Ardena

Ecosystems
Whilst the site was historically cleared of native vegetation, the project team places a strong value on the canopy network that has regrown over the last few decades. Strong urban greening outcomes including 30% tree canopy cover and retention of greater than 50% of healthy trees have been achieved through careful planning and design. The project is achieving these outcomes by locating public open spaces around high concentrations of trees, and tailoring the street network to retain trees (e.g. blister islands and meandering roads), as well as adding new planting to achieve an overall net gain in the number of trees.

Waste
Hesperia have implemented rigorous waste management practices, targeting a minimum of 90% diversion of demolition and construction waste from landfill to recycling and reuse. This is verified through a system of monthly waste reporting.

Energy
Ardena guidelines require every home to install rooftop solar. Combined with a home battery incentive, this will ensure most of each household’s energy requirements are met through renewables. There is no reticulated gas connection.

Materials
Ardena has a goal to reduce upfront embodied carbon to the greatest extent practicable. This has led to the identification of several alternative civil materials that will be used in construction (e.g., low carbon concrete, recycled retaining walls, recycled asphalt). Ardena will measure carbon from each stage of civil works and offset the greenhouse gas emissions that could not be avoided.

Water
Water Sensitive Urban Design Principles are embedded into the project via the use of drainage basins within public open spaces. This not only provides a natural drainage function but preserves green space for residents to enjoy. Bore water will constitute the predominant water source for construction and irrigation of parks, which will be well within the previously established groundwater allocations. Waterwise plantings combined with mulch and soil conditioner will ensure residents benefit from green spaces that require minimal irrigation to maintain.

Community
The wider Wattle Grove area has significance to the local Whadjuk Noongars people. The project team worked with an aboriginal owned consultancy to meet with Traditional Owners of the area, where cultural knowledge and advice on environmental management was shared. The project team is committed to ongoing collaboration with Traditional Owners and preserving cultural heritage. The area also has a rich history of farming use, which will be entwined with aboriginal heritage to ensure residents feel connected to the established character of the place.

Hesperia is proud to have received the 6-Leaf EnviroDevelopment certification for Ardena; a significant achievement that provides residents with validation of the commitment Hesperia has to developing sustainable communities.

For more details, visit https://ardenaestate.au/.