Norwest Quarter

Two towers are set to be constructed in the first stage of Mulpha’s masterplanned community, Norwest Quarter.&nbsp;

Lacebark will deliver 81 apartments upon completion, sitting alongside the Banksia tower with 103 apartments,&nbsp;with a total of 184 apartments penned for the site. The towers will also sit alongside more than 3,000 sqm of specially curated and sustainably led retail and commercial space including a full-floor commercial gym, fresh food grocer, medical services and restaurants.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196015]

Designed by Smart Design Studio, Lacebark will comprises generously sized one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, along with three-bedroom penthouses, all with curved balconies and angled blades, designed to bring in more sunlight in the winter and protection from the sun in the summer.

Both towers will bring a suite of amenity along with them, which residents of either will be able to utilise. Lacebark is set to include a resident’s lounge and a communal garden, complete with a kitchen, sundeck, and barbecues, while Banksia will home a private podium rooftop sanctuary, complete with a pool, day-beds, a native garden, community veggie patch, and an additional resident’s lounge.

Strong interest in the apartments has seen over a third of the first apartments released off the plan selling in the first two weeks to a mix of owner occupiers, including young families, and local investors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=195993]

Mulpha Head of Developments, Tim Spencer said people will choose to live at Norwest Quarter 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.”

“The design of both buildings far exceeds standard sustainability regulations with best practice passive design principles and high-performance environmental initiatives throughout,” Spencer said.&nbsp;

An open public plaza will link the two buildings together, with a wild botanical garden, as well as an amphitheatre, timber walkways, water and wild play for children, decked areas and seating, with the plaza contributing to the 70 percent of open green space within the 
precinct.

Apartments in Norwest Quarter will consume two thirds less energy than a typical apartment, and one third less water from the grid.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=204666]

Due to the strong sustainability credentials of the apartments, purchasers may also be eligible for discounted green mortgages, potentially providing a lower interest rate on their mortgage.

Both buildings will also feature rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle charging with fast charges, and high-performance, centralised air-conditioning.&nbsp;

Apartments will benefit from high efficiency lighting and appliances, and are 100 per cent electric with induction cooktops and electric hot water.

Sitting just 400 metres from Norwest Metro Station, Norwest Quarter will transform over 3.8 hectares of greenfield land into a vibrant village centre for over 2,000 residents upon completion. There will be nine residential towers containing 864 apartments, with 6,000 sqm of space allotted for cafes, restaurants, neighbourhood shops and childcare facilities.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=103264]

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Inside Lacebark: One of two towers in the Norwest Quarter's first stage

The first stage of the latest masterplanned community to hit the north-west of Sydney is in full swing.

Mulpha’s Norwest Quarter will bring nine unique towers to the Norwest site, with each showcasing an innovative architectural design and ecological advances. Built in contrasting heights and shapes, the buildings will be well separated for privacy, yet thoughtfully connected to the community and neighbourhood through scenic landscaping and impressive amenities.&nbsp;

One of the first two buildings to be constructed in the nature-driven community is the Banksia tower.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196018]

Designed by Bates Smart, Banksia celebrates the traditional name for Australia’s Banksia or Wadanggari tree, offering an array of apartment types, atop an activated ground floor boasting a range of shops, eateries, and a gym.

“Positioned around a public plaza filled with native flowers and plants, it’s a destination that unites you with the environment by prioritising outdoor spaces everywhere you turn,” Mulpha say.&nbsp;

Each Banksia floor is a perfect square with apartments arranged around a central core, so everyone enjoys lake, golf course or Blue Mountain views. Corner apartments enjoy aspects in three directions, while single-aspect apartments have been designed to maximise sunlight.

Tall doors open to expansive balcony living, creating a seamless extension to your indoor space, while generous balconies fringed with lush, cascading greenery are angled, ensuring privacy while steeping your indoor-outdoor living in sunlight, and fresh air.

Being nature-driven in design, a number of sustainable and environmentally-friendly initiatives have been included in each of the Banksia residences, including low-maintenance LED lighting, efficient water fittings and appliances, induction cooktops that heat up faster than gas and use less energy, electric hot water, and high-performance, centralised air con.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196013]

On top of the amenity across the ground floor, Banksia is crowned by a private podium rooftop sanctuary, complete with a pool, day-beds, a native garden, community veggie patch, and a resident’s lounge. Banksia also boasts its own lobby library, where residents can share and swap books as they please, while also providing a quiet study/workplace nook within the building. Additionally a number of bookable spaces are also provided, including a private dining room, bar, and office nooks.&nbsp;

The community experience is at the forefront of Norwest Quarter’s design. Art-laden hallways connect each of the spaces, with a share-and-repair shed on site, along with dog washing amenities and car-sharing.&nbsp;

Located just 400-metres from the Norwest Metro Station, Banksia will be joined by the Lacebark building in the first stage, which will deliver additional amenity for Banksia residents to utilise.&nbsp;

184 residences are set to be delivered across the two buildings, with more than 3,000 sqm of specially curated amenity and sustainably led retail and commercial space, including a fresh food grocer and medical services.&nbsp;

Strong interest in the apartments has seen over a third of the first residences released off the plan, selling in the first two weeks to a mix of owner occupiers, including young families, and local investors.&nbsp;

A mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments are still remaining, with completion slated for early 2025.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=103264]

A look inside Banksia: One of two towers in Norwest Quarter's first stage 

Norwest parent developer Mulpha and the University of NSW Built Environment School have released the results of a two-year research study aimed at understanding how the Norwest precinct handles heat and assessing ways to mitigate its impact through smart building, infrastructure and landscape design.

