DM Property is advancing sustainability in Melbourne with its latest townhouse development, <a href="/buildings/early-3191-sandringham-3-11-george-street-sandringham">Early 3191</a>.

With several active projects around the state – <a href="/developers/dm-property">DM Property</a> has a strong commitment to delivering exceptional developments that consider the environmental, social, and communities local to their projects.&nbsp;

Designed for maximum energy efficiency, the 35 three and four-bedroom Rothelowman-designed townhouses set a new standard for sustainable and communal suburban living in <a href="/developments/sandringham-vic-3191">Sandringham</a>.

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Each townhouse at Early 3191 features energy-efficient LED lighting, appliances, and fixtures, complemented by a 1.5kW solar photovoltaic system discreetly installed on the roof.

High-performance window glazing and design considerations aim for an average 7-star energy rating, ensuring residents benefit from lower energy consumption and costs.

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Several water-saving initiatives are incorporated into the building in the form of rainwater tanks to collect stormwater for irrigation and toilet flushing, which would result in an annual mains water saving of 6,675kL.&nbsp;

The development also adheres to the WELS star water efficiency methods and Best Practice standards for stormwater quality.&nbsp;

Committed to helping reduce emissions, each townhouse is equipped with bicycle storage and EV charging infrastructure in the garage.&nbsp;

Additionally, the location offers easy access to multiple public transport options, including Sandringham Railway Station, Southland Railway Station, and bus routes 825 and 822 nearby.&nbsp;

The East-West Cycle Trail is also conveniently located 850 metres away.

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Early 3191's sustainable initiatives extended to the Adele Bates-designed interiors where thoughtful design and practices were implemented to minimise environmental footprint.

All living areas and bedrooms are designed to maximise natural light and ventilation.

Low VOC interior paints, adhesives, and sealants are used throughout.&nbsp;

A four-bin waste system optimises recycling and reduces landfill waste, while retractable clotheslines encourage residents to minimise the use of clothes dryers.

Early 3191 is Bayside's most advanced project, set for completion in spring 2024.&nbsp;

Construction by <a href="/builders/saw-construction">Saw Construction</a> at Early 3191 is well underway and prospective buyers only have a few more weeks to customise their home, which could include a private lift.

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Early 3191 is Bayside's most advanced project, set for completion in spring 2024

mikah.m@urban.com.au

DM Property integrates sustainability into Early 3191, Sandringham townhouses

Creating a unique and sustainable living experience is the focus of Kokomo Gold Coast, collaborating with highly renowned architectural firm DBI to bring the design to life.

<a href="/new-apartments/kokomo-gold-coast-580-nerang-broadbeach-road-carrara">Kokomo</a> offers an exclusive collection of 68 riverfront apartments in <a href="/new-apartments/carrara-qld-4211">Carrara</a>, bringing a modern take on resort-style living.

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Each of the six storey low-rise buildings present a limited collection of two, three-bedroom and penthouse apartments, thoughtfully designed to include balconies, butler pantries, ample storage and car parking.

Residents are afforded exclusive access to private amenities across the development with a range of community meeting places, as well as a central infinity pool, fringed by lounges and river-view pavilions.

Kokomo is underpinned by a guiding ethos of sustainability and care, undertaking a range of initiatives to connect the development to the community and planet.

A partnership with a managed network provider has been set up to deliver Kokomo’s energy needs, along will bulk-buying energy for the entire development, in turn maximising the use of on-site solar panels and reducing carbon emissions. Electric vehicle chargers will be provided throughout also.

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“Residents can rest assured that buying into the low energy, high amenity residences at Kokomo doubles as an investment in the wellbeing of the planet,” developer Brick Stone Developments noted in their plans.

The apartments are nestled amidst a subtropical landscape, which includes meandering walkways and Pandanus and Foxtail Palms. Preserving the established vegetation along the eastern and western boundaries during all stages of development was a focus for the property group, resulting in a private oasis that complements the surrounding environment.

