The importance of interior designers creating the spaces and details within apartments has never been more important to residential developers.

Salta Properties,&nbsp;one of Australia&#39;s largest privately owned companies, called in the very best for their residential development The Park House in Melbourne&#39;s Abbotsford.

Carr, led by the design guru Sue Carr, handled the interiors at The Park House, the Victoria Street development made up of&nbsp;two buildings, Riverbank and Riverbend. They are named after their location, a stones throw from the Yarra River and bordering the popular Main Yarra Trail.

Urban recently spoke with the interior design guru Sue Carr, discussing all of the design elements of Riverbank.

JR: What was the brief from Salta for the interiors of the apartments?

SC: With every new project, we always begin by asking &ndash; what is the demographic of the purchaser? What is the lifestyle shift? Where is the location?

At Carr, we passionately believe that good architecture and design can enrich lives and make a difference to those that use and engage with it.

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Every project is unique, so we take into consideration the client, brief, place, cost plan and timing. All these factors combine to produce a response that has at its core, a powerful concept and a logical outcome. We call this the &lsquo;Big Idea&rsquo;, which remains with the project from end-to-end and guides the outcome.

With The Park House development, we looked at the location and the natural environment for inspiration. This was the &lsquo;Big Idea&rsquo;.

Surrounded by some of Melbourne&rsquo;s most animated and exciting precincts, the development sits on the banks of the Yarra Bend parklands, in a green belt framed by massive plane and gum trees.

One of the great aspects of this site is its proximity to the river and the bike paths that run along it. There is a spine that allows you to ride, run, row, or walk without seeing a major road. We love this idea of coming home after a long day at work and feeling like you have stepped away from the city and into the country. You can access stillness and natural beauty without having to abandon the excitement of a cosmopolitan urban lifestyle.

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In response, we wanted each home to be a private sanctuary. We wanted to create a warm and welcoming environment with textures and earthy tones.

For the design, we opted for a unified palette, where we used few materials as possible. This direction links all the individual spaces, creating a coherent overall offering achieved via subtle repetition of form, materiality, and texture.

The brief was not just to design beautiful apartments, but also address the vast amenities. The aim was to allow neighbouring residents to interact with one another, getting the most from the building in terms of comfort, entertainment and occupant wellbeing.

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JR: How early in the design phase do you and the architects collaborate? And why is earlier the better?

SC: The building fa&ccedil;ade reflects the ripples of the Yarra River. Although we did not literally carry this theme into the interiors like the architects, we responded to the site&rsquo;s natural surroundings with our own interpretation. Our materials, colours and textures respond to the immediate site context and its makeup.

JR: What really stands out for you about the design? What is your favourite feature?

SC: There is an understanding in our practice of the significance of detail in design. There are considered subtleties in The Park House that will unfold and come to be appreciated over time.

We really wanted the interiors &ndash; both public and private &ndash; to encourage people to slow down, to consider the spaces, and enjoy the transition from the street, bike path or car park, into their home. We wanted them to enjoy the process of switching off at the end of the day and engaging with their surroundings.

To achieve this, we created integrated lighting throughout each of the apartments and through the public walkways. It is subtle and soft.

In each apartment, we also designed a custom light that floats above the kitchen island bench. This provides a sculptural element to the interior while also projecting a soft, interesting light. The routed timber veneer in the joinery, adds another level of texture.

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Exaggerated proportions in the kitchen splashback highlight the scale of porcelain and create a grand sense of scale. Metal detailing to joinery in the kitchen and bathroom adds a refined aesthetic. Recessed LED lighting showcases the feature porcelain in the bathroom and kitchen

Our intention was to create a space that had a true sense of home but also a memorable atmosphere. We want the residents to feel the connection with the landscape beyond, with the building and their apartment becoming a welcoming sanctuary for them to take in all this development has to offer.

JR: What part did you play in the design of the amenity? And what design principles were important in the shared spaces?

SC: The Park House has vast amenity. It offers spaces both inside and out for all purposes &ndash; relaxation, work, entertainment, solitude &ndash; and for all demographics. There is a children&rsquo;s area, a private lounge, a bar, a home theatre, a golf simulator, a pool, a spa &ndash; the list goes on and on.

While working with Salta, we were strongly informed by ideas about public and private space, and how these new emerging types of urban spaces are full of design possibilities.

For us, it was important that all these spaces seamlessly flow into one another. Many of the transitional spaces are dark and atmospheric, which ensures that as residents move into the light and open spaces, the sense of awe is enhanced by contrast.

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Animating the larger functional spaces is natural light, invited into the building as the sun moves across from the east to the west. These ever-changing light effects and connection to landscape combine to form remarkable spaces that lie somewhere between art, sculpture, and architecture. Larger format glazing frames the view beyond, maximising outlook.&nbsp;

Part of the beauty of this development is the way it negotiates opposites. There is an intentional contrast between light and dark material palette. Certain areas open to the surrounding landscape, with internal lounges spilling out onto alfresco terracing, leading down to the river. This encapsulates a luxurious sense of home, inviting the residents to settle into these more private but public amenity spaces. The amenities are the key to a truly unique lifestyle on the banks of the Yarra River.

On the flipside, darker spaces, such as the library and meeting rooms, employ a darker, masculine palette. These interiors are richly layered and create a warmth.

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"Our intention was to create a space that had a true sense of home but also a memorable atmosphere," Carr said.

Joel Robinson

Inside the Carr Design interiors of Riverbank apartments in Abbotsford: Urban chats with Sue Carr

SJB are one of Australia&#39;s most sought-after architecture firms for anything from mutli-residential apartment developments to commercial towers and luxury home builds.

They&#39;ve got two studios, in Sydney as well as Melbourne, and have been the brains behind the likes of Crown&#39;s luxury Waterfall apartments in Sydney and Kings Domain in Southbank.

One of their most recent designed was the&nbsp;Abbotsford apartment development The Park House, developed by the renowned Salta Properties, with a major influence in the design being the building&#39;s proximity to the Yarra River.

Urban spoke to SJB&#39;s Michael Bialek, who headed up the design team for The Park House, to discuss how it was created.

