Student living designed for comfort, well-being, and a lower-carbon lifestyle

The Switch - Student Accommodation Sustainability Services

Located next to the University of New South Wales, The Switch is a four-storey development that offers a lower-carbon lifestyle to students while supporting well-being and productivity. We worked with Accord, Decode, and Nuveen from schematic design to practical completion.

The project targeted a 5 Star Green Star Design and As-Built v1.3 rating, and we provided technical expertise and consistent project oversight to keep sustainability initiatives on track.

Through a climate change risk assessment and adaptation plan, we identified key environmental considerations for the site. Water-efficient fixtures and fittings help manage irregular rainfall patterns, reducing potable water use and wastewater generation. A light-coloured roof and extensive landscaping help mitigate the effects of rising temperatures.

The building offers natural ventilation, abundant daylight, and acoustic treatments for a quality indoor environment. High-performance airtightness supports energy efficiency, alongside an 81-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system and low-impact air conditioning, which reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Residents have access to 184 bicycle parking spaces, promoting physical activity and providing opportunities to save money on transport. Five car-share bays are also available for occasional vehicle use.

The project achieved its 5 Star Green Star rating on the Round 1 Submission to the Green Building Council of Australia, reflecting the project’s commitment to sustainable student living.