Ginninderry has consistently set the benchmark for sustainable and high-quality home design across the ACT. For years, our development has maintained some of the most comprehensive requirements in the region, driven by a vision to create a truly sustainable community. It’s great to see standards have caught up. 

Modern housing design requirements across the ACT establish clear expectations for energy efficiency and environmental performance. All homes in greenfield developments must now achieve a minimum 7-star energy efficiency rating, representing a significant leap forward in thermal performance and energy conservation. Additionally, new homes must be fully electric with no gas mains connections, eliminating fossil fuel dependence at the household level.

At Ginninderry, these standards are just the starting point. Our team collaborates closely with builders and homeowners throughout the design process to ensure every residence maximises these requirements for climate resilience and genuinely low-cost living over the long term.

Sustainability is key 

Ginninderry homes incorporate additional features that distinguish them within the market. Every home includes a heat pump or solar-boosted electric hot water system, maximising energy efficiency while maintaining reliable hot water supply. Solar photovoltaic systems with integrated energy monitoring give homeowners real-time insight into their energy production and consumption patterns, enabling informed decisions about household energy use.

Rainwater tanks are also standard, supporting water conservation and providing resilience during dry periods. 

Addressing the Urban Heat Island Effect

Ginninderry takes a sensible approach to community climate management, implementing specific requirements that extend beyond individual homes. Across all greenfield developments, roof colour specifications are carefully considered to minimise heat absorption and reflection, contributing to cooler neighbourhood temperatures. At Ginninderry, we maintain a firm policy against artificial turf installations, recognising that natural vegetation and permeable surfaces play crucial roles in temperature regulation and stormwater management.

These measures work together to ensure our suburbs remain cooler, greener, and more enjoyable places to live, not just today but for decades to come.

Comprehensive design standards

ACT-wide requirements extend beyond energy systems to encompass structural and aesthetic elements that impact liveability and neighbourhood character. Maximum heights for retaining walls and specific guidelines for split-level designs ensure developments integrate harmoniously with natural topography while maintaining appropriate scale and visual coherence.

Our Design Manager, Amy Symonds can assist you, your architect or your builder to optimise these parameters through Ginninderry’s FREE design consultation, creating homes that maximise natural light penetration and promote healthy airflow throughout living spaces.

You can access an in-depth description of Ginninderry’s housing design requirements here.