What was the brief from Salta for The Park House, and then more specifically Riverbank? How did it need to differ from Riverbend?

Salta&rsquo;s brief for the The Park House project was to deliver a quality residential development as the final piece for the wider Yarra Gardens precinct.

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The project should provide significant improvements to the public realm through the provision of new visual and physical links from Victoria Street through to the Yarra River. Compromising over 500 apartments, the new buildings should respond positively to the landscaped character of the adjoining completed Green Square project and allow construction in stages towards the new proposed Walmer Plaza.

Riverbank addresses the &lsquo;urban edges&rsquo; of Victoria Street and Walmer Plaza, while Riverbend is less prominent &ndash; connected to the adjoining Green Square project and overlooking the bend in the Yarra River.

What were the most important features of the site/location which influenced your design?

The most important features of the site are the frontage to busy Victoria Street and the opportunity presented by the north-facing frontage to the Yarra River. These differing conditions resulted in building forms that have been shaped to respond to their location on the site and precinct planning that ensures a high quality public realm with enhanced amenity and connection to the Yarra River.

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Were there any other buildings&nbsp;you&#39;ve designed previously&nbsp;(or just seen) that influenced the design?

SJB was previously involved in the delivery of three residential projects fronting both Burnley Street and Victoria Street in the precinct. Each project has a distinctive aesthetic based on its orientation, typology and scale &ndash; townhouses fronting laneways, apartments along street frontages and common amenities surrounding landscaped courtyards.

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The buildings which are in close proximity to the retail complex Victoria Gardens, create a varied yet unified residential community which enjoys access to shopping facilities, public transport and riverfront recreation.

What were the biggest challenges of the design?

The challenges faced in the early design phase related mainly to the sensitive location of the site along the Yarra River.

Taller built forms were shaped so that the actual and apparent width of buildings were minimised when viewed from the river. These sculpted forms have been aligned generally to be perpendicular to the river corridor. Building separation, height and setback controls also influenced site planning and built form outcomes.

A two-tier river edge movement system was also incorporated into the master plan in order to maintain and enhance the &lsquo;natural&rsquo; river character at the lower level. A continuous bicycle connection is provided at this lower level while a more active &lsquo;urban&rsquo; character is created at the upper level with new pedestrian connections from the river to Shamrock, Walmer and Davison Streets.

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What interested you about the project?

The most interesting aspect of the project was the opportunity and challenge to provide significant improvements to the public realm and amenity for new occupants and the surrounding neighbourhood.

Unlocking this parcel of land formally occupied by the Melbourne Fire Brigade was a significant achievement by the project team, delivered through the provision of new public spaces and connections to the Yarra River.

What part of the design were you most proud/most interested in seeing when it&nbsp;was completed?

SJB is able to look back with pride at its role in the delivery of a series of residential projects in the precinct, which were successfully adopted by the marketplace over several years. The area has been transformed into a &lsquo;new neighbourhood&rsquo; with an improved public realm and new connections to the Yarra River.

In The Park House project, residential amenity is of high quality. Planning of apartments provide significant northerly outlook over the natural landscape of the river setting while common facilities are well located and generous. The aspirational planning principles for the site have been delivered while the residential character and amenity of the buildings are both innovative and responsive to this unique setting.

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How closely do you work with Carr Design when creating the apartments? 

SJB &amp; Carr Design worked collaboratively during the design phases of the project, with extensive briefing sessions determining the aspirations for both teams. The interior design of apartments and common areas was to respond to the architectural character of each building. Particular attention was paid to the extensive recreational facilities including swimming pools, lounges, playrooms and entry lobbies.

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Urban spoke to SJB's Michael Bialek, who headed up the design team for The Park House, to discuss how it was created.



How we designed Riverbank apartments in Abbotsford: Urban chats with SJB's Michael Bialek 

Hall Street, Bondi Beach&#39;s shop mecca, is set for a swanky new $8 million arcade precinct and apartment development.

Development approval has been sought for a new arcade and 25&nbsp;apartments across&nbsp;31 Hall Street&nbsp;and 35-37 Hall Street, building behind the heritage building and facade which will remain at the street front.

Brian Meyerson, of the&nbsp;Surry Hills-based&nbsp;MHNDU, signed off on the plans for the five-level development, a stones throw from Bondi Beach&#39;s famous Campbell Parade.

&quot;By approaching the design for the two sites holistically, we were able to create a new arcade split between the two sites,&quot; the design statement from&nbsp;MHNDU read.

&quot;This new arcade will function as an extension of the public domain along Hall Street, and the iconic Campbell Parade beachside strip.

&quot;The arcade will be lined with new commercial spaces, for retail or food and beverage tenancies to occupy. This will enliven the arcade and bring the public domain into the site.

<img alt="" height="986" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/bondi_hall_st_2.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The proposed arcade dissecting the two buildings. Image credit:&nbsp;MHNDU

The design statement said series of green courtyards will break up the length of the new arcade, bringing light and greenery to create a sense of openness and tranquility.

The apartments, all one bedders,&nbsp;have been designed to&nbsp;offer private open space. Each apartment has been designed to be cross-through, for a good level of ventilation, and will each have a balcony of a minimum 8 sqm.

The majority of apartments will be north-facing with good access to sunlight.

<img alt="" height="793" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hall_st_design_2.jpg" width="1200" />

Hall Street has recently seen huge demand a few doors down, where&nbsp;the Koichi Takada-designed Aqualine, a boutique development of 17, achieved a sell-out well before completion, which is slated for mid-next year.

Boheme is one of Hall Street&#39;s most luxury developments. Completed nearly a decade ago, the never-lived-in penthouse sold&nbsp;to the philanthropist Tanya Carnegie for $10.8&nbsp;million in 2017.

The development plans at a glance

The proposed design considers its context and the character of the neighbourhood, through the following:

&bull; The proposed new building is located at the rear of the site behind the existing contributory item. The proposed new building is not readily visible from the street.

