With limited land available in popular suburbs in southeast Queensland, skinny apartment towers have become a popular choice for developers seeking to make the most of small sites.

International architecture firm, Plus Architecture, has designed six slender towers in some of the Gold Coast's most desirable areas, with the projects set to be built within the next five years, demonstrating a new wave of high-rise design that optimises limited land to create luxurious living experiences.

According to Plus Architecture Principal, Chrisney Formosa, the slender tower concept is well-suited to luxury multi-residential projects. The design allows for full floor or two-story apartments with 360-degree views, providing residents with the benefits of a standalone house, plus more.

“Very small sites present an opportunity for unique architectural solutions as they require an individualised design approach. In the high-end property market, being able to deliver a boutique design that is highly customised to the site is what helps a project truly stand out,” Formosa said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=209221]

“Beyond that, skinny towers also easily allow for full floor or two-story apartments with 360-degree views, making them a prime solution for luxury multi-residential coastal living – offering all the benefits of a standalone house and more.”

When it comes to boutique apartment tower design, we need to think out of the ordinary, Formosa said.

“That means exploring doing things differently – reimagining how we can use those smaller sites to their best potential to ensure they become a valuable addition to the urban streetscape. La Mer is a great example of this.”

The boutique apartment tower at La Mer, a joint venture between Polites Property Group and QNY Group in Main Beach, is a prime example of the skinny tower trend.

The boutique apartment tower is located in arguably one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic locations: Main Beach, a small enclave of properties in an exclusive reserve surrounded by water.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110953 project_image_fid=209073]

Redesigned by Plus Architecture, La Mer features 20 apartments, including one of the largest penthouses in Main Beach, each oriented to capture ocean views.

“Unique to La Mer is that half the tower comprises double-storey, fully customisable sub penthouses, a boutique approach made possible by the slender design. More of a ‘sky home’ and less of an apartment, these vertical residences are elevated far above the typical apartment living experience.”

At Nineteen First Avenue, a 38-story development of 35 apartments in the beachside precinct of Broadbeach, every aspect of the architecture has been designed to deliver luxury.

The pinched-in tower shape maximises views and light, while the overlapping rippled forms, inspired by the interaction of water, wind, and sand, deliver a dynamic and graceful design.

A design palette of soft textures, vertical aluminium screening, textured concrete, and a verdant landscaped ground floor entry combine to deliver a luxurious residential experience.

When it comes to boutique apartment tower design, we need to think out of the ordinary, Plus Architecture Principal, Chrisney Formosa says

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Why Queensland’s skinny tower trend is redefining luxury apartment design

Developer&nbsp;Australasian Property Group has submitted plans for a&nbsp;31-story residential tower on one of Liverpool's most sought-after streets.

Located in Sydney’s growth corridor in the west, near the new airport, the $133 million development at 402 Macquarie Street which will have a mix of apartments and hotel rooms.

Designed by Olsson Architecture, there will be 168 apartments and a 198-room hotel, as well as a range of communal spaces, a gym, and ground-floor retail space.&nbsp;

Taking advantage of a regulatory loophole that will allow it to sidestep building height restrictions in the area, the mixed-use tower will be a welcome addition to the suburb, which has experienced a lack of housing supply in recent times.&nbsp;

<img alt="Render of the proposed Liverpool tower " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5c7936d-659f-414f-95b6-1bce84944ea0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-02-03%20at%205.27.55%20pm.png?VersionId=M_62fUR5ctdNfD4esJEENBCY_QuWaEsK" />

The group were able to navigate around planning restrictions by including the space for the hotel, under a bonus scheme plan that states if 20 per cent or more of the gross floor area serves as a hotel, existing height restrictions may be exceeded. &nbsp;

Future residents will not only benefit from the in-house residential amenities proposed, but also from the features planned for the hotel, which include conference facilities, offices, a restaurant, dining rooms, and a bar.&nbsp;

The hotel will span from level two through to seven, with the apartments from level nine through to level 29.

A mix of floorplans will be on offer in the tower, with one, two and three-bedroom apartments planned.&nbsp;

A communal rooftop space will crown the tower, complete with resident's lounges and alfresco dining space, with extensive landscaping also planned for the space.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Designed by Olsson Architecture, there will be 168 apartments and a 198-room hotel

Plans lodged for 32-storey Liverpool apartment tower 

Seldom does an opportunity come along to buy a townhouse in a Stockland residential community so close to the city.

Haven, centrally located in the burgeoning Altona North, is Stockland's closest community to Melbourne, a mere 11 kilometres from the CBD.

Given the location and the higher demand for a higher level of design from city dwellers, Stockland enlisted award-winning architecture firm SJB to design the 289 townhomes, a mix of two, three and four-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29947 project_image_fid=159028]

There are 13 contemporary townhome styles, which are being developed with a focus on sustainability. The Rachael collection is one of the two-bedroom townhouses, priced from $699,000* and offering two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a car space.

