Apartments. Setting a new standard in medium density public housing. Change View

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1 Setting a new standard in medium density public housing Enter

2 Main menu 03 Introduction 04 How to have a Healthy Home 10 Quick Facts 11 Project Details

3 Introduction Welcome to K2. This 96 unit housing development sets a new benchmark in ecologically sustainable, medium density public housing. The K2 project was initiated by the Victorian Office of Housing and designed by DesignInc Melbourne architects in response to an open competition. The primary objectives of the project were to minimise greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption, and to maximise use of reusable and recycled materials. The K2 have been designed to combine a healthy building and environment. Social, economic and natural aspects of sustainability have been regarded as equally important. Access to landscape, indoor air quality, natural ventilation and the provision of a variety of communal spaces combine to achieve a socially responsible development. Concept sketch celebrating a solar aesthetic < >

4 How to have a Healthy Home Let s face it, we spend a lot of time inside our homes. So the quality of our inside air is just as important as what is happening outside. Unfortunately, few people are aware that most households contain a cocktail of chemicals, organisms and substances that are bad for our health. There are lots of simple things you can do to make your home healthier to live in. These include: Regularly air out your home. Open doors and windows to maximise natural ventilation. Purchase personal care products manufactured from natural, non-synthetic, non-toxic ingredients. These are available in some supermarkets, health food stores and over the internet. Purchase some indoor air purifying plants. Living plants can be very efficient at absorbing contaminants from the air such as formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide. Indoor air purifiers include Kentia Palms, Boston Ferns and Peace Lilies. Continued next page

5 How to have a healthy home Sustainable Travel Most people know that cars are bad for our environment, air quality and health. However, what is not commonly known is that cars are also reshaping the nature of local communities. As most people travel from place to place directly and independently, there is less time spent on local streets interacting with local businesses and neighbours. There are, however, still many ways you can reduce the impact your car has on the environment, your health and the health of your local neighbourhood. Walk or Ride Short Trips Every kilometre you don t drive saves a third of a kilogram of greenhouse gas emissions. Walking or cycling short trips also has health benefits through increased physical activity. Take Public Transport Bus/tram services operate along St Kilda Road servicing City and suburban transit. Prahran and Windsor railway stations are also within close proximity to the K2 Contact Metlink for further details: Tenant Education The following list indicates how to make the most of the sustainable features of the K2. Correct use of the facilities will enable higher water and energy savings and contribute to the K2 reputation as a new benchmark in sustainable development for the state government of Victoria.

6 How to have a healthy home Category Comment Tips for Tenants Grey water System Grey water from the treatment system is used for: Toilet flushing to all apartments. All garden watering via drip feed irrigation. The grey water supply pipework is identified by its purple colour. Shower and bathroom handbasin waste from Buildings 3 and 4 are the only fixtures connected to the grey water system. Don t: 1 Don t discharge any materials into these waste outlets (shower and bathroom handbasin) that will cause damage. This includes: Detergents, fertilisers, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, human waste, or pet care products. 2 Don t drink grey water, it is non-potable (there are no tap outlets in the system). 3 Don t wash pets in the shower or handbasin. Water Usage Rainwater from all building roofs is collected in the large rainwater tanks in the central courtyard where it is treated and used to supply domestic and heating hot water. The cold water to apartments is provided from mains supply. Water is a precious & scarce resource. Opposite is a list that shows ways to reduce water usage. 1 Do reduce shower times to 4 minutes maximum. 2 Do reduce quantity of washing-up water used. 3 Do ensure taps are turned off properly. 4 Do attend to dripping taps immediately. Don t: 1 Don t wash your car on site. 2 Don t install dishwashers.

7 How to have a healthy home Category Comment Tips for Tenants Natural Ventilation All apartments are designed to achieve cross flow ventilation in living spaces. 1 Do open and close windows and external doors to maximise comfortable conditions. 2 Do close windows and doors against hot or cold winds. 3 In top level apartments only, do turn on ceiling fan to assist air movement in hot weather. 4 In top level apartments only, do turn on high level extract fan to expel hot air, particularly during night time. Mechanical Ventilation Ventilation to kitchens, laundries and bathrooms is provided by fans. 1 Do use exhaust fans whenever kitchens, bathrooms and laundries require exhausting. 2 Do turn off exhaust fans when not required. 3 Do replace the range hood charcoal filter, at least annually, to prevent the build up of grease.

8 How to have a healthy home Category Comment Tips for Tenants Heating Living areas are heated by gas fired hydronic natural convector heaters. 1 Do minimise use of the heaters in winter. 2 Do allow natural ventilation by opening/closing windows and doors but control use to prevent excessive heat escape in winter. Lighting and Power Energy efficient fluorescent fittings are installed throughout the apartments. Roof mounted photovoltaic cells (PV cells) also provide power. 1 Do turn off lights when rooms are not occupied. 2 Do use electrical appliances sparingly. Don t: 1 Don t install clothes dryers they use a lot of energy and apartments do not have exhaust vents for clothes dryers. 2 Don t use portable electric heaters they use a lot of energy.

9 How to have a healthy home Category Comment Tips for Tenants Waste Management Cleaning Products Floor Finishes Recycling and rubbish bins are located in centralised compounds. Rubbish and recycle bins for Buildings 1 and 2 are located behind Building 1. Rubbish and recycle bins for Buildings 3 and 4 are located behind Building 4. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) can be found in many household cleaners, and can be damaging to the environment. Marmoleum (linoleum) and carpet tiles in particular have been specially selected to maximise thermal insulation within each apartment and also air quality. 1 Do recycle as much household waste as possible. 1 Do purchase and use low VOC cleaning products and avoid aerosol sprays (check labels when purchasing). 1 Do regularly wipe marmoleum clean with static (dust control) mop. Remove spots with damp mop and neutral detergent. 2 Do regularly vacuum carpet (weekly minimum). Remove stains as soon as they occur by spot cleaning with recommended cleaning product. Don t: 1 Don t attempt to replace floor coverings. Any request to replace cannot be approved.

10 10 Department of Human Services - Office of Housing Quick Facts Anticipated Energy Consumption per K2 Apartment: Electricity Electricity use is estimated to be 55% less per year than a standard development. Photovoltaics Photovoltaic panels on the roof supplement 10% of the base building electrical energy. Gas The annual estimated gas energy saving from the solar hot water system is 46%. Estimated energy consumption of solar/gas hot water is 103 megawatt hours per year for the whole development. Anticipated Water Consumption per tenant: Water Typical daily water use of a standard non K2 apartment is assumed to be 250 litres/ person/day. The potential reduction in mains water consumption for the K2 for the total development, over a standard development, is 53%. This is through use of water efficient fittings reducing consumption by 28%, rainwater collection an additional 8%, wastewater reuse for toilet flushing an additional 14% and irrigation 3%. This is a saving of approximately 44% per person per annum (excluding landscaping). Landscaping Most of the plants and trees used were chosen for their low water use, allowing an estimated water consumption saving of 68%.

11 11 Department of Human Services - Office of Housing Project Details Location Raleigh Street, Windsor, Melbourne. Developer The Department of Human Services, Office of Housing, Property Services and Asset Management. Architect DesignInc Melbourne Builder Hansen Yuncken Site Area: 4,800m 2 Site Content: 96 units, community room and 52 car parks. Cost: $32.3 million Completion Date: February 2007