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What does it take to develop a multi-million dollar luxury home? Over 100 design iterations, a free electric car and endless customisation options, are a few features which set 94 River Street apart from any other luxury home in Melbourne. 

94 River Street is a new development in South Yarra comprised of three luxury homes which occupy an entire floor each. The apartments have been designed as individual homes, to be created with their own unique character. Tall house (as the name suggests) boasts opulent, high ceilings, giving the appearance of a gallery-like environment. Pool House features an exceptional north-facing lap pool, complete with lush, leafy surrounds. The final property has been coined Penthouse and will span over two levels, and include lavish indoor-outdoor space for entertaining.

Intrigued to learn more about this exciting development, we had a chat to Toly Mezhov &amp; Irene Polo of Future Cities who shared some more insight into their highly anticipated new project. 

Urban.com.au: Congrats on the launch of your exciting project 94 River Street! What inspired you to embark on this development?

Toly Mezhov &amp; Irene Polo: To create bespoke homes, vertically integrated into a sustainable built form in an urban location of South Yarra with walking access to all activities for a fabulous lifestyle. We look forward to living there.

U: Could you please describe each of the three homes – Tall House, Pool House and Penthouse – and who you envisage living there?

TM &amp; IP: Tall House, as the name indicates is incredibly tall with ceiling heights ranging from 3.3m – 3.5m. A very unique gallery-like home of 335m2 internal and 55m2 of terraces and courtyards that break up the building with landscaping, natural light, serenity and airflow. Landscaping selections for this level respond to the orientation, solar access and plant species that thrive in this environment. Thus creating a real home with a sense of sanctuary, calm and healthy living environment. Whom we envisage living there? A special someone with an extensive art and furniture collection, a citizen of the world who loves to entertain when not globetrotting.

Pool House, a level up is a home of 245m2 internal and 88m2 of external wrap-around terrace and north-facing lap pool. Surrounded by lush landscaping gives the pool house a real sense of privacy and vistas over leafy South Yarra. The Pool House offers the versatility of making a fabulous young family home or an ultimate private sanctuary.

The Penthouse spans over 2 levels with 315m2 of internal space and a whopping 130m2 of external gardens. Sitting on top of the building positioned on the hill of River Street; the double story house gives a sense of personal kingdom with 360 views over South Yarra and beyond. A true house in the sky would suit a family or an accomplished couple with plenty of space for guests.

All houses include a secure 2 car garage in the lower ground level of the building to store your prized possessions and luxury collections. At ground level, each home further comes with a car spot (Penthouse with 2) and an electric BMW i3 vehicle. 

U: I know you have only released plans for Tall House at this stage, what secrets can you let our Urban audience in on about what to expect with Pool House and Penthouse?

TM &amp; IP: We have approached the design to each home on a very individual level of refinement. Starting with the Tall House. We are extremely happy now with each house to let the market view all three houses. All houses are customizable; however, the Pool House and Pent House do offer an even greater degree of customization to suit the buyer’s requirements, options for vistas and amalgamations. 

<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/screen_shot_2019-10-07_at_1.35.31_pm.png" rel="gallery-all" title="94 River Street's Tall House living room render. Credit: Hecker Guthrie"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-10-07_at_1.35.31_pm.png?itok=bf9EZxsm" title="94 River Street's Tall House living room render. Credit: Hecker Guthrie" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>94 River Street's Tall House living room render. Credit: Hecker Guthrie</figcaption></figure><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/screen_shot_2019-10-07_at_1.35.17_pm.png" rel="gallery-all" title="94 River Street's Tall House bedroom render. Credit: Hecker Guthrie"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-10-07_at_1.35.17_pm.png?itok=1Uc4s-MC" title="94 River Street's Tall House bedroom render. Credit: Hecker Guthrie" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>94 River Street's Tall House bedroom render. Credit: Hecker Guthrie</figcaption></figure> 

<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/screen_shot_2019-10-07_at_1.35.01_pm.png" rel="gallery-all" title="94 River Street's Tall House bathroom render. Credit: Hecker Guthrie"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-10-07_at_1.35.01_pm.png?itok=w_U9Se7W" title="94 River Street's Tall House bathroom render. Credit: Hecker Guthrie" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>94 River Street's Tall House bathroom render. Credit: Hecker Guthrie</figcaption></figure>U: Which environmental features can we expect to see implemented within the 94 River Street development?

TM &amp; IP: The way the building has been designed, each home has been orientated and outdoor spaces have been considered to provide a truly sustainable building that is landscaped extensively at each level. This level of landscaping drastically increases the thermal comfort and natural environment of each house thus reducing the need for heating or cooling. We need to change our cities from being concrete jungles; heat and carbon-producing sources. This building achieves this by replacing hard reflective surfaces with landscaping. 

When looking at the building from above, you will see terraced gardens with some sitting areas, a pool and solar panels.

The location of the development is within walking distance to all amenities, parks, commercial needs and even the CBD thus eliminating the reliance on vehicles. However, when the need arises, we are collaborating with BMW Australia in providing each residence with an electric vehicle for the day to day zip around town.