The entry-level townhouses have been popular with first home buyers and young couples who want more space than an apartment in their first property purchase.

SJB have cleverly designed most of the townhomes with a reverse layout. The Rachael's master retreat, with ensuite and walk-in robe is located on the ground level, as is the oversized single car garage.

The kitchen, living and dining space is located upstairs so it opens to a balcony. The second bedroom also sits on this level. There's over 90 sqm of internal living space across the two levels.

The Raven collection is a three-bed townhouse, which starts from $830,000*. They have the same reverse layout, but with another bedroom upstairs and a two-car garage. There's over 130 sqm of space in The Raven townhomes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29947 project_image_fid=93187]

The Roxy and The Rosa collections start from $926,530* and $930,000* and both have four bedrooms. The Roxy is across three levels and has over 160 sqm of internal living space. The Rosa is a more traditional townhouse, with the living kitchen and dining space on the ground floor, opening to a rear courtyard, and three of the four bedrooms located upstairs.

Haven's townhomes will also enjoy an average 6.5-star NatHERS rating.&nbsp;

The sustainable and low maintenance townhomes include 1.5kW of solar panels, double glazing and either a rainwater tank or solar gas boosted hot water service, with the sustainability measures extending across Haven, with parks and trees watered by passive irrigation from captured stormwater.

The interior design of the townhouses draws upon Altona North's past, using industrially-inspired components in conjunction with more rustic elements, such as grainy wood panels, to create a warm, contemporary palette. Buyers can select between two colour schemes and even upgrade inclusions to suit every lifestyle and budget.&nbsp;

Adapted to suit the location, the townhomes maximise views, with a seamless flow created between indoor and outdoor living throughout.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29947 project_image_fid=93186]

The kitchens have been designed as the heart of the home, with Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, reconstituted stone benchtop, designer finishes, and smart storage solutions throughout.

Stockland has developed a new 4,000 sqm central park and playground in which Haven will be built around, with an abundance of green links to run through the spine of the project.

Stockland General Manager for Communities Victoria, David Allington, said it was an exciting milestone to open one of the first parks for the former industrial site in Altona North, which was rezoned by the Victorian Government, with ongoing planning spearheaded by Hobsons Bay City Council.

“In addition to the park, current and future residents will come to enjoy a community with walkable, landscaped streets that will lead them to a future planned town centre, community centre and commercial area,” Allington said.

Plus, for a limited time, Stockland is offering an exclusive $15,000^ rebate on all townhomes at Haven.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29947 project_image_fid=209454]

^Incentive is a $15,000 rebate, which is applied at settlement. Limited to the first 200 sales. Stockland reserves the right to increase the maximum number of Incentives. Promotion applies to selected townhomes at Stockland’s Haven (Medium Density) community. Promotion finishes on 9 March 2023 at 5pm (AEST) or when Incentives have been exhausted. Visit <a href="https://www.stockland.com.au/residential/vic/sale-terms">Stockland</a> for full terms and conditions.

*Price does not include stamp duty, registration fees or any incidental fees. Images are artist’s impressions and are subject to change. All details (including any prices), images and statements are based on the intention of, and information available to, Stockland as at the date of this publication (February 2023) and may change due to future circumstances. Stockland does not give any warranty in relation to any information contained in this article. Stockland does not accept any liability for loss or damage arising as a result of any reliance on this article or its contents. This article contains views and opinions expressed by staff members of Stockland. The views, opinions and commentary of such interviews may not represent the views, opinions and commentary of other industry experts outside of Stockland. Stockland does not accept liability for loss or damage arising as a result of any reliance on, the views, opinions and commentary of such individuals.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=29947]

Altona North's Haven townhomes: Stockland's rare development in inner-Melbourne

It's the playground for Sydney's rich and famous.

And now one of Bronte's most exclusive streets, Bronte Marine Drive, is set for its first ever, brand new apartment development.

There's only 19 buildings on Bronte Marine Drive, all houses, apart from a tired block of apartments at 2 Bronte Marine Drive that date back to the 1930s.

That block is now set to be demolished and will make way for a striking new Tzannes Architects-designed building in landscaping by Myles Baldwin.

The proposal has been submitted on behalf of the executors of the Estate of Angelina Cordatos.

The project, fittingly dubbed Project Angelina, will have five three-bedroom apartments on the sloping 600 sqm site which overlooks the ocean, beach, and fronts part of the famed Bondi to Coogee walk.

The new proposal seeks to shift the original primary access from Bronte Marine Drive to Bayview Street, which will be via a splayed feature wall adjoining to a private staircase, leading into the residential lobby.&nbsp;

In the design statement submitted to the local council, the aim was for a design which is "consistent with a Sydney coastal garden with a touch of Mediterranean."

