Business Profile - Campus Living Villages

54 buildingCampus Living Villages55UNSW VillageThe University of New South Wales (UNSW)Sydney, AustraliaDesign, build and managementof new facilitiesRefurbishment of existingcommon area facilitiesUniversity of Canberra VillageUniversity of CanberraCanberra, AustraliaThe 1021-bed, AU $127 million development isone of Campus Living Villages’ flagship Australianproperties and one of the largest single-stagedelivery student accommodation builds in Australia.Opened in January 2010, the response fromthe market was overwhelmingly positive withthe Village achieving 100% occupancy betweenits January opening and the start of theacademic year.UNSW Village offers a choiceof one to eight bedroom apartments,some with fantastic views across theneighbouring racecourse. Facilities aredesigned to maximise student interactionand academic achievement with acafé, convenience store, theatre, studyspaces, outdoor courtyards and a threelevelstudent lounge. A friendly villageatmosphere is encouraged through thecreation of community spaces and CLV’scomprehensive residential life programfocused on helping students live, learnand grow.Environmentally sustainabledesign initiatives include use ofthermomass insulated precast concretefor superior thermal performance,solar boosted gas hot water, greywater treatment, generous levels ofnatural light and cross ventilation tobedrooms and living areas. The Villagealso preserves historic elements such asUNSW’s Old Tote Theatre and the large,mature fig trees that run through the site.UNSW Village was one ofthe first CLV sites to explore marketingtechnologies such as virtual tours, 3Dfloor plans and social media campaigns,offering potential residents a taste ofvillage life before the property had evenbeen built. Now, online social networksare used to provide an interactivecommunication channel through whichresidents, both current and potential, canmeet new people and share information.The new AU $35 million development opened in two stages at the University ofCanberra in 2009, adding 509 new beds to the University’s existing 825 beds.Designed by a talented local architecture firm, the complex creates a village feelthrough the use of common and green spaces to encourage student interactionand create a vibrant community atmosphere.Management andrefurbishment of existingfacilitiesDesign, build and managementof new facilitiesThe University ofCanberra Village’s new developmentoffers a range of one, two and fivebedroom apartment options, as wellas an e-library, café, common lounge,shared barbecue, balcony areas andlandscaped spaces.The build achieved a5 star basix (energy efficiency) ratingthrough the inclusion of an in-slabhydronic heating system, doubleglazing, grey water treatment oflaundry waste water and rainwaterharvesting. Good solar access,thermal mass and high levels ofinsulation ensure a comfortableenvironment for residents. A wildlifecorridor was provided through thedevelopment for native animalson campus.The project provideda number of challenges for CLV’sdevelopment team with thetwo-stage delivery, a very tightdevelopment approvals program andthe progressive refurbishment ofexisting accommodation and commonareas. CLV’s development, operations,finance and legal teams combined tosuccessfully deliver the project onbudget and ahead of schedule.The new residenceshave proven popular with students.All rooms filled in their first semesterof operation, including those openedin the traditionally difficult to fillsecond semester.With a total of 1334 beds,University of Canberra Village is oneof CLV’s largest sites worldwide.