Green Star student accommodation launched

Students looking for a ‘home away from home’ while studying will have greater access to affordable accommodation with the opening of two new halls of residence at Monash University’s Clayton campus.

The residences, funded through the Federal Government’s National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS), will allow Monash University to provide students with low-cost housing in an inclusive environment.  Monash was the first university in Australia to be awarded NRAS funding.

The new halls, named for eminent Indigenous leaders Mrs Geraldine Briggs AO and Mrs Merle Jackomos AOM, were officially opened by  Ms Anna Burke MP, Federal member for Chisholm, Ms Inga Peulich MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Education and State Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region, and Monash University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Ed Byrne AO.

The Director of Monash Residential Services, Vladimir Prpich said the buildings’ leading-edge design focused on sustainability, accessibility and layout and fostered a strong sense of community and integration within each hall.

‘It is exciting that we can offer students both affordable and sustainable accommodation at our Clayton campus,” Mr Prpich said.

“Both halls offer truly exceptional residential amenities and demonstrate Monash University’s dedication to providing the best residential options for its students

“The buildings are the first project for Monash to receive a five-star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia and include key sustainability aspects such as a high performance façade, solar panels, grey water recycling and high efficiency hydronic heating. It is also the first time the University will be able to offer students fully self-contained, single occupancy private studio apartments,” Mr Prpich said.

The five-storey buildings accommodate 300 students each. Students with a disability are also catered for with a total of 20 apartments designed to accommodate mobility-impaired residents.

Professor Byrne said the new halls were an asset to the University.

“Monash is committed to providing the best facilities for its students. The new halls will provide quality accommodation to our students at an affordable rate,” Professor Byrne said.

“Monash Residential Services have focused on contemporary design elements in the halls’ facilities to ensure a strong, safe and supportive residential community.

“For many of our students it is the first time they have lived away from home so it is important the University is able to provide an environment where our students have the best support as they transition into their tertiary studies.

“This inspirational, state-of-the-art development sets a new benchmark in residential accommodation and services,” Professor Byrne said.

For more information about the Briggs and Jackomos Halls visit the Monash Residential Services website.