The planting palette is made up of a mix of natives and exotics to compliment the surrounding areas, with the terrace planter boxes at balcony edges and green roofs visible from the street.

<img alt="Render of the proposed Bronte development" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="39a06226-d9fa-4432-9ddf-32bac5a4818b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-02-01%20at%2010.35.44%20am.png?VersionId=RcF8r9ad33DO614354RWW1NGXpCvJxmk" />Render of the proposed Bronte development. Credit: Tzannes.&nbsp;

Each apartment spans a whole floor and will feature private terraces oriented towards the beach, taking in sweeping south and south-eastern views. The terraces are accessed off the open plan living spaces which will be lined with floor to ceiling doors to take in the views.

The building will be crowned by a two-level penthouse. That will have two open terraces.

The built form will consist of a series of layered stone, concrete and masonry elements, defined at the openings by architectural metalwork and landscaping. The curved, horizontal language is established by bands of masonry that wrap around the full perimeter of the development, on top of expressed floor edges.

The overall form of the building features sweeping corners which soften the built form, and splayed balconies and terraces. These are oriented to address the main view towards Bronte Beach, and prevent onlooking between apartments.

Last Bronte Marine Drive took the record for Bronte's most expensive house sale. The property next door to Project Angelina, 1 Bronte Marine Drive, sold for $23.3 million to Singaporean blockchain entrepreneur Joanne Huynh.

F45 co-founder Rob Deutsche sold his home on Bronte Marine Drive last year for $17.7 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138489]

The project, fittingly dubbed Project Angelina, will have five three-bedroom apartments on the sloping 600 sqm site which overlooks the ocean, beach, and fronts part of the famed Bondi to Coogee walk

First look: One of Bronte's best streets set for first ever new apartment development

Sitting alongside Aniko’s sold out Athena Residences, Athena Quays comprises two eight-level towers with 177 apartments. &nbsp;

Launching to the market in 2022, sales for the Athena Quays towers have been strong, with both towers now sitting at 90 per cent sold.

One of the reasons driving buyers to Aniko’s waterfront development is the in-house amenities on offer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109922 project_image_fid=207989]

Taking inspiration from the finest resorts across the globe, Athena Quays is home to a plentiful array of convenient and recreational amenity offerings.

Sales and Marketing Director,&nbsp;Peter Malady said the residents-only&nbsp;facilities are designed for those who insist on convenience, quality and luxury.

"From the secluded courtyard garden to a suite of private office facilities, Athena Quays in-house amenities are second to none,” Malady said.&nbsp;

When it comes to contemporary urban living, Aniko have recognised the importance of nourishing the mind, body and soul, incorporating a resident’s only recreation club into Athena Quays.&nbsp;

The towers will also feature a state-of-the-art private gym, along with two swimming pools, an outdoor heated spa, a sauna, a yoga and pilates hall, sun lounges, barbecue facilities, a pet wash bay, a children’s indoor play room, and a resident’s lounge. &nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109922 project_image_fid=207990]

A full-equipped entertainment suite features a 14-seat screening room, as well as a resident’s lounge, and thanks to an on-site manager, a number of the spaces can be conveniently booked through the in-house service 24/7.&nbsp;

Hope Island remains a highly sought-after suburb for local downsizers and increasingly for interstate buyers making the move to the Gold Coast.

Only a handful of large luxury, waterfront sky homes remain, priced from $1.25 million through to $1.995 million, all benefitting from multiple car parking spaces.&nbsp;

All sky homes feature three-bedrooms, in addition to butlers pantry’s, ensuites to bedrooms, Miele appliances, engineered timber floors, integrated fridge/freezers, wine fridges, and secure storage cages in the basement car park.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=109922]

Nourishing the mind, body and soul; A look into the amenity offering at Athena Quays 

Sydney construction and development company Deicorp is making great progress on their largest north-west Sydney project, Tallawong Village.

Delivering a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, the varying floorplans will target the owner-occupier market along with investors, with the residences landing in one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.&nbsp;

The group continues a strong relationship with architects, Turner Studio, who have designed many of the apartments to feature additional study spaces.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106821 project_image_fid=169990]

Living and dining spaces lead to open-air terraces and balconies, while internally, the apartments feature warm carpets, engineered timber floorboards and contemporary floor tiles.

The kitchens include polished stone bench tops, mirrored splash backs, and stainless steel Ilve ovens, cooktops and range hoods, all framed by generous storage.

Situated on the doorstep of the Sydney Metro Tallawong Station, Tallawong Village boasts unparalleled connectivity, with existing access to the Sydney CBD, and plans already underway to connect Tallawong to the future Western Sydney International Airport.

The village will also benefit from the planned future Tallawong Town Centre, which will deliver up to 30,000 sqm of retail floorspace, while the bustling Rouse Hill Town Centre is just one stop away on the Metro.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106821 project_image_fid=169992]

Tallawong Village also lends itself to those seeking an active lifestyle, with a village park outside the door of the residences, while further afield lies a multitude of rural pursuits in the Sydney Parklands corridor and the Hawkesbury region.