&bull; The proposed new building is separated from the exiting contributory item by a central courtyard. Architecturally/contextually, this allows for a clear distinction between &lsquo;old&rsquo; and &lsquo;new&rsquo;. Using a courtyard to separate the two forms also provides a healthy environment for the apartments and common corridors, which look out to it.

&bull; Economically, the development is &lsquo;mixed use&rsquo;, retaining the existing commercial / retail function at the front of the site facing Hall Street, and proposing residential apartments at the back.&nbsp;

Brian Meyerson, of the Surry Hills-based MHNDU, signed off on the plans for the five-level development, a stones throw from Bondi Beach's famous Campbell Parade

New apartments heading to Bondi Beach's Hall Street

The forward-thinking developer Neometro, a team of architects and design focused professionals, are set to bring something new to the small suburb of Thornbury.

Prospective buyers are always on watch for the next development&nbsp;from Neometro, who over the last 30 years have been delivering future-focused, sustainable and quality designed apartments and townhouses&nbsp;across Melbourne.

Neometro&#39;s townhouse&nbsp;developments have long been in high demand, but even more so in 2021 as people&nbsp;continue&nbsp;to think more and more about their carbon footprint. Neometro&#39;s last project, South Crescent, in the nearby Northcote, sold all of its four family-sized homes in just five days.

Before that there was success at 56&nbsp;Shaftesbury in Thornbury, another set of four homes which were snapped up well before construction was completed.&nbsp;

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Neometro&#39;s latest development takes them back to the leafy&nbsp;Thornbury in Melbourne&#39;s northern inner-ring.&nbsp;57 Martin will see six architecturally-designed, sustainable, townhouses created in harmony with the landscaped surrounds.

Quickly achieving 50% sold following the launch. Each Martin Street townhouse&nbsp;has three bedrooms, secure off-street parking, and spacious living and&nbsp;dining areas&nbsp;that open to rear landscaped, water-efficient&nbsp;gardens crafted by the landscape architecture firm&nbsp;Mud Office. The three bedrooms are located upstairs, one being a master retreat with its own ensuite.&nbsp;

It&#39;s the build quality that stands out in Neometro developments, which isn&#39;t reflected in a heftier price tag. The three-bedroom townhouses start from $1,295,000, considerably less than the suburb&#39;s $1.4 million median house price for three-bedroom houses.

57 Martin Street&nbsp;have nearly three metre high ceilings, brick party walls and openable sky lights. Enduring materials are used to stand the test of time, with each residence achieving a minimum&nbsp;7-Star NatHERS energy rating.

The extensive full height double-glazing with timber frames are thermally efficient, locking in the heat in the winter months and brining in natural light throughout the day.

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57 Martin Street&#39;s design prioritises sustainability in several areas, which will minimise the dependence on artificial heating and cooling for the long-term benefit of both the occupier and the environment. Lochlan Sinclair, who heads up the company&#39;s design and development, said the most important part of doing business is staying true to their values.

&quot;The difference between Neometro and our competitors is what we stand for,&quot; Sinclair said.

&quot;We want to make valuable contributions to design culture, we want to be a part of important community and social initiatives, and we want to create beautiful, functional homes.&nbsp;

&quot;For Neometro, doing business is about building a legacy of design-focused projects that enhance everyday life, improve well-being, and foster sustainable urban communities.&quot;

The Martin Street location is one of the biggest selling points of the townhouses, set conveniently near parks All Nations Park and Darebin Parklands, as well as the popular retail and dining quarter on&nbsp;High Street.

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Neometro's townhouse developments have long been in high demand, but even more so in 2021 as people continue to think more and more about their carbon footprint

Why Neometro's townhouses differ from any other home

The property developer GURNER&trade; has unveiled another arm to its expanding business with the launch of GURNER&trade; Luxury Homes &ndash; an end-to-end boutique development and construction business for high-end luxury homes.

Under the new brand, GURNER&trade;, led by the renowned developer Tim Gurner, will apply its unique design and development signature to bespoke townhomes and luxury single dwellings,&nbsp;building the projects in-house.

The first project to launch under the banner is located in the sought-after Huntingtower Road in Armadale. The plans have been submitted to council for&nbsp;six luxury homes, with an end value of over $35 million.

The proposed homes will include three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a study, private garage, pool and rooftop terrace, all designed by Wolveridge Architects and with Myles Baldwin curating the landscapes.

The developer now has ambitions to be constructing and delivering 6 &ndash; 8 boutique projects within this development model per annum as it looks to build its in-house construction capabilities.

Elsewhere the Group is focusing on multi-residential and mixed-use precincts alongside newly formed arms spanning hospitality, wellness, hotels and operations.

GURNER&trade;&rsquo;s Tim Gurner said they have been fielding requests for this type of product for a number of years.

&ldquo;Those who know me well know I am obsessed with luxury design and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and we want to now create Australia&rsquo;s best homes in prime suburbs and take what&rsquo;s possible to the next level,&quot; Gurner said.

&ldquo;There are a couple of great operators in the space, but not many that have delivered the amount of luxury homes we have in the past - from start to finish - and we see this as a big gap in the market.

&quot;We have done a few homes for friends and family, and it has been an incredible process for our amazing team to do something really special &ndash; from Hamptons-inspired coastal residences in Flinders to classic modern in Toorak &ndash; the brand and design team can stretch across the spectrum. &ldquo;

&quot;For years we have been fielding requests by our clients and partners to bring our unique luxury design perspective to the bespoke luxury home market. As we are now diversifying into many different markets and asset classes, it feels like the right time to start playing in this space.

&ldquo;What really excites me is the opportunity to manage all construction and delivery aspects in-house as we build our internal construction capabilities, so this will be the first end-to-end project spanning design, planning, marketing, sales, construction and delivery that we will manage all under the GURNER&trade; banner.

