Quality and sustainability are at the heart of Ruskin Elwood. This collaborative and inspiring development of four environmentally-responsible residences by HIP V. HYPE in collaboration with Fieldwork Architects; Swiss appliance manufacturer, V-ZUG; and Scandinavian furniture supplier, Great Dane, is about to set a new benchmark for premium, low impact living.
Bordering the Elwood Canal, the space, material and outlook of each residence has been designed to enhance the quality of life, ‘embrace the benefits of considered living’ and reduce the cost of living and environmental impact for each owner.
Liam Wallis, Founder, HIP V. HYPE, explains, “True luxury exists only when environmental impact is a priority. Our intention is to ensure that the homes we create endure. In the inimitable words of John Ruskin, after whom Ruskin Street is named, ‘When we build, let us think that we build forever.’”
Set over three levels, each residence will have all the luxuries you would expect to maximise practicalities and comfort, including an elevator and private double garage with secure entry. The interiors reflect its coastal setting with their warm, earthen tones including stone bathrooms and pale oak timber flooring. Large north facing windows will lead to spacious terraces overlooking heritage listed trees and the Elwood Canal. While each residence has four bedrooms as standard, flexible configurations mean owners can select three bedrooms instead, replacing the fourth with a home office or large walk in robe, to suit their needs.
“Ruskin Elwood represents for us our attempt to create homes that had very little, if any compromise, in the way that they are designed and in the way they perform. And the by-product of that is an incredibly efficient home,” Liam continues.
As you would expect, Ruskin Elwood uses the highest quality natural materials, from textured, locally crafted Krause Smoke Grey bricks, to solid timber detailing.
“Architecture is mediating the connection between the natural environment, and it was important to select materials with natural characteristic to them. We found the Krause bricks, they’re made near the Grampians and they’ve got this beautiful variability in colour, this silvery white through to a light grey colour,” Joachim Quino Holland, Director, Fieldwork, remarks.
Renowned ethical developers, HIP V. HYPE delivers thoughtful solutions respecting the environment and striving for new standards in quality and sustainability. And, thanks to its sustainability team, each residence will achieve exceptional environmental performance and ease of use. A 7-star minimum NatHERS (National Housing Energy Rating Scheme) rating target has been set: the higher the rating, the less energy required to make it comfortable. Each residence will run almost entirely off renewable power with onsite solar panels, electric heat pumps for hot water, hydronic heating and Tesla powerwall batteries. “Sustainability is inherent to good design. Our approach sees human health and comfort at the centre of sustainability,” Peter Steel, Managing Director, HIP V. HYPE Sustainability, comments.
As HIP V. HYPE says, Ruskin Elwood will offer “Better living, for a better future”. Excitingly, earthworks commenced on this development six weeks ago, so the wheels are already in motion to achieve this goal. We wait with anticipation to see this development take shape over the next year. And we invite you to join us on this journey. So watch this space.
Developer: HIP V. HYPE
Architect: Fieldwork
ESD Consultant: HIP V. HYPE Sustainability
Product: Krause Smoke Grey bricks (230 x 110 x 50mm)