There will be elements of prefabrication and timber building systems which give a lower environmental footprint and less greenhouse gas emissions. Our environmental footprint will be calculated through a carbon-based lifecycle assessment tool with any carbon emissions, offset through the planting of trees and bush regeneration programs.

U: What do you think are the key selling points of the 94 River Street location?

TM &amp; IP: Access to the neighbourhood of South Yarra, Cremorne, Richmond and Melbourne CBD through parkland and riverside walks. Sitting on top of the hill on River Street, you have everything you need within a stone throw. Unlike other areas of South Yarra, this location benefits and will further benefit from high-end mix-use developments at the Toorak Road end of River Street, Chapel Street and the emerging Cremorne design, tech and foodie hub. The effortless connectivity to the freeway network offers access in all directions of and from Melbourne.       

U: With a price range of $4-6 million+, what features of each home set this development apart from other luxury homes and penthouse apartments?

TM &amp; IP: Apart from those described earlier, the price point per m2 is actually very competitive in comparison to other homes and penthouse apartments. Your home takes over the whole footprint of the building and is only one of 3. Probably also the degree of customization and design journey for a buyer at this stage of the development.

U: What gave you the idea to include a BMW i3 with each home?

TM &amp; IP: The sustainability ethos and environmental benefits of the development’s walkable location; to further reduce the environmental footprint of our micro-community it is time to switch to electric vehicles and we want to set an example and offer this to our residents.

U: How many design iterations did you produce before deciding on the final plan?

TM &amp; IP: Hard to put a number on it; well over 100. The Hecker Guthrie team have produced plans for a wide range of living considerations for how people may live in these homes. So, if there are any specific lifestyle needs that are being put to us by a buyer; we likely already have a solution for or can sit down with the team and swiftly iron out.

U: What do you personally believe symbolises an exceptional development, and what has been the most rewarding part of the process so far?

TM &amp; IP: The degree of consideration to detail, the environment and timeless design to us symbolize exceptional development. The way how architecture, interior design and landscaping harmoniously connected in design development of the building and really took our vision to the next level is incredible and has been most rewarding. We can’t wait to build this building and live in it.  
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Olivia Round

Future Cities' Toly & Irene share more details about their latest South Yarra development

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Buyer confidence in the luxury off-the-plan market has regained strength with <a href="/new-apartments/armadale-vic-3143">Armadale</a> development, <a href="/buildings/835-high-street-armadale">835 High Street</a> selling $20 million worth of property in the first weekend of sales and organic grocer, The Leaf Store signing on to occupy the ground floor retail space. 

<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/moda_835_armadale_website_image_retail.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Leon Mugavin, founder of The Leaf Store. Credit: Moda"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/moda_835_armadale_website_image_retail.jpg?itok=yz8-DeZ1" title="Leon Mugavin, founder of The Leaf Store. Credit: Moda" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Leon Mugavin, founder of The Leaf Store. Credit: Moda</figcaption></figure><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/pool_l.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="835 High Street infinity pool render"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/pool_l.jpg?itok=uGANnmvw" title="835 High Street infinity pool render" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>835 High Street infinity pool render</figcaption></figure>The project is being led by boutique developer <a href="/developers/moda-corp">Moda</a>, who despite a fantastic track record of project sales, hadn’t anticipated the extent of 835 High Street’s financial success.

<blockquote>
“We sold enough in the first weekend to allow us to commence construction immediately, something we didn’t forecast to achieve for another few months.”
</blockquote>

Ed Farquharson, Moda Managing Director

The Moda team has dedicated time and energy to researching the downsize market, in order to understand how they can deliver properties that meet buyer needs and compliment their lifestyles. This resulted in providing customisable spaces, interchangeable fixtures and fittings, and a range of upgrades – giving residents the opportunity to create their own bespoke, luxury residences. 

The research clearly paid off, with the majority of the 11 properties sales being made by downsizers. The highest demand was for two and three-bedroom properties between the price brackets of $2.5 - $3.5 million. Three of the 11 buyers also amalgamated floor-plans to create larger “sky homes”.

<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/moda_835_armadale_website_render_interior-07.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="835 High Street interior render"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/moda_835_armadale_website_render_interior-07.jpg?itok=gJ4hf9tm" title="835 High Street interior render" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>835 High Street interior render</figcaption></figure><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/moda_835_armadale_website_render_terrace-26.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="835 High Street outdoor living space render"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/moda_835_armadale_website_render_terrace-26.jpg?itok=C4LkVlZw" title="835 High Street outdoor living space render" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>835 High Street outdoor living space render</figcaption></figure>Prospective buyers of 835 High Street were invited to tour the developer’s previous projects to see the quality of the delivered product in real life. Mr Farquharson noted that this helped enhance buyer confidence.

<blockquote>
“Buyers have a right to be well informed. They want to see proven delivery of premium developments, which is why we’ve taken prospective purchasers into our completed projects. In many cases they’ve met the owners. This has enhanced their confidence in our team, the process and the quality of our latest development.” 
</blockquote>

Ed Farquharson, Moda Managing Director

Leonard Teplin, Director of Marshall White Projects, who worked closely with Moda throughout the sales process, explained that buyers have been quick to secure high-end, luxury property as soon as it hits the market.