&ldquo;I have been delivering high-end penthouses and luxury multi-residential homes for over 15 years and particularly in the past six years we have been moving more into the bespoke space, working with our penthouse buyers to completely customise their dream homes from an off-the-plan shell. &ldquo; I&rsquo;m really excited to be able to take that knowledge and personal passion for design and apply it to the boutique market in an uncompromising manner. &ldquo;

&quot;We acquired this site in 2021 with the view to get the model right and then apply it to multiple projects. We now have the right team and vision in place and will be actively looking to acquire and start delivering 6 &ndash; 8 sites in our boutique division per year. &ldquo; For us it&rsquo;s all about finding the right location for our clientele and applying our own GURNER&trade; edge and aesthetic to each unique site,&rdquo; he said

Gurner expands in to luxury home building, starting in Armadale

Heidelberg West, in Melbourne&#39;s north-east, has quietly made a name for itself off the back of its more established suburbs of Ivanhoe, Preston, and Heidelberg.

Not just an extension of Heidelberg, Heidelberg West has been around for over a century, with the Heidelberg West Post Office dating back to the early 1920s. The area went on to host the Olympic Village at the 1952 Summer Olympics.

The small suburb&#39;s&nbsp;borders stretch from the start of Darebin Creek Forest Park and Olympic Park on the west to Waterdale Road to the east, with a number of parks, and extensive infrastructure, dotted throughout the suburb.

The local council, Banyule City Council, has plans in place&nbsp;to&nbsp;renovate the historic Bell St Mall, a sign of further infrastructure investment in the area.

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On the border to the north of Heidelberg West is the&nbsp;&nbsp;La Trobe University, which has extensive plans to become a world-class University City of the Future, with development of the 235 hectare campaus.

La Trobe has been identified as the anchor in the Victorian Government&rsquo;s La Trobe National Employment and Innovation Cluster, one of seven clusters to be developed, to support the projected significant employment and residential growth in Melbourne&rsquo;s North.

The new infrastructure will turn the campus &#39;inside out&#39; and welcome the local community onto the campus as a place to live, learn, work, socialise and stay healthy.

The University City of the Future will create:

- 20,000+ new jobs over ten years

- Education facilities for 40,000+ students

- Additional housing for 12,000 students, staff and private residents

- $3.5 billion in Gross Regional Product (GRP) over the next 10 years.

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Infrastructure will be furthered at Precinct 6A, on the corner of Bell Street and Waterdale Road, where there&#39;s been a rezoning by the local council&nbsp;for multi-level residential development, essentially leading to the gateway of the Heidelberg Precinct and Activity Centre.

The precinct will feature increased residential density to support the expanded job opportunities of the nearby LaTrobe National Employment and Innovation cluster.

This has been highlighted in the Heidelberg Structure Plan, currently adopted by Council and is expected to be delivered in the near future to accommodate the growth of the area.

One of the newest developments set to take advantage of the future infrastructure pipeline in the area is Cultivate, Heidelberg West&#39;s first high-rise development.&nbsp;

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The dual-tower project, already over 50 per cent sold, will be one of the tallest on Bell Street, with&nbsp;stricter building heights now put in place as the residential development pipeline builds.

Cultivate offers a&nbsp;walk score of 80, with grammar schools and colleges, universities, hospitals, research hubs, major retail centres and the Yarra Valley Parklands all close by.

Apartments at Cultivate start from just $369,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and $479,000 for the two-bedroom units, considerably less than&nbsp;Heidelberg West&#39;s $650,000 median for two-bedroom apartments. Three-bedroom apartments start from $727,200.

Construction is expected to begin early next year, with a completion date slated for the end of 2023.

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The small suburb's borders stretch from the start of Darebin Creek Forest Park and Olympic Park on the west to Waterdale Road to the east

Why buyers are looking to invest in Heidelberg West

Following the launch of its boutique Kirra Beach apartment development The Emerson, the Melbourne-based developer Hirsch &amp; Faigen are on to their next project.

They&#39;ve lodged plans for their recently acquired 1,905 sqm Mermaid Beach site, 7-9 Mermaid Avenue&nbsp;at the northern end of Mermaid Beach,&nbsp;which was bought back in June.

H&amp;F, led by the Melbourne lawyer Daniel Faigen and Richard Hirsch, has had&nbsp;Rothelowman&nbsp;design Yves, which will comprise three&nbsp;25-level towers. They will home a total of&nbsp;145 apartments.

Following luxury developments at Palm Beach and Kirra Beach in Coolangatta, Hirsch &amp; Faigen have consciously gone for a more price appropriate product for the location.

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&quot;With Mermaid Avenue we&#39;re getting back to some more affordability,&quot; Faigen told Urban, adding that there&#39;s a need for a more price pointed product.

&quot;We&#39;re not on the beach, nor are we trying to do three of four million dollars per apartment for this one.

&quot;The investor market is super strong on the Gold Coast, and Mermaid already has established amenity with restaurants, cafes of course the beach.&quot;

Faigen said Mermaid is still the&nbsp;best suburb on the Gold Coast, with the millionaire&#39;s row Hedges Avenue fronting&nbsp;the beach. He said the&nbsp;apartment&nbsp;towers of this size fit the location better than the sites of their previous two developments.

<img alt="" height="690" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hirsch_faigen_mermaid_beach_3.jpg" width="1200" /> 
Rothelowman aimed for a suburban approach to arrival in the communal lobby, designed as a greenhouse. Image source: Rothelowman

It&#39;s the third time in a row Hirsch &amp; Faigen have had Rothelowman handle the design of the project.

The in demand architecture firm call Mermaid Beach the Gold Coast&#39;s last humble vestige.

&quot;We all know the Gold Coast has changed a lot in the last 60 years, and as more and more people escape the crowded &lsquo;southern cities&rsquo;, we anticipate she will change even more,&quot; Rothelowman advised in their design statement.

&quot;Between the sleepless Broadbeach &amp; gentrified Burleigh, Mermaid Beach captures the diminishing modesty&nbsp;of the Gold Coast. It is a microcosm with cafes, craft and culture. A community of locals and tourists relishing a more humble urban lifestyle than the north &amp; south.

&quot;A deliberate and direct attitude towards enhancing the way in which buildings can add to the narrative of life of the Gold Coast is important in ensuring an &ldquo;Architecture of Place&rdquo; can be developed.&quot;

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They said the site presents&nbsp;a unique opportunity to create a transitional tower project at the junction between the intensity of cosmopolitan Broadbeach and the more traditional/ laidback vestiges that is well defined by places such as Mermaid Beach.

