Mulpha is set to build a billion dollar, zero-carbon retail and residential precinct in Norwest, New South Wales.
Each apartment in the master planned community called Norwest Quarter, in The Hills will consume two thirds less energy than a typical code compliant apartment and will underpin residents’ aspirations for zero carbon living at up to 25 percent less cost.
Mulpha has enlisted the help of environmental sustainability firm Finding Infinity, together with leading architects Bates Smart and Smart Design Studio, architects Aspect Studios, and urban designers Terroir to deliver the sustainable neighbourhood.
Each 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.
The Norwest Quarter environment has also been designed to minimise the urban heat island effect through substantial re-wilding of the natural landscape, which in turn promotes local flora and fauna.
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Onsite water will be treated as a precious resource with rainwater harvesting and water recycling, while water efficient fixtures and fittings throughout will minimise water waste.
To target zero waste to landfill, Norwest Quarter will actively lead behavioural changes through infrastructure provision such as on-site organic waste separation and treatment, worm farms and composting, a share and repair centre and community upcycling market days.
Mulpha Head of Developments, Tim Spencer said the goal in developing Norwest Quarter has been to truly 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 said.
“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,” Harding said.
The first stage of Norwest Quarter will include two residential apartment buildings spanning a 9450 sqm master planned landscaped site and will provide 196 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 2000 residents, with 70 percent of the site used for landscaping. There will be nine residential towers containing 864 apartments, with 6,000 sqm of space provided for cafes, restaurants, neighbourhood shops and childcare facilities.