Selection of key sustainable design commitments

1.0 Indoor environment quality

• The apartment’s floor plan depth ranges from 5-8m which allows for excellent daylight penetration. All windows are clear glazed which allows for maximum daylight transmission.
• The majority of apartments have two facades which allows occupants to cross ventilate; the most efficient way to naturally ventilate. All internal doors are provided with door latches and openable windows are equipped with flyscreens and rain and intrusion protection which complements the natural ventilation strategy and enables occupants to safely night purge.
• The development would have required extensive screening on the eastern and western facade to prevent overlooking of neighbouring properties. The design team responded with protruding wing walls with glazed areas facing North and South. This solution not only maximises natural daylight and passive solar heat gains in the apartments but also provides an additional connection to the outside.

2.0 Energy efficiency

• A NatHERS energy rating of at least 8-Star average and 7-Star minimum will be achieved through a highly insulated thermal envelope and good balanced passive heat gains throughout the year.
• Some apartments will utilise exposed thermal mass, such as concrete floors, to stabilise internal temperatures throughout the year and store solar heat gains through colder months.
• Ceiling fans will be provided to each bedroom and living room. Due to the building’s sensible external shading strategy, exposed thermal mass and high performance thermal envelope it is expected that this will suffice to keep apartments at comfortable temperatures throughout summer.
• The majority of north-facing windows are protected by 1.5m balcony overhangs, representing the 45% rule of thumb for north-facing shading.
• A dwelling shutdown switch near the entrance will operate all lighting, air-conditioning and heating.
• The car parking area in the basement, ground floor and mezzanine area will be fully naturally ventilated.
• Hot water will be provided by electric heat pumps, connected to the 3.7kW solar photovoltaic system on the roof. The electric heat pumps are four times more efficient than instantaneous electric hot water.

3.0 Water efficiency

• Apartments will have individual cold and hot water meters which support occupants to monitor and reduce their water consumption.

4.0 Stormwater management

• A 12,000l rainwater tank in the basement will harvest and store rainwater from the roof and provide water for the café’s toilet flushing, the bin wash area and landscape irrigation. Total expected mains water savings will be greater than 100,000l/annum.

6.0 Transport

• 38 secure bicycle parking spaces will be provided for the residents of 38 apartments. Another 5 visitor bicycle parking spaces will be provided within the front setback.

7.0 Waste management

• At least 80% of waste by weight will be reused or recycled during the construction process.
• The apartment kitchens will be equipped with 3 bins to provide for garbage, recycling and green/food waste.

8.0 Urban ecology

• The roof area will be extensively landscaped with 150m2 of low maintenance grassland, a veggie garden, a compost bed and paved areas for communal purposes.

9.0 Innovation

• The applicant is committed to obtaining a formal 4-Star Green Star Design certification
• Communal clothes drying facilities will be provided on the roof for the convenience of occupants.
• A composting facility will be included in the extensive landscaping on the roof.
• The natural ventilation strategy has been complimented by the careful observation of Melbourne’s prevailing wind directions. External windows and internal sliding doors are positioned and operated to catch the common ‘cool change’ (wind from the South) during summer months.
• A monitor in the lift lobby or car will display useful tips for general energy and water saving decision-making within apartments. If feasible, the monitor will also display live renewable electricity and stormwater harvesting data and public transport timetables.
• The development is designed with no gas sources such that it can achieve carbon neutrality through the use of green power.

10.0 Construction and building management

• An Owners Operation Manual will be prepared and provided to all residents.

For more information contact us on 9205 5555 or email [email protected].