Case Studies
WGV at White Gum Valley
Design Feature
Type of project
Infrastructure
State
Western Australia
Location
Urban
WGV at White Gum Valley is an innovative residential development precinct that will set a new standard for sustainable living in Western Australia. The project commenced in 2010, with a vision to ‘create a unique and innovative dwelling design that will contribute to the eclectic character of the White Gum Valley neighbourhood and enhance the sense of place while providing a 21st Century living environment for the next generation of home owners’. Community consultation workshops began in 2011 and a plan was formulated that balanced higher density living with single residential homes. The Local Structure Planning was completed in 2015.
Setting a new standard for sustainable living
Development of the WGV subdivision by DevelopmentWA (formerly LandCorp) was completed in 2016. Construction of homes and apartments by lot buyers is expected to be completed in 2019. The development has been designed to reduce non-renewable energy use and carbon emissions and additionally improve the health and wellbeing of the community through various design features, such as:
WGV is a 2.2-hectare mixed typology residential precinct, featuring a combination of detached houses, town houses and apartments. The homes each include private and shared outdoor areas, practical storage, generous ceiling heights, and a range of environmentally sustainable initiatives to ensure a minimum seven-star energy efficiency rating for each building. For example, the precinct layout is oriented to allow most homes to be north facing allowing for a solar passive orientation. Individual dwelling features include solar power, water efficient fixtures and appliances, plus energy efficient electrical appliances, lighting solutions and heating and cooling systems. All apartment dwellings will have access to batteries to store renewable energy generated during the day. To support sustainable initiatives in the community, a funding package of up to $10,000 for eligible single lot buyers will support the installation of solar power, rainwater tank and tree planted within the lot.
- An emphasis on outdoor environments and active travel
- The activation of public open spaces to support social capital and generate a safe space for the community to utilise
- Environmentally responsible initiatives, such as the use of recycled materials, waste minimisation, and responding to the local climate when developing landscapes
- Encouraging local healthy food production with various growing initiatives to support a healthy built food environment
WGV is a 2.2-hectare mixed typology residential precinct, featuring a combination of detached houses, town houses and apartments. The homes each include private and shared outdoor areas, practical storage, generous ceiling heights, and a range of environmentally sustainable initiatives to ensure a minimum seven-star energy efficiency rating for each building. For example, the precinct layout is oriented to allow most homes to be north facing allowing for a solar passive orientation. Individual dwelling features include solar power, water efficient fixtures and appliances, plus energy efficient electrical appliances, lighting solutions and heating and cooling systems. All apartment dwellings will have access to batteries to store renewable energy generated during the day. To support sustainable initiatives in the community, a funding package of up to $10,000 for eligible single lot buyers will support the installation of solar power, rainwater tank and tree planted within the lot.
The wider development includes a storm water retention system that contributes to soil moisture, plant health and tree growth; a community bore irrigation system that will serve both public and private lots within the precinct; rainwater harvesting systems; plumbed rainwater tanks providing a supply of non-drinkable water for toilet flushing and washing machines, and low water use landscaping. The development has additionally been designed to support environmentally responsible and healthy travel alternatives, such as the inclusion of a network of walking and bike paths, electric car recharging facilities, end-of-use facilities such as bike parking and is within close proximity to local bus routes.
The thoughtful climate-responsive design of the landscape includes features that support biodiversity, food production, and the preservation of the history of White Gum Valley. They also aim to reduce mains water consumption by 70 per cent. For example, the plant selection includes deciduous trees to provide shade in summer and offer light in winter. It also includes edible, native and ornamental street trees. With up to 30 per cent of street trees being edible, the development will facilitate a healthy built food environment.
The thoughtful climate-responsive design of the landscape includes features that support biodiversity, food production, and the preservation of the history of White Gum Valley. They also aim to reduce mains water consumption by 70 per cent. For example, the plant selection includes deciduous trees to provide shade in summer and offer light in winter. It also includes edible, native and ornamental street trees. With up to 30 per cent of street trees being edible, the development will facilitate a healthy built food environment.
The project has worked to support and promote the existing context of the area. Namely, DevelopmentWA, Access Housing and Fremantle-based cooperative Sustainable Housing for Artists and Creatives (SHAC) have collaborated to produce a community housing development for local artists and their families. This is intended to support the City of Fremantle’s creative industry and reinforce a strong sense of culture and place. In addition, the development has employed initiatives to strengthen community connection, such as vibrant public open spaces, activities, gardens, and opportunities for active recreation. Tenants within the SHAC development must be eligible for the National Rental Affordability Scheme which provides a rental subsidy.
As a DevelopmentWA ‘Innovation Through Demonstration’ project, the development will act as the subject of various research programs to explore approaches to urban densification, affordable housing and sustainable development. Projects include:
- A four-year research project funded by DevelopmentWA , City of Fremantle, the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living, Josh Byrne and Associates and Curtin University which will monitor water and energy efficiency and technology performance to be shared with the community.
- A shared strata solar power and battery storage technology trial.
Project team
- DevelopmentWA
- City of Fremantle
- Josh Byrne & Associates
- Curtin University
- The University of Western Australia
- Tabec Engineers
- Urbis
- Water Corporation
- CRC for Low Carbon Living
- CRC for Water Sensitive Cities
- Australian Renewable Energy Authority
- Access Housing
Project Cost
Approximately $60 Million
Health Value
- The project facilitates active travel, fresh food consumption, social interaction and connection to place as a means of supporting wellbeing.
Economic value
- Addressing the rising cost of living, WGV features water and energy-saving initiatives that can reduce resident bills by up to $1,200 annually.
Environmental Value
- The project aims to achieve a 70 per cent reduction in current mains water consumption through the inclusion of waterwise initiatives.
- Waterwise and native plant selection and landscaping techniques will reduce irrigation requirements and support local biodiversity.
- The incorporation of energy efficient technologies aims to reduce grid energy consumption by 60 percent for WGV as a whole, and 100 per cent in individual dwellings.
- Existing trees were retained where possible, a fauna relocation program was established, plus timbers and limestone were retained for reuse in landscaping works.
- Sustainable materials such as ‘green’ concrete using low carbon furnace slag were included in the build.
Social value
- The space will include various outdoor facilities such as barbeque and picnic facilities, a nature play area and informal seating areas which will foster social connection and build social capital.
- The project has commissioned local artists to design landscape features such as interpretive signs that will help provide context to the area.
Use value
- Through collaborative research projects and community updates, the project demonstrates the benefits of sustainable, flexible and cost-effective living models with all Western Australians. This provides opportunities for easy replication.
- The project offers unique housing diversity that meets the needs of current and future generations through emphasis on community, sustainability and cost.
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