Construction has officially commenced this week on the first stage of Mulpha’s $1 billion zero-carbon, masterplanned Norwest Quarter development in the Hills, Sydney.
Mulpha Head of Developments Tim Spencer said the extensive work with Bates Smart and Smart Design Studio as well as Parkview Construction will deliver new benchmarks in sustainable design and construction and one of the most ambitious projects in Australia in terms of sustainable practices, initiatives, and design considerations.
“Despite difficult market conditions for the construction industry, Mulpha with the support of its top-tier partners is on track to deliver the first zero carbon precinct in the Hills.”
Parkview Constructions General Manager, Simon Gobbo, said the team was thrilled to be appointed the builder for Norwest Quarter.
“Parkview is proud to partner with Mulpha in delivering such an important milestone in construction history, the first of what we hope will be many such collaborations in bringing zero-carbon projects to life,” he said.
Hills Shire Council’s General Manager Michael Edgar said that with so much of Sydney’s future housing growth being accommodated in apartments, it was exciting to see the first stages of Norwest Quarter commence construction.
“It has been a while in the planning, and I am really pleased with the focus on building design, attention to detail and the ambitious sustainability measures. It is a commendable goal and shows a deliberate intent to make this building resilient into the future. It is essential we see confidence return to the apartment market and that can only be achieved through good design, efficient use of technology, good use of materials, good sense of place, quality workmanship and a determination to contribute to the public domain.”
Construction on the first stage of Norwest Quarter will include two residential apartment buildings, Banksia and Lacebark, with a total of 196 apartment homes, and more than 3,500 sqm of specially curated and sustainably led retail and commercial space including a full-floor commercial gym, fresh food grocer, medical services and restaurants.
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.
Each apartment in Norwest Quarter 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.
Both buildings will feature rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle charging with fast charges, and high-performance, centralised air-conditioning. The apartments will have high efficiency lighting and appliances, and are 100 per cent electric with induction cooktops and electric hot water.
Other sustainable community initiatives will include communal electric BBQs, communal gardens, productive beehives for enhanced pollination, worm farms, composting and natural landscapes where the flora and fauna will be constantly measured against key performance indicators.
When complete, the Norwest Quarter masterplan will transform over 3.8 hectares of land into a vibrant village for over 2,000 residents who will live amongst 26,000m2 of green open space. Encompassed within the landscape will be nine residential towers containing 864 apartments, 6,000m2 of space provided for cafes, restaurants, neighbourhood shops and childcare facilities.