&quot;A rich part of the evolution of the Gold Coast is the challenge and opportunity posed by the emergence of high density precincts amongst the well-established lower intensity beachside villages of the City. This is very much a product of the desirability of living in the emerging City and the rapid shift towards a more urbanised environment along the length of the Coast.&quot;

There will be just eight one-bedroom apartments, which start from 60 sqm, across the towers, 101 two-bedroom apartments from 71 sqm and 30 three-bedroom units, which are upwards of 133 sqm in internal living space. The upper levels are reserved for three subpenthouses and three penthouses, the subpenthouse starting from 156 sqm and the penthouses from 287 sqm. The biggest apartment has 341 sqm of internal living area.

<img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hirsch_faigen_mermaid_avenue_2.jpg" width="1200" /> 
Two of the three towers. Image source: Rothelowman.

The building&#39;s are crowned with outdoor rooftop seating, with the residential amenity located in the shared lobby, which Rothelowman designed as a greenhouse to create a suburban feel.

There will be a north-facing swimming pool as the centrepiece, as well as a pool and yoga deck, a&nbsp;gym, sauna, recreation lounge and barbecue seating.

The design is also a nod to the history of coastal masonry walk ups.

&quot;Embedding the coastal traditions of this place within high density apartment precincts is not by any means a straight forward task,&quot; Rothelowman state.

<img alt="" height="1679" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hirsch_faigen_mermaid_4.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The lush, landscaped entry lobby. Source: Rothelowman

&quot;Mermaid Avenue seeks to humbly direct this thinking towards an outcome that promotes liveability and simplicity. The unique &ldquo;wedge-shaped&rdquo; site results in a dynamic built form that has been subtly articulated through a series of intersections in form and incisions in the overall mass. A layered approach to fa&ccedil;ade balancing glazing with masonry responds to climatic orientation, desire for views and outlook. A textural approach which balances reflectivity in glass with undulating precast patterned concrete will create a vibrancy through shadow and depth.

&quot;The low set podium is modestly scaled to engage with the neighbouring apartment buildings and continue the language of the street within the undercroft of the tower. Gardens prevail on all frontages ensuring a balanced relationship with the adjacent sites. The narrow streetscape interface is relaxed with generous setbacks allowing for the establishment of a landscape focused forecourt between the lobby and the footpath. Gardens are utilised to create a domestic tone, rich in coastal species, colour and textures.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102451 project_image_fid=186075]

Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently entered the Gold Coast market with their luxury Palm Beach development Hemingway, and followed it with their even more upmarket&nbsp;Kirra Beach, Coolangatta development The Emerson.

Also designed by Rothelowman, The Emerson, across 13 levels,&nbsp;has just 27 apartments, priced from $3 million.

The crowning jewel is the four bedroom, 430 sqm penthouse on level 13 with two living areas, a master suite with walk in wardrobe and ensuite with double shower and double vanity.

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H&F, led by the Melbourne lawyer Daniel Faigen and Richard Hirsch, has had Rothelowman design three 25-level towers, which will home a total of 145 apartments.


Exclusive first look: Hirsch & Faigen lodge plans for Mermaid Beach apartment tower, Yves

South Brisbane is set for a new apartment tower.

The plans for the site at 9 Overend Street and 31-33 Wellington Road have been lodged to the Brisbane City Council by company&#39;s linked to the local Bitomsky family, headed by family patriarch, the Brisbane lawyer turned developer Greg Bitomsky.

They&#39;ve had Rothelowman design the 18-level tower, complete with rooftop terrace and set in&nbsp;landscaping by Aspect Studios.

&quot;The landscape vision of 9 Overend St &amp; 31-33 Wellington Rd aims to create a high quality public realm that reflects its landmark location and responds to Brisbane&rsquo;s subtropical climate by providing shade and shelter, fine grain active edges and passive surveillance of the street,&quot; Rothelowman advised in their architecture plans.

<img alt="" height="1351" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/overend_2.jpg" width="1200" />

There will be 181 apartments across the building, made up of 60 one-bedroom apartments, 13 of which come with a multi-purpose room, 101 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments.

The rooftop will feature an open pergola structure, a swimming pool with deck, a dining space with a barbecue and a lawned area with gardens.

&quot;The landscape design will respond to it&rsquo;s vertical village of inhabitants and add to the quality of life and well-being of the community,&quot; Rothelowman advised.

&quot;Tapping into the existing rich urban grit of Woolloongabba&rsquo;s local history, industry &amp; local culture craftsmanship, the development will contribute to the next wave of renewal for the precinct.&quot;

<img alt="" height="1001" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/overend_3.jpg" width="1200" />

The Overend project will also revitalize the streetscape. The lower mezzanine will feature work from home space, while there will be a new laneway with a collection of studios, workshops and&nbsp;collaboration zones, set within a landscaped setting.

Aspect Studios, who are handling the landscaping, called the development a vertical village that&nbsp;responds to it&rsquo;s inhabitants and the urban scale and takes advantage of the local subtropical climate.

&quot;The palette of raw materials with a reliance on brick, granite, concrete, timber and corten will create a simple and strong &lsquo;materiality&rsquo; for Overend &amp; Wellington,&quot; Aspect&#39;s submission read.

&quot;The public realm will generally focus on utilizing hard wearing materials which provide longevity in robustness and aesthetics.

&quot;The use of brick, granite, timber and corten within the landscape will reflect the historic industrial materiality of the Woolloongabba precinct.

&quot;In addition, the curated use of feature recycled &lsquo;found&rsquo; artifacts and salvaged materials will contribute towards cultural &lsquo;grit&rsquo; of the space as a place for makers.&quot;

"The landscape design will respond to it’s vertical village of inhabitants and add to the quality of life and well-being of the community," Rothelowman advised

Rothelowman-designed apartment tower set for South Brisbane

The developer&nbsp;EcoWorld International Australia has taken looking after its residents to another level at its recently completed Yarra One apartment tower in South Yarra.