The target of the project is to lower the local Urban Heat Island Effect (UHIE) by two degrees, which will deliver significant cost savings and health benefits to the businesses, residents and visitors to Norwest.

Urban Heat islands form as vegetation is replaced by asphalt and concrete for roads, buildings, and other structures necessary to accommodate growing populations. These surfaces absorb and re-radiate the sun’s heat, causing surface temperatures and overall ambient temperatures to rise.

Mulpha has adopted an urban heat response to minimise heat build-up in its Norwest developments, including its zero-carbon development Norwest Quarter.&nbsp;

Head of Developments, Tim Spencer said the design considerations adopted at an early-stage in any development will have a major impact on the climate variability and liveability in urban environments such as Norwest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196015]

“We are excited to be collaborating with some of the leading thinkers and bright young minds of UNSW to really understand the Norwest micro-climate and how we can influence it with good planning and design," he said.

“Effective collection of on-the-ground data and analysis by world leading experts is central to our vision for Norwest as a Smart City that leads the way in urban design."

“A more liveable urban environment is also a better business and living environment that can deliver energy cost savings and ensure Norwest is a place where people enjoy being and giving their best, as well as being a great place to live and work in all respects."

“Only through collaboration are we going to be able to realise a liveable precinct, so by sharing this knowledge we hope other developers and even homeowners will take steps to assist in lowering the urban heat in Norwest,” Spencer added.&nbsp;

As the Hills only zero carbon precinct, sustainability and an environmentally-friendly design has been at the forefront of Mulpha’s Norwest Quarter development.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196018]

The buildings have been designed to use light coloured materials throughout for high solar reflectivity, as well as using awnings, screens and external shading structures.

To reduce heat in Norwest, there is also the plan for substantial rewilding of the land surface, with a high percentage of deep soil planting and canopy cover, tree planting in both private and public spaces, and water features established throughout the precinct.

Over 70 per cent of the project is dedicated to green, open spaces, which will only bolster the effects of the new plan, with 2,000 residents expected to call Norwest Quarter home upon completion.&nbsp;

According to the NSW and ACT Regional Climate Modelling (NARCLiM), Sydney is expected to experience an increase in average maximum and minimum temperature for all seasons in the future, reflecting the broader phenomenon of global warming.

A Norwest-specific urban cooling guide has been published this week for the benefit of all developers and design practitioners working in Norwest to understand urban overheating and introduce suitable cooling strategies. This will improve the performance of developments, create a more liveable environment and address the challenges of climate change at a local level.

This marks the culmination of two years of monitoring and analysing Norwest’s microclimate from a network of 15 environmental sensors around the Norwest precinct to determine how the precinct performs now as well as how it will develop as the climate continues to change.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196012]

Dr Negin Nazarian, Scientia Senior Lecturer, UNSW Built Environment, said heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe, which has serious consequences for public health, liveability and functionality of urban environments.

“Heatwaves in Australia kill more people than any other natural disaster, Nazarian said.&nbsp;

“With the increased rate of urban development, city and precinct scale climate is dramatically changed, resulting in additional warmth brought about by the urban heat island effect.

“It is paramount that we understand and closely monitor not only the climatic factors, but also the urban design characteristics that impact human health and well-being in the face of such heat events, and further promote smart city strategies to address this.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=103264]

The buildings have been designed to use light coloured materials throughout for high solar reflectivity, as well as using awnings, screens and external shading structures.

Mulpha and UNSW release plan to reduce urban heat in Norwest by two degrees

Creating a sustainable and nature-centred community was the focus for Mulpha when developing Norwest Quarter.&nbsp;

The first stage of the masterplan is being delivered in collaboration, with landscaping firm Aspect Studios, urban designers Terroir and environmental sustainability firm Finding Infinity, on board for the project north-west of the CBD.

Located within 400 metres of the Norwest Metro Station, two residential apartment buildings will first be constructed, along with more than 3,500 sqm of specially curated retail and commercial space that aims to house a full-floor commercial gym, fresh food grocer, medical services, and restaurants.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=195992]&nbsp;

The slender residential towers with their small building footprints will allow for 70 percent of the site to be used for landscaping and amenity, setting a new benchmark in integrated urban design and community making.&nbsp;

Gently sloping landscaped grounds with scattered shade trees will lead up the stairs at the entry of Norwest Quarter to an open-air plaza with retail and outdoor dining, a nature based, informal play area, an amphitheatre for community events, and other landscaped areas.

“Our holistic approach to hassle-free, sustainable change extends to everything on site. We make it easy to access all the services you, your neighbours, visiting friends and family, and the local community might need,” said Mulpha.

