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The penultimate entry in Apartments.com.au’s Nightingale Village series is Architecture Architecture’s Nightingale Coup, in collaboration with Breathe Architecture. Located at 24-26 Hope Street, the eight-storey building is the most southerly of the Nightgale Village seven, setback from Kennedy Nolan's building to the north to allow for the proposed mews. 

Nightingale Coup has also been designed to address any potential future development on the adjoining sites to the east and west, setting a planning framework for those that might follow. A central light court provides circulation and access to apartments while also ensuring all apartments benefit from the dual-aspect configuration, with primary aspect to either the north or south. This allows for improved internal amenity via increased daylight and natural ventilation.

<blockquote>
The architectural expression of Nightingale Coup responds to the site’s industrial history and context through its honest, robust materiality while evoking a sense of familiar domesticity through breaking the building into finer grain elements, referencing traditional roof &amp; chimney line forms in the street wall parapet, and reinterpreting materials like shingles in contemporary ways.

This familiar yet contemporary architectural treatment encompasses the values of the co-housing group that it will be home for — Urban Coup — while expressing an affectionate understanding of the local context and 
history.

- Architecture Architecture
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/architecture_architecture_nv-01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Nightingale Coup, provides a highly textured presence to the street. Image: Architecture Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/architecture_architecture_nv-01.jpg?itok=9sFyB6sO" title="Nightingale Coup, provides a highly textured presence to the street. Image: Architecture Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nightingale Coup, provides a highly textured presence to the street. Image: Architecture Architecture</figcaption></figure>For the most part, Nightingale Coup follows the urban formula of its siblings in how it formally responds to planning considerations and fits within the overall master plan for Nightingale Village.

To the southern frontage, along Hope Street the building’s streetwall is expressed as a solid cream brick base, carved and punctured with arched and orthogonal apertures and a profiled roof form evoking . The depth created between the perimeter walls and glazing line allows for outdoor balconies which provide internal spaces with privacy and shading during summer months.

The upper levels are setback and treated with a textured concrete that evokes roof shingles, resulting in a visually recessive upper form above the streetwall. This overall streetwall and upper level strategy is also employed to the northern frontage albeit with a slightly more light weight approach, responding to the proposed mews. 

The streetwalls are also split into two and distinguished via a staggering of heights. One is expressed as a more solid massing, once again carved with apertures and the other featuring a lightweight framework which supports the balconies. Combined, these strategies aim to reduce the visual mass of the building.

In keeping with the Nightingale Village ethos of building more with less, Nightingale Coup employs robust and durable materials of a largely domestic scale, which reflect Nightingale Village's industrial context and create a cohesive urban village. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/architecture_architecture_nv-02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The northern aspect appears much more lightweight and transparent. Image: Architecture Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/architecture_architecture_nv-02.jpg?itok=NXYNaUPX" title="The northern aspect appears much more lightweight and transparent. Image: Architecture Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The northern aspect appears much more lightweight and transparent. Image: Architecture Architecture</figcaption></figure>Communal rooftop spaces are located to the south on level 7 and on the roof with a northerly aspect. Between them these spaces provide for passive landscaped areas to dwell, productive gardens, communal laundry and clothesline and extensive decking. The building also accommodates the vehicular access ramp to the precinct’s car share hub, located in the basement of Skye House. This has been integrated into the overall design of the street frontage.

At ground level a 136 sqm retail tenancy is provided with a Hope Street address, while the mews frontage incorporating a communal kitchen and dinning area which spills out onto a communal deck. Additionally, the design team have designed an active ground floor with nooks, seats and a semi public laneway at the entry of the building help foster a local community spirit.

Upon completion Nightingale Coup would add 31 dwellings to the precinct comprising a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom configurations, and provision for 28 visitor bike spaces and 64 resident bike spaces. The shared basement parking hub has capacity for six private car parks and 14 <a href="/guides/weekly-podcast-episode-28-gogets-justin-passaportis-and-joshua-brydges">GoGet</a> car share spaces.

In the final piece of the series we'll be looking at Austin Maynard's Nightingale Village project.
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Laurence Dragomir

Nightingale Village - Episode VI - Nightingale Coup

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The first of the State Library Victoria's new spaces were unveiled last Friday as part of the Library's Vision 2020 redevelopment. Once fully complete, the $88.1 million transformation will increase the total amount of public space by 40% and seating by 70%. Architectus and Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects are leading the design for Vision 2020.

Once home to the Melbourne Museum (1906 to 1997) and the NGV (1999 to 2002), the redeveloped spaces will be accessed by two new entrances – the historic Russell Street entrance, which was closed for more than a decade, and a new accessible entrance on La Trobe Street. These two entrances form the main points of entry for Library visitors for the duration of the redevelopment works.

The Swanston Street entrance and ground floor have been closed to allow for the next stage of construction, and will reopen upon completion in 12 months time. A brand new, exhibition gallery - the Victoria Gallery - is also set to open in May 2019, with support from the John and Myriam Wylie Foundation. 

As part of the first stage of redevelopment, two new reading rooms and a dedicated special events venue were created, joining a new lounge and meeting space. A 60% larger Readings bookshop and new cafe, Guild also feature in the first stage works. The shared meeting space has been designed for working, collaborating and relaxing, and will also feature a large-scale original artwork by Melbourne artist Tai Snaith running along the length of the wall.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/slv_readings_bookshop_1_credit_patrick_rodriguez.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The expanded Readings bookshop. Image: Patrick Rodriguez"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/slv_readings_bookshop_1_credit_patrick_rodriguez.jpg?itok=HxasCcxj" title="The expanded Readings bookshop. Image: Patrick Rodriguez" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The expanded Readings bookshop. Image: Patrick Rodriguez</figcaption></figure>The the Victorian Government has provided $60.4m towards funding the redevelopment, with the balance of the $88.1m raised via philanthropic support. 

