active commuters and occupants. Of the 3 points, Cycling Infrastructure is worth 2 points, and Showers, Lockers, and Changing Facilities are worth 1 point. The WELL rating also outlines the specific requirements for bike racks, showers, lockers, and changing rooms.

Other design consideration

• Australian Standards: Facilities must comply with AS2890.3 2015 for Bicycle Parking. This standard is crucial but often overlooked and serves as a key design guide.

• NCC: A qualified consultant is needed to ensure compliance with the National Construction Code (BCA). Engineered solutions may be applicable.

• DDA: Facilities must meet all current disability legislation. This typically includes toilet and shower facilities for both ambulant and non-ambulant users. A review of the accessible path from the main entry may be required, especially for existing buildings, where a DDA/Access report is recommended to explore Alternate Solutions if necessary.

• Tenants' Requirements: It's also important to consider the specific needs of tenants, especially key or anchor tenants who may negotiate for dedicated EOTF. These requests must be balanced with authority requirements.

Observations

No Longer an 'Afterthought' or 'Value Engineering' Area

The modern workplace has experienced a significant shift, emphasizing agile, flexible, and wellness-oriented spaces. EOTF align perfectly with this wellness theme. Chifley Tower exemplifies how EOTF can integrate with the “Chifley Lifestyle” brand, creating a new sense of lifestyle and vision. Walking through the EOTF, it's more than just a functional space; it serves as a place to recharge, refresh, and highlight a premium, luxury-focused experience, becoming a key selling point for the building’s commercial spaces, luxurious retail areas, and eateries.

Photo Source: Gray Puksand

A similar example is 20 Bond Street Sydney, where the focus on wellness and hospitality is evident with amenities like a yoga studio, stretching corner, towel services, and a resting lounge.

The transformation of EOTF into wellness facilities is now a trend that meets the wellbeing requirements of modern occupants while satisfying authority requirements.

Photo Source: 20 Bond Street

Inconsistency in EOTF Requirements

In cases of inconsistency in EOTF requirements , the more onerous requirement will follow.

Hunter Street Over Station Development (West & East) is an example where EOTF spatial requirements are determined. The relevant Sydney DCP 2012 design controls and Green Star Buildings criteria were applied to establish the necessary number of showers, lockers, and bicycle parking.

Female vs. Male uses of EOTF

The split between female and male facilities varies among commercial buildings:

• Some provide an equal 50-50 split.

• Others offer more male showers than female.

My personal preference for facility distribution. This preference is based on the observation that females tend to shower less often outside and use bicycles for commuting less frequently than males. This doesn't mean that female EOTF has less space then male. Females needs for some facilities are greater ( lockers, changing rooms, counters, makeup space at sinks, vanities, full height mirrors to cater to their needs)

• 50% male

• 35% female

• 15% flexible (or neutral gender)

Underutilised EOTF

Feedback from several developments has revealed significant underutilisation of bike parking spaces. A recent case study for Lendlease International Towers 1- 3 sought to modify the bike storage from 1,157 to 660 spaces. According to Ethos Urban, ongoing travel surveys have shown a substantial underutilization of the bicycle parking facilities in the basement.

• Data indicates that cycling to work accounts for only about 3% of how tower tenants commute.

• Approximately 200 out of 1,157 bicycle parking spaces are used daily.

Photo Source: International Towers

Under the new plans, Lendlease will reduce bicycle storage to 660 spaces. The user profile has changed significantly since the facility opened, primarily due to the addition of outdoor and wellness amenities in the precinct, which encourage EOTF use before, during, or after work.

Lendlease aims to create facilities that attract a broader user group, appealing not only to bicycle users but also to those engaging in alternate sports and recreation within the broader precinct.

Hi! 👋🏼 I'm delighted to welcome you to my little corner of the internet. This blog is my creative outlet and a space where I can share my thoughts, passions, and experiences with you.

Chapter 2

In the next post, Chapter 2, I will explore design trends and important considerations for EOTF.

With love,