This integrated commercial and community hub comprises a full-line supermarket, shops, medical centre, offices and 360 on-grade car parks.

The use of natural ventilation, natural lighting, water features and integrated gardens create generous, engaging public spaces that encourage people to feel a pride of ownership and create community spirit.

The 9,400sqm development is the catalyst to accelerate the growth of Ripley – a suburb experts predict will continue to be the fastest growing in Queensland for the next decade.

This project received a 5 Star Green Star design and as–built rating due to its sustainable design and construction. ThomsonAdsett’s client, Sekisui House, saw sustainability excellence as the primary objective of the Ripley Town Centre. This has been achieved through innovative and eco-friendly design including:

• “Satoyama Way” which is an indoor/outdoor comfortable community space with natural light, fresh air, a moving water feature and greenery to minimise energy costs such as lighting and air conditioning. The Japanese concept of “satoyama” is the harmonious interaction and seamless integration of nature and the man-made environment.
• Selections of finishes (including recycled materials) that derive inspiration from the agricultural and mining history of the area. The roof forms reflect a modern interpretation of the barn-style structures of the past.
• Energy efficient solar panels that double as car park shade structures generate 75% of the electricity for the building.
• An energy monitoring system incorporated into the design – this includes a public display to show the building’s energy consumption in real time, solar PV energy production and CO2 savings.
• Future-proofing of building elements to allow ease of vertical and horizontal expansion.

Some of the impressive sustainability outcomes of this project include an:

• 81% reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions compared to a Standard Practice Building
• 66% reduction in grid electricity consumption via Large Scale Solar
• 63% reduction Electricity Peak Demand compared to a Standard Practice Building
• 74% reduction in Potable Water Consumption compared to a Standard Practice Building
• 94.6% reduction in construction waste going to landfill

ThomsonAdsett is continuing this collaboration with Sekisui House on Stage 2 of the design, which comprises seniors living and health precincts connected with the growth of the Ripley Town Centre.

Ipswich, Australia