<h2>Key features</h2>

<ul>
<li>The Russell Street heritage entrance, the original entrance to Melbourne Museum, built in 1906</li>
	<li>The Russell Street Welcome Zone, a lounge and meeting space inside the Russell Street entrance seating 69 and designed for visitors to meet, study, work or relax, also housing Readings bookshop and new cafe, Guild</li>
	<li>The Arts Reading Room moves to a heritage gallery seating 52, with new technology including AV stations and listening posts to access the Library’s vast multimedia collection</li>
	<li>The Herald and Weekly Times Newspapers Reading Room and Helen Macpherson Smith Trust Family History Reading Room share a stunning heritage gallery seating 76 which, along with the Arts Reading Room, is a designated quiet space for reading and research</li>
	<li>Isabella Fraser Room, a heritage events venue now available for hire, named after the Library’s first female employee seating 156 banquet style, 200 conference style and 220 cocktail style and is supported by state-of-the-art audio-visual technology and a new production kitchen</li>
	<li>Readings bookshop moves from the western end of the Library to the eastern end, increasing in size by 60% with an expanded children’s section</li>
	<li>New cafe, Guild is operated by Melbourne’s largest distributor of fresh almond milk, Almond Milk Co., offering plain and flavoured almond milk, a seasonal menu of salads and sandwiches, coffee by Sensory Lab and coffee day passes for all day supply of filter coffee</li>
	<li>A large-scale artwork installed inside the Russell Street Welcome Zone by Melbourne artist, Tai Snaith, titled ‘Open Book’ was selected from 77 artist submissions, with Snaith awarded $20,000 to produce the piece, which is her largest work to date</li>
	<li>Victoria Gallery, endowed by the John and Myriam Wylie Foundation is a 500m2 international-standard exhibition space that will showcase collection material using cutting-edge technology creating an immersive and interactive experience for visitors. The inaugural Victoria Gallery exhibition will open in May 2019.</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/slv_russell_street_welcome_zone1_credit_patrick_rodriguez.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The new welcome zone at Russell Street. Image: Patrick Rodriguez"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/slv_russell_street_welcome_zone1_credit_patrick_rodriguez.jpg?itok=xCKmcp7C" title="The new welcome zone at Russell Street. Image: Patrick Rodriguez" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The new welcome zone at Russell Street. Image: Patrick Rodriguez</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say... </h2>

<blockquote>
This visionary project will ensure our State Library continues to be a welcoming and inspiring place for all Victorians, as it has been for the past 162 years. 
State Library Victoria is responding to the needs of the community by opening up more of this beautiful, iconic building to the public – providing additional reading rooms, public spaces and function capacity. 
We’re now at the halfway point of this landmark project and this is our first look at the stunning transformation of State Library Victoria.

- Martin Foley, Minister for Creative Industries 
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
The Library is thrilled to open the first of its transformed spaces, which feature world-class design and allow us to reimagine what a library can be,” Mr Wylie said. 
Visitors are at the heart of everything the Library does and we can’t wait to see people using these magnificent new Library facilities, whether they are researching the collection, collaborating with peers, browsing Readings bookshop or meeting friends for coffee.

- John Wylie, President of the Library Board of Victoria 
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Architectus was tasked with the opportunity to transform the heritage Isabella Fraser Room, to a space that was both flexible and opulent to cater for grand events such as weddings and corporate functions.

One of the key design features is the Denmark-imported soft cell acoustic panels in the Isabella Fraser room, but the beautiful herringbone timber flooring is a stand-out complimenting the elegance and ambience of the building.”

Our design strategy was to strip these spaces back to their inherent beauty, then add a sense that exciting and memorable experiences will occur within them.

- Ruth Wilson, Architectus Director
</blockquote>

 
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State Library Victoria unveils the first of its new spaces

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The Naomi Milgrom Foundation has unveiled highlights of the MPavilion 2018 program which comprises over 400 free events, over the course of its four-month duration.

Opening to the public from 9 October 2018, and running through to 3 February 2019, MPavilion 2018 has been designed by renowned Barcelona-based architect Carme Pinós of Estudio Carme Pinós.

The 2018 program has been curated to respond to the ethos of Carme Pinós, focusing on design and building communities, fostering inclusivity, women in leadership and the architecture of education.

The first event on MPavilion's 2018 calendar will be held on Tuesday 9th of October at 12:15pm coinciding with the official launch. Carme Pinós will join a panel discussion curated by Melbourne Festival titled ‘The land on which we stand’ exploring the idea of country, levels of meaning, occupation and use of land.

The program will take the form of MTalks, MMeets, MMusic, MRelay, MProjects and MKids and will feature talks, dance, performance, kids workshops and installations.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/ecp_mpa_imagen_1.2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MPavilion 2018. Image: Estudio Carme Pinós"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ecp_mpa_imagen_1.2.jpg?itok=Cl-7zJZH" title="MPavilion 2018. Image: Estudio Carme Pinós" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MPavilion 2018. Image: Estudio Carme Pinós</figcaption></figure>MPavilion's 2018 program features over 500 collaborators, including international guests such as London’s former director of Tate art museums Sir Nicholas Serota CH, Hyphen-Labs NY, an international collective of women of colour working at the intersection of art, technology, science and design, and the UK’s Fixperts—a global community of social designers and makers.

Local collaborators include Melbourne Festival, Indigenous architecture forum BLAKitecture, Bakehouse Studios, Chunky Move, Science Gallery, RMIT, State Library Victoria, Multicultural Arts Victoria, Melbourne Music Week, Melbourne Theatre Company, Liquid Architecture and Community Hubs Australia.

In an MPavilion-first, 2018 will also see inaugural Writer in Residence Maddee Clark, and Artist in Residence, local artist Esther Stewart.

For more info and the full MPavilion 2018 program, click <a href="http://mpavilion.org/program/">here</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/wmt24577.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Carme Pinós. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wmt24577.jpg?itok=dYmrGUdH" title="Carme Pinós. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Carme Pinós. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
The Victorian Government has been a proud partner of MPavilion since it was founded in 2014. This year's ambitious program showcases the important role design plays in our community. MPavilion engages audiences of all ages making an 
active contribution to Melbourne’s cultural and social life and to our reputation as the Creative State.

We are proud to support MPavilion and look forward to another exceptional program of educational, inspirational and innovative ideas.

- Martin Foley, Minister for Creative Industries
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Carme Pinós is a major influence on global architecture, creating spaces that place human experience and environment at the centre of her designs. Inspired by Carme’s design and philosophy, our program engages the city in vital conversations about what it means to be inclusive and community focused.