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All homes feature material suppliers carefully selected for their premium products and ecologically responsible production processes, as well as all homes featuring appliances by Swiss manufacturer V-ZUG who are globally renowned for their quality and commitment to sustainability.

Kokomo recently completed its construction.

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“Residents can rest assured that buying into the low energy, high amenity residences at Kokomo doubles as an investment in the wellbeing of the planet,” noted Brick Stone in their development plans

Staff Writer

Brick Stone puts sustainability at the forefront of Gold Coast apartment development Kokomo

Buyers who purchase an apartment in Mulpha’s zero carbon&nbsp;precinct, Norwest Quarter in Sydney's Hills District, may qualify for a green home loan, rewarding them with lower interest rates on their mortgage and higher loan-to-value ratios (LVR) because of the development’s high sustainability credentials.&nbsp;

Stage 1 of <a href="/new-apartments/norwest-quarter-40-solent-circuit-norwest">Norwest Quarter</a> will deliver 181 net zero-ready apartments that consume 50 per cent less electricity from the grid and are powered by 100 per cent renewable energy with an all-electric design.

Norwest Quarter’s apartments have achieved a NatHERS rating of 8.1, putting them in the top 10 per cent of NSW and well above the Hills average of 6.6.

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Norwest Quarter is one of Australia’s first urban masterplan developments to deliver full-cycle sustainable design principles from conception through to its construction and long-term performance.

Several lenders offer green home loans to borrowers who buy a property that has sustainable and energy-efficient credentials that satisfy the lender’s sustainability requirements.

Norwest Quarter’s ambitious sustainability measures exceed the standards set out in the new Sustainable Building State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), enacted in October 2023. &nbsp;

The new SEPP requires new builds to implement measures to minimise the consumption of energy and potable water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from energy use, monitor the embodied emissions of building materials, and deliver buildings that are comfortable in summer and winter.

The policy is the next step in a push toward Net Zero emissions from buildings by 2050. The new SEPP will increase the building sustainability index (BASIX) energy efficiency standards and will include an increase in the required energy rating for new homes and apartments to a minimum of 7 Stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS).

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<a href="/developers/mulpha">Mulpha</a> Head of Developments, Tim Spencer, said Norwest Quarter will be one of the most impressive precincts in Australia in terms of sustainable practices, initiatives, and design considerations.

“Our off the plan buyers in Norwest Quarter can be confident that we are committed to delivering quality apartment buildings that aim to exceed the new SEPPs code requirements," Spencer says.

“As well as making a real contribution to reducing their carbon footprint, buyers will benefit from reduced energy bills and potentially lower loan rates while also enjoying healthier buildings, better air quality and greater access to nature.

“An added benefit is that the value of your apartment will increase with any energy rating increase, according to Australia’s national science agency CSIRO.”

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Auxiliary heating and cooling, which typically accounts for around 40% of energy use in the average Australian home, is effectively reduced through architectural passive design. Norwest Quarter incorporates smart passive design initiatives including high-performance glazing and insulation, the use of light-coloured materials, and building orientation and facades that invite winter sun to penetrate whilst blocking summer sun.&nbsp;

The Norwest Quarter environment has also been designed to minimise the urban heat island effect through substantial replanting of the natural landscape. &nbsp;Other sustainable community initiatives aim to promote nature and biodiversity of local flora and fauna, including communal gardens, productive beehives for enhanced pollination, worm farms, composting and natural landscapes.

Apartment buildings in the Norwest Quarter will feature rooftop solar panels and high-performance, centralised air-conditioning. Apartments will have high-efficiency lighting and appliances, induction cooktops, and electric hot water.&nbsp;

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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 26,000 sqm of green open space. Encompassed within the landscape will be nine residential towers containing 864 apartments, and up to 6,000m2 of space provided for cafes, restaurants, neighbourhood shops and childcare facilities.&nbsp;

Norwest Quarter is located within 400 metres within walking distance of the Norwest Metro Station and the emerging Norwest town centre as well as extensive parklands, pathways and cycleways.