Meanwhile, the $300 million Rouse Hill Hospital is set to commence construction by 2023, and there are also plans for a major expansion at the Rouse Hill Town Centre shopping precinct, with 90 new retailers including a department store, additional speciality shops and leisure/entertainment facilities.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106821]

Tallawong set for new apartments with Tallawong Village under construction

Deicorp has created an entire village at Castle Hill’s Showground precinct.&nbsp;

Located next to the Hills Showground Metro and above a vibrant retail precinct, the development offers the best of urban convenience and lifestyle.&nbsp;

Award-winning architects, Turner Studio have designed the stylish and generous one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with Deicorp's construction team expecting to complete construction in 2025.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=133881 project_image_fid=209804]

First home buyers are set to make up a crop of the purchasers in the Hills Showground Village, with new incentives introduced by the New South Wales Government which allow FHB's to pay no stamp duty.

All of the apartments at Hills Showground Village qualify under the First Home Buyer Choice program, with savings of more than $30,000 available when buying an $800,000 apartment.

Offering lush views across the Cattai Creek Corridor and the Castle Hill district, each of the homes at Hills Showground Village provide connection with their surroundings.

Apartment designs promote a sense of wellbeing and space, complete with highly functional living spaces spilling out onto generous outdoor areas, while floor-to-ceiling glass walls invite the outside in, complemented with the warmth of the engineered European Oak timber floors that run throughout the living and dining spaces.

All kitchens come fully equipped with a SMEG oven and gas cooktops. Storage abounds with an integrated pull-out pantry, with some floorplans even including a handy study space.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=133881 project_image_fid=209812]

Generous communal podium amenities will serve each building, including barbecue, dining and entertainment facilities, a playground, and lushly landscaped gardens and green spaces.&nbsp;

The retail precinct will include a range of cafes and restaurants, along with over 30 speciality retail outlets and a major supermarket.&nbsp;

While leaving the Hills Showground Village is practically unnecessary, with everything on the doorstep of the site, the Hills Showground Metro is located next door, connecting residents to major employment centres, universities, Macquarie Park, Norwest, Chatswood, North Sydney, Barangaroo, and the CBD.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=133881]

A look at Deicorp's Castle Hill development, Hills Showground Village

Mirvac has turned the first sod at its newest masterplanned community in New South Wales, located adjacent to the historic township of Cobbitty in Camden.&nbsp;

The $648 million project, Cobbitty by Mirvac, will deliver a new all-electric community of 900 homes while also creating more than 4,000 local jobs during construction.

The new community, officially opened by New South Wales Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts, is proposed to feature a playing field and village green, town centre, a lake and a range of parks and landscaped open spaces.&nbsp;

Nature will also take centre stage in the development with existing wetland corridors to be restored as a safe haven for native flora and fauna, in addition to extensive networks of walking trails and cycleways which are planned to promote connectivity and connection to nature throughout the neighbourhood.

<img alt="Render of the proposed Cobbitty by Mirvac" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0231f762-9866-4d8d-92b7-9ac3f7e886fa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/531_Cobbitty_Rd_1E_Entry_Cobblestone%20FINAL.jpg?VersionId=npY1ELn4nXvr8o_vGCmnpkn_J53Qncvc" />Render of the entrance to Cobbitty by Mirvac. Image supplied.&nbsp;

Mirvac’s Head of Residential, Stuart Penklis, said Camden is one of the most popular growth areas of Sydney but supply is limited.

“With Camden recently named as having one of the most significant housing supply shortages in NSW1, coupled with its population projected to almost double by 20412, the new community is set to provide a much-needed boost to housing options in the area.”

“To be able to get these first homes to market is great news, especially for first home buyers and young families wanting a new chapter in a high-quality new community,” Penklis said.

Stage 1 of the project comprises 120 lots, with the first release of 20 Torrens Title sites ranging in size from 270 sqm through to 525 sqm, set to be available from February. Future releases will include lots over 1000 sqm.

All residents will have access to electric living, giving them the ability to charge vehicles or use lower energy appliances like induction cooktops, and offset their electricity costs with solar power, providing significant potential savings.

Mirvac’s General Manager, Residential Development NSW, Toby Long said Mirvac is also planning the development to respond to the existing Cobbitty village and has carefully considered the heritage of the area in designing the new community.

“Our vision for Cobbitty is to build a legacy project for south west Sydney where residents can enjoy the lifestyle of an idyllic and connected rural setting, that has the infrastructure to support contemporary living,” said Long.

Embedded in the South West Growth Area, Cobbitty is expected to continue to attract substantial public and private investment for decades due to its proximity to the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, home of Sydney’s much anticipated second airport.

