Case Studies / Achievements
Lilyfield Housing Redevelopment
The Lilyfield Housing Redevelopment is the first social housing scheme in Australia to be awarded a Green Star certification. Achieving a 5 Star Green Star—Multi Unit Residential PILOT rating, the project is also the first of its kind to achieve a Green Star residential rating on the East Coast of Australia.
Lilyfield Housing sets a new standard for public housing developments in Australia. It demonstrates that highly sustainable public housing outcomes are both realistic and achievable in terms of building function and use, project demographics and housing affordability.
The development comprises 24 one-bedroom units, 58 two-bedroom units and six three-bedroom units, increasing the capacity of the existing housing by more than double.
Due to its close proximity to public transport, and the availability of on-street parking, Lilyfield Housing does not feature traditional basement car parking. This not only offers a cost saving, but encourages residents to use public transport in preference to private vehicles.
Efficient outdoor lighting systems have been incorporated into the design, that ensures efficient electricity use while minimising light pollution. In common areas, movement and daylight sensors have been installed to further save energy use.
Roof elements over the stairwell areas have been designed to support and orientate solar hot water and photovoltaic panels, which provide on-site energy. No air-conditioning is required as all of the apartments are naturally ventilated, while they are also equipped with water-efficient features.
In addition to these features, the development includes communal garden facilities allowing residents the opportunity to grow their own fruit and vegetables, while also fostering a sense of community.
Ultimately, the Lilyfield Housing Redevelopment project shows that with considered design and construction techniques, social housing can not only be affordable but environmentally sustainable and provide opportunities for residents to engage in ‘green’ activities.
Download the Lilyfield Housing Redevelopment project sheet.
275 George Street
The 275 George Street project achieved 5 Star Green Star—Office Design v2 and As-Built ratings from the GBCA, one of the first buildings in Brisbane’s CBD to achieve this standard of ‘Australian Excellence’.
A Green Star Accredited Professional was engaged prior to the commencement of the design phase to provide vital input and guidance on Green Star requirements.
The building was designed to incorporate high-efficiency water features, estimated to provide water savings of around 20 mega litres a year (in comparison to a typical office building not adopting saving measures).
The project has also taken receipt of a Commitment Agreement to achieve a 4.5-star NABERS Energy rating. The building design has the potential to save over 50 per cent of energy consumed annually. When compared to a typical 3 Star NABERS Energy-rated equivalent office building, 275 George Street’s ESD initiatives equate to taking 590 cars off the road, removing the consumption of over 1.3 million litres of fuel, or negating the electricity consumed by 427 homes in one year.
275 George Street received recognition for innovative design due to the use of the existing basement to eliminate approximately 4,500m3 and 545 tonnes of concrete and steel from being demolished and sent to landfill and eliminating 32,000m3 of bulk excavation. Reuse of the cooling tower bleed was also credited under innovation.
During the construction of 275 George Street 40 per cent of cement used for in-situ concrete and 30 per cent of cement used for cast concrete was replaced with industrial fly ash. By mass, 60 per cent of all steel used in the design has a recycled content of greater than 50 per cent.
The building also offers a dedicated storage area for separation, collection and recycling of office consumables.
Download the 275 George Street project information sheet.
25 Montpelier Road
25 Montpelier Road is only the second building in Australia to receive a Green Star rating from the GBCA on its first application. The project achieved 4-Star Green Star—Office Design v2 and As-Built ratings.
The building design includes the use of natural light, to limit the reliance on electric lighting. In addition, energy-efficient lighting is designed to minimise greenhouse gas emissions. Included in the design of the building is provisions for cyclists, such as bicycle racks and showers. This encourages building tenants to use alternate forms of transport, while the building itself is located close to public transport options.
Furthermore, water-efficient features were incorporated, while rainwater is harvested for on-site use. A dedicated storage area for recycling materials has also been incorporated into the design to encourage tenants to recycle objects such as bottles and paper.
Download the 25 Montpelier Road project information sheet.
University of New South Wales Student Accommodation Project
Prior to commencing this $90 million project, a detailed environmental risk management was carried out, and was reviewed throughout the project. One of the key facets of the management plan was the protection of 12 mature fig trees within the construction site. Watpac ensured—through thorough consultation with an arborist—the trees were protected at all times throughout construction.The trees were protected at all times throughout construction.
In addition, noise control was an important aspect of the management plan, due to the site’s proximity to existing, operating university facilities and accommodation. Noise-reduction measures included sound attenuation for diesel tower cranes, isolating brick cutting away from neighbouring properties, and careful consultation with community and student accommodation representatives.
A number of ESD initiatives were also employed in the design of the project, aiming to maintain natural light, ventilation, and temperature without the need for air conditioning to apartments.
The project won the 2010 UDIA NSW Sustainable Development Award.