Mulpha’s ambitious new sustainable residential development is being supported by an $80 million green loan from the CEFC and an $80 million green loan from ANZ to cut energy costs by as much as 50 per cent, demonstrating how energy-efficient homes can contribute to our net zero emissions future.&nbsp;

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Norwest Quarter is one of Australia’s first urban masterplan developments to deliver full-cycle sustainable design principles from conception through to its construction and long-term performance

Discounted green home loans on offer at Mulpha's zero carbon Norwest Quarter

With one in five Australians living in a multi-generational household, Melbourne developer Beulah has taken the concept of a future-proofed and multi-generational home to a new level with its newest project, <a href="/new-townhouses/brunswick-established-23-hodgson-st-brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick Established</a>.&nbsp;

Recognising the significance of a home purchase for many individuals and the years to come, <a href="/developers/beulah">Beulah</a> aims to offer homes that seamlessly adapt to evolving lifestyles and cater to diverse needs – this allows purchasers to customise their homes to suit the stage of life they are currently in while acknowledging where they are heading.&nbsp;

Research from the UNSW City Futures Research Centre revealed that multi-generational living is on the rise with one in five Australians living in a multigenerational household; the most common complaint raised in multi-generational households is noise and lack of privacy. A large cohort driving this trend is men (54 per cent of men) and women (47 per cent of women) aged 18 to 29 years old still living under the same roof as their parents.&nbsp;

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Comprised of 23 two-storey townhouses, Brunswick Established offers multiple typologies of townhomes to suit different living requirements, allowing residents to grow in place - the majority include ground-floor bedrooms for accessibility while others provide a detached room separated by a courtyard.&nbsp;

On top of that, Beulah will enable purchasers of Brunswick Established to customise their homes to cater to different phases of life - from changing the flooring to accommodate a home gym, creating the perfect home studio or home office to creating a grandparent’s (or kids) retreat - no two homes will be the same.&nbsp;

Beulah's Executive Director, Adelene Teh, said that when they launched&nbsp;Tailored Living within <a href="/new-apartments/sth-bnk-by-beulah-southbank-60-southbank-boulevard-southbank">STH BNK By Beulah</a>, it received so much interest as purchasers were eager to create their own dream home by amalgamating floorplans.

"We took this approach and catered it to a suburb such as <a href="/developments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a>, where off the plan townhouses are few and far between. Purchasers are generally limited to choosing their preferred colour scheme and finishes when buying off the plan; we wanted to give them more flexibility to create a home that would grow with them.”&nbsp;

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In addition to longevity, Teh said multi-generational living arrangements can also offer opportunities to bolster psychological, social and financial well-being.&nbsp;

“From shared expenses in terms of utilities and groceries, family support during the early stages of starting a family or&nbsp; companionship through the later stages of life - there are multiple benefits to multi-generational living arrangements in terms of health and well-being.&nbsp;

“Other financial advantages include extending the home’s lifespan to the next generation and saving on significant renovations, ultimately reducing construction waste.”&nbsp;

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Further future-proofing the project, Brunswick Established will also become the first heritage townhome community to implement circular living in Brunswick.&nbsp;

Sustainable initiatives include being gas and fossil-fuel-free, solar panels for renewable energy and rainwater harvesting,&nbsp; 
energy-efficient lighting systems and appliances, and EV Charging infrastructure. Residents will also have access to an edible garden and composting facilities to assist in the continual growth of produce.&nbsp;

By taking a circular ecosystem approach, residents of Brunswick Established will reap the benefits socially, economically and environmentally, including lower energy costs and utility bills and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;

Designed by leaders in social and sustainable architecture, Six Degrees Director Peter Malatt said it was important to design homes that are built to last.&nbsp;

“These homes have been designed for resident’s well-being, allowing couples and families to ‘grow’ in their own homes while ensuring they meet their needs for generations to come. Purchasers usually experience multiple lifestyle stages within one home and we’re looking forward to seeing these unique homes come to life,” he said.

