Norwest developer Mulpha is set to build a zero carbon retail and residential precinct in Norwest, one of Australia’s first urban masterplan developments to deliver full life-cycle sustainable design principles from conception through to its construction and long-term performance.
Each apartment in the $1billion master planned community, Norwest Quarter, in The Hills will consume two thirds less energy than a typical code compliant apartment and will underpin residents’ aspirations for zero carbon living at up to 25 per cent less cost. Due to the strong sustainability credentials of the project, Norwest Quarter buyers may also be eligible for discounted green mortgages, potentially providing a lower interest rate on their mortgage*.
As well as making a real contribution towards mitigating the effects of climate change and decreasing the urban heat environment at Norwest, this precinct targeting zero carbon will lower energy bills while increasing wellbeing through healthier buildings, better air quality and greater access to nature.
Mulpha has enlisted the help of environmental sustainability firm Finding Infinity, together with leading architects Bates Smart and Smart Design Studio, award winning landscaping a deliver full life-cycle architects Aspect Studios, and urban designers Terroir to set a new benchmark for sustainable neighbourhoods to benefit future generations.
Mulpha Head of Developments, Tim Spencer, said:
“Our goal in developing Norwest Quarter has been to truly deliver a zero carbon precinct, renewably powered with a low environmental impact.
“Building sustainable communities requires identifying what truly makes a community healthy and environmentally, economically and emotionally sustainable – our mission has been to design this into all aspects of the built-form, landscaping, functionality and community life.
“I believe people will choose to live here for the opportunity to be part of a community, aiming for a better future, with 100 per cent electric, no gas, reduced waste, and efficient use of resources including perhaps the most precious of all, clean water.”
ESD expert Ross Harding from Finding Infinity said extensive work has been undertaken to assess the initiatives and design considerations required for Norwest Quarter to minimise its environmental impact through energy, water and waste.
“We have worked with Mulpha to push environmental boundaries, doing as much as possible to reduce environmental impact for future residents and tenants while still delivering a sound investment for purchasers and reducing their bills.”
Every Norwest Quarter building will feature rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle charging with fast chargers, and high-performance, centralised air-conditioning. Apartments will have high efficiency lighting and appliances, induction cooktops, and electric hot water.
Auxiliary heating and cooling, which typically accounts for around 40 per cent of energy use in the average Australian home is best reduced through effective passive design in the first place.
At Norwest Quarter, smart passive design initiatives include high performance glazing and insulation, use of light-coloured materials, building orientation and facades that invite winter sun to penetrate whilst blocking summer sun.
The Norwest Quarter environment has also been designed to minimise the urban heat island effect (UHIE) through substantial re-wilding of the natural landscape, which in turn promotes local flora and fauna. Initiatives to enhance long term re-wilding include pollination and soil health management. This all contributes to the creation of a cooler and healthier environment throughout the precinct.
Onsite water will be treated as a precious resource with rainwater harvesting and water recycling, while water efficient fixtures and fittings throughout will minimize water waste.
To target zero waste to landfill, Norwest Quarter will actively lead behavioural changes through infrastructure provision such as on-site organic waste separation and treatment, worm farms and composting, a share and repair centre and community upcycling market days.
Other sustainable community initiatives will include car sharing, communal electric BBQs, lobby book libraries, communal gardens, and productive beehives for enhanced pollination. Simply by choosing to live here residents will be helping lower global carbon emissions, reduce landfills, save water, and protect biodiversity.
The first stage of Norwest Quarter will include two residential apartment buildings spanning a 9,450 sqm master planned landscaped site and will provide 196 apartment homes, as well as convenient retail and commercial space including a full-floor commercial gym, fresh food grocer, medical services, and restaurants.
When complete, the Norwest Quarter masterplan will transform over 3.8 hectares of greenfield land into a vibrant village centre for over 2,000 residents, with 70 per cent of the site used for landscaping.