I’m excited to present this year’s events—they explore the social impact of design yet create enjoyable access for all ages.

- Naomi Milgrom AO, founder of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation 
</blockquote>
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MPavilion 2018 program released 

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The first residents within UEM Sunrise's Aurora Melbourne Central development have begun moving into the lower levels of the soon to be 85-storey mixed-use building this week.

Probuild has handed over 336 apartments out of 941 in total, with the remainder to be completed by the second half of 2019. The next key milestone for the project will be the topping out of the core, which is due to occur in coming weeks as the floor plates follow at 3-4 day cycles.

Upon completion, Aurora will also become the tallest residential tower within the Hoddle Grid at a towering 270 metres, but will be eclipsed by Eureka (297 metres) and the under construction Australia 108 (317 metres).

However, due to its elevation - 16 to 19m across the site - Aurora will appear roughly the same height as Eureka on the Melbourne skyline.

<ul></ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/aurora_timelapse.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Not long to go before the core tops out. Image: Probuild"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aurora_timelapse.jpg?itok=5fIuwkDz" title="Not long to go before the core tops out. Image: Probuild" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Not long to go before the core tops out. Image: Probuild</figcaption></figure>While construction work continues above, the first residents will have access to a number of common amenities on Level 9, including two swimming pools (one being a 25 metre lap pool), gym, yoga, barre and karaoke rooms.

Further resident amenities will eventually come online on Level 66 including a resident lounge, dining, function spaces and wellness rooms, while an exclusive club lounge will be located on Level 92. An exclusive resident entry and 24/7 concierge reception desk will be located within the main lobby located on the Ground floor.

The serviced apartment and the strata office components are provided with their own dedicated entries; the latter of which are incorporated into shop-fronts on both La Trobe and Little La Trobe streets.

Retail outlets will also be provided along La Trobe Street, taking advantage of an upgraded streetscape which will be sheltered via a glazed awning structure overhead. The balance of the project's 3,097 square metres of retail will be located within a retail mall with direct access to Melbourne Central Station on Level B2. 

The B1 concourse level will provide capacity for 786 Japanese inspired bike racks with servicing centre and access to Little Latrobe Street. Aurora will also include 362 car spaces within its podium levels.

<blockquote>
We’ve strategically constructed Aurora so that it can accommodate handovers in five stages.

This allows UEM Sunrise’s purchasers to move in and enjoy high-end common areas like the swimming pool and yoga room, while construction continues safely above them.

As a builder, this project has really proven our technical capabilities on an international level. We’ve developed many world first innovations in our safety systems, materials, management technologies and verified transportation initiatives.

- Luke Stambolis, Probuild’s Victorian Managing Director
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/20180829_probuild_aurora_026_web.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Connection to Melbourne Central. Image: Probuild"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20180829_probuild_aurora_026_web.jpg?itok=aQo7Cx-Y" title="Connection to Melbourne Central. Image: Probuild" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Connection to Melbourne Central. Image: Probuild</figcaption></figure>The handover of the first apartments within Aurora caps off a big month for Probuild, <a href="/news/probuild-tops-out-at-271-spring-street">with handover of apartments at Avant and the topping out of 271 Spring Street, while major milestones have also been achieved on West Side Place</a>.
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Aurora Melbourne Central's first residents begin moving in

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Earlier this year, <a href="/news/all-roads-lead-to-southern-cross-station">I penned a piece</a> highlighting the convergence of a number of key rail infrastructure projects at Southern Cross Station, and how there was a critical need to master plan not just the station but the greater precinct to accommodate a potential Airport Link Interchange and a new station box for Melbourne Metro 2.0 under Wurundjeri Way.

The puzzle pieces have begun to fall into place with the<a href="/news/consortium-proposes-market-led-super-train-for-melbourne-airport-rail-link"> recent announcement of the market-led AirRail Melbourne</a> proposal with IFM Investors leading a consortium including design and engineering expertise from Aurecon, Cox Architecture and Grimshaw.

<blockquote>
Cox Architecture are delighted to work with Aurecon as part of the AirRail Melbourne consortium headed-up by IFM Investors. This market-led proposal envisages a new Airport Rail link for Melbourne that simultaneously provides substantial network capacity for Australia’s fastest growing city.  The Cox design for the Southern Cross Station interchange links directly into the fabric of Melbourne while providing a stunning new urban addition to the city.

The proposal will be considered by government over the coming months and the consortium has collectively proposed a compelling and integrated city solution that could have wide-ranging benefits far beyond expediting the air-rail-air commute.

- Cox Architecture
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/airport_station.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The concept for the Airport Station. Image: AirRail Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/airport_station.jpg?itok=aY3_tnzp" title="The concept for the Airport Station. Image: AirRail Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The concept for the Airport Station. Image: AirRail Melbourne</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
We’ve been working with AirRail Melbourne to develop the Airport Station concept design. Offering a distinguished sense of place, our design for the integrated underground station supports Melbourne Airport’s vision for a seamless passenger experience with world-class linkages between the airport, city and regional Victoria. 

Comprising IFM Investors, Melbourne Airport, Metro Trains Australia and SOUTHERN CROSS STATION PTY LTD, AirRail Melbourne’s plan for the city’s long-awaited airport rail link promises the fastest travel times, a premium around-the-clock service and enhanced access for regional Victorians.

- Grimshaw
</blockquote>

Although the <a href="/news/victorian-government-unveils-suburban-rail-loop-election-proposal">Suburban Rail Loop</a> has up until recently occupied much of the spotlight in terms of the Andrews Government's Public Transport strategy, should it be re-elected, Premier Daniel Andrews made it clear there will be further announcements regarding infrastructure investment in the lead up to the election.

It is the opinion of this Editor that any announcement regarding Melbourne Metro 2.0 will coincide with the release of the final Framework and Planning Controls for the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area. Currently two alignments have been canvassed - one through Wirraway; and another through the Employment Precinct.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/melbourne_metro_2_alignments.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Metro 2.0 alignments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_metro_2_alignments.jpg?itok=Of9hTtG9" title="Melbourne Metro 2.0 alignments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Metro 2.0 alignments</figcaption></figure>Detailed Precinct Plans - which will come later - will further refine the specific locations of station entries however, it wouldn't surprise me if the Employment Precinct alignment is adopted as that will serve the University of Melbourne's new $1bn Engineering Campus, which is set to occupy seven hectares of the former General Motors Holden (GMH) site.