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Further future-proofing the project, Brunswick Established will also become the first heritage townhome community to implement circular living in Brunswick

Beulah unveils future-proofed homes in Brunswick

In a positive stride towards a sustainable and environmentally responsible housing solution, leading Melbourne property developer Beulah’s latest project Brunswick Established will become the first heritage townhome community to implement circular living in Brunswick.&nbsp;

Designed <a href="/architects/six-degrees-architects">Six Degrees</a>, by leaders in social and sustainable architecture, <a href="/new-townhouses/brunswick-established-23-hodgson-st-brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick Established</a> has been designed around the three main pillars of circularity: designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use and regenerating natural systems.&nbsp;

By taking a circular ecosystem approach, residents of Brunswick Established will reap the benefits socially, economically and environmentally, including lower energy costs and utility bills, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the ability to grow their own produce, to name a few.&nbsp;

<img alt="First-of-its-kind heritage townhomes in Brunswick" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0896446a-7650-414e-9b1b-75f8f8fd382f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Brunswick%20Est%20Trop%20Design.jpg?VersionId=2tXgxv8HhIE_VDLkIXX6xYHu4dwvw2H3" />

Beulah Executive Director Adelene Teh said environmental sustainability and the principles of the circular economy are becoming increasingly important.&nbsp;

“At Beulah, we are continually thinking about the future and how lifestyles and ways of living will evolve," Teh.

"While sustainability is the end goal, circularity serves as a crucial step towards achieving it by undertaking practices such as reuse, repurposing, recycling, and remanufacturing.”&nbsp;

Brunswick Established comprises 23 two-storey townhomes, located behind a beautiful heritage facade at 17-23 Hodgson Street. Throughout the construction phase, the project will address the first two pillars of circularity by aiming to recycle and repurpose up to 80 per cent of the existing building on site, currently home to one of the earliest clothing factories in <a href="/developments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a> from the 1920s.&nbsp;

<img alt="First-of-its-kind heritage townhomes in Brunswick" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e10637b9-d88f-4e4f-afc5-7a74e15aa9c4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Brunswick%20Established.jpg?VersionId=ydOI5tAyssEI67Wgq2io5MynjAUEIe5I" />

Bricks will be recycled and used for paving, while salvaged timber will be repurposed into pergolas. Additionally, all power consumed during construction will be via renewable sources. Collectively, this will not only significantly reduce construction waste but will actively reduce the project’s carbon footprint and reduce embodied carbon from using new materials. Additionally, residents will have access to multiple waste streams to partake in best-practice waste management.&nbsp;

The last pillar, regenerating natural systems, has been weaved into the final design of the townhomes, where residents can reap the benefits firsthand. Each home will be gas and fossil-fuel-free and will include a renewable energy system including solar panels and rainwater harvesting, as well as energy-efficient lighting systems and appliances, and EV Charging. Residents will also have access to an edible garden and composting facilities to assist in the continual growth of produce.&nbsp;

“While the built environment industry is more environmentally conscious, there are still opportunities for further innovation, and now more than ever, developers and architects are taking initiatives to ensure that the projects they embark on leave a better footprint upon completion than before,” says Adelene.&nbsp;

“Brunswick, as a suburb, values sustainability and is astutely eco-conscious, placing importance on durable and lasting design, which is intrinsically evident within the locale. In Brunswick Established, we aspire to explore how we can create the right infrastructure and framework to encourage future residents to live circularly and responsibly.&nbsp;

“It is particularly challenging to work with existing heritage buildings to transform them into sustainable homes that meet relevant standards. However, we believe in investing in thorough research and working closely with the best consultant team to create something unique with hopes of setting a benchmark for future townhome living," she says.&nbsp;

