This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
MULPHA has lodged a development application for the first stage of its $1 billion Norwest master planned community, with the smart city continuing to centre sustainablilty.
The first stage of Norwest Quarter, will be a mixed-use sustainable precinct at 40 Solent Circuit, it will contain two residential apartment buildings and over 3,500sqm of retail and commercial space.
The buildings will contain 196 apartments, with a full-floor commercial gym, a fresh food grocer, medical and hospitality offerings, as well as a plaza with retail and outdoor dining.
“We started the design process by asking how people today want to live their lives and what sustainability, technology and community practices reflect their needs, lifestyle and aspirations,” said Tim Spencer, head of developments at Mulpha.
The two towers will be built to allow for 70% of the site to be used for amenities and Aspect Studios landscaping, with the Bates Smart and Smart Design Studio designed buildings having a narrow footprint.
Conception of the precinct also included work from urban designers Terroir and environmental sustainability firm Finding Infinity.
The buildings and landscaping were designed to reduce the urban heat island effect, with high performance glazing and insulation, rooftop solar PV panels, rainwater harvesting and non-potable reuse, water efficient fixtures and fittings, electric vehicle recharging and car sharing also being used to bring sustainability to the centre of the development.
“The whole design process was about breaking down and identifying what truly makes a community sustainable – it was an inter-disciplinary design exercise that had to accept that for true sustainability the project had to have economic and employment drivers, social and education opportunities, bring health and wellness to the forefront and manage the built form and technology infrastructure super efficiently,” added Spencer.
The developers are targeting zero waste retail outlets through local produce at its supermarkets, communal gardens, worm farms, organic waste treatment and beehives to aid pollination.
“Our society is craving connection to one another, to themselves, and to nature – to live a life that feels more human and actually connected.”
This development will be at the centre of the master planned community, surrounded by 46-hectares of public open space, with 50 kilometres of footpaths and 10 kilometres of bike paths and sitting just 400 metres from the Norwest Metro Station.
“I believe people will choose to live here for the opportunity to be part of grassroots leadership, driving for a better future, targeting 100% renewable energy, zero waste, and the water sensitivity that the world needs,” concluded Spencer.
Most recently in the creation of the community, Mulpha broke ground on The Bond, a landmark timber commercial building on the corner of Elizabeth Macarthur Drive and Norbrik Drive.
While earlier in May, Mulpha gained approval for its $12 million golf and hospitality project, Swing City.
