The Commons, Bathurst Street: Sackett's Role in a Carbon-Positive Masterpiece

Sackett's Touch on The Commons: Bathurst Street's Green Revolution

The Commons Hobart is not just an architectural feat; it's Australia's premier carbon-positive residential apartment building. Strategically situated on the cusp of Hobart’s CBD, this seven-storey build houses 30 well-designed ‘homes’, championing the vision of sustainable urban living. 

The integration of recycled materials, progressive passive solar design, vast thermal mass, and rooftop solar panels, propels this building to the forefront of eco-friendly design. Beyond the structure, the very ethos of the building leans into the concept of community, enabling its residents to live harmoniously with both each other and the environment.

Sackett Services: Spearheading Sustainable Engineering Solutions

When a project of this magnitude and vision takes shape, it requires experts who understand the technicalities but also resonate with the bigger picture. Sackett Services stepped into the role, with the company’s founder Michael,  leading the project for the team. More than just consultants and tradies, the Sackett team were facilitators who helped the developers transform the ambitious vision into reality.

• Comprehensive Solar Integration: Beyond the standard integration, Sackett's team ensured the 6.5kw of PV (photovoltaic solar) was not just fitted, but optimised. Their focus was on maximising the energy yield throughout the day and ensuring seamless energy supply during high-demand periods.
• Advanced Thermal and Hydronic Heating: With a keen understanding of Tasmania's climatic nuances, Sackett custom-designed the building's heating solutions. The objective was twofold: energy efficiency and resident comfort. Their expertise ensured that the heating was effective during the chilliest winters, while the integration with the PV panels offered cost-effective heating solutions.
• EV Charging Infrastructure: Sackett Services took a practical approach at The Commons with the introduction of Australia's first resident electric vehicle carshare program. The decision to push for an electric carshare program stemmed from a challenge: the parking spaces’ ventilation system couldn't meet the requirements for internal combustion motor vehicles. Instead of seeing this as a setback, Sackett saw an opportunity. They recommended the electric carshare solution, noting that electric vehicles had less-demanding ventilation requirements. This pragmatic solution was adopted in the final design, underscoring Sackett's expertise in addressing real-world challenges with sustainable solutions.
• Collaboration with Developers: Sackett Services worked closely with Small Giants Developments throughout The Commons project. Their aligned sustainability goals aided clear communication and ensured swift decisions. This collaboration was key to the success of the innovative design and execution.

The Commons: Sustainability Features Spotlight

The Commons Hobart has a plethora of features that set it apart from traditional big corporation builds:

• Architectural Design: Each apartment is imbued with a northerly aspect to maximise passive solar gain, equipped with large double-glazed windows, and designed with high insulation levels. The building employs natural materials wherever feasible, such as timber flooring and low embodied energy taps.
• Energy Efficiency: An impressive average NatHERS energy efficiency rating of 9 stars means each apartment has a significantly reduced carbon footprint.
• Rooftop: Beyond the solar panels, the rooftop houses a shared laundry designed to foster social interactions. It also features a veggie patch, an outdoor washing line, and a rainwater tank, all aimed at reducing the building's environmental footprint.
• Basement: This space serves as a recycling hub, encouraging residents to go beyond standard recycling measures.

Circlos (formerly eTool), an independent body, confirmed the building's significant reduction in carbon emissions. The standard emission for a similar project, known as the 'Business As Usual' model, would typically result in 11,369,199kg CO2e emissions. The Commons Hobart slashed this number by a staggering 44%, a testament to its visionary design.

Small Giants Development: Building with Purpose
Behind The Commons Hobart's grand vision was Small Giants Developments. Their mission encompasses a bold ambition: to recalibrate how we perceive business, channelling it as a tool for tangible positive environmental and societal change. The Commons is a resounding example of this philosophy actualised in the realm of construction, proving that urban developments can seamlessly mesh with nature without compromising on design or functionality. The construction was undertaken by Australian company Vos Construction.

Final Word

The Commons Hobart stands as an exemplary model of what future residential projects can aspire to. With the expertise of Sackett Services and the visionary guidance of Small Giants Developments, this project not only achieved its sustainability goals but set new benchmarks for the construction and building industries as we move towards better environmentally practices and living.