Some of Australia’s greenest homes were officially opened today, as part of a unique collaboration that has set a benchmark for inner-urban sustainable development.
The Prince’s Terrace Adelaide—a project by award-winning developer Defence Housing Australia (DHA) in the burgeoning Bowden precinct—was opened by His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Governor of South Australia; Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, South Australian Senator David Fawcett, and City of Charles Sturt Mayor, Angela Evans.
DHA partnered with the Prince’s Trust Australia and Renewal SA to create the mix of eight terraces and four apartments.
DHA Chairman, the Honourable J.A.L (Sandy) Macdonald, said the project demonstrated world leadership in sustainable design, with each home predicted to use 50 per cent less energy and 50 per cent less potable water than a typical townhouse.
‘There will also be a 55 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in comparison to a standard home,’ Mr Macdonald said.
‘Furthermore, an impressive 95 per cent of all waste generated throughout the construction on site has been recycled.’
Mr Macdonald said the project was a unique collaboration between DHA, The Prince’s Trust Australia and Renewal SA, and was the first residential project to receive a 6 Star Green Star design rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
‘We have proved it is possible for small, residential projects to make big choices when it comes to moving toward more sustainable practices and supporting local communities.’
Mr Macdonald said construction at The Prince’s Terrace committed to not only sourcing sustainable products but ensuring that emissions hidden in the supply chain were also reduced. This included indirect emissions produced during the manufacturing and transportation of materials.
‘Remaining emissions are offset elsewhere throughout the development through the use of renewable energy or energy efficiency,’ Mr Macdonald said.
‘Efficient floor plans were designed to take advantage of natural elements, combined with an emphasis on local, low-carbon materials. Every part of construction was considered from a sustainable perspective.
‘Every fixture, fitting, product and supplier used in the building complies with Green Star criteria to reduce hidden emissions.
‘Hundreds of certified and accredited materials were sourced including sustainably-sourced timber, locally-sourced steel, water-efficient fixtures as well as environmentally friendly plasterboard, carpets, door hardware, PVC products and low-toxicity paints and sealants.’
Mr Macdonald said in addition to appointing family-owned South Australian company Palumbo to build the Terrace, DHA also appointed local companies Tillett Natural Stone Industries and Historic Stone Restorations (HSR Australia Group).
HSR carved The Prince’s Feathers, a legacy from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, who launched the project in November 2015.
Mr Macdonald said: ‘All three organisations involved in this project—DHA, The Prince’s Trust Australia and Renewal SA—hope to share our findings and experience with local industry and by doing so, help others make more sustainable choices.’
‘The Prince’s Terrace Adelaide will provide high-quality housing for Australian Defence Force personnel, and will meet the diverse needs of our members both now and in the future,’ said Senator David Fawcett, Chair of Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.
‘His Royal Highness has a long history of collaborative social innovation and commitment to sustainable communities. A champion for mixed-use communities, He believes in putting people first – in creating harmonious, vibrant and resilient spaces that learn from tradition and embrace the future,’ Chief Executive of The Prince’s Trust Australia, Dr Janine Kirk AM, said.
‘We are delighted to see this project move from pen and paper to bricks and mortar, ready to welcome its first Defence families in a few weeks’ time. We look forward to working with communities across Australia to pioneer similar exemplar projects.’