Aurora
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For over a decade, Spiire has been delivering integrated design and construction services for this large-scale residential development of 10,000 lots in Melbourne’s North.
Client
Stockland
Location
Epping North, VIC
Spiire was engaged to provide landscape architecture, construction consultancy, survey and water engineering services at this large-scale residential development, which is accredited as a 6 Star Green Star Community by the Green Building Council of Australia.
We sought to incorporate environmentally, socially and economically sustainable principles that made the most of the natural environment.
Aurora retains multiple significant grassland reserves that are home to endangered grassland species. These reserves act as habitat corridors, supporting wildlife movement both within and beyond the estate.
Our landscape designs celebrate this rich grassland heritage, with wayfinding elements and interpretive features to encourage residents to explore and appreciate the site’s unique flora and fauna, while also sharing the rich cultural heritage of the Wurundjeri people, the Traditional Owners of the land.
Another focus was to provide a smart water management solution. Through recycling, we reduced drinking water demands and created effective waste management and rainwater harvesting solutions. Native and drought-tolerant plant species were selected to minimise water consumption, while also supporting the local ecology.
Spiire’s approach was to include a Sustainability Covenant, an Ecological Footprint and a Sustainability Indicator for this project. This allowed us to increase our resource efficiency, reduce the ecological impact and foster community interest and involvement in sustainability initiatives.
We also examined the energy contained in construction, building and recycled materials, reusing site topsoil and rock within our designs where possible and sourcing materials locally.
Reduced carbon concrete
Our team successfully advocated for a low-carbon concrete alternative at Aurora.
Following a successful trial in 2024, we are forging ahead with the reduced carbon concrete (RCC) in the estate’s remaining open space reserves.
RCC typically provides a 30% reduction in carbon, by substituting a portion of Portland grey cement with supplementary materials, such as fly ash and slag (waste products from the metal and energy production industries).
The cost of the product was price comparable to standard materials used in similar applications.
