Monash was the first University in Australia to provide students with new low-cost housing through funding provided by the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS). The development comprises 600 studio apartments, plus additional two and three bed apartments and communal spaces. Accommodation and facilities are provided in two buildings set in landscaped grounds, available for residents as outdoor communal facilities.
The project has been designed to achieve a 5 Star Green Star Multi-Unit Residential Design and As-Built Rating. Key strategies to achieve these ratings and ensure the highest standards of sustainability are integrated into the development include:
- The building is naturally ventilated throughout, aided by ceiling fans, no air conditioning is provided
- High performance facade. The windows utilise high performance double glazing with good thermal properties to decrease the solar transmission in summer and heat loss in winter, therefore decreasing the heating and cooling requirements of the building. External walls and the roof are also insulated. Shading is provided to windows to minimise summertime overheating
- Solar hot water that is capable of supplying 5% of the energy consumption of domestic hot water generation over the year
- 4 star WELS rated toilets, 5 Star WELS rated taps and 3 Star showers reduce water demand
- Rainwater harvesting tanks to collect water from the roof for re-use for toilet flushing, laundries and landscape irrigation. Greywater harvesting system to collect and treat water from laundries, bathroom sinks and showers to reuse for toilet flushing and laundries
- Joinery, flooring and internal walls have been selected for their reduced environmental impact, including extensive use of third party accredited products.
Awards
The project has received numerous accolades, including:
- National Architecture Awards 2012: Winner, Frederick Romberg Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
- Victoria Architecture Awards 2012: Winner, Architecture Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple
- Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) International Award 2012: Winner, Education Building.
