First look: Mixed-use development to reinvent sustainability in Byron Bay
A new development in Byron Bay is hoping to create a new blue-print for all future mixed-use developments in the Byron Shire Council.
The new three-level project at 9 Marvell Street, near a number of cafes, restaurants, and the Byron Bay Bowling Club, will have a mix of eight three and four-bedroom apartments above ground floor commercial tenancies, and a resident-only rooftop with swimming pool and barbecue deck.
Australian research lab Finding Infinity prepared a Design Excellence Report - Sustainability, for the project, stating is has the potential to "offer better experience."
"This project is an opportunity for leadership - to create an example that makes it easy for everyone else to follow," the Report read.
The Report said it can be a place that’s easy for residents to have a positive environmental impact, calling it a "finely tuned machine."
"A building that is built cost-effectively and is high performance with a positive impact. It functions simply, and has ultra-low operating costs. It’s easy to maintain and run. Spaces are comfortable and the community thrives. A zero-carbon operational building."
They said the building could reach the environmental-financial threshold, where every profitable initiative is implemented, improving both the environmental and financial performance of the project.
The 1,013 sqm site, currently home to the Byron Bay Dive Centre, has been owned by local businessman Perry Bartholomew, who is the Dive Centre's Managing Director, since 2009, when it was bought for $2,275,000.
Harley Graham Architects, who also designed The Bohemian for Luxcon Group, put the plans together for the $12 million development. The average apartment size is 140 sqm.
There will be EV charging facilities in one car share space in the building, however provisions are proposed for an additional eight charging spaces to meet future demand.
Finding Infinity's Report said that it is predicted that by 2035, 50 per ent of new car sales in Australia will be electric.
Research done for the City of Sydney showed that 81 per cent of residents were in favour of installing EV charging.
Sustainability initiatives
- High performance facade and considered orientation
- Mixed Mode Ventilation
- Efficient lighting, appliances, equipment, and HVAC systems
- 100% electric, no gas connection
- Heat pump DHW
- Rooftop Solar PV
- Imported GreenPower
- EV charging and future-proofing
- Smart controls and apartment kill switches
- Efficient water fittings and fixtures
- Rainwater collection and reuse
- Recycled water connection
- Zero-waste tenancy agreements
- E-water systems
- Organic waste separation
- Non Toxic Construction