<img alt="First-of-its-kind heritage townhomes in Brunswick" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8f0a7e3-e9cf-4422-91ca-59af9e62104d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Brunswick%20Established%20Site.jpg?VersionId=.TDUWF5HGIMQjDeex299B.Bo0qDLROKV" />

Six Degrees Director Peter Malatt said Brunswick Established is a beautifully unique project and one that this suburb has not seen.&nbsp;

“We have drawn inspiration from the rich history of the site to integrate old and new, using our local knowledge of the area and commitment to social and sustainable design. Brunswick Established is an exemplar of heritage, community and environmental sustainability and we believe this project will contribute to the surrounding community for years to come,” he said.&nbsp;

In line with Beulah’s commitment to community engagement and education, Beulah will be hosting a free community event to raise awareness, specifically in the realms of design and sustainable living. The unique neighbourhood fair, set within an iconic heritage warehouse, will be held on March 16, in partnership with Six Degrees Architects, Thank You, Great Dane and Australian Design Review as well as leading eco-conscious brands including Greenspace, Cirque du Soil, Hey Doodle, Secateur Me Baby, DNJ Paper and many more. Through thoughtful conversations, interactive workshops, and pop-up stalls, the event will explore circular living and the future of sustainability.&nbsp;

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Beulah Executive Director Adelene Teh said environmental sustainability and the principles of the circular economy are becoming increasingly important

Joel Robinson

First of its kind heritage townhomes in Brunswick to implement circular living at scale 

OSK Property is breaking new ground in future-proofed living at its $2.8 billion Southbank masterplan, Melbourne Square.

The latest tower release, BLVD, was designed by COX Architecture. Their brief was to create a building which will be as relevant by its completion in 2027 as it is now.

Paul Curry, Director of Cox Architects, says BLVD is a rare example of a building designed today with tomorrow's living standards in mind. Its focus on wellness, connectivity, and community sets a new precedent for urban development in Melbourne.

“It’s rare to create a building designed today delivering tomorrow’s living standards. A blueprint for modern life, BLVD is for you and your community to live well and foster better connections than ever before," Curry said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The integration of industry-leading technology and connectivity within BLVD ensures that residents can personalise their living spaces and streamline their everyday lives.

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Home automation systems allow for effortless control of lighting, temperature, and other amenities, while the smart building app connect residents to a wide range of services and activities.

Smart lockers provide a seamless collection point for deliveries, so need to to collect parcels from the post office on a weekend.

While tech advancements are often the future, so are sustainability and wellness.

Wellness has been a key consideration for millions in recent years since the pandemic. Wellness has been the cornerstone of design considerations and inclusions throughout Melbourne Square. Central to the ethos of&nbsp;BLVD is the pursuit of WELL Certification, a world-leading framework that prioritises the health and well-being of residents.

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Melbourne Square is one of the first residential projects in Australia registered to pursue WELL Certification, leading the way in promoting holistic wellness and sustainability.

Jack Noonan, Vice President of the Asia Pacific International WELL Building Institute, highlights the importance of the certification, saying that Australia's buildings must respond better to create places that feel healthier, happier, and deliver more sustainable outcomes.

"We know that great spaces prioritise and improve health by helping fuel our bodies, keeping us connected, inspiring our best work and facilitating a good night’s sleep. We also know that our buildings must respond better to create places that feel healthier, happier and deliver more sustainable outcomes," Noonan said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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"This is why BLVD is one of the first residential projects in Australia registered to pursue WELL Certification.&nbsp;<a href="/developers/osk-property" target="">OSK Property</a>&nbsp;has applied this world-leading framework from the ground up with a holistic suite of integrated solutions, including optimised access to natural light, great thermal comfort and indoor air quality, through to social, fitness and mental wellbeing amenities. Together, they create an ecosystem to help you live well every day."

