Mulpha's $1bn Norwest apartments to be carbon neutral
The real estate developer and investment giant, Mulpha, is committing to create its $1 billion masterplanned community, Norwest Quarter, with a zero carbon footprint, 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 Norwest Quarter, in The Hills District north-west of Sydney, will consume two thirds less energy than a typical code compliant apartment, and will see residents live zero carbon, with up to 25 per cent less cost.
Lower energy bills will be the norm for residents, while resident wellbeing will be increased through healthier buildings which will provide better air quality and greater access to nature.
The first stage of Norwest Quarter will include two residential apartment buildings spanning a 9,450 sqm master planned landscaped site and will provide196 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 percent of the site used for landscaping. There will be nine residential towers containing 864 apartments, with 6,000m 2 of space provided for cafes, restaurants, neighbourhood shops and childcare facilities.
The 115-apartment Banksia building designed by Bates Smart will be launched off-the-plan on 5th of March, and the 81-apartment Lacebark building by Smart Design Studio will be launched a month later.
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, the 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 the goal in developing Norwest Quarter has been to 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," Spencer added.
“I believe people will choose to live here for the opportunity to be part of a community, aiming for a better future, with 100 percent 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% of energy use in the average Australian home is best reduced through effective passive design in the first place.
*Buyers will need to pass the lender’s lending requirements before securing finance.