EcoWorld, in partnership with Scarisbrick International, a Singapore-based company that developed a new concept in luxury retirement living, has launched Lifestyle One, an all-round app which allows residents to do everything from making&nbsp;massage appointments to hiring a butler.

The service, which is a monthly subscription fee, brings a different level of service to residents of all ages,&nbsp;Yarra One General Manager Jeffrey Ong says.

&ldquo;By offering our residents 6-star services 24 hours a day, we aim to further amplify the Yarra One living experience as a beautiful, luxurious home that pampers, comforts, and inspires our residents,&quot; Ong says.

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&ldquo;People often associate apartment living with a compromised lifestyle, but our vision is to provide residents both convenience and lifestyle under one roof.

&ldquo;EcoWorld is excited to be one of the first developers to bring apartment residents a premium resort lifestyle in Australia and hopes to explore similar initiatives for future projects.&rdquo;

Yarra One, on Claremont Street, was designed by&nbsp;Fender Katsalidis and completed its construction last December.

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There are 247 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as three penthouses.

The project boasts a wide range of amenities including a wellness precinct equipped with a gymnasium, outdoor spa, dance studio and yoga room; a resident dining room, library and wine cellar; Tesla car-share and pet wash facilities.

The Lifestyle One app allows residents to book:

<ul>
	<li>Butler</li>
	<li>In-Residence Dining</li>
	<li>Housekeeping</li>
	<li>Laundry</li>
	<li>Concierge</li>
	<li>Nurses and Caregivers (attendance in residence)</li>
	<li>Massage</li>
	<li>Personal Trainer (gym, swimming, water aerobics and yoga)</li>
	<li>Pet Services (grooming and walking)</li>
	<li>Beauty Salon Services (hair, nails and skin treatments)</li>
</ul>

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Yarra One, on Claremont Street, was designed by Fender Katsalidis and completed its construction last December

EcoWorld in Australian first, launching six star, 24-hour app at Yarra One, South Yarra apartments

The Melbourne developer Samma Property Group are embarking on their flagship Ivanhoe development, Samma Place, after spending the last two to three years planning out the community.

The first residential part of Samma Place is Linden, a collection of 134 apartments, in the first of four buildings on Bell Street.

There will be four buildings in total, with Linden Apartments located in Building A, starting from $435,000 for the one-bedroom apartments.

Samma, founded by Sam&nbsp;Abdelmalak&nbsp;in 1995 and led by Sam&#39;s sons Joshua, Daniel and Simon, has engaged the award-winning architecture, interior and urban planning firm, Peddle Thorp, to design the building,&nbsp;introducing lush greenery into its wider surrounds.

Private landscaped balconies will look across to the Melbourne skyline.&nbsp;

The communal terrace on Level 10 is a highlight at Linden, comprising an outdoor BBQ and inside dining area, along with a spa and sundeck.

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Samma&#39;s development director Benjamin Cribb, who has led the project, said he&#39;s looking forward to testing out the outdoor cinema.

&quot;I think when the whole project is finished, it will be a really defining change to Ivanhoe&quot;, Cribb said.

Cribb said that Linden stands out for its large apartments, designed to meet Better Apartment Design Standards (BADS) and 4-Star GreenStar rating, complemented with cutting-edge design and meticulous landscaping.

&ldquo;Our brief ensures Linden has its own identity with each apartment designed as a &lsquo;backyard in the sky&rsquo;, synthesizing the Australian backyard with contemporary apartments,&quot; Cribb said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107731]

&quot;The concept positions living environments and outside spaces as places of comfort and repose, allowing nature to take centre stage.&rdquo;

Linden residents will arrive via a private sheltered driveway leading to a hotel-inspired and porte coch&egrave;re, framed by hanging gardens by landscapers MALA Studio, who were&nbsp;behind the parkland setting for Amanda Levete&#39;s 2015 MPavilion.

&ldquo;Landscaping is also a direct response to the current experience and feel of Bell Street. We want to bring the Ivanhoe lushness to the buildings, at the human interfaces with the built form &mdash; in lobbies, on balconies, in podium areas &mdash; and also the street,&rdquo; said Cribb.

In addition to apartments, Linden will also be home to nearly 1,000 square metres of commercial space, with subsequent stages proposed to include a grocery store, caf&eacute; and offices, offering infinite potential for local business and as a vibrant community.

Demolition is currently underway, with construction soon to commence for an early 2023 completion.

Cribb said that Linden is Samma Property Group&rsquo;s flagship project as it embodies the core values and vision of the group.

&ldquo;Our founder&rsquo;s vision was to design and build using only the finest materials, creating a product that he and his family would be proud to call their own,&rdquo; Cribb said.

About the developer

Samma Property Group was founded in 1995. Within a few years Samma have gained a reputation for exceptional quality and progressed to building extraordinary, luxury homes.

They then applied the same attention to detail with apartment developments, setting a new standard for product quality and customer service. Today, Samma has finished over 40 major projects with a significant pipeline in planning and construction, they apply the same passion and commitment in every project.

Samma&rsquo;s mission statement &ldquo;Improving life in the city of tomorrow.&rdquo; Is to make a positive difference in people&rsquo;s lives no matter where the project is. When you walk into a Samma development, everything comes together in an instant to form an unforgettable first impression &ndash; that it is a wonderful place to live.

The first residential part of Samma Place is Linden, a collection of 134 apartments, in the first of four buildings on Bell Street

Samma Group set for $300 million mixed-use Ivanhoe apartment development, Samma Place

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/smith-by-valli-collingwood-224-228-smith-street-collingwood-vic-3066">Smith Collingwood</a> is a new boutique apartment development bringing a refined, design-led approach to one of Melbourne’s most established inner-city neighbourhoods.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pandolfini-architects">Pandolfini Architects</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/lisa-buxton-interiors">Lisa Buxton</a>, Smith by Valli sits on iconic Smith Street and comprises just 22 residences tailored toward owner-occupiers seeking a more considered style of apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367540]

The design of Smith focuses on a north-facing orientation across all residences, a relatively uncommon feature in dense inner-Melbourne settings. Each apartment has been planned to maximise natural light and outlook, alongside a material palette defined by warm tones, custom joinery, and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances.