To increase the wellness of its resident, OSK Property doubled down on amenities and facilities within the building. They have a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, a gym, sauna, a Zen garden, alfresco dining areas with barbecue facilities, and top of the line entertainment facilities including&nbsp;residents' lounges, dining rooms, a cinema/karaoke room, and even a golf simulator. They've catered for the growing work from home trend with co-working spaces, meeting rooms and private booths to work from.

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Sustainability is a core design principle at BLVD. The building is gas-free and carbon neutral operation-enabled, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.&nbsp;To promote electric vehicle usage, BLVD also has provision for electric car charging stations, encouraging residents to adopt eco-friendly transportation options.

The architectural choices in BLVD also contribute to a healthier living environment. The building prioritises access to natural light, ensuring ample exposure to daylight for residents, while superior thermal comfort and indoor air quality will further enhance the well-being of occupants.&nbsp;

Carr Design Managing Director Chris McCue said BLVD is truly a living and breathing building.&nbsp;

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"We drew deeply on the rich natural landscapes of the surrounding precinct, which are woven through the building’s generous amenities through the material palette and quality fittings. From the gently lit, articulated lobby to the double-height views on the 55th floor, each interior connects immediately to the bay and garden views, offering a sense of scale and freedom," McCue said.&nbsp;

"The residences capture beautifully restrained and timeless interior architecture. Continuing the same reductionist ideology and palette, nature shines through warm, tonal materials and subtle, textured finishes. Together, they create a calm environment for you to make your own and live your way. Perfectly attuned with a design that elevates the senses, we feel very privileged to carve new spaces for the next generation.”

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"Designed today, delivering tomorrow’s living standards": Future-proof design the cornerstone at BLVD Melbourne Square

Construction is underway on Outline Projects' <a href="/developments/fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy apartment development</a>, <a href="/buildings/131-smith-street-fitzroy-131-smith-street-fitzroy">131 Smith St</a>.

The project aims to strike a balance between preserving the heritage of Smith Street while offering a modern and sustainable living space for the future.

The focus is not just on immediate appeal, but on ensuring that the building matures over time, leaving a minimal impact on the planet.

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Designed by the&nbsp;Ilana Freadman and Michael White-led Freadman White Architects, <a href="/buildings/131-smith-street-fitzroy-131-smith-street-fitzroy">131 Smith St</a> makes the most of every space, providing functionality, flexibility, and versatility to accommodate all needs.

Natural materials harmonise the building with the Smith Street-scape, while textural forms and raw finishes preserve a lo-fi charm in keeping with the neighbourhood's character.&nbsp;

Under the leadership of former architect Peter Forsyth, <a href="/developers/outline-projects">Outline</a> works through partnerships with leading architects and designers like Freadman White, to embrace the qualities of a site and to promote a holistic lifestyle for residents and occupants.

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Projects like <a href="/buildings/131-smith-street-fitzroy-131-smith-street-fitzroy">131 Smith St</a>, 44–46 Greeves Street, Fitzroy and Little Oxford Street demonstrate the group's bespoke approach, delivering projects that are designed to get better with age.

The carbon neutral building has sustainability at its core, evident through the range of environmentally-friendly initiatives.

Boasting an all-electric status, <a href="/buildings/131-smith-street-fitzroy-131-smith-street-fitzroy">131 Smith St</a> incorporates solar panels on the rooftop, supplying electricity to the common area, while a centralised electric hear pump hot water system and energy-efficient appliances further contribute to the building's carbon footprint.&nbsp;

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Double-glazed windows enhance insulation throughout,&nbsp;ensuring optimal energy efficiency and climate control within the building, while rainwater harvesting and water-efficient appliances minimise water consumption and waste.

The site will also include electric vehicle charging points in the basement, as well as shared e-bikes for residents and 52 bicycle parking spaces. These sustainable transport options compliment the suburb's 99 out of 100 Walk Score, with accessibility to amenities and public transport a breeze from <a href="/buildings/131-smith-street-fitzroy-131-smith-street-fitzroy">131 Smith St</a>.&nbsp;

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The focus is not just on immediate appeal, but on ensuring that the building matures over time, leaving a minimal impact on the planet.