<blockquote>
“We are seeing outstanding results in the top-end apartment market this spring. The demand from downsizers is strong, but there is a limited supply of oversized, premium dwellings on offers, which is why pre-registration is increasingly popular. When quality homes become available, they’re secured fast because the buyer has already decided to proceed.”
</blockquote>

Leonard Teplin, Marshall White Projects Director

Interested in luxury property developments? Check out <a href="/news/urban-com-au-profiles-10-of-melbourne-s-top-luxury-apartments">Melbourne’s top 10 luxury apartments</a> on the market right now.

Lead image: 835 High Street facade render. Credit: Moda
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Speedy sales of luxury residences will see construction begin ahead of schedule

Developer EcoWorld International has just announced a new range of single-occupancy duplexes in response to buyer demand for spacious homes in the heart of the city.

The Fender Katsalidis-designed <a href="/buildings/yarra-one-16-22-claremont-street-south-yarra">Yarra One</a> will be adding an additional 5 duplexes which will span across two levels and will be accessible via an indoor staircase. EcoWorld International&rsquo;s Cliff Tan explains that the dual-level duplex concept is already proving to be successful across many global cities.

<blockquote>
&ldquo;Penthouses are traditionally the only two-storey apartments available in residential apartments, however, we have drawn inspiration from cities across the globe to offer a more accessible, Manhattan-style living that is rarely seen in Melbourne.&rdquo;
</blockquote>

Cliff Tan, EcoWorld Head of Project Planning and Development

Each duplex will be sold as single-occupancy units, with the scope of acquiring interest from a broad selection of property seekers, including first home buyers, downsizers, young families, retirees and empty nesters. The concept also alludes to the <a href="/news/multi-generational-living-the-rise-of-the-super-apartment">rise of multi-generational living</a> in Melbourne City, with many families purchasing one or more apartments to create &ldquo;super apartments&rdquo;. The duplex concept provides a solution to the limited landmass on offer in Melbourne&rsquo;s inner suburbs, by creating spacious vertical living spaces.&nbsp;

Owners of the duplexes will have access to all the same on-site amenities as Yarra One apartment owners, including access to the wellness precinct, gymnasium, outdoor spa, dance studio, yoga room, dining room and entertainment lounge. Residents are also invited to utilise the atrium co-working space which aims to give semi-retirees and freelancers the flexibility to work from the comfort of their own home.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=31092]

<blockquote>
&ldquo;We have a much better understanding now on how Australians want to live and we will future-proof our developments to meet their needs.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</blockquote>

Cliff Tan, EcoWorld Head of Project Planning and Development&nbsp;

The duplexes will be priced from $1,300,000 with individualised floorplans available upon request. The entire development is slated for completion by 2020.&nbsp;

Lead image: Yarra One duplex units. Credit:&nbsp;Fender Katsalidis/EcoWorld International

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=3127]

Yarra One adds duplex options in response to buyer demand

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In Australia’s current apartment market, concern over build quality has led buyers to be cautious when buying off-the-plan. However, it’s important to realise that there are plenty of exceptional buildings being constructed today which feature 7+ star environmental ratings, cutting edge technology, intuitive master planning and innovative architectural design. These new developments will hopefully shift the perception around buying a new apartment and provide a reference for future builds to replicate.

So how do you differentiate a good development from a bad one?

While it’s relatively subjective as to what defines a “good development”, following these 8 steps will ensure you feel more confident that the property you’re looking at is right for you.

<h2>#1 Research the developer, architect and builder’s track records extensively</h2>

Rule 101 of buying a <a href="/new-apartments">new apartment</a> is undertaking thorough <a href="/guides/20-things-you-should-look-out-for-before-you-buy-property">due diligence</a>.

Begin your search online by entering multiple variants of the team’s credentials.

<ul>
<li>You can do this by searching [developer’s name] on Google &gt; Tools &gt; All results &gt; Verbatim</li>
	<li>To find recent content, select Any time &gt; Past month/past week</li>
	<li>And to find any news coverage, select the “news” tab in Google</li>
</ul>
You can then search for the developer’s previous projects on <a href="/">Urban</a> – and take a look at them in real life. Find out if you can speak with any residents who live in one of the developer's buildings, and ask them if they're happy with their home, if there have been any issues since they’ve lived there and whether their apartment was delivered on time.

Another important way to gather information is to approach industry representatives, such as town planners, master builders and environmental consultants and ask for their honest opinion of the quality of work produced by the project team. This could be a simple task of visiting your local council office or picking up the phone to call a few different companies.

McGrath Projects’ General Manager Adam Sparkes also stresses the importance of a background check.

