Pacific Dunes golfing and residential estate has officially begun construction on the new $3 million Golf & Country Club, expected to finish in late 2015.
The new venue will not only offer a stunning modern facility for golfers, residents and the public, but it will also be one of the most environmentally-sustainable buildings in the Port Stephens region.
An official ceremony marking this exciting beginning to the construction phase took place last week, hosted and attended by Port Stephens Mayor Bruce MacKenzie, RCL Group CEO David Wightman, Development Manager Jon Spencer, Geoff Troup Director Manns & Troup Peter Petherbridge, PDA Building Director Robert Monteath.
An overwhelming attendance from Pacific Dunes residents, members and the community saw 50-odd spectators for this special event.
The building works will include the extension and extensive renovation of the existing Summer House facilities and landscaped surrounds. The new $3 million facility will include:
- Porte cachere entry and reception
- Restaurant and terraces overlooking the golf course
- Bar lounge and terrace
- Large, fully-stocked pro shop
- 200 seat function centre
- Extensive landscape surrounds
The Pacific Dunes team say they are equally excited about the environmentally sustainable design features of the building that will significantly reduce energy consumption and long term operational costs of the facilities. The following ESD initiatives have been incorporated into the building:
- The building air conditioning system is incorporating a geothermal heat pump system, involving the use of 80m deep bores, that will deliver an approximately 60% saving in energy use compared to conventional systems
- Pool heating and hot water for the building is also linked to the geothermal system for increased energy efficiency
- A 30kW Solar photovoltaic system linked to an onsite energy storage system is being utilised to offset building energy usage
- Energy efficient lighting
- Increased wall and roof/ceiling insulation
- The use of high performance glazing systems
- The use of efficient fixtures and fittings to reduce water consumption.
- Passive solar design features including appropriate orientation, shading and cross-flow ventilation.
Image | The official soil-turning ceremony was conducted by Geoff Troup Director Manns & Troup, RCL Group CEO David Wightman, Development Manager Jon Spencer & Port Stephens Mayor Bruce MacKenzie
