A regional development in Warragul, Victoria has achieved an 8-star energy rating which means it uses 30 per cent less heating and cooling energy than a 6-star development.
It is an impressive achievement for a multi-story hotel, retail and apartment complex in the heart of a country town.
The Newmason project is a commercial/residential mixed-use development consisting of private apartments, a 48-room hotel, fitness studio, 300-seat restaurant, office accommodation and a large medical facility.
The orientation of the building was selected to take advantage of northern sun in winter and features a pergola-style roof designed to limit western sun during the summer months.
Built by Gippsland-based construction company, BFN Developments (BFN), Newmason uses high thermal-load building materials with insulation in the walls, ceilings and floors.
Effective ventilation is used to control internal temperatures within the development which was completed ahead of its 16 month schedule.
Full story in the June edition of CCN Magazine.