<img alt="Render of Cobbitty by Mirvac" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7a3bc325-cf8f-4a6d-8003-2355c1160a3b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/531_Cobbitty_Rd_2E_Riparian_FINAL.jpg?VersionId=EutVIEfUeUwhljOOtUukEKrP7NWaQZgB" />Render of Cobbitty by Mirvac. Image supplied.&nbsp;

“Cobbitty stands to benefit from the multi-billion dollar infrastructure investment already underway in the region including the new airport and significant transport upgrades,” Long added.&nbsp;

Attending the recent sod-turning event, New South Wales Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes, Anthony Roberts, said the NSW Government is investing in several funding initiatives to help Camden Council deliver major infrastructure projects.

“As one of the fast-growing areas, Camden and surrounding suburbs will benefit from over $140 million worth of funding. This investment is set to deliver several road upgrades, enhanced public spaces and created new town precincts, making South Western Sydney a great place to live and work,” Roberts said.

Penklis said Mirvac’s track record of quality development over five decades has never been more important as buyers grapple with a range of challenges from interest rate movements to rising costs.

“Our customers want to buy into a community with a trusted and reliable name. The integration of best in field experts involved in every step of the process, from conception to completion to after sales customer care, is a clear competitive advantage for Mirvac. For the customer, this guarantees absolute confidence that the mark of Mirvac quality is embedded in every little detail on each and every project,” he said.

Other major infrastructure earmarked for the region includes the second stage of the Campbelltown Hospital redevelopment, the M12 motorway, and the new North-South rail line between St Marys and Macarthur which will ultimately link Cobbitty locals seamlessly with the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and Sydney CBD.

Prospective purchasers can register their interest at <a href="https://cobbitty.mirvac.com/register-now">cobbitty.mirvac.com.</a>

Mirvac breaks ground at 80-hectare Cobbitty community, Cobbitty by Mirvac

More than seven years after buying the former Epping quarry in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, property developers, Riverlee has won approval from the City of Whittlesea to turn the 51-hectare site into a $2 billion mixed-use precinct.

Across five neighbourhoods, New Epping will deliver a range of commercial, healthcare, residential and civic spaces that will establish the suburb as the 'new urban north' in Melbourne.

Located 18-kilometres from the CBD, New Epping will contribute more than $3.4 billion to the state economy – about 1 per cent of Victoria’s GDP – and provide 7,200 jobs once fully operational. More than 600 construction workers will be required annually on the project.

Riverlee development director David Lee says New Epping sets a new benchmark in how an integrated mixed-use development can meet the demands of a rapidly growing population.

<img alt="Render of the residential neighbourhood within the New Epping development " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="beb0daba-2b7c-4a50-a981-2e6cd967a71b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/New%20Epping%20Residential%20Neighbourhood.jpg?VersionId=AIlEFD2FnbN9eKvWuS.xPFiID8mLjAWi" />Render of the residential neighbourhood within the New Epping development. Image supplied.&nbsp;

“We want New Epping to set a new standard in urban renewal, with a more thoughtful approach to how we regenerate infill sites and integrate mixed-use communities. Diversity is key to the success in a mixed-use precinct — that is what makes for a resilient community,” he said.

Situated next to the Northern Hospital, which is the busiest emergency department in Victoria, plans include a 7-hectare healthcare precinct and a private hospital, which will deliver critical infrastructure to the healthcare sector.

City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said Riverlee’s vision to transform the dormant site will provide significant benefit to the growing northern corridor and its community.

“This landmark project will provide employment opportunities, economic stimulus and the infrastructure required to create a vibrant urban environment that is underpinned by wellness and sustainability,” Wilson said.

“Riverlee has created a vision for New Epping that builds on the cornerstones of our community — healthcare as our leading industry, the need for quality housing for people at all stages of life, and sustainability as a way of ensuring a bright and healthy future for our younger generations. With its challenging site conditions, the former Epping Quarry has laid dormant for decades. Its transformation is something the entire community can look forward to.”

New Epping’s vision for a greener future will see a central green spine and waterway rehabilitated, while built spaces will target net-zero in operation, providing sustainability benefits to enhance the urban experience and liveability.

With a focus on walkable neighbourhoods, residential plans include a diverse community of 2,000 homes, including townhomes, apartments, affordable housing, retirement residences and aged care.

<img alt="Render of the a proposed reserve and creek planned for the New Epping development" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4891fd36-5719-49cd-9129-ece1b09e554c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/New%20Epping%20Edgars%20Creek%20Reserve.jpg?VersionId=HI_fStKTbYIEoB_BBdMso091qjoukcMV" />Render of the a proposed reserve and creek planned for the New Epping development. Image supplied.&nbsp;

Residential and commercial precincts will be connected by a civic heart, complete with parks, cafes and recreation facilities.

“By looking at design at the neighbourhood scale, we have had the privilege to not only regenerate the natural environment but also lay the foundations for a community underpinned by connection and wellness,” Lee said.