<blockquote>
“My advice to any potential purchasers of brand new or off-the-plan properties would be to undertake a thorough background check on both the developer and the builder. What legacy buildings have they delivered in the past? Check for local, national and international industry awards.”
</blockquote>

Adam Sparkes McGrath Projects General Manager via <a href="https://www.smartpropertyinvestment.com.au/development/19944-asbestos-again-the-future-of-apartment-values-as-cladding-quality-concerns-hit-fever-pitch">Smart Property Investment</a>

<h2>#2 Get finance pre-approval before you begin your property search</h2>

Buying off-the-plan is an attractive option to many due to its perks, such as substantial discounts or cashback offers for early buyer inquiries. Securing your finance ahead of your search will give you more bargaining power when it comes to making an offer.

<blockquote>
“When buying an off the plan apartment early on, you’ll be able to lock one in at current market value for as little as 10%. Construction could well take a year or two, but in that time, the market value of your property is likely to increase. By getting in there early, you’ll avoid paying fees for being late to the chase down the line.”
</blockquote>

Ruralco Property, via <a href="https://www.ruralcoproperty.com.au/2018/01/29/6-tips-for-investing-in-off-the-plan-apartments/">6 Tips for investing in off-the-plan apartments</a>

<h2>#3 Ask to see a comprehensive material list</h2>

Aesthetics are usually the first thing buyers will look at in a new apartment. Instead, you should be focussing on the longevity and <a href="/guides/how-to-choose-the-right-flooring-for-your-off-the-plan-apartment">quality of the materials used</a>. Take the list to a few different building experts for a second opinion and do your own research online. Consider the pros and cons of each building material that will be used ­– and if you'd prefer wooden floors over carpet, it's always worth asking the sales agent as often interiors of apartments are relatively customisable.

<h2>#4 Talk to other people who have bought off the plan</h2>

If it’s your first time buying off the plan, reach out to someone who has already been through the process themselves. Join property Facebook groups; chat to friends and family; read online forums – absorb all the information you can. You may learn about a great new incentive a particular developer is offering, or perhaps a firm to watch out for. Unbiased and honest reviews will give you more certainty about your decision.

<h2>#5 Explore the area by foot</h2>

Even if there is no building at the site, walking around the area will give you a good feel for the suburb. You’ll also be able to discover what is within walking distance from your future apartment. While the apartment renders may look perfect online, the physical location of the development is arguably more important.

<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/screen_shot_2019-10-02_at_4.00.01_pm.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Credit: Benjamin Sow"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="732" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-10-02_at_4.00.01_pm.png?itok=K7UdjXUl" title="Credit: Benjamin Sow" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Credit: Benjamin Sow</figcaption></figure><h2>#6 Choose your apartment carefully</h2>

Whether there are 10 or 100 apartments on offer, selecting the one for you can be a challenging task. Firstly, think about practicality – if it’s easy access you’re after, ground floor apartments are probably best for you. If a view is your priority, decide which side of the tower has the aspect of your choice. If you’re after lots of sunlight, choose a north-facing property.

<h2>#7 Prepare yourself for any unforeseen problems</h2>

Sometimes build schedules run late, or plans can require iterations before consent is approved. In this case, you have to be aware that there could be some blockers and the only option is to go with the flow. Communication with the sales agent will help you to stay up to date with the construction process – as well as following the project on Urban! 

<h2>#8 Ask questions</h2>

Prepare lots of questions before meeting with the sales agent. Don't be afraid to ask the agent too many questions, as providing you with answers is what will help them secure a sale. Before making the purchase, you need to feel confident that you have raised any concerns you may have first. 

Here are a few examples:

<ul>
<li>What is a rental guarantee?</li>
	<li>What are the body corporate fees</li>
	<li>What is the completion date</li>
	<li>How close will my apartment reflect the renders in the brochure?</li>
	<li>What features/appliances/extras are included and what are not? </li>
	<li>Is there a cooling-off period?</li>
	<li>Will I get my deposit back if the sale is not completed?</li>
	<li>What happens if I can't attain finance by the specified date?</li>
	<li>If I discover any building defects down the track, who will cover the remedial work?</li>
	<li>What happens if construction is completed late?</li>
	<li>Can I purchase this apartment using a <a href="/guides/how-to-navigate-australias-first-home-buyer-grants">First Home Buyer Grant</a>?</li>
</ul>
Once you've done your research and feel confident that the off-the-plan apartment or townhome is right for you, then it's time to navigate the buying process – our <a href="/guides/2019/06/17/urbans-first-home-buyer-guide">First Home Buyer Guide</a> outlines this in detail. 
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Tips for buying off-the-plan with confidence

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Imagine growing 100-400 organic lettuces per lineal metre (a space of approximately 1.5m x 1.5m x 2.2m) in your apartment’s underused basement with almost no maintenance. Thanks to clever engineering, smart technology and horticulture experimentation, the future of modern farming is here – and it could be set to revolutionise apartment gardens in the near future. 

Installing edible community gardens in apartment buildings help developers attain higher sustainability credentials as well as create a sense of community within the complex. However, often the produce-yield is meagre due to residents not having the time to tend to the communal garden. Sydney-based company Invertigro has designed two modular vertical planting units to be integrated within an indoor space with very low ongoing costs and minimal effort ­– making it the perfect solution for shared apartment gardens.

