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Creating a sustainable retirement community


Thursday, 11 April 2024

Bernborough Ascot is aiming to be the most sustainable retirement community in Australia.

The Bernborough Ascot retirement village located at the Doomben Racecourse secured one of the retirement living sector’s first 6 Star Green Star Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

Sustainability at Bernborough Ascot

The Bernborough Ascot retirement village has a 6 Star Green Star Communities Rating - and is one of the first retirement communities to achieve this rating in Australia.

“This means Bernborough Ascot is at a world-leading standard and its residents and surrounding community are now poised to enjoy the enormous benefits sustainable buildings create for people," said Green Building Council of Australia CEO, Davina Roone.

But what does this mean for residents?

Energy efficiency

With high performing double glazing in all apartments as well as shade screens, each home does its part to assist with the building’s overall energy performance and comfort levels indoors.

The energy efficient fixtures also help reduce energy consumption and rooftop solar panels offset the power usage of the village's amenities.

The landscaped roof terrace and ground floor landscape have light coloured finishes, which gives them a higher Solar Reflectance Index. This means they are better at rejecting solar radiation and thereby cooler throughout the year. Combined with ample soft landscaping and planting, this helps to reduce the heat island effect, which assists with resident comfort and climate resilience. 

Design

The spacious homes have been strategically and sustainably designed. They are positioned to maximise cooling breezes and cross flow ventilation, and also lengthen shade periods. 

The floor plans were inspired by aspects of the Livable Housing Design Guidelines, observing circulation clearances in ensuite bathrooms and kitchens to make homes more comfortable and future-proof for residents. 

Designed to encourage active living, the Bernborough Ascot buildings are connected by walkways and green spaces that link to nearby amenities and public transport, along with health and wellbeing amenities including the wellness centre and an indoor heated pool.

Renewable energy and water efficiency

Onsite solar panels will supply the community with energy. Water Sensitive Urban Design principles used in the design of the project will help reduce potable water consumption. Rainwater tanks will supply water for irrigation for the precinct's gardens. 

Landscaping

Plants selected for the village's gardens and living walls will flourish in Brisbane's subtropical climate and will not require intensive watering. There is also a communal vegetable garden that all residents can use.

Heritage

To save an approximately 75 year old weeping fig tree, Keyton spent an intensive 17 weeks working with tree experts to relocate the 140 tonne tree to another part of the community. 

Independent analysis of the tree's health shows it is thriving in its new location in the community and is expected to live up to 200 years. 

Community

Bernborough Ascot is part of the Brisbane Racing Club's Doomben and Eagle Farm proposed masterplan precinct, which is planned to be Brisbane's largest master planned intergenerational community. 


Find out more about Bernborough Ascot.

For more information about the lifestyle and apartments available at Bernborough Ascot, call our customer service team on 1800 550 550 or send us an email here.

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