“We believe that by creating purpose-built spaces for living, working and leisure, with unrivalled amenity and integration with nature, we can truly impact the way people live for the better, and we thank the City of Whittlesea for working with us to make this project a reality."

“Across five neighbourhoods, we will be delivering a range of commercial, healthcare, residential and civic spaces that will cement Epping as the CBD of Melbourne's north. In doing so, we want to bring all the character you find in the inner north of Melbourne to Epping and in that sense, this project is ahead of its time and will redefine the suburbs of the future,” he added.&nbsp;

Riverlee secures approval for $2 billion New Epping 'mini city' in Melbourne’s north

Sekisui House Australia are taking on one of Sydney's fastest growing areas in their latest residential development.&nbsp;

The Orchards is set to rejuvenate the urban side of Norwest, with the significant masterplanned community to be home to 1300 apartments, spread across five release stages throughout the 8.1 hectare site.&nbsp;

Lumia is the third stage of apartments to be released in the community, with the previous releases all entirely sold out.&nbsp;

Prospective buyers can currently secure a new apartment in The Orchards with just a one per cent deposit.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111509 project_image_fid=191136]

Designed for buyers who value privacy and community, green spaces and location, Lumia has been designed by the architects at Turner, offering a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
330 residences will be constructed in total, with the range of apartment sizes and multiple designs and layouts stylised to target a broad demographic of buyers.

The apartments will maximise on natural daylight and solar access throughout the open living spaces and external areas, with a large selection also offering additional max spaces. A max space apartment features an additional space that has been functionally designed as a multi-purpose room, to meet everyone's individual needs, be it a study space, workspace or a nursery.&nbsp;

With a variety of outdoor spaces ranging from the landscaped podium at the centre of development to cycleways, pedestrian paths, a linear park, a residents only communal courtyard garden and heated pool and outdoor dining facilities, resident’s will be at home to a pursuit of recreational amenity.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111509 project_image_fid=191138]

The publicly accessible park will transition through the landscaped podium to the private Lumia open spaces, surrounding residents in lush planting and detailed landscaping that both complement and enhance the surroundings, while the pedestrian and cycleways will also connect the separate elements of the precinct with areas that provide a mix of active and passive spaces.

Site Image Landscape Architects were given the reins in designing the green spaces, with the new linear park situated along the boundary of Lumia, connecting the site to the whole of The Orchards.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=111509]

Inside Lumia: The latest apartments to rise in The Orchards 

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

Joel Robinson

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

&nbsp;

Developer GURNER™ Group has revealed $1.65 billion in residential sales nationally across the 12 months to December 2025, driven largely by the continued momentum of its Docklands wellness-focused precinct, Elysium Fields.

The sales result was generated across seven projects in Victoria and New South Wales, headlined by Elysium Fields, GURNER™’s $2.75 billion mixed-use precinct planned for Harbour Esplanade in Docklands.

The project has recorded more than $500 million in sales across the first three towers, equating to around 580 apartments sold.

The first tower, Helios, has now sold out of its 240 private residences, with GURNER™ preparing to release a premium penthouse collection comprising 15 three-bedroom penthouses in coming weeks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370975]

Elysium Fields is being developed on the long-held 20,000 sqm Docklands site at 208-226 Harbour Esplanade, which had remained undeveloped for more than two decades prior to GURNER™ taking over the project around four years ago.

Construction has now commenced across four towers ranging between 18 and 30 storeys, with Hamilton Marino and Maxcon appointed as builders.

Once complete, the precinct is expected to comprise around 1,100 residences, alongside retail, hospitality and public realm uses integrated throughout the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370981]

Designed by Fraser &amp; Partners in collaboration with GURNER™ Design House, the project has been positioned around the developer’s broader focus on wellness-led residential living.

“We don’t sell apartments. We create a true luxury lifestyle that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the market today,” Founder and Executive Chairman Tim Gurner said.

“To deliver that requires an extraordinary level of detail, coordination and discipline across multiple verticals, from design and hospitality through to wellness and service.”

“We’ve always believed that living extends far beyond the physical residence. It’s about how you feel the moment you arrive, how you live day-to-day, and the ecosystem that supports that.” 
[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370977]

The project’s design places a heavy focus on landscaping, wellness amenities and biophilic design principles.

Plans include around 3,700 sqm of landscaped gardens and open space throughout the precinct, alongside a retail and dining offering spanning approximately 5,000 sqm.

The broader public realm strategy centres around what GURNER™ describes as the “Path of Life”, an urban forest and landscaped pedestrian environment intended to connect the various buildings and wellness spaces across the precinct.

The apartments themselves will incorporate a range of wellness-focused inclusions, including purified air and water systems, circadian lighting, antimicrobial surfaces, and optional in-home wellness upgrades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370980]

Gurner said the company’s experience through its Saint Haven wellness clubs had directly informed the residential offering now being incorporated into Elysium Fields.

