Lochiel Park provides a new way of living and is an example of South Australia's strategic plan in action. Now complete, Lochiel Park is a model green village and home to over 150 residents enjoying sustainable living using the best sustainable technologies available.
- Project Type
- Residential
- Project Status
- Complete
- Timeline
- 2004 - 2014
About the project
Lochiel Park exemplifies South Australia’s strategic plan environmental targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and begin preparing our economy and society for climate change and a carbon-constrained world.
Originally proposed as a demonstration project, in less than a decade Lochiel Park became an award-winning green village and a community of more than 150 residents. The site was transformed from a former education institution to model green village incorporating the best of sustainable technologies.
Lochiel Park was master planned on sustainability principles that included addressing climate change impacts, conservation of resources and establishing innovative housing products.
Lochiel Park has been highly successful in promoting sustainable lifestyles, building design and technology, serving as a model for other developments of its kind.
Objectives and outcomes
All homes within Lochiel Park achieved a minimum 7.5-star energy efficiency rating and used solar photovoltaic cells and solar hot water, resulting in a reduction of 64% energy consumption (target 66%) when compared with a typical house in 2004.
These homes also achieved a target of a 74% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (compared to the average Adelaide home in 2004).
Water efficiency measures included rainwater for re-use as hot water and uses recycled stormwater for toilets, washing machines and irrigation all contributing to reaching a target of 78% saving of potable water (against the 2004 average).
South Australia’s first zero-carbon home was completed at Lochiel Park in 2013. The carbon dioxide produced by the home over its 50-year life will be offset within 32 years through cutting-edge sustainability systems.
The zero-carbon challenge was run by Renewal SA in partnership with the Integrated Design Commission SA. It was designed to challenge the development industry to aim for zero carbon emissions while offering a glimpse into the future of housing in South Australia.
Competitors were challenged to design a zero-carbon home, considering key elements such as embodied energy, future emissions, liveability, affordability and adaptability.
TS4 Living won the challenge with their design of a three-bedroom home costing just over $350,000 with a 7.5-star rating and net zero operational energy.
The house features solar power, indirect evaporative cooling, bio-fuel heating and energy-efficient appliances. It is oriented according to passive solar principles so that it has plenty of light and sun in the winter and less sun in the summer months.
Our collaborative approach to this project fostered close relationships with industry, universities and other experts to ensure Lochiel Park is at the forefront of innovative sustainable residential development in Australia.