Outline Projects to bring sustainability to Fitzroy with 131 Smith St apartments

Lewis Land Group’s recently approved $1.5 billion Harbour Shores master planned community in Biggera Waters has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star Communities V1.1 rating by the Green Building Council of Australia.

A score of 84 points makes&nbsp;Harbour Shores the highest rated Green Star Community on the Gold Coast. Launching later this year, the 16-hectare community will be entirely fossil-fuel free and feature extensive energy efficiency, sustainability and community building initiatives, and more than 80 per cent of construction waste will be either reused or recycled.

The 6 Star Green Star Communities V1.1 accreditation signifies ‘World Leadership’ and sets the highest standards and practices across environmental, social, and economic sustainability criteria.

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The Green Building Council of Australia’s Chief Impact Officer, Jorge Chapa, applauded Lewis Land Group on the achievement.

“Lewis Land Group has shown that they are a leader on the Gold Coast and are setting a high standard delivering a fossil-fuel free precinct,” Chapa said.

"Their Harbour Shores masterplan is an outstanding example of a future-focused precinct that will have a positive impact on people and the planet. We look forward to seeing how this healthy, green space is embraced by the local community."

Lewis Land Group is Australia’s oldest privately held property development group with a history of creating communities that spans more than 65 years. The late Bernard Lewis founded the company in 1957.

Lewis created&nbsp;Ephraim Island, the prestigious precincts of The Sovereign Islands, and Harbour Town Premium Outlets Gold Coast, the first and largest outdoor outlet retail centre in Australia, back in 1999.

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Lewis Land Group Director Marnie Lewis-Millar said the opportunity to masterplan a site as significant as Harbour Shores came with a responsibility to consider scale and sustainability.

“Achieving a 6 Star Green Star Communities rating reinforces the value we place on actively investing in our communities and driving sustainable outcomes through world-class urban planning and our philanthropic endeavours,” she said.

“It’s a commitment to community as much as it is a commitment to sustainability and positive environmental outcomes.

“We are especially proud that it will also be Lewis Land Group’s first 6 Star Green Star community and the highest rated community of its kind on the Gold Coast.”

Harbour Shores is located directly opposite Harbour Town Premium Outlets and features 1.2 kilometres of canal frontage with direct access to the Gold Coast’s Broadwater.

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Lewis Land Group’s Head of Development, Michael Long, said more than 54 per cent of the masterplan is dedicated to open green spaces, landscaping and communal areas, and a diverse range of villa and apartments will embrace the waterfront and park-front edges.

“Harbour Shores incorporates the very latest in climate adaptation and resilience plans and is entirely fossil-fuel free, chiefly through electricity infrastructure to power the site, solar energy, and the omission of natural gas for operational energy,” Long said.

“Its future-focused design also creates opportunities for residents to shape a vibrant village atmosphere alongside a high level of amenity, activity, and inclusiveness.”

Lewis Land Group partnered with leading sustainability consultancy dsquared throughout the planning and design process to maximise sustainability outcomes.

Upon completion Harbour Shores will deliver more than 2,000 dwellings, communal open spaces and parklands, a waterfront boardwalk, private marina berths, retail and commercial spaces, and a range of resident amenities including lagoon-style pools, clubhouse and tennis court, and childcare facilities.

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A score of 84 points makes Harbour Shores the highest rated Green Star Community on the Gold Coast

Lewis Land Group's $1.5 billion Harbour Shores development awarded top Green Star accreditation

AVJennings is writing a new script for sustainable living in Brunswick West.

At the core of their newest apartment and townhouse precinct, Harvest Square, is a conscious effort to protect the environment.