The proposition of a direct connection from the Employment Precinct via the heart of what will become Melbourne's second commercial centre at Sandridge, in addition to the ability to interchange via a new station box at Southern Cross Station for the airport, seems for the most part, like a no-brainer to me.

Apartments.com.au's <a href="/guides/weekly-podcast-episode-32-the-greens-sam-hibbins-talks-all-things-transport">recent podcast with Greens MP Sam Hibbins</a> outlined that party's prioritisation of Melbourne Metro 2.0 in order to increase capacity on the network to cope with population growth and continuing to untangle Melbourne's dated rail network to become a true Metro.  Will the ALP and Coalition follow suit?

Melbourne Metro 2.0 will however result in increased patronage through Southern Cross Station particularly when combined with the AirRail Melbourne proposal - should it or a derivative proceed after the Melbourne Airport Rail Link and Suburban Rail Loop business cases are completed - putting further strain on the station and the precinct.

Further pressure on the precinct is also coming via increased high-rise development activity, again <a href="/news/the-rise-and-rise-of-melbournes-spencer-street">highlighted by Urban.com.au recently</a>, with sewer upgrade works currently underway to address the increased residential population in the area.

Already in morning and afternoon peak, the footpaths on the corners of Collins/Spencer and Spencer and Bourke are at capacity, with this also occurring during event mode at Marvel Stadium (formerly Etihad) particularly during the AFL season.

The connection from Southern Cross to Marvel Stadium via the Bourke Street pedestrian bridge is also struggling to cope during event mode, becoming a bottleneck as exiting fans attempt to enter the station. Developments around the stadium have attempted to alleviate some of the pressure however, despite best intentions have only really served to move the problem elsewhere.

With the <a href="/news/etihad-stadiums-redevelopment-to-improve-links-to-cbd-and-victoria-harbour">AFL and State Government working on a substantial upgrade of Marvel Stadium</a> - with Cox Architecture having previously developed concepts - there's an opportunity for a fully integrated Master Plan of the area bound by Collins Street, Wurndjeri Way, Bourke Street, Harbour Esplanade, LaTrobe Street and Spencer Street. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/southern_cross_precinct_site.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southern Cross Station and the greater precinct should form part of a coordinated Master Plan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="463" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southern_cross_precinct_site.png?itok=G1Tp4Ul1" title="Southern Cross Station and the greater precinct should form part of a coordinated Master Plan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southern Cross Station and the greater precinct should form part of a coordinated Master Plan</figcaption></figure>This would allow for a reduction in redundant works as other projects in the area are delivered over the course of the next 10 years, with the potential to incorporate some of those outlined by Mayor Sally Capp with the two critical rail projects and the upgrade of Marvel Stadium to truly connect the Melbourne CBD down to Victoria Harbour. 

<h2>Key considerations:</h2>

<ul>
<li>AirRail Melbourne</li>
	<li>Melbourne Metro 2.0</li>
	<li>Marvel Stadium upgrade</li>
	<li>
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/city-of-melbournes-transport-strategy-refresh-its-time-to-walk-the-walk">City of Melbourne Transport Strategy Refresh</a> </li>
	<li>City of Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp's Highline Vision</li>
	<li>Harbour Esplanade Master Plan</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/projects_southern_cross_precinct.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Projects to consider "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="585" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/projects_southern_cross_precinct.png?itok=06QxclYr" title="Projects to consider " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Projects to consider</figcaption></figure>Look out for Part Two in coming weeks, which will be a high level study of what an integrated Master Plan for the Precinct might look like.

Lead Image: AirRail Melbourne (with a bit of Dragomir magic.)
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Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the airport - Part One

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I recently caught up with Founding Directors of <a href="http://www.odo.co/">One Design Office</a>, Samson Tiew and Jon Liow to discuss the cross-disciplinary approach of their office and their work, in addition to the ability to offer a comprehensive suite of services from architecture to marketing and branding.

We also chat about the office's involvement in the Southbank by Beulah competition and how that whole process came together, culminating in the Future Cities Symposium.

The topic of prototyping and the important role it can play in the design is also raised. Please note, the podcast was recorded on the 13th of September. And remember to subscribe to our <a href="/guides">weekly podcast</a> through your favourite podcast app.

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Weekly Podcast: Episode 34 - One Design Office

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In today's Nightingale Village instalment, we take a look at Skye House by Breathe Architecture, the architects that started it all with the Commons and Nightingale 1.

Located at 1-3 Duckett Street on a site known as Site F, adjacent to Hayball's CRT + YRD, Skye House (or Nightingale 11) will comprise 40 apartments spread across eight floors and topped by a rooftop terrace. The rooftop consists of a communal laundry facility, outdoor clothes line and veggie patch, with plant services and solar PV panels, making up the balance of roof area.

The building also has a single basement level with provision for resident storage facilities, in addition to the precinct's car parking garage with capacity for 12 car share spaces.  A 184 sqm retail tenancy is located on the ground floor with direct access and frontage to Duckett Street.

<blockquote>
Being more than familiar with the Duckett Street area (it’s one block south of our office), we are strongly committed to the success of the Nightingale Village, and dedicated to delivering the best result for our local community and future neighbours.

The architectural expression of Nightingale 11 has been carefully considered to celebrate Brunswick’s eclectic migrant heritage while also acknowledging the site’s industrial history.

We have designed an apartment building, but it’s kind. Unlike the existing pattern of recent development in the area, which leaves much to be desired in terms of public generosities and street activation, the architecture of this building ensures it is a provider both inwardly and externally.

We have looked to iconic, international precedents to inform the arrangement and appearance of 1-3 Duckett Street, particularly the shape and scale of the arched motif along the main, north facade.

- Breathe Architecture
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/breathe_nv.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Breathe Architecture's Skye House on Duckett Street. Image"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/breathe_nv.jpg?itok=ICNYRnqy" title="Breathe Architecture's Skye House on Duckett Street. Image" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Breathe Architecture's Skye House on Duckett Street. Image: Breathe Architecture</figcaption></figure>The design adopts the approach of its Nightingale siblings in its adoption of honest materials which reflect the industrial character of the area and are tactile, untreated and durable but are curated to form an elegant composition.