The development comprises a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with pricing currently ranging from just under $1 million to around $4.85 million for the premium penthouse-level residences, reflecting growing demand for luxury owner-occupier product in Melbourne’s inner urban market.

Residents will also have access to a private rooftop garden designed as an elevated retreat above the city, &nbsp;featuring curated landscaping, veggie boxes, intimate seating areas and spaces for relaxed gatherings. Sustainability has also been integrated into the project through a 7-star energy rating and two secure bicycle facilities for every residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367529]

Smith by Valli sits in the heart of one of Melbourne’s most established retail and hospitality strips, within walking distance of venues such as Falco Bakery, Carnation Canteen and Alimentari, alongside parks and everyday services. With a Walk Score of 99, the location reinforces the project’s positioning toward buyers prioritising walkability and access over car dependency.

With only a limited number of residences, Smith reflects growing demand for smaller, highly curated apartment developments that prioritise design quality, liveability, and connection to neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140747]

Smith by Valli delivers a refined collection of luxury residences to Melbourne’s inner north

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>’s 640 Bourke Street stands as a testament to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a>’s ability to bridge its storied past with a bold vision for the future.&nbsp;

Rising above the heritage-listed Eliza Tinsley building, the development reflects a broader shift toward adaptive reuse in the city, where historical assets are retained and reinterpreted as part of new residential development.

Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> incorporates the Eliza Tinsley building as its foundation, housing a grand gallery and lobby space that serve as both a functional and symbolic centrepiece. The heritage façade informs the tower’s design, creating a connection between Melbourne’s past and its contemporary skyline.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365684]

Above this historic base, the 68-storey tower will deliver just over 600 residences, a notable reduction from earlier schemes, reflecting a deliberate move toward larger-format apartments and a stronger owner-occupier focus.

Unlike traditional CBD developments that prioritised investor stock, 640 Bourke Street has been repositioned to respond to changing buyer expectations.

"The discussion was all around making 640 Bourke Street the best residence to live in, to be much more focused on the people in the building rather than people looking at the building," Marsland explained.&nbsp;

This shift is evident in the development’s interiors, which emphasise practical luxury with spacious layouts, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.&nbsp;

“What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Lauren Sheldon, Far East Consortium’s Director of Sales and Marketing, said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365687]

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang added, "We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."&nbsp;

Amenities spanning more than 3,000 sqm across multiple levels further reinforce this focus on resident experience. These include a pool, gym, co-working areas, and a range of hospitality-inspired spaces such as a whisky lounge, library, and private dining rooms, many drawing reference from traditional bathhouses and Melbourne’s laneway culture.

"We wanted to make both the pool and the gym area to be absolutely destinational, and when you traverse across to these spaces, there is a gentle familiarity to the beautiful notions of the hammams and the Roman baths, a gentle nod to history," Chang noted.

At street level, the project contributes to the ongoing transformation of the western CBD, with upgrades to Langs Lane and the introduction of retail, hospitality, and gallery spaces designed to activate the precinct and strengthen its connection to the surrounding city fabric.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

The location places residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, and the Docklands waterfront, positioning the development within a rapidly evolving inner-city neighbourhood.

"We believe it's the best site left in the city of Melbourne," Craig Williams, Executive Director at Far East Consortium, said.&nbsp;

640 Bourke Street is Far East Consortium’s 14th building in Melbourne’s western CBD.

"A very elegant designed building. It's going to be a Melbourne statement for many, many years to come."

One-bedroom apartments are priced from around $640,000, with 640 Bourke Street targeting completion in 2029.

Renders shown are Artist's Impressions correct as of May 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Heritage-led design anchors Far East Consortium’s 640 Bourke St, Melbourne

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD Group</a> has set a new residential price record in Queensland with the $30 million sale of the penthouse at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-burleigh-88-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">ONE Burleigh</a> development in Burleigh Heads.

The sale equates to around $37,500 per sqm.

The two-level, 800 sqm penthouse, featuring five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five car spaces, and a private infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, was acquired by a Gold Coast-based entrepreneur, highlighting continued demand for ultra-premium beachfront product.

Selling agent Freddie Tehle of PRD Burleigh Heads said the result reflects tightening supply of high-quality, large-format apartments in Burleigh.

“There’s very limited opportunity to secure this level of scale and absolute beachfront position in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Burleigh Heads</a>,” Tehle said.

“Buyers are increasingly seeking apartments that genuinely replace a standalone home, and this penthouse delivers that with its size, privacy, and direct ocean frontage.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323057]

The sale comes as construction progresses on ONE Burleigh, a boutique development of 17 full-floor residences at 88 The Esplanade, scheduled for completion in early 2027.

Developed by MAYD Group and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mas-architecture-studio">MAS Architecture</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/sici-design">Sici Design</a>, the project has been positioned as a collection of house-sized beachfront apartments, each occupying an entire floor with around 381 sqm of internal and external living space.

When construction commenced, MAYD director Todd Mould pointed to the long-term resilience of premium coastal real estate as a key driver behind the project.

“Real estate, particularly at the premium end, remains one of the most resilient and proven long-term investment avenues,” Mould said.

“Our ambition is that anyone who buys a MAYD-built product can genuinely feel the care, craftsmanship and commitment we bring to every detail.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323055]

Each residence has been configured with four bedrooms, multiple living zones, a private office, and expansive ocean-facing terraces. Interiors draw on a restrained material palette, including travertine stone, timber joinery, and integrated premium appliances.

Interior designer Sici Design said the approach was to reflect the project’s coastal setting through both materiality and spatial planning.

“ONE Burleigh is our vision of luxury living, designed to bring the essence of Burleigh Heads' vibrant coastal beauty into an unparalleled residential experience.”

Residents will have access to a suite of wellness-focused amenities, including pools, sauna facilities, and dedicated relaxation spaces, reflecting a broader shift toward lifestyle-driven apartment design on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323052]

The project occupies a southern Esplanade site with uninterrupted beachfront frontage, an increasingly rare offering in Burleigh Heads, free from the Norfolk Pines that line much of the coastline and often limit direct ocean outlook.