“We’re seeing a clear global shift toward longevity, performance and proactive health,” Gurner said.

“Our role is to deliver that in a way that feels seamless, highly private and beautifully resolved within the environments we create.”

A large component of the wellness offering is planned through the resident amenity and health facilities proposed within the precinct.

That includes plans for bathing and recovery facilities spread throughout the towers, incorporating mineral pools, saunas, steam rooms, flotation therapy, red light therapy and wellness lounges.

The developer is also seeking approvals for what it describes as a “reverse ageing medical clinic” within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370978]

According to project information released by the group, the proposed facility would include cryotherapy, IV infusion therapy, infrared and dry saunas, PEMF beds, MRIs, DEXA scans, brain scans and blood analysis services.

Within the first tower, Helios, residents will also have access to a dedicated amenity offering known as the Sky Private Club.

The upper 15 levels of the building will include private lounges, dining spaces, rooftop amenities and optional private wellness studios integrated within residences.

The Helios tower itself comprises 260 apartments ranging between 60 sqm and 300 sqm, including a collection of penthouses.

That includes a planned two-storey penthouse spanning around 600 sqm with uninterrupted bay views.

The Elysium Fields precinct is being delivered in partnership with Digital Harbour Holdings, a consortium that includes the Liberman family, which controls the development rights across the Docklands site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370979]

The sales result comes as GURNER™ continues expanding its national development pipeline beyond Victoria.

“We have a strong pipeline across Australia and are now focused on scaling into key markets including New South Wales and Queensland, while continuing to build on our Melbourne base,” Gurner said.

“We currently have more than $3 billion in the market, growing to over $5 billion by October, and expect to materially outperform last year in the 2026 calendar year.”

The result also reflects the continued strength of the upper-end apartment market in Melbourne, particularly for owner-occupier-focused product with large-scale amenity and lifestyle offerings.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144441]

Record result anchored by the Group’s “utopian” Elysium Fields precinct – defying market headwinds in Docklands.

Elysium Fields drive Gurner to $1.65 billion in apartment sales over 2025

National Australia Bank (NAB) will fund <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera</a>, a $1 billion, 52-level luxury residential tower being developed by Central Equity in one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held coastal locations at Northcliffe.

The project, launched recently by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a>, one of Victoria’s largest private residential developers, comes at a time when construction funding for large residential developments has become increasingly competitive as lenders tighten exposure to the sector.

Multiplex has been appointed the builder, and construction is now underway.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365784]

Since its first project, Central Equity has delivered more than 85 residential developments with a combined end value exceeding $8 billion.

Palmera reflects Central Equity’s growing focus on the Gold Coast luxury apartment market and continues a relationship between Central Equity and NAB that dates back to the late 1980s, when the bank funded one of Melbourne’s earliest inner-city residential towers at a time when high-rise apartment living in the CBD was largely unproven.

“NAB’s funding of Central Equity’s $36 million CBD development in the late 1980’s to the financing of the billion-dollar tower today highlights the long-term relationship between the two organisations in delivering major residential projects” said Central Equity Founder and Chairman Eddie Kutner.

He said NAB’s early support was instrumental in helping establish the company’s development model.

“When we commenced our first residential tower in the late 1980s the concept of funding off-the-plan apartments was still largely untested in Australia,” Kutner said.

“NAB recognised the opportunity early and supported the project when others were uncertain. That relationship has now continued for more than 37 years across many developments.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Central Equity was established in 1987 when Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank precinct were still dominated by warehouses and commercial buildings. Fewer than 100 residents lived in Southbank at the time, and large-scale residential development in the inner city was not widely considered.

Recognising changing demographics and lifestyle preferences, the company began developing high-rise residential projects designed to bring permanent residents into the city centre.

Central Equity has provided accommodation for approximately 40,000 residents across Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank, while also incorporating supporting infrastructure including essential lifestyle facilities like retail spaces, childcare facilities and neighbourhood activity centres.

Central Equity has spent many years assembling the Palmera development site on the corner of Garfield Terrace and Frederick Street in Northcliffe, creating a supersite of around 3,300 sqm.

The developer said the Palmera apartment tower reflects its long-term view of the Gold Coast as a growing and increasingly diversified economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365768]

Supported by infrastructure including the light rail network, major road upgrades expanded education, hospital and medical facilities and continued expansion at the Gold Coast Airport with more international and domestic flights.

Positioned in the tightly held Northcliffe precinct, the 52-level tower will deliver 347 apartments, targeting buyers seeking a high-end coastal lifestyle, from downsizers to interstate investors.

