Delivering Sustainable Water Solutions for CODA, Coffs Harbour

Introduction

Setting a new standard for sustainable urban living. In addition to high-end design and modern amenities, the CODA development incorporates several sustainability initiatives, including the reuse of recycled building materials, green façade elements to promote biodiversity and air quality, energy-efficient appliances, natural ventilation to reduce reliance on artificial cooling and lighting and the integration of rainwater harvesting infrastructure to reduce demand on mains water.

In partnership with O’Brien Plumbing & Relining, North Coast Power & Water (NCP+W) recently contributed to the successful delivery of the CODA Apartments — a brand new, architecturally designed residential development in Coffs Harbour. This project demonstrates how local collaboration, technical expertise, and sustainable product solutions can come together to deliver long-term value for both developers and residents.

As part of the project’s water infrastructure, NCP+W worked alongside O’Brien Plumbing & Relining Coffs Harbour to provide a custom rainwater harvesting system and pump station using sustainable products from Davey Water Products, tailored to meet the unique needs of the development while supporting water conservation outcomes.

Featuring ground floor retail and 95 contemporary apartments, CODA is set to transform the Coffs Harbour town centre by blending coastal living with cosmopolitan flair. With a strong emphasis on sustainable design, lifestyle and community connectivity, the development integrates environmentally conscious building practices, modern amenities, and vibrant public spaces to create a new benchmark for urban living in the region.

The Challenge

The CODA Apartments development presented several key challenges:

• Site Constraints: With limited space and multiple dwellings, the water infrastructure needed to maximise efficiency without occupying valuable real estate.
• Compliance & Sustainability Targets: The developer aimed to achieve high environmental standards through sustainable design features, including rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses.
• Customised Design Requirements: Off-the-shelf solutions did not meet the specific volume, pressure and system redundancy requirements for the apartment complex.
  

These factors called for a highly customised, fit-for-purpose water solution that could be integrated seamlessly into the development.

The Solution

NCP+W collaborated closely with O’Brien Plumbing & Relining Coffs Harbour, the project plumbing contractor, to design, supply and commission:

• Custom Rainwater Storage Tank: A compact, space-efficient rainwater tank designed to capture and store sufficient volumes for ongoing non-potable use across the development.
  
• Pump Station: A tailored Davey Water Products pump station solution, specified to provide consistent pressure across multiple green areas of the building, integrated with system safeguards to ensure reliability.
  
• Sustainable Eco Options: Products were selected for energy efficiency, durability and long-term operating performance.
  
• Technical Support: As Davey’s National Master Dealer of the Year, NCP+W provided expert design assistance, product selection advice, and commissioning support to ensure seamless handover and ongoing operational confidence.
  

Throughout the process, the partnership between NCP+W, O’Brien Plumbing & Relining Coffs Harbour, and the developer enabled a high level of coordination, ensuring the water infrastructure aligned with both the builder’s timeline and sustainability goals.

‘’The partnership and project delivery process with North Coast Power and Water was seamless. Their team was always available to answer questions and worked collaboratively to design a system that would meet both operational and sustainability needs. Their hands-on approach to helping with configuration and installation was second to none. This level of support ensured that the final solution was not only efficient but also practical. The system now allows for significant savings, while also achieving remarkable sustainability outcomes.’’ Will Ward. Business Manager, O’Brien Plumbing & Relining.

“The collaboration with North Coast Power & Water and O’Brien Plumbing & Relining was seamless and incredibly professional. Each partner brought unique expertise and innovative solutions to the table, making the entire process efficient and enjoyable. Working together, we were able to overcome challenges and deliver a top-notch sustainable water solution for CODA Apartments”. John Rafferty, C.ex Group CEO.

Custom-designed and specified poly rainwater tank, paired with a Davey VM3-12 Dual Vertical Multistage variable speed pump set. The system includes a custom designed and built automatic rain-to-mains changeover for seamless backup from the town water supply during power outages, servicing, or low tank levels.

The Results

The installed water solution has delivered:

• Water Savings: The rainwater harvesting system will help reduce reliance on mains water by capturing and reusing rainwater for a range of non-potable applications within CODA. This includes water for all planter boxes via an integrated irrigation system, as well as supply to external hose taps, helping to maintain landscaping and support external cleaning without drawing on municipal water.
  
• Operational Efficiency: The system captures stormwater and recirculates it for ongoing reuse, maximising resource efficiency and minimising waste.
  
• Sustainability Credentials: The customised solution contributes to the project’s environmental performance, future-proofing water infrastructure for the long term.
  
• Strong Partnerships: The success of the project highlights the value of early engagement between supplier, contractor, and developer, resulting in a fully integrated and customised solution.

“The sustainable design elements incorporated into the CODA Apartments have significantly enhanced the living experience for our residents. The eco-friendly water solutions not only reduce our environmental footprint but also provide long-term cost savings. This project stands as a testament to the importance and effectiveness of sustainable practices in modern urban developments”. John Rafferty, C.ex Group CEO

“Being involved in a landmark project like CODA Apartments is incredibly exciting for us. It’s a flagship development that brings real momentum to the heart of Coffs Harbour. Collaborating with O’Brien Plumbing & Relining to overcome the unique challenges of this site was no small task—but thanks to the expertise of our in-house design team and the engineering support from Davey Water Products, we delivered a solution I’m genuinely proud of.” Brendan Graetz, North Coast Power + Water

Conclusion

From the outset, the CODA development prioritised sustainable design and construction. Recycled site materials, green façade elements, energy-efficient appliances, natural ventilation, and rainwater harvesting all work together to reduce environmental impact while enhancing liveability for residents.

The custom rainwater system delivered through close collaboration between North Coast Power & Water, O’Brien Plumbing & Relining Coffs Harbour, RapidPlas and Davey Water Products forms an important part of this broader sustainability commitment. CODA Apartments stands as a strong example of how thoughtful design, technical expertise and local partnerships can deliver sustainable, future-ready urban living.

North Coast Power + Water is a family-owned business with 35 years of experience delivering water, irrigation, and power solutions to homes, farms, and businesses across the Coffs Coast. Proudly regional, they were recently named Davey National Master Dealer of the Year, recognising their commitment to quality and customer service. 02 6651 4333. ncpw.com

O’Brien Plumbing & Relining Coffs Harbour is a team of professional and fully qualified plumbing experts providing a full range of commercial, industrial, and residential plumbing and relining services across the Mid North Coast Region. 1800 779 069. obrien.com.au