Mould said the design intent was to balance that outlook with a sense of retreat.

“Living at ONE Burleigh is about how your day naturally unfolds, morning light across the ocean, coffee on the balcony, and being in Burleigh but elevated above the noise.”

The result further reinforces Burleigh Heads’ emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held and supply-constrained beachfront markets, where boutique, owner-occupier-focused developments are increasingly setting new price benchmarks.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146358]

MAYD Group sets Queensland record with $30 million penthouse sale at ONE Burleigh in Burleigh Heads

Apartment developers in the Gold Coast are finding new, creative ways to differentiate themselves from competing projects, as new supply starts to flow through up and down the Coast.

Developer BIG Projects brought in the renowned Sydney-based design studio YSG Studio to craft the interiors for The Frederick, BIG Projects' new Mermaid Beach project and YSG Studio's first move into the multi-residential development space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5346]

It was a strategic move for BIG Projects to bring in a Sydney eye to the development.

“Our role is to give our design partners the space and freedom to explore,” says Matt Barrett, Director of BIG Projects.

“We wanted YSG Studio to capture the essence of Nobby’s, to design a building that embraces life, light and connection, while creating a genuine sense of place.”

There are only 39 apartments in The Frederick, including a striking beach house, just 100 metres from the booming Nobby Beach precinct.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5347]

Yasmine Ghoniem, Director of YSG Studio, says their vision&nbsp;for The Frederick "reinvents coastal living."

“Nobby’s has such an iconic energy, it’s one of those rare pockets of the Gold Coast where the community, the beach, and the streets all feel connected,” Ghoniem says.

"Responding to the neighbouring coastline, soothing curves add a relaxing regional overlay, while unique detailing really sets it apart. It’s a place that feels lived in from the moment you step inside.”

A standout feature of The Frederick is its rooftop terrace, an uncommon inclusion for a boutique, low-rise building, where amenity is typically concentrated at ground level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5360]

Positioned to capture panoramic views from the hinterland to the ocean, the rooftop has been designed as a series of intimate zones. It includes a pool, sauna, sun decks, workspaces and dedicated entertaining areas.

“The rooftop was conceived as a collection of spaces where residents can unwind and connect, an extension of the Nobby’s lifestyle,” Barrett says.

Architecture for the project was led by Plus Studio, with landscape design by LDG Landscape Architecture.

SRQ Projects Director Nick Clydsdale, who is handling sales at The Frederick, says the majority of enquiry is coming from South East QLD and Victorian buyers who have been actively searching between Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach for some time.

"They’ve reviewed a number of projects, however this one has stood out for its unique detailing and compelling design,"&nbsp;Clydsdale says.

Site demolition is slated for this month, with construction commencing soon after. BIG Projects is targeting a late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110588]

Sydney’s YSG Studio makes Gold Coast multi-residential debut with BIG Projects at The Frederick

Melbourne-based property developer ALTA Property has this week achieved planning approval for the adaptive re-use of a former commercial tower into a $200 million, 169-apartment project at 10 Queens Road, one of the last developable sites along the Albert Park Lake-fronting boulevard.&nbsp;

Set within one of Melbourne’s most sought-after precincts and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser and Partners</a>, the illustrious building will offer unparalleled views across Albert Park Lake, Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne CBD.&nbsp;

The mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom residences will be complemented by a ground-floor amenity featuring private dining, a lounge bar, gym and wellness spaces, co-working, outdoor communal gardens, and retail.&nbsp;

The 17-storey building is a masterclass in adaptive re-use, with the existing commercial building’s façade, shell and internal structure to be retained, before high-end residences are built from the ground up in a newly built Albert Park facing addition to the building.&nbsp;

Sitting atop the building will be two 320+sqm penthouses with private rooftop terraces, which are expected to be priced between $9 - $11 million.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa11211b-5581-43f9-940c-fc84d30a0e61" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/C_04.png?VersionId=Yhf5p_1EgGDu_zOIMFgvA8Ug8j3sTFQs" />

Architecturally, the building will feature a curved, geometric façade that celebrates and elevates the existing structure, with warm, muted tones which were selected to extend the materiality of the existing building rather than contrast it.&nbsp;

Interiors will bring together three metre high ceilings with waffle concrete in some spaces, natural timber, granite and Australian materials, culminating in crafted, generous and considered spaces that are defined by authenticity.&nbsp;

The adaptive re-use means that the Queens Road project will be a sustainability led, high-quality finished product, with a 62% saving in carbon emissions by re-using the existing structure rather than knocking it down and rebuilding.&nbsp;

ALTA Property was launched by Nigel Givoni in 2023, bringing over 25 years of experience in multi level residential delivery.&nbsp;

Melbourne’s property market growth is currently led by apartments. According to RPM VIC Apartments &amp; Townhomes Market Report (April 2026), units are outpacing houses, especially in the middle ring suburbs where median prices hit $757,500 – a four-year high that represents 2.9 percent growth quarter-on-quarter.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="647e13d7-b4bc-433a-9bc9-fe3c3dd4f2ec" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/V_06.png?VersionId=ou4NUCWUgA3NAy.6CQJlEdKX50j3dOk6" />

For ALTA Property Founder Nigel Givoni, this performance speaks to the confidence he has in the Melbourne market.&nbsp;

“Queens Road represents a rare opportunity to continue to shape our presence in the Melbourne market.,"&nbsp;Givoni says.

"With a considered project team and a premier site along one of the city’s most sought-after boulevards, we look forward to contributing to the fabric of this established address.

“Other Australian markets are getting a lot of attention, but I believe the depth of value in Melbourne is being overlooked. The fundamentals are strong, population growth is steady and, based on our preliminary conversations with a leading builder, construction costs are beginning to normalise, creating further opportunity."

Givoni says the project is a&nbsp;highly considered example of adaptive re-use, delivering quality, high-end residences, premium hotel-inspired amenities and an architecturally striking façade, all achieved without the need to remove the existing structure.

"We are really looking forward to the market’s response,” he said.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

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