Construction begins on first stage of zero-carbon Norwest Quarter apartment towers
The first sod of soil has officially been turned at Mulpha’s $1 billion zero-carbon, masterplanned community Norwest Quarter in Sydney’s Hills district.
Construction on the first stage of Norwest Quarter will include two residential apartment buildings, Banksia and Lacebark, with a total of 196 apartment, and more than 3,500 sqm of sustainably-led retail and commercial space which is set to include a full-floor commercial gym, fresh food grocer, medical services and restaurants.
Each apartment in Norwest Quarter 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 per cent less cost.
Mulpha Head of Developments, Tim Spencer, said the ground-breaking ceremony was an opportunity to celebrate this important milestone with all the people involved in the development and construction process, including builder Parkview Construction, architects Bates Smart and Smart Design Studio, environmental sustainability firm Finding Infinity, landscaping architect Aspect Studios and urban designers Terroir.
“After working extensively with Parkview Construction to quality control and deliver new benchmarks in sustainable design and construction, we are excited to commence construction on the first stage of Norwest Quarter which will be one of the most ambitious in Australia in terms of sustainable practices, initiatives, and design considerations," Spencer said.
“Despite difficult market conditions for the construction industry, Mulpha with the support of its top-tier partners is on track to deliver the first zero carbon precinct in the Hills, testament to its strong sustainability credentials and longevity in the Australian industry.
“Our off-the-plan buyers in Norwest Quarter can be confident that we are committed to delivering quality apartment buildings that far exceed minimum code requirements, whilst simultaneously setting new benchmarks in lifestyle design, community focused wellness, sustainability and harmony with the natural environment.”
Hills Shire Council’s General Manager, Michael Edgar, said that with so much of Sydney’s future housing growth being accommodated in apartments, it was exciting to see the first stages of Norwest Quarter commence construction.
“It is testament to Mulpha’s belief in our Shire and the Norwest Business Park. It has been a while in the planning, and I am really pleased with the focus on building design, attention to detail and the ambitious sustainability measures,” Edgar said.
“It is essential we see confidence return to the apartment market and that can only be achieved through good design, efficient use of technology, good use of materials, good sense of place, quality workmanship and a determination to contribute to the public domain.”
As well as making a contribution towards mitigating the effects of climate change and decreasing the urban heat environment at Norwest, Norwest Quarter's zero carbon target will lower energy bills while increasing wellbeing through healthier buildings, better air quality and greater access to nature.
Due to the strong sustainability credentials of the project, Norwest Quarter buyers may also be eligible for discounted green mortgages, potentially providing a lower interest rate on their mortgage.
Both buildings will feature rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle charging with fast charges, and high-performance, centralised air-conditioning. The apartments will also have high efficiency lighting and appliances, and are 100 per cent electric, with induction cooktops and electric hot water.
Other sustainable community initiatives will include communal electric barbecues, communal gardens, productive beehives for enhanced pollination, worm farms, composting and natural landscapes, where the flora and fauna will be constantly measured against key performance indicators.
When complete, the Norwest Quarter masterplan will transform over 3.8 hectares of land into a village for over 2,000 residents who will live among 26,000 sqm of green open space.
Encompassed within the landscape will be nine residential towers containing 864 apartments, with 6,000 sqm of space provided for cafes, restaurants, neighbourhood shops and childcare facilities.
The community will be located within 400 metres walking distance of the Norwest Metro Station and emerging Norwest town centre, as well as extensive parklands, pathways and cycleways.