<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/inverticube_close_up_crops_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Inverticube lettuce crops"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="744" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/inverticube_close_up_crops_2.jpg?itok=MInKSGmb" title="Inverticube lettuce crops" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Inverticube lettuce crops</figcaption></figure>­­

<h2>HOW IT WORKS</h2>

The system has been designed and engineered to be highly productive and easy to use, giving communities the autonomy to grow their own produce.

<blockquote>
“[Inverticubes and Invertiwalls] are designed to enable communities and businesses alike to become successful modern farmers with little or no prior expertise and minimal intervention from planting to harvest.”
</blockquote>

Ben Lee, CEO, Invertigro

<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/crops_in_lights_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Inverticubes can be installed in basements and disused car parking spaces while Invertiwalls are best suited for foyers and other communal indoor areas."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="868" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/crops_in_lights_1.jpg?itok=nLSZFQZr" title="Inverticubes can be installed in basements and disused car parking spaces while Invertiwalls are best suited for foyers and other communal indoor areas." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Inverticubes can be installed in basements and disused car parking spaces while Invertiwalls are best suited for foyers and other communal indoor areas.</figcaption></figure>Inverticubes can be installed in basements and disused car parking spaces while Invertiwalls are best suited for foyers and other communal indoor areas.

<blockquote>
“We have also had significant interest from property developers to incorporate our farms in their mixed use (residential and commercial) developments - to supply residents and local businesses with fresh produce, meet sustainability goals, and help build a sense of community.”
</blockquote>

Ben Lee, CEO, Invertigro

To accommodate the demand for residential products, the team have developed a smaller-scale green wall product which is both aesthetically pleasing and edible. This product can be integrated within all residential developments, commercial premises and food courts.

<h2>BETTER FOR YOU</h2>

Convenience

The automated and programmed control and monitoring systems deliver precise light, water and nutrient requirements for each set of crops to produce the perfect yield every time. All that is required of gardeners is to germinate and transfer the seedlings and harvest the crops when ready.

High yield

The system has the ability to grow food at commercial farming scale and modular units can be installed to increase crop production. 

Health benefits

All crops are organic and free from herbicides and pesticides, providing a healthier alternative to the majority of store-bought produce. The ability to produce fruit and vegetables at scale will effectively reduce the cost to consumers, meaning more people will have access to affordable, healthy food options.

<h2>BETTER FOR THE PLANET</h2>

This innovative method of food production addresses some of the most pressing issues in agriculture and food production today. Some of the many environmental benefits include:

<ul>
<li>Fewer transport emissions</li>
	<li>No runoff waste</li>
	<li>Less land acquisition, water and runoffs</li>
	<li>No herbicides or pesticides</li>
	<li>Less food wastage due to less “food miles” (time in transit to stores)</li>
</ul>
<h2>BETTER FOR THE COMMUNITY</h2>

In order to assess how edible community gardens can be integrated within the broader community, it’s important to consider placement and access. RMIT Associate Professor and urban planning specialist Wendy Steele suggested that many apartment gardens are “closed, premium spaces of exclusion and privilege” – meaning that only a small portion of the population benefit from the rewards of urban gardening.  

<blockquote>
“We urgently need innovative eco-city form and design such as vertical greening, but future visions of the green city must not just serve technological and/or economic ambitions but have eco-social fairness and equity principles at the core.”
</blockquote>

Wendy Steele, RMIT Associate Professor and Urban Planner

This concept poses a unique opportunity for developers to give back to the community by installing community garden systems to be enjoyed by all.

A study by the Faculty of Built Environment at UNSW Sydney found that in-situ community gardens can also play a significant role in enhancing the health and wellbeing of residents. The study projected a rise in community gardens over the next few years,

<blockquote>
“The importance of community gardens to Australian city dwellers is likely to grow as the trend for consolidated and densely populated urban areas increases... It is essential that urban planners and policy makers respond to the changing trends in residential living and open up the public sphere for community gardening.”
</blockquote>

The Role of Community Gardens in Sustaining Healthy Communities <a href="http://-%09http://soac.fbe.unsw.edu.au/2007/SOAC/theroleofcommunitygardens.pdf">article</a>

Other findings from the study found that urban oases foster neighbourhood cohesion, and promote “physical, social, and mental wellbeing”.

The use of modern technology such as Invertigro is not only set to revolutionise agricultural practices, but also provides the chance to engage the wider community in food production, and deliver more affordable, fresh produce en masse.

<blockquote>
“At InvertiGro our focus is on enabling rather than disrupting - we have been inspired and driven by the pursuit of ‘feeding the world the smarter way’.”
</blockquote>

Paul Millett, COO, Invertigro
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High-yield produce gardens with next-to-no maintenance are set to enhance apartment living in Australia

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<a href="/developers/flagship-group">Flagship Property Group</a> is set to embark on stage two of their Adelaide CBD master-planned precinct, with <a href="/buildings/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide">Penny Place Apartments</a> beginning construction later this year. The $85 million development will be built by Maxcon with 150 new jobs to be created within the construction industry.