Harvest Square presents a unique blend of quality homes, lush green spaces, and a well-connected neighbourhood brimming with amenities. The community's commitment to sustainable design is evident from the moment residents set foot in the Kitchener Street development, with a seamless integration of green pathways, gardens, and landscaped thoroughfares binding the neighbourhood together.

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The sustainability shines through its achievement of a 5-Star Green Star rating, a recognition that exemplifies Australia's excellence in sustainability practices. Each building within the development adheres to this standard, ensuring that the ecological impact remains minimal, while simultaneously enriching the health and overall quality of life for its residents.

All the homes in Harvest Square also achieve a minimum 7-star NatHERS rating. This achievement translates into a comfortable abode that not only provides an ideal living environment but also contributes to reduced energy bills.

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Beyond individual homes, Harvest Square demonstrates a commitment to responsible waste management and environmental care. Effective waste and recycling systems are in place to minimise landfill, further underlining the development's dedication to sustainability.

Urban ecology takes centre stage throughout Harvest Square, with increased landscaping and the incorporation of native vegetation. The positioning of buildings amidst a thoughtfully landscaped precinct not only enhances the aesthetics but also contributes to a reduction in heating and cooling costs.&nbsp;

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Community engagement and shared experiences are at the heart of the project. Communal corridors, play areas, bicycle parking, and productive gardens foster a sense of togetherness among residents. This community-driven approach not only promotes social cohesion but also ensures that sustainable practices extend beyond individual households.

The sustainable precinct design of Harvest Square isn't just about buildings, it's about creating purposeful spaces that seamlessly integrate with their surroundings. The architecture stands as a testament to the commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the area while offering residents a contemporary, forward-looking lifestyle.

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The sustainability shines through its achievement of a 5-Star Green Star rating, a recognition that exemplifies Australia's excellence in sustainability practices

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Designed for a better future: How Harvest Square takes on a sustainable design 

In an ongoing effort to enhance the quality of life across the state, Development Victoria is embarking on an ambitious journey with their Sunshine North townhouse development, LUMA.

As part of their extensive portfolio of over 45 projects, Development Victoria aims to create a thriving and sustainable community that redefines modern urban living.

Following the success of Stage 1, which saw a swift sellout, all eyes are now on Stage 2 of LUMA, slated for release in late 2023.&nbsp;

Development Victoria recently announced they are partnering with Living Future Institute of Australia for this year's&nbsp;Living Building Challenge Design Competition which will see architects, designers and students propose ideas to reimagine an existing 1970s heritage building in Sunshine North and create a 'Living Building', capable of generating its own energy, in line with LUMA's commitment to sustainability and innovation.

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Dev Vic say the development is more than just a housing development, representing a paradigm shift in creating interconnected and masterplanned communities that prioritise holistic well-being.&nbsp;

Situated just 16 kilometres from Melbourne's bustling CBD, LUMA offers a diverse range of townhouses with one, two, three and four-bedroom floorplans.&nbsp;

One of LUMA's most striking features is its dedication to green spaces. In a bid to create a neighbourhood that seamlessly blends with nature, the streets are adorned with native landscaping, designed by the esteemed landscape architect MDG.

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The streets are adorned with a variety of shrubs and grasses that exude a sense of lushness, with the integration of greenery ensuring the homes and gardens harmoniously coexist with the surrounding natural beauty.

At the heart of LUMA lies a spacious local park, spanning an expansive 3,600 sqm. The verdant oasis serves as a unifying green spine that binds the entire neighbourhood together.

Clusters of well-preserved trees punctuate the park's landscape, with the lush space also featuring a children's playground, a covered barbecue area, ample picnic spots, as well as an array of open, green spaces.&nbsp;

Adjacent to the green haven is LUMA's urban plaza, a dynamic communal space designed to foster social interaction, tailor-made for markets, gatherings and a plethora of communal activities.&nbsp;

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Following the success of Stage 1, which saw a swift sellout, all eyes are now on Stage 2 of LUMA, slated for release in late 2023

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