Sustainable apartments to set the standard for new-look Northbourne Avenue

The second stage of JWLand’s Lyneham residential precinct will be the first development designed and built in accordance with Canberra’s new Northbourne Avenue planning regulations.

A development application is expected to be approved soon, with work on the groundbreaking project set to commence in early 2022.

JWLand’s national head of development Michael Prendergast says the new building and design principles for Northbourne Avenue will enhance the standard of apartment living in Canberra.

“Residents will live in more comfortable and better designed homes, with the added benefit of lower living costs,” he explains.

While there is no significant difference in the purchase price of a sustainable apartment compared to one that is ‘traditionally’ built, there will be noticeable future savings for purchasers of the solar-passive designed homes.

“At least 70 per cent of apartments in each building must receive more than three hours of direct sunlight each day, even on the shortest day of the year,” says Michael.

“Energy efficient glass and high thermal mass materials are to be used in the floors and walls of north-facing rooms to provide comfortable living while reducing energy costs.”

Lyneham Stage 2 will also create more shared and private green spaces for residents to enjoy, promoting an active and social lifestyle.

“Open spaces improve the general health and wellbeing of residents,” says Michael.

“They help reduces stress, encourage physical activity and create a place for people to meet outside of their apartments.”

He says more space between the buildings will ensure residents won’t feel they are living “on top of one another”, and will also increase their privacy.

Michael says JWLand is excited to be the first developer to embrace the new Northbourne Avenue planning guidelines which are aimed at enhancing apartment design and providing high-quality buildings along one of Canberra’s most important boulevards.

“Pushing the sustainable envelope is important to make sure what we build today is as low impact on the environment as possible,” he says.

“One way this can be achieved is through the use of materials such as pre-cast concrete.

“We are always looking at ways to embed the latest design trends into our buildings through the use of materials or within the apartment design itself.”

Michael says JWLand is committed to advancing sustainability and the use of renewable energy in the property sector.

One way the company is doing this is through its partnership with the ANU Energy Change Institute which will provide support for renewable energy research.

“We are excited to be able to assist in the advancement of innovative, cutting-edge technologies that will increase renewable energy consumption and decrease greenhouse gases,” he says.

“Advancements in energy storage technology is a big game changer in terms of accessing renewable energy.

“Low carbon future lifestyle reduces greenhouse gases and saves resources.

“More importantly, it reduces all of our exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants.”

The three-stage Lyneham precinct will change the face of Northbourne Avenue and Michael says the revitalisation of the area will give visitors to Canberra a sense of the city’s growth and the strength of its market.

“The economic health of a city can be quickly gauged by the quality and age of its housing stock,” he says.

“The city has undergone significant economic development in recent years, particularly with the introduction of the light rail.”

Michael says Lyneham Stage 2 will contribute to the ACT Government‘s vision to increase housing options and encourage population growth along the Northbourne corridor.

Less than 3km from the city, he says the new apartments will be suited to first-home buyers, young professionals and investors.

With the Macarthur and Dickson light rail close by, it’s an easy commute to the city and Braddon’s cafes, bars and restaurants.

For people who love the outdoors, there is also an abundance of nearby walking trails and Lyneham wetlands to enjoy.

Lyneham Stage 2 is set to be released to market in the coming months.

For more information, go to JWLand.