Skye House's Duckett Street frontage is characterised by a streetwall response comprising a series of repeated arches which provide a framework for the balconies to sit within while creating a sense of rhythm to the street. This 12m streetwall is visually permeable yet also allows for privacy and retreat, while providing a point of distinction from some of the other Nightingales which have adopted much more solid, crafted bases.

From a sustainable design approach, the arches serve a secondary purpose in shading the interior spaces from the northerly summer sun.

Apartments are provided with primary aspects to either the north or south, with secondary aspects to the eastor via light shafts of 30 sqm (in plan) to ensure a high degree of internal amenity to apartments. These lightwells also accommodate the vertical circulation nodes via stairs and lift core.

Above the streetwall, the upper massing is setback 5m from the street and adopts a heavier visual expression comprising staggered concrete forms with projecting balconies. This austere exterior will be softened with greenery but will largely appear visually recessive from the street.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/1_duckett_street_brunswick_-_mps_2018_362_-_adv25_-_site_f_1-3_duckett_street_-_plans.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Skye House as seen from the proposed community park. Image: Breathe Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="414" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1_duckett_street_brunswick_-_mps_2018_362_-_adv25_-_site_f_1-3_duckett_street_-_plans.jpg?itok=uVlA1q9k" title="Skye House as seen from the proposed community park. Image: Breathe Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Skye House as seen from the proposed community park. Image: Breathe Architecture</figcaption></figure>Skye House will also provide residents with direct access to a future proposed park to the east of the building, currently the site of the Moreland car park. While minimal apertures have been provided to this frontage, Skye House still offers a number of residents views to this proposed park along with opportunities for passive surveillance.

The penultimate entry in Apartments.com.au's Nightingale Village series will be  Architecture Architecture's 24-26 Hope Street.
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Nightingale Village - Episode V - Skye House

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Located 23km east of Melbourne’s CBD, Ringwood is beginning to fulfil its potential as a state government-designated development area. Considered fringe suburbia until 15 years ago, Ringwood has enjoyed a substantial growth in recent years, with Apartments.com.au currently tracking 19 projects at various stages of their respective life cycles within the Ringwood Metropolitan Activity Centre, reinforcing its status as a burgeoning satellite city.

With a population of 17,471* and rising, a range of factors have contributed to Ringwood becoming a key property hot spot with investment from both the private and public sectors. The major catalysts has been the $66 million redevelopment of Ringwood Station and the $665 million expansion of Eastland Shopping Centre, which also included a Sage Hotel - the first to be developed above a shopping centre in Melbourne.

Additionally, as Melbourne seeks to decentralise into a series of 20 minute neighbourhoods, Ringwood is capitalising on its proximity to schools, freeways, public transport and major shopping destinations such as Eastland. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/ringwood_development.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Ringwood's development pipeline"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ringwood_development.png?itok=2O9d1-rI" title="Ringwood's development pipeline" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ringwood's development pipeline</figcaption></figure>More recently hotel operator IHG announced it had signed an agreement to operate a Holiday Inn-branded mixed-use development, signalling its confidence in Ringwood. The development will feature 82 apartments and a 164-room hotel offering all day dining and bar, conference and meeting facilities, a gym and a swimming pool, along with on-site parking.

Opening in 2020, the Holiday Inn &amp; Suites Melbourne Ringwood is being developed by Ninety Four Feet and Omni Property Group who recently signed Hamilton Marino to build the CHT Architects-designed complex.

<blockquote>
We are thrilled to sign our second hotel with IHG, and our first hotel in Australia. Ringwood is an exciting destination, with a vibrant community and growing business investment that has included a $66 million upgrade to Ringwood Train Station and a $665 million expansion of Eastland Shopping Centre. We are confident that, with the world’s largest brand family behind it, Holiday Inn &amp; Suites Ringwood will be a huge success

- Dean Rzechta, Managing Director at Ninety Four Feet Property Development (via <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.thehotelconversation.com.au/news/2018/10/08/holiday-inn-hotel-announced-melbourne-suburb-ringwood/1538950503">The Hotel Conversation</a>)
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/holiday_inn_-_ringwood_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Holiday Inn &amp; Suites Melbourne Ringwood. Image: IHG via The Hotel Conversation"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="372" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/holiday_inn_-_ringwood_2.jpg?itok=3YiuxK2e" title="The Holiday Inn &amp; Suites Melbourne Ringwood. Image: IHG via The Hotel Conversation" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Holiday Inn &amp; Suites Melbourne Ringwood. Image: IHG via The Hotel Conversation</figcaption></figure>Developer OzProperty has also found recent success with its Highwood residential development designed by DKO Architecture, which delivered record-breaking capital appreciation for Ringwood on a challenging site. Completed in late 2017, the master planned development comprises 36 town houses,with an emphasis on maximising light to interiors and providing a variety of architectural typologies along the streetscape.

<blockquote>
DKO has designed Highwood with a range of streetscape typologies to reflect families who make up a large proportion of the local area. It is no surprise that one of the homes at Highwood has broken the record for capital appreciation because Ringwood is an exciting area for everyday people who are looking to get onto the property market. It’s one of several government identified growth zones, where infrastructure and industry will be leveraged for capital growth.

- Koos de Keijzer
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/ebp_ozproperty_highwood_ringwood-6298.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="OzProperty's Highwood development has experienced substantial capital growth in a short time. Images: OzProperty"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="202" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ebp_ozproperty_highwood_ringwood-6298.jpg?itok=xOYrAVO_" title="OzProperty's Highwood development has experienced substantial capital growth in a short time. Images: OzProperty" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>OzProperty's Highwood development has experienced substantial capital growth in a short time. Images: OzProperty</figcaption></figure>Purchasers Lu Dongyan &amp; Duan Hongbo purchased Highwood’s Lot 26 off the plan in 2015 for $549,000 and settled the property on 6th November 2017. They decided to sell their home a few months later in April 2018 for $702,500. They making a profit of $153,500 in 5 months.

Highwood has demonstrated that demand for highly considered, architecturally designed medium density homes with multiple typologies, and close to amenity and transport are still highly sought after.

