The Canberra Times

Creating a truly liveable new Canberra community

Australian feel: Campbell 5's fifth and final stage, The Parade, is designed around indoor-outdoor living to make the most of the surrounds and the lifestyle that goes with it. Distinctly Australian elements at The Parade include engineered Spotted Gum floors as a daily reminder of the country's natural beaty.
Australian feel: Campbell 5's fifth and final stage, The Parade, is designed around indoor-outdoor living to make the most of the surrounds and the lifestyle that goes with it. Distinctly Australian elements at The Parade include engineered Spotted Gum floors as a daily reminder of the country's natural beaty.

This is sponsored content for JWLand.

What makes somewhere a great place to live, a liveable community or city?

Is it beautiful and sustainable design? Plenty of open green space, a great sense of community, being close to your work so you don't have the grind of the daily commute? Or is it having a favourite cafe close by, restaurants or pubs? Or being able to get out and about while still feeling safe?

When developer JWLand was planning one of its newest projects in one of Canberra's oldest suburbs, Campbell, it sought inspiration from around the world as part of its vision to build a precinct that would deliver not just a place for people to live but an environment that would enhance their lives.

The flagship development Campbell 5 is really five projects in one - a precinct that encompasses five separate apartment developments but with the aim to create a connection between the residents, and a vibrant community atmosphere.

Green spaces: Inviting community spaces at The Parade are part of the design aimed at creating the connected feeling of community that make it a great place to live.
Green spaces: Inviting community spaces at The Parade are part of the design aimed at creating the connected feeling of community that make it a great place to live.

JWLand looked at what was at the heart of global cities and precincts recognised for their liveability, creativity and sense of place, renowned for their atmosphere and charm.

"We wanted to build a high-quality, well-designed precinct that showcased just what can be achieved when you look to create liveable spaces," said Michael Prendergast, head of development at JWLand.

"Australia is relatively new to living in densely populated urban areas while this type of living has already been commonplace in Europe, North America and Asia for decades."

"With a growing population and land become scarce in the capital cities apartment living in Australia is a way of reducing the human footprint on the environment, and, as Campbell 5 shows, when designed well, new precincts like this can have real heart and a sense of community, something that is missing from many modern developments.

"We aimed to reinvigorate Campbell's architectural, residential and social landscape - creating a vibrant new community within one of Canberra's most distinguished suburbs."

Unique location: The Parade is modern urban living in a tranquil suburban setting only a few minutes' walk away from the city centre, Mount Ainslie and Lake Burley Griffin, and Hassett Park on the doorstep.
Unique location: The Parade is modern urban living in a tranquil suburban setting only a few minutes' walk away from the city centre, Mount Ainslie and Lake Burley Griffin, and Hassett Park on the doorstep.

The best from around the world - and home

Paris, New York, Copenhagen, and Siena became the muses for the first four stages of the development precinct in the leafy inner Canberra suburb with each release named after and reflecting the architectural and social influences of the cities.

The recently released fifth and final stage of the development, The Parade, however takes its inspiration closer to home. Named after nearby Anzac Parade, its design aims to embrace the quintessential features of Australian life.

Apartments are designed around indoor-outdoor living making the most of the stunning surrounds and the lifestyle that goes with it.

"Australians love spending time outdoors," said Mr Prendergast.

"The Australian climate and natural environment make us the envy of the world. At Campbell 5 residents can enjoy lots of wonderful open green space - they are connected to nature."

Location plus design equal liveability

The Parade sits along the newly-refreshed green spaces of Hassett Park and is designed to make the most of the unique location with views of Mount Ainslie, and Lake Burley Griffin a few minutes walk away.

Mr Prendergast said the location as well as community-building elements incorporated into the design of Campbell 5 - like rooftop gardens to share, communal kitchens and green spaces - combine to make it such an appealing place to live.

"It's only few minutes walk away from the city, Mount Ainslie and Lake Burley Griffin and these three elements play an instrumental part in the work-life balance of residents," he said.

"There's easy access to major roads, and its proximity to the airport and with Hassett Park at its doorstep make it such a desirable address - it's modern urban living but in a tranquil suburban setting.

"The Campbell 5 precinct was designed so that it had connectivity to natural open spaces, with amenities in the buildings to foster community spirit while also providing spaces for cafes, restaurants and retail.

"It's these simple things that have facilitated the development of a wonderful new community in Campbell, and that's also evident in the activity around the precinct. There's a sense of belonging.

"My favourite is the dog walking group that congregate in the morning so the dogs can play!"

Last chance: The Parade, the final stage of the Campbell 5 development takes its name from its neighbouring Canberra icon, Anzac Parade.
Last chance: The Parade, the final stage of the Campbell 5 development takes its name from its neighbouring Canberra icon, Anzac Parade.

Greener and more comfortable living

Designing environmentally sustainable residences that are perfect for the unique Canberra climate was a key factor in the design process of Campbell 5.

Mr Prendergast said that historically the design and construction of apartments in Canberra had not been well suited to the local climate.

"As we are all aware Canberra has significant fluctuations and variances in temperatures throughout the year," he said.

"In winter we can get well below zero while in summer we can see temperatures reach up to 40 degrees for a sustained period of time.

"These large variances can have serious impacts on the comfort of residents if the correct design elements are not taken into consideration."

Connected to nature: The Parade design makes the most of the unique location.
Connected to nature: The Parade design makes the most of the unique location.

Mr Prendergast said smart design incorporating specific building materials and systems delivered benefits for both the environment as well as for residents.

"Sustainably-designed dwellings reduce environmental impact and the bottom line for residents," he said.

"Specific materials have been chosen to regulate temperature throughout the year, while strategically positioned heating and cooling systems optimise efficiency to reduce running costs.

"In our kitchens, for example, high energy rating appliances deliver on capability without compromising on the features that make life easier for the home owner."

The cool effect

Campbell 5 also feature elements to battle the challenges of the "heat island effect" that can be a result of higher density living in cities.

Incorporating green space within the precinct helps cool things down, as well as helping to make it an enjoyable place to live, Mr Prendergast said.

"Rooftop gardens and large green, centrally located courtyards assist in reducing the heat island effect with large residential buildings," he said.

JWLand's sustainable credentials extend past its commitment to sustainable design. It's partnering with Canberra's Australian National University (ANU) to support renewable energy research.

This year, two new ANU research fellowships were announced as part of the partnership.

"Australian businesses have a significant role to play in investing in clean energy as part of global efforts to reduce carbon emissions," Mr Prendergast said.

"We want to play our part in creating a productive, low carbon future for Australia."

As Campbell 5's final release, The Parade is the last opportunity to buy into this unique Canberra precinct. Get a closer look and find out more by visiting the Campbell 5 display - it's open seven days a week at 9 Pentland Street, Campbell. For information you can head to the Campbell 5 website or call 1800 629 956

This is sponsored content for JWLand.