Waterpoint Shepherds Bay, Meadowbank

Located on the waterfront at Meadowbank, the Waterpoint Shepherds Bay development features an energy efficient and eco friendly design with double glazing and stud wall insulation as standard.

The project commenced in 2001 and is part of an ongoing redevelopment along the Parramatta River that will rejuvenate the old industrial precinct and enhance the natural aspects of this region.

The commercial and residential development features more than 10,000 square metres of retail and commercial outlets. It involves major infrastructure and civil works and aims to set a new standard in Sydney's Inner West.

Waterpoint demonstrates some of the highest environmentally and socially sustainable achievements through use of rainwater harvesting, disable visitability and many other innovative features.

The drive for a more energy efficient built environment is leading to improved air tightness and the installation of more bulk insulation in the roof space and in walls. This however has a damaging knock on effect of roof space condensation and interstitial condensation within walls.

The consequent risk of interstitial condensation can result in an unseen build up over a period of time until the problem becomes apparent through either structural degradation or health problems for residents due to mould.

As water vapour in the building naturally passes through the plasterboard internal finishes and high permeability bulk fibre insulation it reaches the cold surface of materials. The air’s ability to hold vapour is reduced, therefore increasing the risk of condensation which can cause timber rot, corrosion, mould growth and loss of insulation effectiveness due to moisture build up in bulk insulation.

Breathable membranes were introduced in the 1980’s in Europe to address exactly the same problems that are being discovered today in the temperate climate zones of Australia.

Proctor Group Australia offers a service to architects including condensation risk analysis at the early design stage using independent software and experience in the diagnoses and prevention of vapour control related problems.