<blockquote>
“Maxcon has proven itself as one of Australia’s finest construction companies, so we’re pleased to partner with them to help us deliver on our exciting vision for Penny Place.” 
</blockquote>

Mark Jarman, Chief Executive Officer of Flagship Property Holdings

The news follows the recent completion of the precinct’s debut tower, <a href="/buildings/kodo-apartments-33-angas-st-adelaide">Kodo Apartments</a>, which has reached an impressive 193 metres high, claiming the title of Adelaide’s tallest residential building.

<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/kodo-apartments-33-angas-st-adelaide-ed0eb798e647a9c39a0bc6e8b81ca4aa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kodo Apartments, 33 Angas Street, Adelaide. Credit: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kodo-apartments-33-angas-st-adelaide-ed0eb798e647a9c39a0bc6e8b81ca4aa.jpg?itok=HJqr4p35" title="Kodo Apartments, 33 Angas Street, Adelaide. Credit: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kodo Apartments, 33 Angas Street, Adelaide. Credit: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><h2>PENNY PLACE</h2>

The Woods Bagot-designed tower is set to reach a towering 78 metres high and will comprise 152 apartments across 24 floors. Woods Bagot Associate Principal Alex Hall explains that the beauty of the design is that it actually involves quite complex design elements, which are refined to look effortlessly seamless.

<blockquote>
“Good design is when an element of function is greater than its potential value. You can say it’s simple and honest, but what its actually doing is taking quite complex ideas and refining them down to a point where someone can see it as a simple solution.”
</blockquote>

Alex Hall, Associate Principal, Woods Bagot via Penny Place Apartments/Youtube

<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/tpa9869_penny_place_e02_streetscape.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Penny Place exterior. Credit: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tpa9869_penny_place_e02_streetscape.jpg?itok=hKAqUsrT" title="Penny Place exterior. Credit: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Penny Place exterior. Credit: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><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/tpa9869_penny_place_in01_living.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Penny Place apartment living area. Credit: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="644" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tpa9869_penny_place_in01_living.jpg?itok=wU1JDy9A" title="Penny Place apartment living area. Credit: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Penny Place apartment living area. Credit: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>Penny Place will feature a spacious ground floor lobby with retail space and a public plaza. Each apartment will include a full-width balcony, loop pile carpets, Caesarstone kitchen benchtops, LED lighting, separate laundry, Bosch/Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances and air-conditioning.

Residents will also be invited to enjoy the use of a lavish resident’s lounge, complete with a chef’s kitchen, and dining area for entertaining.

Construction of Penny Place is expected to take approximately 18-25 months to complete.
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Maxcon appointed as builder for Adelaide’s Penny Place development

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Developer TWT Property has recently announced the completion of the anticipated <a href="/buildings/newlife-darling-harbour-495-harris-street-ultimo">NewLife Darling Harbour</a> development in Ultimo, Sydney. An official opening ceremony was held to celebrate the milestone, with a number of industry experts in attendance, including Gavin Zhang (Director of TWT Property Group), Michael Harrison (Principal of Architectus) and Tony Touma (Executive Chairman of Parkview).

<a href="/architects/architectus">Architectus</a>’ final design features 199 contemporary apartments, including <a href="/expert-insights/8-of-nsws-top-luxury-apartments">luxury penthouse suites</a>, which have been dispersed across four striking towers.

<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/twt_newlife_darling_harbour_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Exterior view. Credit: TWT Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/twt_newlife_darling_harbour_2.jpg?itok=WOvbsu3c" title="Exterior view. Credit: TWT Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Exterior view. Credit: TWT Property</figcaption></figure><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/twt_newlife_darling_harbour_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Living area and kitchen. Credit: TWT Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/twt_newlife_darling_harbour_6.jpg?itok=7Ndid75k" title="Living area and kitchen. Credit: TWT Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Living area and kitchen. Credit: TWT Property</figcaption></figure><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/twt_newlife_darling_harbour_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bedroom. Credit: TWT Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/twt_newlife_darling_harbour_3.jpg?itok=TEOYfFeQ" title="Bedroom. Credit: TWT Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bedroom. Credit: TWT Property</figcaption></figure>The celebratory event also saw the opening of a brand-new public laneway and art installation by kinetic sculpture artist, Xia Hang.

<blockquote>
“We are honoured to unveil a new public artwork, ‘Memory Tree’, by Xia Hang today for residents, the local community and wider Sydney-siders to enjoy. At TWT, we believe experiencing art improves wellbeing and should be part of everyday life, sparking conversations and interactions. Memory Tree is a key element of NewLife Darling Harbour that complements and enhances the surrounding neighbourhood.”
</blockquote>

Gavin Zhang, Director of TWT Property Group

<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/02-img_4733-1400x1900.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Memory Tree. Credit: Xia Hang"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="787" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/02-img_4733-1400x1900.jpg?itok=AjefeJbs" title="Memory Tree. Credit: Xia Hang" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Memory Tree. Credit: Xia Hang</figcaption></figure>Memory Tree brings a sense of vibrancy and intrigue to Ultimo landscape with its unique aesthetic. The artwork weighs 50 kilograms and is comprised of over 1200 laser-cut stainless steel components. 

