ECOPact helps set a new benchmark for sustainable coastal living on the Gold Coast
Grace by Mosaic shows how lower-embodied-carbon concrete can support premium multi-residential construction without compromising performance
Grace by Mosaic at Burleigh Heads shows how lower-embodied-carbon concrete can support premium multi-residential construction without compromising performance, finish or construction timeframes.
Set against the Burleigh Heads coastline, Grace by Mosaic is a boutique luxury multi-residential development that brings together architectural quality, long-term liveability and a considered approach to sustainability. Developed by Mosaic Property Group, the project was designed with durability, operational efficiency and reduced future waste in mind.
That commitment shaped decisions across the development, including the choice of concrete. To support the project’s environmental goals, the team worked with Holcim Australia to specify ECOPact low-carbon concrete as part of the construction program.
Designed for lower embodied carbon
For Grace by Mosaic, sustainability was not treated as an add-on. It was built into the project from the early stages, with close attention given to energy and water use, waste management and long-term building performance.
Concrete was one of the key materials where the team saw an opportunity to reduce environmental impact. By selecting ECOPact, the project was able to lower embodied carbon while maintaining the performance required for a high-end residential development.
ECOPact is Holcim’s low-carbon concrete range, designed to help reduce the embodied carbon of buildings and infrastructure while maintaining the strength, durability and reliability modern construction demands.
Supporting performance on site
As with many projects using lower-carbon concrete, the team initially considered how reduced Portland cement content might affect strength gain and construction timing.
Holcim worked closely with the project team to optimise the mix design, increasing the use of supplementary cementitious materials to support performance requirements and keep the construction program on track.
This collaborative approach helped ensure the concrete delivered the required strength, workability and finish quality, while also supporting the project’s broader sustainability objectives.
Michael Shale, Site Manager for Grace by Mosaic, said the reduction in Portland cement was an important part of the product’s environmental value, given the emissions intensity associated with cement manufacture.
He also noted that Holcim’s technical support helped address early concerns around strength development and construction timing, with the final mix meeting both performance expectations and program requirements.
Circular materials and better project outcomes
The use of supplementary cementitious materials also supported a more circular approach to construction by incorporating recovered industrial by-products that might otherwise go to landfill.
Nathan Dwyer, Director Structural at Oska Consulting Group and design engineer on the project, said Holcim provided the technical information and structural documentation needed to support clear specification and efficient delivery on site.
Early collaboration between the supplier, engineer and construction team helped create confidence around the product and contributed to good outcomes across performance, sustainability and project delivery.
A strong result for future projects
Grace by Mosaic demonstrated that lower-carbon concrete can be successfully used in premium multi-residential construction without compromising on finish, set times or performance.
Jeff Heath, Director of Jamdev, said the concrete performed in line with conventional mixes, with no noticeable difference in set times, finish or paste, and that the team would look to use it again on future sustainability-focused projects.
The project stands as an early example of how ECOPact can support more sustainable residential construction in Australia, helping reduce embodied carbon while meeting the expectations of developers, engineers and builders focused on quality and long-term value.