Designed by Marchese Partners with interiors by DBI, Palmera has been conceived as a next-generation residential offering, featuring a collection of oversized apartments, with premium three-bedroom residences offering sweeping northern views stretching from Surfers Paradise through to Burleigh Heads.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

NAB funds $1 billion Surfers Paradise apartment development, Palmera

Two years after completing one of the newest developments in North Sydney, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a> is turning its attention to the rapidly evolving St Leonards apartment market.

The developer, which completed AURA by Aqualand on North Sydney's Walker Street, has lodged plans for a 5,918 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/33-37-herbert-street-st-leonards-nsw-2065">33-37 Herbert Street, St Leonards,</a> seeking approval for a pair of residential towers rising above a shared podium opposite Royal North Shore Hospital.

The proposal forms part of the broader transformation underway across the St Leonards-Crows Nest precinct, where former industrial and commercial sites are increasingly being redeveloped into high-density mixed-use projects tied to major transport infrastructure.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cc428cf-fe70-4cac-9cd5-264ad53af62c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=otKSnHtbjAvAddOnovyXQMgcAwE6DMe1" />

According to the planning documents, the site sits “within the St Leonards–Crows Nest Strategic Centre, identified by the NSW Government as a key area for accommodating future jobs and housing across Sydney.”

The proposal has been designed by fjcstudio, formerly FJMT Studio, and is being progressed through the State Significant Development pathway due to its scale and affordable housing provision.

The scheme would comprise 413 apartments, including 46 affordable housing units, alongside retail and commercial uses fronting Herbert Street. The project would also include communal open space, landscaping, a swimming pool, gymnasium, children’s play areas and podium-level resident amenities.

Planning documents show the development would consist of a part-13, part-39 storey tower form positioned above a four-storey podium.

“The development comprises a unified podium that activates the street interface, and two setback towers to accommodate new housing supply while maintaining an appropriate human scale at ground level,” fjcstudio noted in its Design Report.

The northern and southern towers have been shaped to respond to the surrounding skyline while also limiting overshadowing impacts to nearby public open space, particularly Talus Reserve.

The design report said the differing tower heights were intended to “contribute to a varied skyline while responding to the surrounding built form context and solar access considerations.”

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36da62dc-ff9e-41f2-a7e3-7be38373751c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.45%E2%80%AFAM_0.png?VersionId=Mo6Rp2r.XRLTzIfg_PEEpw8NepDH8UBs" />

The site sits directly opposite Royal North Shore Hospital and within walking distance of both St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

While the site itself sits just outside the formal Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development boundary, the planning documents repeatedly reference its alignment with the broader TOD objectives reshaping the Lower North Shore.

“The site is located adjacent to St Leonards Station and in close proximity to Crows Nest Metro which is within the Crows Nest Transit Orientated Development Accelerated Precinct which has been identified by the NSW Government to support housing delivery,” the Design Verification Statement noted.

According to fjcstudio, the project has been designed to respond to the broader transition occurring across St Leonards, where increasing residential density is being concentrated around transport infrastructure and employment hubs.

“The broader precinct is undergoing significant change, with a mix of existing mid-rise buildings and newer high-density developments,” the report stated.

“Recent and approved projects indicate a consistent shift toward taller built form, typically organised as tower-and-podium typologies with more active ground levels.”

The proposal includes close to 6,000 sqm of retail and commercial space across the ground floor and podium levels, designed to create a more activated street edge along Herbert Street.

Aqualand’s plans would also introduce a landscaped podium shared between the two towers, with communal open space in the form of a podium rooftop designed to support resident interaction and improve urban greening outcomes. The scheme would also introduce pocket parks at the northern and southern ends of the site, including a landscaped area at the corner of Herbert and Ella streets designed to improve pedestrian amenity and soften the streetscape.

&nbsp;

The proposal is being progressed through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway, which was introduced to accelerate housing supply across the state. The application was declared State Significant Development in April 2025 following an expression of interest process.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faf6d97d-2671-454f-b85a-fe1c6a7be608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=diVd28OBVr5.YV.7prrOz.uAanwwwm7a" />

St Leonards has been particularly active with new developments in recent weeks. Developer SP Setia’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-sp-setia-targets-st-leonards-skyline-with-40-storey-tod-tower">plans for a new 42-storey tower</a> recently went on exhibition through the same pathway, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">Stockland’s 52-storey tower proposal</a> was also recently unveiled.

Aside from the St Leonards project, which is expected to take around nine months to move through the approvals process ahead of a potential 2027 launch, Aqualand is also preparing to launch Boronia, a new apartment project in Roseville comprising around 111 apartments on Larkin Street.

The developer also has approvals in place for the next stage of the Barangaroo precinct, which will feature new residential, retail, hospitality and community uses, alongside a new metro entry across the five-hectare site.

More than 50 new retail destinations are planned for Central Barangaroo, alongside a 270-metre-long boulevard connecting Hickson Park to Nawi Cove. Together with Harbour Park, more than 50 per cent of the precinct will comprise public open space and parkland.

Alison Warters

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