<blockquote>
“Memory Tree is an intricate, kinetic-lit, eight metre-high ‘tree’ which reflects the site’s history, present and future. I was inspired by my childhood love of early animations such as the Transformers series.”   
</blockquote>

Xia Hang, Artist

The buildings have been crafted around a central landscaped courtyard – providing a place for residents to meet and relax. Green rooftops and an organic garden also place an emphasis on the importance of green space within the urban environment.

<blockquote>
“We take an active role in curating the communities we create, ensuring a diverse range of vibrant communal areas and experiences that bring people together.”
</blockquote>

Gavin Zhang, Director of TWT Property Group

The community laneway which links Harris Street with Bulwara Road, will help aid pedestrian access, and the ability to navigate the precinct with ease. The ground floorplates of the buildings will also be used as retail space, providing amenity for both residents and the wider community.

NewLife Darling Harbour sold 70% of stock within the first release in 2016. Apartments are currently still available for sale or lease.

Lead image credit: TWT Property
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Architectus-designed NewLife Darling Harbour celebrates grand opening

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Last year, a <a href="https://www.construction.com/toolkit/reports/world-green-building-trends-2018">SmartMarket report</a> predicted that Australia would maintain its world-leading status in sustainable building practice, as well as showing a further increase of green developments over the next three years. One year down the track, and we're already celebrating the announcements and completions of innovative, eco-conscious new developments on a daily basis.

Urban.com.au had a chat to Rachel and Kelvin Taing of Excelon Projects who have a proclivity for sustainable projects – with their most recent development Two Eleven Sydney Road likely to claim a highly sought-after 7.5 Star environmental rating. The brother and sister duo discuss buyer demand for sustainable developments, market failure when building for investors rather than residents, and which sustainable features add the most value to a development.

Urban.com.au: Congratulations Rachel and Kelvin on the launch of your exciting new project Two Eleven Sydney Road. Firstly, what were the main motivations for you to strive for such a high sustainability credential? 

Kelvin &amp; Rachel Taing: Excelon’s motivation to create projects that are sustainable stems from our overarching objective to create dwellings that are inherently good. To us, good dwellings are not just about providing habitable spaces but includes delivering quality homes at a consistently high standard. In line with this vision, we believe strong sustainability credentials are a key component in contributing to the quality of our spaces. There are two main reasons which remain the driving force behind Excelon’s commitment to creating projects of uncompromising sustainability. Firstly, the long-term economic benefits to residents as a result of reduced power and water consumption cannot be overstated, especially when you extrapolate the savings to the expected lifespan of buildings. Secondly, we are guided by our strong belief that residents and buyers need to be assured that they are investing in high-quality, sustainable property. The homes in Two Eleven Sydney Road provide future residents assurance in knowing that every day they are contributing to sustainable practice, and doing the right thing by the environment, by our children, and future generations.

<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/screen_shot_2019-09-30_at_10.46.30_am_0.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Living room"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-09-30_at_10.46.30_am_0.png?itok=PCeSq5wp" title="Living room" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Living room</figcaption></figure><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/screen_shot_2019-09-30_at_10.46.59_am.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Entranceway"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-09-30_at_10.46.59_am.png?itok=dKlveVNy" title="Entranceway" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Entranceway</figcaption></figure>U: With the current discussion around climate change becoming so prominent in the media, have you seen a shift in buyer demand for more sustainable-focused developments? 

K &amp; R: Yes, definitely.

U: Which sustainable building practices do you believe provide the most environmental value to a project? 

K &amp; R: Individual sustainable building practices such as insulation, orientation, and cross-flow ventilation contribute significantly to delivering environmental value to a project. Creating good buildings is about taking a series of small steps in the right direction, instead of one giant leap. We believe that in the long run, the most impactful sustainable practice is to create high-quality buildings that are flexible and timelessly designed. Thoughtful and well-designed buildings are more likely to stay relevant and continue to add value to the community, and the lives of occupants. On the contrary, poorly designed buildings are more likely to be demolished and rebuilt more frequently, consuming valuable resources and labour that can be put to better use elsewhere.

<blockquote>
"We believe that thinking beyond the project feasibility, beyond our initial purchasers and perhaps even beyond our own lifetime, is the most important sustainable building practice we can adopt."
</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/screen_shot_2019-09-30_at_10.46.04_am.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Bedroom "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-09-30_at_10.46.04_am.png?itok=7czi9T5h" title="Bedroom " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bedroom</figcaption></figure><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/screen_shot_2019-09-30_at_10.45.59_am.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Bathroom"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-09-30_at_10.45.59_am.png?itok=Akz7Qivt" title="Bathroom" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bathroom</figcaption></figure>U: Two years ago, the Victorian government introduced new legislation surrounding minimum apartment sizes and requirements for natural light. What new government initiatives (or incentives) would you like to see implemented to ensure the future of building in Australia reaches sustainability goals and near net-zero carbon emissions? 

