IQ Apartments

Outwardly the IQ Apartments appear as any mixed use development. However, the operational functionality is very different to that of a standard mix use development as seen in Canberra.

Incorporating the most up-to-date and sophisticated living environments ever built in Canberra with the sophistication of an energy management system for each unit in the complex.

The design principles offer not only flexible floor configurations it also offers the latest state of the art environment management systems (EMS). Each apartment has a state of the art energy efficiency management system, with air conditioning and hot water controls. This feature will be integral to the performance of each unit and will allow the unit owners to track their energy consumption, all done in real time. This will obviously be a huge selling advantage to potential purchasers both investors and live in owners. Also central to the energy efficiency of this apartment complex are the design principles incorporating outdoor areas and expanded living areas. This allows each resident to adjust their living requirements to suit each season. Every apartment is fitted out with prestigious fixtures, fittings and appliances. Security is ensured with electronically activated proximity access controls with key backups. Other features on this smart complex are the EO certified joinery, low VOC paints and water saving kitchen and bathroom fixtures with a high efficiency gas hot water system. All this adds up to an average EER unit rating of 6 Stars. This building is a mixed used development comprising residential units, commercial office/retail and restaurants. This mix of uses does present a range of operational concerns that, if not managed properly, can develop into long term management issues. For example the commercial waste areas in this building are small and located within close proximity of the residential waste collection area. This may cause issues with the residential tenants as the commercial tenants will co-mingle and from time to time use the wrong waste bins. Similarly the waste transfer rooms (that takes the domestic rubbish and recycling to the ground floor from the residential units) will also need to be managed closely so as these areas remain free of debris and clean at all times. Registration of plant and equipment is something of a hot topic in the ACT however this issue is currently with the ACT Government and still no closer to any legislative direction. However we believe it best practice for the developer to register all plant and equipment prior to the registration of the body corporate. Once the units plan registration is complete then it‟s also our recommendation to assign the plant and equipment registration to the executive committee. Fire safety is another onerous area of responsibility, and obtaining annual fire safety certificates is recommended with any new and cutting-edge development, especially the IQ Apartments. Again, this is not mandatory in the ACT, however as part of the ACT Building Act essential fire services have to be maintained to the relevant standard, of which is AS185. Complying with this standard brings with it best practice principles as well as the practicalities of having fire extinguishers and hose reels tested and maintained from year to year.