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The Rochester, 178-182 Johnston St, Fitzroy

A zero carbon apartment building

Image by Myles Montgomery

Developer

Cremorne Enterprises

Project team

Project Manager - PDS Group

Architect - Ola Studio

Interior Design - Breathe Architecture

Development summary

This Fitzroy building consists of 24 apartments with a mixture of one, two and three-bedrooms and two ground floor commercial tenancies on a 631 square metre site.

With a commitment to achieving zero-net carbon emissions for the building’s operations, this all-electric, fossil-fuel free development has no connection to a mains gas supply. All energy needs are met from renewable sources through a combination of grid-supplied electricity via an embedded network and an on-site solar PV system. The ‘all-electric strategy’ also includes efficient electrical building services and appliances and electric vehicle charging.

The building will achieve a 7.0star NaTHERS average energy rating through a strong focus on the performance of the thermal envelope. The integration of a range of ESD measures that together deliver strong ESD outcomes including being intentionally designed to minimise energy use, improve the indoor environment, conserve water and a focus on long lasting materials with high reusability.

Key zero carbon development features
  • The building will achieve a 7.0 star NaTHERS average energy rating through a strong focus on the performance of the thermal envelope.
  • A high performing thermal envelope, has improved passive thermal comfort and reducing demand for air-conditioned heating and cooling as well as decreasing the peak demand on the electricity network.
  • The building orientation has sort to maximise the number of apartments receiving beneficial passive solar heating to bedroom and living spaces throughout the day in winter months.
  • Double glazed windows with low E panes retain warmth in winter and keep heat out in summer and also minimise noise.
  • Summer thermal comfort is improved by the exposed thermal mass ceilings in the living spaces and ceiling fans installed in bedrooms and living areas.
  • In winter, hydronic heating wall panels together with low speed ceiling fans de-stratify the heated air pooling near the ceiling.
  • All apartments are shaded against unwanted summer gains through a combination of overhanging balconies, fixed masonry screens, fixed metal shade screens, awnings and manually controlled external vertical blinds.
  • For heating hot water, the development has a centralised, efficient, refrigerant-free heat pump system, which will be powered from renewable generation (a combination of on-site and off-site sources).
  • Apartments include efficient split system air-conditioning, dishwashers and induction cooktops.
  • Along with efficient LED lighting throughout, occupancy and daylight sensor controls will reduce energy consumption in common areas.

The development includes an embedded network for the supply of electricity to the occupants and to power building services.  This network enables the bulk purchase of 100% GreenPower electricity via the owners’ corporation from an off-site renewable energy generator, enabling the building to meet all its energy needs from renewable sources.

On-site renewable electricity generation: A modest 4.5kW solar array is proposed for the roof to power common area services and reduce owners corporation running costs, rather than feeding excess power into the grid.

  • 34 secure bike spaces for occupants (1.25 spaces per apartment), with 4 staff secure spaces are also provided for the commercial tenancies and 7 visitor spaces.
  • End of trip facilities are provided through showers and secure staff lockers for the commercial tenancies.
  • Car share schemes and public transport are readily accessible to the development.
  • Car spaces come embedded with technology to provide for electric vehicle charging in future.
Other sustainability features
  • Reuse of bricks from the previous 100 year old dwellings that occupied the site, providing a historical linkage between the old and the new
  • The sustainability credentials of materials were taken into account and the highest standard materials were used throughout the project
  • Use of Australian made reconstituted timber cladding manufactured from PEFC certified sources and pressed with natural wax with no chemical additives
  • Recycled rubber and cork flooring in service, workshop and storage areas
  • Low VOC paints and water-based floor polish
  • Effective natural ventilation is provided to all the apartments’ habitable rooms and the ground floor commercial tenancies through natural ventilation openings in the façade.
  • The stormwater treatment strategy includes a 10,000 litre rainwater tank with stored water to be used for toilet flushing and planter box irrigation.
  • 80-90% of construction waste was diverted from landfill to recycling depots
  • significant amount of timber and brickwork was reclaimed and given a second life
  • Recycled messmate and ironbark feature cladding, decking and railings and internal recycled timber flooring
  • Ground floor planter boxes enable planting to enhance biodiversity.