<blockquote>
The overall Melbourne market is generally challenging, however areas such as Ringwood are still maintaining strong interest from buyers. The primary reason is the recent infrastructure and private development spending has now been delivered, making Ringwood a great place to be, but another part of the story is price attainability and affordability. You can still get a 4 BR townhouse, suitable for a family, under $1m. We’re all aware the challenge in the current market is the limited liquidity and credit due to the main banks’ lending policy changes, so affordability is critical. 

Ringwood was a suburb in transition. The central Ringwood area was earmarked for over $1b in developments including the Eastland expansion, new Costco, Ringwood train station upgrade and a series of mixed use developments. Furthermore, the supply of large parcels of land was limited, so we had a unique opportunity to offer a high quality medium density solution in the backdrop of all the other higher density development activity.

With most of the infrastructure and developments now complete, Ringwood today offers a much higher level of liveability than other suburbs. It’s surprisingly walkable and the green, leafy outlook is just wonderful.

- Raghav Goel, Director, Oz Property
</blockquote>

Established in 2007, Oz Property Group is focused on delivering sustainable, considered developments around key activity zones in response to a rapidly evolving and growing Melbourne market.

* 2016 Australian census data
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Ringwood's development scene and property market remain strong

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<a href="/developers/excelon-projects">Excelon Group's</a> Lothian Street development has been designed by <a href="/architects/kennedy-nolan-architects">Kennedy Nolan</a> to reference the area’s industrial past, with a warehouse style brick façade employed.

Located at <a href="/new-apartments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">100 Lothian Street, North Melbourne</a> the development comprises six individually designed townhouses and two apartments crafted in collaboration with some of Melbourne’s top local artisans, including family-owned local Victorian brick manufacturer Krause Bricks.

A revolution of sorts is currently underway with more architects returning to bricks to reimagine a built environment that has a more tactile expression and quality, a departure away from painted precast concrete which lacks neighbourhood character. More recently this has been evident in the <a href="/news/nightingales-magnificent-seven-on-show-for-the-first-time">Nightingale Village</a> project of which Kennedy Nolan are also involved, combining brick with other robust domestic materials which reflect the vernacular and material qualities of their context. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/lothian_elev.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lothian Street in elevation. Image: Kennedy Nolan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="299" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/lothian_elev.jpg?itok=hTCkiD38" title="Lothian Street in elevation. Image: Kennedy Nolan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lothian Street in elevation. Image: Kennedy Nolan</figcaption></figure>Lothian Street's brick work is a nod to curves and craftmanship, while the brick colour has been custom blended to achieve an individual character that harks upon the past. Krause Bricks have been working closely alongside Kennedy Nolan to create an exterior brick form which sits comfortably within its North Melbourne streetscape.

A family business established in 1945, the Krause family has been building a successful, succession-based business and has evolved to meet the challenges, changing fortunes and fashions, of the Australian brick industry. With only 11 employees, Krause Bricks have three kilns that are firing constantly, outputting a staggering four million bricks per annum.

Grandson, Klynton Krause who works with father, Patrick, sees brick with new eyes. Klynton has been working alongside architects creating specific brick solutions and welcomes the challenges of a new market.

Bricks are indeed booming as industrial suburbs are being gentrified and architects are looking to provide buildings which draw on the qualities of industrial red brick warehouses. This is a far cry from from the golden ‘clinker brick’ homes of yesteryear, which are so synonymous with Australian suburbia.

Other collaborative design elements include decorative porcelain tiles used throughout the entranceways, designed and printed locally by Bonnie and Neil, timber door hardware from IN-TERIA and lighting from Daniel Emma. The use of local artisanal collaborators has ensured Lothian Street has an authentic, individual design quality that is more than just the sum of its parts.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/kna_arden_04.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brick in all its glory at Lothian Street. Images: Kennedy Nolan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="268" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kna_arden_04.jpg?itok=YWlQ_TQh" title="Brick in all its glory at Lothian Street. Images: Kennedy Nolan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Brick in all its glory at Lothian Street. Images: Kennedy Nolan</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
Lothian Street is a love project for Excelon. The process of working with local collaborators to create something unique for North Melbourne has been a joy, and it’s exciting to see the project unfold as it has.

It is always our absolute pleasure working with local Australian manufacturers and artisans such as Krause Bricks. With their understanding of the medium, I believe local collaborators impart a sense of soul into a project as they are passionate about their craft.

- Kelvin Taing, Excelon Group Managing Director 
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We work alongside architects which is an opportunity to provide a true one off brick project.

There is no one size or colour fits all with bricks. It is very much a product designed to the specifications of every design and every location. Brick is now a material that is pushing design boundaries. It’s such a humble product and you see it everywhere but there is such innovation that can be had, I work with a lot of different architects. They can throw curveballs at you, and I love that challenge.

It enables us to watch the quality side and really achieve that Australian, handmade product.

Our secret to success is to welcome the challenges that come to us. I am focused on developing a truly unique bespoke building outcome with every Krause brick product.

- Klynton Krause
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Working with local manufacturers and artisans adds authenticity to our projects. Krause Bricks are a Victorian family business and their products are made from Victorian clay meaning that Lothian has a physical, economic and emotional relationship to its place. 

- Patrick Kennedy, Kennedy Nolan
</blockquote>
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Brick to the Future for Lothian Street

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The recently completed Clyde Mews is an environmentally focused community comprising six family-centric townhouses and two apartments. Designed by Six Degrees Architects for Excelon Group the project sets a new benchmark for inner city, medium density development. 

Located at 80 Clyde Street in Thornbury, the project is at the forefront of sustainable design and construction, with Excelon and its design team working alongside the independent Moreland Energy Foundation Limited (MEFL) to improve its sustainability credentials and minimize waste where possible.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/clydemews_ahutchison_stitched.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Clyde Mews employs recycled materials where possible. Images: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="429" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/clydemews_ahutchison_stitched.jpg?itok=XuKwbWlj" title="Clyde Mews employs recycled materials where possible. Images: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Clyde Mews employs recycled materials where possible. Images: Alice Hutchison</figcaption></figure>The development repurposes materials from the previous dwellings which occupied the site, complemented by recycled timber, and locally sourced recycled bricks which were carefully selected. Each residence is equipped with energy and water efficient V-ZUG or Miele appliances, and living areas carpeted with durable 100% New Zealand wool carpet from Cavalier Bremworth.

