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Australia is setting a world precedent with ground-breaking sustainable building designs coming to fruition year after year. Today we’re taking a look at Australia’s first apartment complex to integrate solar balustrades into its design – taking out an impressive 7.5-star NatHERS energy rating.

If you've explored Northcote's High Street recently, then you may be familiar with the illustrious building, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/the-general-421-high-street-northcote">The General</a>, which occupies the corner north-facing section at High and Bent streets.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the-general-in-northcote-melbourne-c111218-p2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The General exterior view from Bent Street. Credit: Peter Clarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the-general-in-northcote-melbourne-c111218-p2.jpg?itok=SXTRYPuc" title="The General exterior view from Bent Street. Credit: Peter Clarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The General exterior view from Bent Street. Credit: Peter Clarke</figcaption></figure>Designed by award-winning <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/ckairouz-architects">C.Kairouz Architects</a>, The General's leading sustainability credentials were a definitive goal from the outset – with the photovoltaic glass panels being one of many design features to be included in the final design.   

<blockquote>
“Although it took a leap of faith to adopt untried initiatives, the architecture of The General is a resounding success both aesthetically and practically, ensuring the sustainable viability for many years to come.”
</blockquote>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/cedar-group">Cedar Group</a> Developments

The glass panels were provided by Environmental Technology Solutions (ETS) and cover an area of 130 square metres, meaning the building is able to generate 2,075 kWh per year and eliminates the release of 1.95 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere.

<blockquote>
“Pioneering the photovoltaic glass product encourages future development and refinement of the product to make it more commercial and increase the public awareness and philosophy for it to be adopted by others in the future. We feel that industry recognition and support of our initiative is important in spreading the message.”
</blockquote>

Chahid Kairouz, C.Kairouz Architects

Other sustainability measures include adding 25,000-litre rainwater tank capacity which is used to flush 50 toilets and 137 bicycle parks for resident use.

The General features a modern, convex glass feature piece which adorns two street-facing facades. The glass can be illuminated at night, and one side even features a striking pattern which depicts a Victorian general on a horse – which pays homage to architect Kairouz’ father, who was affectionately nicknamed ‘The General’ and owned the site’s former butcher’s shop.

<blockquote>
“It was extremely important to reflect my father’s values in the design of the general; not only for sentimental value but to stand the test of time in its design and its use of cutting-edge sustainable technology on the facade; a combination makes the building and the apartments be relevant for longer." 
</blockquote>

Chahid Kairouz, C.Kairouz Architects

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the-general-in-northcote-melbourne-c111218-p12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Glass pattern featuring a Victorian general on a horse. Credit: Peter Clarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the-general-in-northcote-melbourne-c111218-p12.jpg?itok=uz188PLX" title="Glass pattern featuring a Victorian general on a horse. Credit: Peter Clarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Glass facade featuring a Victorian general on a horse. Credit: Peter Clarke</figcaption></figure>The design also features three hollowed-out voids which aim to distribute natural light and encourage airflow throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

READ MORE: <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/5-of-melbournes-environmentally-conscious-new-development-highlights">5 of Melbourne’s environmentally conscious new-development highlights</a>

<h2>THE GENERAL AT A GLANCE</h2>

<ul>
<li>Approximately 2087 square metres of land across 6 titles</li>
	<li>87 apartments across eight storeys</li>
	<li>Three underground basement levels</li>
	<li>Communal gym</li>
	<li>Views to the CBD</li>
	<li>137 bicycle parks</li>
	<li>25,000-litre rainwater tank</li>
	<li>130 square metres of solar balustrades</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the-general-in-northcote-melbourne-c111218-p9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The General's on-site gym. Credit: Peter Clarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="317" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the-general-in-northcote-melbourne-c111218-p9.jpg?itok=wHmiB9zo" title="The General's on-site gym. Credit: Peter Clarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The General's on-site gym. Credit: Peter Clarke</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/a325_valeo_highstnthcote_mwilliams_023_2048px_72dpi.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Apartment balcony. Credit: Valeo Construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="381" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/a325_valeo_highstnthcote_mwilliams_023_2048px_72dpi.jpg?itok=UtY3tVLB" title="Apartment balcony. Credit: Valeo Construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Apartment balcony. Credit: Valeo Construction</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/a325_valeo_highstnthcote_mwilliams_009_2048px_72dpi.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One of The General's apartment kitchens. Credit: Valeo Construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="381" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/a325_valeo_highstnthcote_mwilliams_009_2048px_72dpi.jpg?itok=Uuxzv3Fw" title="One of The General's apartment kitchens. Credit: Valeo Construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One of The General's apartment kitchens. Credit: Valeo Construction</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/a325_valeo_highstnthcote_mwilliams_008_2048px_72dpi.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior fireplace and storage. Credit: Valeo Construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="381" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/a325_valeo_highstnthcote_mwilliams_008_2048px_72dpi.jpg?itok=pe2X_XpY" title="Interior fireplace and storage. Credit: Valeo Construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Interior fireplace and storage. Credit: Valeo Construction</figcaption></figure>Lead image: The General, High Street facade. Credit: Peter Clarke.
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