Essential element

The revitalisation of urban sites is not only an exercise in making use of brownfield areas, it can also serve as a reminder of changes in architecture and social consciousness.

A prime example is the joint Valad Property Group and Aberdeen Group development Air designed by Melbourne-based Rothelowman and situated on part of the former HM Prison Pentridge site at Coburg.

"Located only 8km north of Melbourne, Coburg has been identified as an area ripe for redevelopment," says Kim Lowman, principal of Rothelowman. "With its strong local identity and community focus on environmentally sustainable living, the location presented us with an opportunity to create a built environment that would be a draw card for Coburg."

The 18-storey, 259-unit building features a number of ESD initiatives, the most obvious of which are the wind turbines incorporated into the building's crown.

"As well as the turbines, which are capable of producing 17,500kWh each year and will power common area lighting, Air features solar-boosted gas hot water, rainwater harvesting for sanitary and irrigation applications, efficient tapware and appliances and compact fluorescent downlights," says Lowman.

Story by: Trendsideas