A new condominium project in Burlington is taking the lead on sustainable building in Ontario, as one of the first residential buildings in the Greater GTA to be equipped with Geothermal technology.
With the 'big dig' beginning in Spring 2011 I
ronstone Condominiums by
Davies Smith Developments, will not only help transform uptown Burlington's emerging core but this project will also be a huge step towards zero footprint residential building in Ontario.
Located in Burlington’s developing uptown core, Ironstone is designed to integrate green technology with sophisticated condo amenities to exude a downtown feeling despite suburban surroundings. The condo will feature street level retail space, mixture of lofts and suites, and a spacious landscaped rooftop terrace that includes cabanas, lounge pads, a built-in outdoor barbecue, fireplace and a hot tub.
Aside from aspiring amenities, the most groundbreaking feature of the 16 storey condo is the Geothermal technology that will be used to heat and cool the building. This natural energy system eliminates the need for natural gas heating, thus eliminating the release of harmful emissions that pollute the air. “Just by moving in, purchasers reduce their carbon footprint,” says
Ironstone architect Roland Rom Colthoff of RAWdesign. Not only does the Geothermal heating and cooling system cut a building’s energy use by 60-70%, a Geothermal building also lowers monthly energy costs for residents by at least 10%.
The Geothermal system consists of a network of pipes planted 15 metres deep into the ground where the earth’s temperature remains at a constant 10 degrees Celsius all year round. No matter what season, water circulates through the pipes to heat or cool the building as needed. To help maximize energy efficiency, each suite is equipped with individual thermostats and Geothermal heat pumps to provide personalized climate control.
“
Ironstone is a beacon for the future,” says Graham Chalmers, V.P. of Construction and Partner at
Davies Smith Developments. “In years to come we hope that more buildings in Ontario will generate as much energy as they consume. Geothermal is a huge leap towards that goal of zero energy footprint,” he says.
Raising the bar for sustainable condo living not only in and around Burlington but also for the GTA, Ironstone’s Geothermal technology will be complemented by a solar panel system, green roof areas, and low-flow faucets and toilets for water conservation.
The eco-chic balance is also apparent in
Ironstone’s interiors and amenity spaces that fuse urban and contemporary design. The model suites will feature modern built-ins with kitchens designed in grey and white with refreshing splashes of green.
Ironstone also features lofts that open onto landscaped terraces, while other units open onto a private raised courtyard or are accessible from the street.
Secure bike parking around the building will also be provided, in order to facilitate a greener lifestyle for residents. With the added luxury of being close to restaurants, major shopping outlets and a new medical building, Ironstone residents can avoid hopping in their car for many outings and errands.
“When I looked at this building, I knew this one had the possibility of being a real Green building,” says Ironstone purchaser, Mark Vistorino. With over 80% sold, the Ironstone Condominium green policy will start as soon as the digging begins this spring. Construction will prioritize materials that contain recycled content and an environmentally conscious waste management procedure will be implemented.
One- and two-bedroom-plus-den suites ranging from the mid-$200's to the high-$300's are still available. The Ironstone Presentation Centre is located at 1940 Ironstone Dr., Burlington. Hours are Monday to Wednesday noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday noon to 6 p.m.; Thursday and Friday by appointment only. For more information visit
www.IronstoneCondominiums.com or call 905-315-8100.