Designed to foster a car-free lifestyle, Clyde Mews is located in close proximity to public transport, walking and cycling tracks, and within walking distance to local eateries, cafes, and boutiques, as well as amenity such as hospitals, childcare, playgrounds, markets, and sporting facilities.

<blockquote>
The project is a development of two traditional Thornbury housing blocks into medium density housing, and provides an alternative model to the usual car centric development of this type.

Instead a model of medium density living is delivered that that prioritises the development of community, shared amenity, sustainability and landscape.

The dwellings have been designed to maximise the site's orientation to provide energy and water efficient residences that are sustainable, comfortable and affordable.

- Six Degrees
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/clydemews_ahutchison_-17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Clyde Mews' communal gardens. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/clydemews_ahutchison_-17.jpg?itok=Kkper-AQ" title="Clyde Mews' communal gardens. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Clyde Mews' communal gardens. Image: Alice Hutchison</figcaption></figure>The project is designed to allow residents to live easily without a car and each dwelling includes two wall mounted bike racks, however at least one on-site car space is offered per dwelling. Car spaces are situated around the perimeter of the project to maximize internal space within the site for pedestrian access and public and private open space positioned around a a central shared space. 

The communal garden has been designed to act as a shared backyard that contains seating and large planter boxes for communal gardening, including fresh fruit and vegetables for residents to enjoy. Extensive pergolas provide the framework for vines to form a lush canopy that will provide shade in summer, and will lose its leaves in winter allowing sun through to each residence.

Water efficiencies at Clyde Mews include a 30,000 litre underground water tank for toilet flushing and laundry. Other sustainable amenities include solar power, and passive heating and cooling systems have been incorporated throughout the design as well as the building oriented to maximize natural light with north-facing windows, and awnings in the living and dining areas to reduce heat gain from summer sun exposure.

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
Excelon are excited to have completed Clyde Mews, a project with incredibly strong sustainability credentials. We are committed to the Melbourne market and look forward to working alongside our industry friends to create a strong portfolio of sustainable, community-driven projects.

-  Kelvin Taing, Excelon Group Managing Director
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We were thrilled to be involved with Clyde Mews. The project was conceived and designed to encourage a sense of community, and offer a new model for sustainable medium density housing. It’s a project at the vanguard of modern sustainable living in Melbourne.

- James Legge, Six Degrees Director
</blockquote>
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Six Degrees and Excelon combine for Clyde Mews

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Joel Robinson

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

The long-planned transformation of Brisbane's historic Shafston Estate has taken another major step, with Capella Hotel Group announced as the luxury hospitality partner behind what will become Brisbane's first branded residences.

The project, to be known as Capella Residences Brisbane, is being delivered by Verso Projects at the landmark Kangaroo Point riverfront estate, with completion targeted for 2029.

The announcement follows a series of planning changes to the project over recent years. The site was originally approved in 2023 for a 15-level, 37-apartment development designed by Rothelowman for Burgundy Group before Verso Projects took over the 10,070 sqm riverfront holding and lodged revised plans with Kerry Hill Architects to increase the development to a 25-level tower with 51 apartments.

The latest announcement confirms Capella Hotel Group will bring its branded residential offering to the project, marking just the second Capella Residences development globally after Seoul, and the group's first branded residential project in Australia.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-castlebar-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Castlebar Street development</a> will centre around the restoration of the heritage-listed Shafston House, one of Brisbane's oldest residences, originally constructed in 1851 by Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage known as Ravenscott.

<img alt="Capella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9f4ce5-638f-4d6b-8082-3ca7e4b75fca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-09%20at%207.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=f7aeqsW_DzOJI4FymWb3lD8NptSfsP7q" />

Capella said the project aligns with its focus on heritage-led developments, with the Brisbane estate combining the restored historic residence with a new luxury apartment tower and hospitality-inspired resident amenities.

Residents will have access to the Capella Living Room, a concierge-led communal space inspired by the group's luxury hotels, alongside landscaped gardens, six swimming pools, wellness and recreation facilities.

The broader estate will also include two riverfront homes, a six-berth private marina, porte cochère arrival experience, secure basement parking and a new section of public riverwalk along the Brisbane River frontage.

The heritage Postal Depot Building will also be retained and repurposed as a guest house, in line with the revised development plans.

The project represents another evolution for the site, which Kerry Hill Architects previously described as a rare opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's most significant heritage estates while creating a new benchmark for apartment living.

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," Kerry Hill Architects said in its Urban Context Report accompanying the planning submission.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

Verso Projects, which now has an $8.5 billion development pipeline spanning more than 6,000 dwellings across apartments, townhouses, retail and commercial projects, said the partnership with Capella would elevate the development beyond a traditional residential project.

"We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence underpinned by Capella's distinctive service ethos and design philosophy, and making it a standout landmark in Brisbane," Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey said.

"By partnering with Capella, globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context, we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination."

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane's emergence as a global city made it the right location for the company's Australian residential debut.

"Brisbane is a city on the cusp of something remarkable, and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story," Fasel said.

"The Capella residential experience is more than luxury. It is about a sense of belonging to a place with deep meaning."

Private appointments have now opened for the project, with a display suite expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Capella to launch Brisbane's first branded residences at Shafston House, Kangaroo Point

Lewis Land's latest apartment release within its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan is targeting one of the Gold Coast's fastest-growing buyer groups, with almost a third of apartments at Solis priced below $1 million.

The seven-storey building at Biggera Waters will comprise 91 apartments, including 24 one-bedroom residences starting from $778,000, a price point Lewis Land says is aimed squarely at first home buyers struggling to enter the Gold Coast market.

<img alt="Harbour Shires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7486e37-22f6-4c92-b212-9b0622070b8f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=W8MJwJUCf6HkIyl_EVSksnd.QI6MZryY" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the developer deliberately allocated a significant proportion of the project to more affordable apartment types.

"First home buyers have been priced out of many parts of the Gold Coast, and we saw a clear opportunity to address this and play our part in a longer-term housing solution," Long said.

