Energy-efficient Idalia latest apartment complex for Woden Green precinct

The face of Woden is changing with a makeover in the works for the town centre.

At the centre of the rejuvenated hub is Woden Green, a residential estate being developed by Hindmarsh and set to house about 1500 dwellings.

The 99-unit Idalia complex will be the third residential development for the precinct, which is already home to the Avoca and Wilara apartment buildings.

Woden Green features eight development sites and at least six will be residential. The precinct also includes two commercially zoned sites suitable for commercial and residential development.

The Idalia development will comprise three low-rise buildings and include a mix of 27 one-bedroom and 72 two-bedroom configurations.

The trio of buildings will frame an open central courtyard – an architectural response to the green open spaces that populate Woden.

Scott Carver Architects designed Idalia with solar orientation, sun-lit living spaces and energy efficiency forming an integral part of the development.

Features such as thermally efficient floor-to-ceiling double glazing, energy efficient fixtures and lighting will deliver improved environmental performance and lower energy costs.

Style has not been overlooked either with a high-level of attention to detail throughout. Interiors will be fitted with sophisticated designer appliances and plush carpeting.

Light colour and matt polished surfaces provide the perfect backdrop for residents to add their own personal touches to the decor.

Hindmarsh ACT state manager Brett Smith says Idalia will enjoy an unrivalled position in a town centre that is primed for growth.

“Through its master plan for the area, the ACT government recognises the capacity for the Woden Green precinct to complement and connect Woden town centre to the green open spaces of Eddison Park,” Smith says.

“Idalia has been designed to respond to facilitate that visual and functional connection.”

Apartments are priced from $299,000 for a one-bedroom unit (50 to 65 square metres) and two-bedroom options are available from $389,900 (70 to 81 square metres).

Independent Property Group agent Mark Wolens says sales have been strong, particularly with owner occupiers.

“It’s one of the few places in Canberra where you can walk out the front door to a restaurant or the cinema, or you can have a beer and you don’t have to drive home. Idalia offers all of that for a reasonable price,” Wolens says.

Construction began last month and about 50 per cent of the homes have already sold.

Idalia – Corner of Wilbow and Easty streets, Phillip. Price: $299,900 – $474,900. EER: 5.7 (minimum) Phone Independent Projects agents Mark Wolens and Nicholas Jacobs on 0418 632 711 or 0432 177 449. Inspect: Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4pm.

Quality ticks all boxes

First-home buyer Jarod Byrne says his decision to buy in Woden was cemented when he visited the Idalia display suite.

Byrne was open to buying his first apartment anywhere in Canberra, however the quality of the development “ticked all the boxes”.

“At 63 square metres, it was one of the largest one-bedroom apartments I’ve seen,” Byrne says.

“The display suite helped sell it, it showed the quality of the apartment.”

The simplicity of the on-site amenity was another drawcard. The development features landscaped grounds and alfresco entertaining facilities, however he says having other facilities at his doorstep, rather than on-site will keep body corporate fees to a minimum.

The first residents will move into the development in mid-2017. Byrne currently rents in the Gungahlin suburb of Bonner and is looking forward to living in a town centre.

At Idalia, residents will be within walking distance to Woden’s array of shops, restaurants and public transport.

Hindmarsh’s Brett Smith says buyers will also benefit from further upgrades to the town centre.

“Projected employment growth in Woden Town Centre, combined with the economic and infrastructure investment that’s taking place, all point to the potential for capital appreciation in property values in the area,” Smith says.

Town centre upgrades will include extensions of the retail precinct, increased commercial offerings, improvements to the bus interchange and investment in local parklands and green spaces.