A premium, Balinese-inspired retirement village to be built in Ipswich has set an environmental standard to which other residential developments can only hope to aspire.
Abadi Gaia has gained the highest rating possible from The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA), one of only five lifestyle villages nationally to have earned the accreditation.
“The Institute is proud to certify Abadi Gaia Adult Residential Village with the 6-leaf rating,” said Taylor Hood, Director of Sustainability and Research at UDIA Queensland. “This project has truly set the standard in sustainable design and environmental excellence.
“With forward thinking and an environment first attitude, ensuring that native habitat is protected and rehabilitated, Abadi Gaia has also created a special place to live in the greater Brisbane region.”
The 6-leaf rating considers ecosystems, waste, energy, materials, water and community.
Abadi Gaia’s Development Manager Chanel Slijderink said: “We have set out to deliver a world’s best practice eco-retirement village and we are thrilled to be awarded the 6-leaf rating.
“Among our environmental measures are water sustainability, waste recycling, solar optimisation and a commitment to wildlife health and diversity including improved glossy black cockatoo feeding opportunities, bee pollinating, species enhancement and koala population protection including seven hectares dedicated to koala habitat.
“Abadi Gaia has a long-standing commitment to the advancement of koala conservation in Ipswich, including sponsoring a koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary who is, naturally, named Abadi Gaia meaning timeless mother earth.”
Other leading environmental initiatives at Abadi Gaia include:
- High levels of passive and active recreational pursuits to address liveability, social opportunities and health ranging from a cinema, virtual golf, fitness and hobby classes, a wellness centre, heated pool and artists’ retreat.
- Extensive water harvesting and recycling including the use of rainwater tanks and a resident incentive program for water conservation.
- A self-serving solar grid, complemented by sensor lights, LED and low-level light fittings, as well as red lighting that is less likely to affect native mammals’ night vision in habitat zones. Abadi Gaia will be more than 80% solar powered and feature optimal solar orientation in more than 90% of the buildings and cross ventilation in 100%.
- A non-religious feng shui plan integrating materials, textures, colours and accessibility. Floating roofs, slatted timber screens and natural materials such as timber and stone, resting against linear water features and native bushland, will enhance the design philosophy.
- Extensive planting to improve the visual outlook for residents as well as habitat feeding value for native species.
- On-site waste recycling of organics and separate recyclables and non-recyclable waste streams. This will link to a vermiculture system integrated with the restaurant and community vegetable garden.
- Shaded and private balconies as well as window screens and central garden features and closed passageways for winter use in many of the buildings
- Thermally insulated and double-glazed windows that not only provides expansive views but allow maximum natural light.
Construction of the resort village is expected commence in 2026 with an initial limited release of 32 villas and 14 apartments now open to expressions of interest.
With apartments starting from $550,000 interest in Abadi Gaia is already high.
Visit the property listing on Downsizing.com.au here: https://www.downsizing.com.au/property/sale/246617/abadi-gaia-adult-residential-village
