This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
MULPHA has already sold more than a third of its recently released the first apartments in its $1 billion zero-carbon Norwest Quarter development in Sydney.
The off-the-plan release of first stage of the masterplanned Norwest Quarter in the Hills district, around 35 north west of the CBD, will include 196 apartments across two buildings – Banksia and Lacebark – with over 3,000sqm of retail and commercial space.
Mulpha was granted DA approval for Norwest Quarter this month and has since appointed Parkview Construction to deliver the development.
“We are very excited to launch the first apartment buildings in Norwest Quarter which we believe will set a new benchmark in lifestyle design with its focus on community, sustainability and harmony with the natural environment,” said Tim Spencer, head of developments at Mulpha.
With over third of the residences already selling off-the-plan since their release two weeks back, interest has been predominately observed in owner-occupiers—particularly from young families— as well as local investors.
The Bates Smart-designed Banksia comprises 115 residences, with the open plan apartments available in one-, two- and three-bedroom configurations. Each of which will include one or more oversized landscaped balconies.
Banksia will also feature a resident-only podium rooftop comprising a swimming pool, garden, lounge, work from home pods and a function room.
While the Smart Design Studio-designed Lacebark will feature 81 apartments, also in one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts, in addition to three-bedroom penthouse offerings, all including curved balconies and angled blades to allow for more sunlight in the winter and protection in the summer.
Lacebark will offer residents a lounge and garden, including a kitchen, sundeck and BBQs.
Buyers will also be offered upgrade options for floorspace in spare rooms or home offices, adding increasingly prioritised flexibility.
“The design of both buildings far exceeds standard sustainability regulations with best practice passive design principles and high-performance environmental initiatives throughout,” said Spencer.
With 70% of the Norwest precinct dedicated to open space, the apartment buildings will boast a public plaza linking the two and featuring a wild botanical garden, including an amphitheatre, walkways, decked areas, seating and water and wild play areas for children.
Norwest Quarter has been sustainably designed, with the apartments set to consume two thirds less energy and one third less water from the grid that the typical apartment.
The buildings will be 100% electric and include rooftop solar panels, EV charging, centralised air-conditioning, high efficiency lighting and appliances.
The development will also work to mitigate the urban heat island effect, implementing re-wilding of the native landscape, with pollination and soil health management.
Communal initiatives for sustainability will also be a feature at Norwest Quarter, with communal electric BBQs, communal gardens, beehives, worm farms and composting.
“I believe people will choose to live here for the opportunity to be part of a community, aiming for a better future, targeting 100 percent renewable energy, reduced waste, and efficient use of resources including water,” added Spencer.
Such measures may make purchases eligible for discounted green mortgages, which could see buyers provided with a lower mortgage interest rate.
Sitting within 400m of the new Norwest Metro Station and walking distance from the Norwest town centre, Norwest Quarter will eventually include nine residential towers with 864 apartments.
The masterplan will see more than 3.8-hectares of greenfield land transformed into a village centre for more than 2,000 residents, who will also benefit from 6,000sqm of space dedicated to cafes, restaurants, retail and childcare facilities.
The first stage of Norwest Quarter is due to commence construction works from Parkview Construction in June 2022.
