Ultragreen high-rise planned for St Kilda

An upcoming multi-residential project in St Kilda is aiming to become one of Melbourne’s most sustainable buildings.

Gamuda Land’s $90 million Fareham development, designed by architecture firm BayleyWard, is focused on achieving net zero in operations and a minimum 8-star average NatHERS rating. The building will be powered by an embedded network that provides 100% renewable energy, including rooftop solar photovoltaic panels.

The 73 residences in the 16-level building will feature a mix of water-efficient WEL-rated fixtures and fittings, including dishwashers and taps. Residents will also be encouraged to use greener forms of transport through facilities such as EV charging capabilities, secure bike parks and an onsite bicycle workshop.

In order to minimise the carbon footprint of the construction, Gamuda Land chose family-owned firm Markscon to implement sustainable construction techniques throughout the build.

Artist’s impression of Fareham. Image credit: Studio Piper.

This includes incorporating passive design principles, using green concrete technology where possible and prefabricating concrete elements offsite to reduce the amount of new materials used. During the build, there will be an attempt to utilise recycled materials or locally manufactured products where possible, as well as paints with low to zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Markscon will aim to divert 90% of its waste from landfill by sorting materials for recycling.

Gamuda Land General Manager Jarrod Tai said the company’s mission has always been to work with nature, preserve what was there before and find innovative ways to incorporate it into Gamuda Land’s design.

“In 2021, Gamuda Land unveiled the Gamuda Green Plan — a commitment to sustainable construction and development, with specific steps to reduce corporate greenhouse gases emission intensity by 30% in 2025 and by 45% in 2030,” Tai said.

“We are bringing this same commitment to our Melbourne projects and believe Fareham will help set the standard with its target of 8-star NatHERS and its goal of being net zero in operation.”

Fareham is currently under construction and is due for completion in 2026.

Top image caption: Artist’s impression of Fareham. Image credit: Studio Piper.