"That's why 24 of the 91 apartments being delivered at Solis have been designed and priced for the city's next generation of homeowners, quality one-bedroom apartments, half of which include an additional multipurpose room to maximise space and flexibility.

"This approach places 30 per cent of apartments in Solis under $1 million, and with close proximity to Harbour Town's future light rail extension connecting residents to the city's major employment and knowledge hubs, it's a win for buyers looking to secure their first property."

<img alt="Sores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="550526d3-73ba-4710-9739-c5f4294a30ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.29%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cQQdXHt9wS0UXwZEm5Py5bH_3kAmzyhu" />

Designed by BDA Architecture, Solis will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with residences ranging up to 232 sqm. Apartments feature generous balconies and contemporary finishes, while residents will have access to Harbour Shores' lagoon pool, clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga studio and sauna.

The focus on first home buyers resonated with purchaser Holly Humphreys, who said she and her boyfriend spent more than a year searching for their first property before shifting their attention from houses to apartments.

"We fell in love with the first house we bid on and got our hopes up, but after repeated knockbacks we learned not to get too attached," Humphreys said.

"We offered at the high end of price guides, but sales kept going even higher. That's where we really struggled and we needed to re-evaluate our budget and our expectations. Standalone houses were off the table, and we pivoted to apartments and townhouses."

Humphreys said it was encouraging to see developers recognising the growing demand from first home buyers.

"There's a growing number of young buyers looking to enter the market earlier because they understand that getting in now can make a real difference as prices continue to rise," she said.

"It's fantastic to see a developer recognise this and then actively take measures to deliver an apartment with us in mind."

Solis is the first development planned within the second stage of the Harbour Shores masterplan, with early works expected to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land targets first home buyers at latest Harbour Shores release, Solis

Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=370116]

Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

KOYO penthouse headlines Abadeen's $19.25 million EOFY sales flurry

The City of Sydney has approved plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia Group</a> and Metrics Credit Partners’ $3.5 billion Castlereagh Place project in the heart of the Sydney CBD

The towers will be among the tallest in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw-2000">Sydney</a>'s CBD, with more floors than any other residential tower in the city.&nbsp;

The 6,000 sqm site was acquired by the joint venture partners in 2024. It is the largest amalgamated land parcel in the Sydney CBD and comprises eight individual sites fronting Castlereagh, Pitt and Liverpool Streets.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castlereagh-place-sydney-324-348-pitt-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Castlereagh Place</a> will transform an underutilised city block into a landmark mixed-use destination, anchored by two 82-storey towers comprising 607 luxury residences above an 8-level podium housing a 209-room luxury hotel. A 1,000 square metre civic park on ground level features a curated mix of food, beverage and retail.

The plans have been refined over the past year to rebalance the residential and hotel offering, and reconfigure the retail footprint to create a stronger, more dynamic dining experience.

A three-level flagship building on the prominent corner of Pitt and Liverpool Streets will be the gateway to the Castlereagh Place lifestyle precinct. Set to become a Sydney icon, the building is capable of housing multiple hospitality venues.

“Castlereagh Place is designed to be the City's next great urban oasis - an energetic mixed-use precinct that pulses with life, day and night,"&nbsp;said Joseph Kinsella, Group Director of Billbergia.

"It will bring the vibrancy of places like Barangaroo and Darling Quarter into a more accessible, central destination at the very heart of Sydney."

Kinsella said the project will build on&nbsp;Sydney’s growing laneway culture with the City’s largest network of new activated lanes - an expanded, next-generation take on precincts like Angel Place, Palings Lane and Ash Street in Wynyard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374401]

Castlereagh Place has been designed by architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">fjcstudio</a> in collaboration with Trias Studio, Aileen Sage and Polly Harbison Design, joint winners of an international design competition in 2018.&nbsp;

Signature design elements from the original scheme remain unchanged, while the public domain has been significantly enhanced, delivering 60 per cent more open-to-sky space.

Pedestrian access will also be enhanced through new laneways linking Pitt, Liverpool and Castlereagh Streets, drawing people into a new civic park with outdoor seating, landscaping and integrated public art.

With activated laneways supported by strong hospitality offerings, Castlereagh Place is tipped to become a vibrant new dining destination in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

It marks the largest undertaking to date for the Billbergia and Metrics Credit Partners partnership. Together they are developing other underutilised Sydney sites into mixed-use precincts, including the $2.2 billion Concord Central and the $1.3 billion Chatswood Grand Residences.

Metrics Managing Partner and Group CEO Andrew Lockhart said Castlereagh Place is a landmark project that will redefine Sydney’s skyline.

"As the tallest residential high-rise development, the revitalised site will offer panoramic views across the CBD and surrounds. We are excited to partner with Billbergia to reinvigorate an underutilised site and create a sophisticated and contemporary mixed-use offering situated in the heart of Sydney.”

Total apartments within the towers have increased to 607 dwellings, with a focus on larger floorplans. Aligned to growing market demand, Castlereagh Place now comprises 299 three-plus-bedroom apartments, 198 two-bedroom units and 110 one-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374402]

Resident amenities will include an exclusive residents club containing a gym, rooftop pool, dining rooms, co-working spaces, library, golf simulator, games room, cinema room, and access to an exclusive concierge service. There will be around 500 basement car spaces below the towers.

The development will also include a state-of-the-art wellness centre, set to feature a bathhouse with magnesium pools, hot/cold plunge pools and premium amenities.

&nbsp;

According to fjcstudio, the towers will feature distinctive yet elegant architectural design reflecting Sydney’s geometry and urban character, with a network of through-site links and intimate public spaces activating the streetscape.

"Castlereagh Place is a city-making project of significant scale and ambition," said Richard Francis-Jones, Design Director at fjcstudio.

"It will create a rich urban complex of public open spaces, landscaped gardens, and vibrant laneways. Defining these new public spaces and the important streetscape of Castlereagh Street is a sequence of fine-grained, diverse retail and hotel architecture designed in collaboration with Aileen Sage, Polly Harbison Design and Trias.

“Rising above the tree-lined, human-scale streetscape are two slender residential towers that will transform the city skyline and look towards the Harbour, Hyde Park, and the Royal Botanic Garden.”

Demolition and early construction works have commenced onsite at Castlereagh Place.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134477]

Laurence Dragomir

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