‘The Quays’ is designed to achieve 66 points, exceeding the 56 points specified in the ESD Docklands Guide required for an Award of Merit. A large recreational and landscape area provided on the podium roof provides a sanctuary for native species and gives an opportunity for residents to enjoy the outdoors. Rainwater collected off the tower and podium roofs filtered through planters, before being stored below the car park for use in the common area toilets and for plant irrigation.
In addition, the ground floor tree plantings and garden beds provide retention pits that detain and filter storm water before it enters the storm water system. Every apartment is fitted with water efficient fixtures, low energy appliances and gas boosted solar hot water, achieving an average 6 star NatHERS rating. The paints used throughout the building are low emission and the air conditioning systems are CFC and HCFC free and plantation timbers are used throughout the building.
The reliance on artificial lighting is minimised with the incorporation of motion sensors – switching off common area lights when not required. The tenancies are kept shallow and to the edge of the building, giving good access to light, and the 7 storey atrium allows light deep into the plan. High performance tinted double glazed units with low-E coatings are used across the facade, addressing heat gain & loss, and dealing with the challenging acoustic issues of this corner site.