Designed around mother nature, Norwest Quarter is home to an abundance of green open spaces, with outdoor seating, allowing residents to make the most of the connected outdoors.&nbsp;

Gracing the Podium’s lower ground level is the soaring Market Hall.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=195994]

The retail area plans to house a curated mix of eateries, fine dining, services, and shops, with the thread of sustainability weaving its way through every aspect of the site.&nbsp;

Norwest Quarter hopes to attract retailers that champion a sustainable supply chain and advocate local produce, plastic-free retailing, zero waste and ethically sourced goods.

“By thinking through each element — such as reusable or BYO containers for bulk foods or take away, we can help protect the planet we love.”

The precinct will also feature communal gardens, home to organic vegetables gardens and worm farms, along with beehives producing Norwest Quarter honey.&nbsp;Bush care, beekeeping and gardening groups will also be setup within the community, which will be welcome for any interested resident to join.&nbsp;

With so much going on, Mulpha has designed a way for residents to stay connected to what’s going on with the Norwest Quarter community app.&nbsp;Residents will be able to download events to their personal calendar, make bookings, get alerts for local happenings, and even log native bird and animal sightings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196012]

When complete, the Norwest Quarter masterplan will transform over 3.8 hectares of greenfield land into a vibrant village centre for over 2,000 residents.

Nine residential towers will be constructed within the community, with 864 apartments set to be delivered, along with 6,000 sqm of space provided for cafes, restaurants, neighbourhood shops and childcare facilities.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=103264]

The slender residential towers with their small building footprints will allow for 70 percent of the site to be used for landscaping and amenity, setting a new benchmark in integrated urban design and community making. 

A look around the nature-centred community at Norwest Quarter 

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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196019]

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.

&nbsp;

“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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196020]

“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.&nbsp;

“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.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=195992]

“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.”&nbsp;

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196018]

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.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=103264]

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. 

Construction begins on first stage of zero-carbon Norwest Quarter apartment towers

The international developer Mulpha, who are developing the $1 billion zero-carbon, masterplanned Norwest Quarter project, have already secured over a third of the sales in the first release.

The recently approved first stage of two apartment buildings, Banksia and Lacebark, will home a total of 196 apartments. The first stage will also include&nbsp;more than 3,000 sqm of specially curated and sustainably led retail and commercial space, including a full-floor commercial gym, fresh food grocer, medical services and restaurants.

The initial sales have shown a strong interest from&nbsp;a mix of owner occupiers, including young families, and local investors.

Mulpha has appointed Parkview Construction to build the project, with work expected to commence in June, with a focus on quality control and delivering new benchmarks in sustainable design and construction.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196023]

&ldquo;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,&rdquo; said Mulpha Head of Developments, Tim Spencer.

The 115-apartment Banksia building, designed by leading architects Bates Smart, will offer a choice of one, two and three-bedroom open plan apartments, with views north towards Castle Hill Country Club and southwest over Norwest Lake. Banksia&rsquo;s design prioritises outdoor space and connecting to nature, with each apartment featuring one or more oversized balcony, complimented with lush landscaping.

The 81-apartment Lacebark building, designed by Smart Design Studio, comprises generously sized one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, along with three-bedroom penthouses, all with curved balconies and angled blades, designed to bring in more sunlight in the winter and protection from the sun in the summer.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196019]

Banksia will also be home to a residents-only podium rooftop, which will have a swimming pool, sunlit garden, a lounge, work from home pods, and function room for hire, while Lacebark is set to include a resident&rsquo;s lounge and a comunal garden, complete with a kitchen, sundeck, and barbecues.

&ldquo;The design of both buildings far exceeds standard sustainability regulations with best practice passive design principles and high-performance environmental initiatives throughout,&rdquo; Spencer said.

An open public plaza will link the two buildings together, with a wild botanical garden, as well as an amphitheatre, timber walkways, water and wild play for children, decked areas and seating, with the plaza contributing to the 70 percent of open green space within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196021]

The Norwest Quarter environment has also been designed to minimise the urban heat island effect (UHIE) through substantial re-wilding of the natural landscape, which in turn will promote local flora and fauna.

Initiatives to enhance long term re-wilding include pollination and soil health management, which will all contribute to the creation of a cooler and healthier environment throughout the precinct. Apartments in Norwest Quarter will consume two thirds less energy than a typical apartment, and one third less water from the grid.

Due to the strong sustainability credentials of the apartments, purchasers may also be eligible for discounted green mortgages, potentially providing a lower interest rate on their mortgage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196003]

&ldquo;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,&rdquo; Spencer added.&nbsp;

Both buildings will also feature rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle charging with fast charges, and high-performance, centralised air-conditioning. Apartments will benefit from 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.

Once complete, Norwest Quarter will transform over 3.8-hectares of greenfield land into a vibrant village centre for over 2,000 residents. There will be nine residential towers containing 864 apartments, with 6,000 sqm of space provided for cafes, restaurants, neighbourhood shops and childcare facilities.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=103264]

Over a third of the first release residences sold out within the first two weeks, with a strong interest from a mix of owner occupiers, including young families, and local investors.



Norwest Quarter

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Norwest Quarter

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News