Video tour of K2 Apartments, Windsor
Introduction
Welcome to K2 Apartments in the suburb of Windsor, just a few minutes south of Melbourne’s city centre.
This 96 unit complex consists of 56 one-bedroom and 40 two-bedroom units. Approximately 50% of the units
are designed for people with a disability. There is a shared community room and 52 car spaces.
In 2000 the Department of Human Services led the Victorian government’s environmental response with a
design competition for housing that would demonstrate its commitment to sustainability. The aim was to
stimulate innovation and deliver an urban building offering true long-term benefits to both the environment and
the community.
The philosophy behind the competition was to embrace ecologically-sustainable living within the design of a
building, rather than as an ‘added component’. Consequently, there was a clear objective not only to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption, but also to consider the social and economic aspects of
sustainable living. These included providing access to landscape, improved indoor air quality, natural ventilation
and a variety of communal spaces.
What now stands as K2 is the result of the winning design submitted by architectural firm DesignInc Melbourne.
K2 has gone on to receive numerous awards and praise for its innovative and advanced design, and for the
social and ecologically sustainable principles at the core of its development.
Site Planning and Design
From the street, K2 is a dynamic addition to the surrounding area. Sustainable landscaping in the public
courtyard reinforces the ‘green living’ aspect of the development. Native and drought tolerant plants line the
street inviting public use of its beautiful urban garden.
Eight information panels in this area at the Raleigh Street entrance provide visitors with detailed information on
the green features and functionality of K2.
The intercom and automatic doors offer a sense of security to residents yet remain inviting for visitors. The main
entrance connects to a central walkway known as the ‘green spine’ which creates access pathways to the
buildings, the community room, the sun-filled courtyards and the undercover car parking.
The central courtyard includes three large water tanks for the storage of rainwater collected from the roof.
Another concrete cylinder contains a purification plant that recycles rainwater for re-use.
Cleverly designed areas house rubbish and recycling bins close to the undercover parking. Underground grey
water tanks leave maximum ground space for outdoor landscape and social areas.
Department of Human Services
Design for climate
The placement, height, orientation and design of the buildings at K2 have also been carefully considered in
relation to the climate, to make them energy efficient, practical and pleasant for their inhabitants throughout the
year.
The buildings face north to ensure maximum opportunity for solar capture and utilisation. Additionally, the height
of the four buildings and the distance between them have been carefully calculated to ensure that all units
receive northern sun all year round.
The staggered heights, and offset positioning of buildings allow for ample sun penetration into the central
courtyards and let the breeze ventilate the apartments and open areas.
Double-glazed windows on Northern faces let sun in and encourage heat retention while smaller south, east and
western windows reduce heat loss potential. Exposed concrete ceilings and heavy masonry walls stabilise
temperatures.
The design and orientation of K2’s façades minimise the harsh effects of direct sunlight. All units are accessed
from single-loaded open balconies along the south side. In summer, this arrangement allows for natural air-flow
and cross ventilation to effectively cool the building.
Basically, K2’s climate responsive design removes the need for large heating or cooling systems and returns to
an elegant simplicity whereby simply opening or closing a strategically located window can reset the
temperature of a room.
Energy
Solar photovoltaic panels for generating electricity and flat-plate solar collectors for heating water are located on
the north facing roofs and front building facades.
Hydronic systems heat the building in winter efficiently and with minimal expense.
Efficient lighting systems, individual metering and energy-efficient lifts all mean that the total energy
consumption for K2 apartments is significantly lower than comparable medium density housing.
Water
K2 collects and recycles water from a number of sources and in several innovative ways. Rain water from roofs
is collected filtered and purified by UV filtration and boiling. It is then reused in the hot water systems of the
building.
Grey water is collected and treated for reuse in toilet flushing and garden watering.
Landscape treatments are used as a natural way to filter storm water.
Along with reusing water, K2 minimises water use through water efficient tap and shower fittings. Each unit has
an individual meter that records consumption for monitoring and for education of residents.
In the garden a drip irrigation system funnels recycled grey water to the roots of plants to minimise evaporation.
These gardens provide a diverse natural bio-system and deter weeds.
Materials
The materials used in building K2 were carefully chosen to consider their embodied energy, recyclability,
robustness, and to avoid excess waste or toxic chemicals.
Recycled and sustainably-managed plantation timber is used for external screens, window frames and for
internal stud wall framing. Class 1 durability timbers have been left to age naturally and most surfaces have
been left with their natural finishes.
The recycled hardwood pylons that mark the main pedestrian access to K2 were salvaged from a demolished
Port Melbourne jetty. They provide a unique natural feel to the entrance way, and make an important reference
to the chosen materials for the building of K2, and the sustainability principles behind them.
The external door and window frames are aluminium on the outside and timber on the inside. This provides
exterior protection from weather and optimises the retention of hot or cool air inside the apartment...
Materials have been selected to minimise maintenance, such as integral oxide pigments in concrete panels,
colorbond cladding and natural galvanised posts and screens.
High indoor air quality is achieved through use of low volatile organic compound paint and floor coverings.
Sanitary pipework and floor finishes are PVC-free.
Evaluation
At this stage a formal post occupancy evaluation is yet to be undertaken. However, careful monitoring of waste,
water and energy performance suggests that K2 is exceeding expectations for ecological sustainability. This
recording and monitoring ensures that data and information is used effectively in planning the environmental
benefits of other developments.
Thank you for joining us for a look inside K2. This and other sustainable buildings like it are the living and
working places of the future.
For more information visit: www.housing.vic.gov.au