Sustainability & Environmental Consulting

Montreal Commons is a five-storey multi-residential project located in Fremantle, Western Australia, designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability and community integration. The project aims to set a new benchmark for residential apartments by striving for carbon neutrality in operational energy, making it one of the first apartment developments in Australia to pursue this certification. The development includes 39 apartments, a ground floor café, and underground parking, catering to a diverse range of residents.

To promote a low-carbon lifestyle, Montreal Commons implements renewable energy power-sharing among neighboring residences, rainwater collection systems, and cross-ventilation strategies. The design features communal green spaces, outdoor BBQ areas, and courtyards, fostering community interaction and encouraging residents to engage with their surroundings. A community food garden and the café are integral to enhancing social ties within the East Village Knutsford community.

The project also prioritizes health and wellbeing through initiatives like the Mates in Construction (MIC) program, which provides suicide prevention and support for contractor staff. Community engagement sessions, in collaboration with Curtin University and local artists, are planned to further enhance social integration. The building design includes large communal spaces for events and activities, promoting a vibrant community atmosphere.

Sustainability measures extend to water management, with landscape irrigation sourced from a communal bore, which is replenished by stormwater. The project incorporates rainwater capture and reuse as part of an integrated strategy. Travel and transport solutions include secure cycle storage for residents and visitors, as well as provisions for future electric vehicle charging stations.

Montreal Commons also addresses waste management by providing three kitchen bins in each apartment and dedicated areas for different waste streams in the communal bin store, aligning with Fremantle’s Food Organic & Garden Organics (FOGO) scheme. The project aims for a minimum of 80% diversion from landfill for demolition and construction waste, although local infrastructure presents challenges in achieving this goal.