This story started 10 years ago when Brendon Collins, farmer and property developer, decided it was time to start creating urban communities with a difference. With a passion for sustainability he wanted to create a community that would not only have a lighter environmental footprint, but one that also meant locals could walk to local facilities and have access to spaces that encouraged social engagement with neighbours.
“I saw this particular piece of land almost a decade ago and had a vision for a ‘community of tomorrow’ where future residents could walk to primary services combined with living in a home that can maximise efficiency, to the point of having minimum running costs. All within an aesthetically beautiful development with a park at the centre of it all,” says Brendon. His company Triquest purchased the block of land eight years ago from the Victorian Government. Following this purchase, Brendon and business partner Henry travelled Australia-wide looking for the very best in urban design.
“Urban design is a passion for both Henry and myself – it’s amazing what can be achieved using the right materials and the right design. We sought the best and put what we learnt into our own development,” continues Brendon. “Eight years ago Western Australia had the very best urban developments and we learnt a lot, however it is important to keep on learning and discovering new processes, products and technologies, as things are changing all the time.” Ultimately, an 8-star development is now being built. The first stage was to renovate the old farmhouse into a beautiful fully bulk billing medical facilitiy with 8 practicing doctors, a pathology lab and a pharmacy. There is also a great cafe on the corner and a local bus stop, all within an easy walk from all homes in the development. The development of the first group of 6 star townhouses paved the way for improving the building process to achieve the current 8 star rating. There are currently 32 homes and townhouses completed and another 77 yet to be constructed.
“We are not aware of any other 8-star urban developments in Australia and we are proud to be leading the way. Being the first to do something comes with its own set of challenges. We had to search to find leading urban design consultants and then train our team of tradespeople so they understand the efficiencies we were trying to achieve. Because we’re talking about a medium-density development, everything has to be more accurate and more precise – we certainly haven’t cut any corners.” said Brendon. Low impact and lightweight construction was a key component of achieving the 8-star rating and these products make up 80 per cent of the townhouses, with the products selected for their energy efficient properties as well as the fact they are easy to work with. Great thought was put into every product used on the project from environmentally friendly paints, through to designing for water retention and landscaping using native plants. "The development also allows the owner to have the option of having Solar PV cells fitted to the roof if they want to go that extra mile." Brendon says.
"The 8-star energy rated townhouses currently being built are expected to give the new owners significant cost savings in relation to heating and cooling. We expect these 8 star homes to achieve approximately a 50% reduction in heating and cooling costs when compared to what a 6 star rated home would deliver. All this contributes to keeping running costs lower." says Danielle King, a Sustainability Consultant and owner of Green Moves Aust. Danielle sums up with "This is a truly unique development, probably the first of this magnitude in Australia, and it pushes the boundaries of lighter footprint homes. How refreshing to see a Developer with such commitment to creating energy efficient, cost efficient and community focused urban homes. " Brendon concludes “At the end of the day, the 8-star rating has attracted many buyers who are keen to buy off the plan – this just proves that there is a demand for sustainable housing communities.”
Brendon is opening his display home on Sustainable House Day, Sunday 11th September. If you'd like to see what they have done and learn more about this unique development, go and take a look. You'll be pleasently surprised!
Further details of this development can be seen online at http://www.greenmoves.com.au/property/elmwoodvilla
(September 2011) (
