Project: Viret, Clayfield

Project Description:

Completed in 2006 this is Brisbane’s first Eco-apartment development. Viret represents a breakthrough in the implementation of Ecologically Sustainable Development for residential living in South East QLD.

This development gained notoriety as the first apartment complex to be signed off by the Brisbane City Council's Sustainable Development Assessment Team. Opened by Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Campbell Newman, it demonstrated how Ecologically Sustainable Development can be practically implemented in a commercial multi-residential development. Viret comprised 14 apartments that use innovative design solutions, not common in contemporary developments of this kind. ESD features were integral to the design. The ‘breezeways’ provide improved internal ventilation. They also ensured that daylight was available to three sides of each apartment. Entry to units is via verandahs, providing a double line of security. Sub-tropical living spaces enjoy inside/outside vistas and multifunctional balcony and verandah areas.

Water efficient strategies were implemented well before Brisbane's extended drought restrictions were introduced. A 60,000L water storage tank supplies water to toilet cisterns and was also used for landscape irrigation. To assist this, Water Sensitive Urban Design features were incorporated into the landscape, including swales, bio retention filters, retention basins and porous paving.

Existing site trees were retained to optimize microclimate effects. Daylight is introduced to internal bathrooms via skylights and high level windows borrowing light from other rooms. A 1kW grid connected PV System reduces body corporate expenses. All units achieved a 5 star BERS rating and operational energy is monitored. Efficient fittings and fixtures were extensively utilized. Low Embodied Energy materials including Hebel external cladding, bamboo floors, and locally traded materials were chosen. Low VOC paints and joinery elements have been selected to create healthier living environments.

The kitchen was designed from recyclable materials to enable deconstruction and recycling when refurbished in the future. PVC elements were minimized and sustainable timbers used throughout, resulting in novel design solutions for durability and detailing. The sustainable design features assisted in negotiations in the development approval stage with building clearance relaxations. A gated complex and located near a Brisbane City Council bikeway, all units have access to a secure basement bike store. Viret has set a new benchmark in Ecologically Sustainable Design implementation in a commercially developed multi-residential development.