88 Angel, on a quiet street in Newtown, seamlessly integrates optimal low energy building design with stylish and comfortable spaces. The three terrace development is proof of the commercial viability of residential buildings designed using cutting edge technologies with energy efficiency as the central goal. The striking green roofs which cloak the buildings are just the tip of the iceberg of an environmentally conscious construction in which the subtle elements are equally impressive from a design standpoint. Prior to construction, materials that could be recycled from the site were noted and incorporated into the design of the new development. This resulted not only in reduced waste but also offset the need for additional new materials. Large sandstone blocks from the original building have been re-incorporated into the garden designs, and bricks timber and metal sheets were salvaged to be used in planters and formwork. Demolition waste was recycled wherever possible and recycled fill was used where fill was required. Boral 3 Star Envirocrete was selected for the concrete slabs and wall fill. The concrete uses the maximum possible recycled content of cement replacement and aggregate to cut down on the amount of raw materials required. Recycled water (from cleaning and rainfall) is used in the concrete mix massively reducing the water needs of the Boral concrete plants. The roofs, ceilings, internal floors, external and internal walls all are insulated to levels considerably higher than is required by the regulations. High R-values were also selected for all external glazing. Insulation is achieved through double glazing and thermally broken aluminium frames that prevent both conductive and convective heating, and feature low-e coatings that reduce solar radiative heat gains whilst allowing the visible solar radiation to penetrate. The facades of the building feature timber slats of White Cypress Pine which was sustainably sourced from Queensland where it is considered a weed. The slats have been treated with an ancient Japanese technique called Shou Sugi Ban which involves burning the outer layer of the timber, then sanding and washing away the excess charcoal, leaving the timber resistant to against pests and fire. This gives the timber a dark burned appearance and no other coating or finishes are required to ensure the long term durability of the timber. All paints and finishes are low-VOC and are “Environmental Choice” approved. The oak flooring is FSC certified and factory finished to ensure no VOC off-gassing would occur on site. The joinery veneer is also FSC certified timber and the polyurethane joinery coating is water based and low-VOC. The carpets throughout the building are manufactured from 100% recycled PET bottles and produce less greenhouse gas than nylon carpets. Windows allow natural light into all rooms of the house, including skylights. The eastern and northern windows feature louvres and awnings that allow occupants complete control over radiative solar heat gains into their home. The western windows have been designed to be shaded by awnings and nearby buildings and trees, resulting in minimal summer afternoon solar radiation. The large eastern living room windows and doors can be shaded by a three metre wide retractable awning. All bedrooms are fitted with highly efficient ceiling fans to create ventilation, air movement and comfort on those hotter summer evenings. There is a 5000 litre rain water tank that is used for irrigating the green roofs and gardens. Water is recycled through the green roof into the tank for re-use. The green roofs are entirely native Australian plants that have been especially selected to survive in harsh conditions with minimal maintenance. Much of the roof space that is not covered by green roof is occupied by 8.5 kW of photovoltaic solar modules. All lighting is LED, and all appliances have been selected to be water and energy efficient.
This design has resulted in a home with comfortable living, reduced operating costs and an investment in lasting architecture. It is a worthy Winner of the Excellence in Environmental Management for 2016.