K &amp; R: We believe that the legislation you are referring to is a step in the correct direction because it acknowledges that housing and buildings in general almost always outlast the ownership tenure of the first owner. Without some form of regulation, the initial owner will have near absolute say on the dwellings that are delivered, by simply choosing what to purchase, which ultimately determines what gets built. Sometimes when the initial owners are investors, what is important to them is not fully aligned with the housing needs of future residents or the community in general, creating a market failure. In instances like this, the relevant authority should step in to implement guiding regulations. We think that building awareness through education and government campaigns will assist in highlighting the benefits of sustainable homes and lifestyles. It is important that homebuyers, who ultimately drive the demand for housing, are provided with the knowledge set to be discerning consumers.

U:  Excelon Projects’ company motto states, “Excelon partners with leading architects and other design professionals who want to push the boundaries of design excellence and innovation, to create homes with specific residents’ lifestyles in mind.”. Who was the buyer you had in mind when creating Two Eleven Sydney Road and what would their lifestyle look like? 

K &amp; R: The buyers we have in mind tend to be people who care about the environment and the carbon footprint they leave behind. Civic-minded, we want our residents to have convenient access to all that an inner-city location has to offer, as well as being supported by a tight-knit neighbourhood community when they are at home.

<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/screen_shot_2019-09-30_at_10.46.42_am.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Communal rooftop terrace"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="325" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-09-30_at_10.46.42_am.png?itok=9pYLfsKZ" title="Communal rooftop terrace" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Communal rooftop terrace</figcaption></figure>U: What drew you to working with Six Degrees Architects on this project? 

K &amp; R: One of our objectives here is to create a neighbourhood environment where a genuine community can be fostered. It involves a careful balance between privacy for every dwelling, and well-considered common spaces, where residents feel comfortable to stay for a moment and chat with each other. Six Degrees Architects are well experienced in creating meaningful community spaces, demonstrated through various past projects including Heller Street and Clyde Mews, one of our previous projects.

U: What is involved in retrofitting a heritage façade so that the overall development will reach a 7.5-star NatHERS rating? 

K &amp; R: The restoration of our heritage façade does not directly affect the NatHERS rating of the development. However, we are very proud of the respectful manner in which the heritage façade of the former Melbourne Savings Bank branch will be restored, with the main mass of our building setback by nearly 10 meters from the heritage street façade.

U: Which aspects of Two Eleven Sydney Road are you most proud of and why? 

K &amp; R: We are most proud of the timeless design, environmental sustainability, the focus on community and common spaces, landscaping and the fact that there are only 21 dwellings in the development, with no more than 4 apartments per level.

<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/screen_shot_2019-09-30_at_10.45.49_am.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Private balcony"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-09-30_at_10.45.49_am.png?itok=SGZ-mhOq" title="Private balcony" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Private balcony</figcaption></figure>U: What’s the next step for Excelon Projects in terms of sustainable development? 

K &amp; R: We are looking forward to creating more thoughtfully designed projects in the future.

<h2>Some of Two Seven Sydney Road's sustainability features include:</h2>

<ul>
<li>Double glazed windows (excluding louvre windows)</li>
	<li>Energy-efficient LED lighting</li>
	<li>Rainwater harvesting</li>
	<li>Solar energy harvesting</li>
	<li>High thermal mass</li>
	<li>Double aspects for cross ventilation</li>
	<li>Hydronic heating</li>
	<li>Ceiling fans in each room</li>
</ul>
Lead image: Two Eleven Sydney Road render. Credit: Six Degrees Architects/Excelon.
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Kelvin & Rachel Taing of Excelon Projects discuss buyer demand for sustainable developments

Australia’s leading architects share what they are willing to fight for to achieve near net-zero by 2050

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Buyer demand can have a significant influence over building design – so much so that developer <a href="/developers/karam-group">Karam Group</a> decided to embark on a complete floorplan redesign of their latest development <a href="/buildings/maasra-coorparoo-220-old-cleveland-road-coorparoo">Maasra Apartments</a>, to accommodate the strong demand for 3+ bedroom apartments.

The $101 million luxury mixed-use building has recently commenced construction and will be built to new plans designed by award-winning architecture firm HAL Architects. While there will be no adjustments to the façade, the interior floorplates have been reconsidered to accommodate 102 spacious apartments with flexible layouts. The <a href="/new-apartments/coorparoo-qld-4151">Coorparoo</a> development will include a staggering 34 three-bedroom and 20 four-bedroom sky homes, as well as a floor dedicated to commercial office space.

<figure><a href="/buildings/maasra-coorparoo-220-old-cleveland-road-coorparoo"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="290" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/twe-maasra-apartments-01-1100x550-c-center.png?itok=plJpPtBe" title="Maasra apartment living room" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Maasra apartment living room</figcaption></figure>Karam Group Managing Director, Anthony Karam explains that the company has been fielding a vast amount of inquiries from owner-occupiers wanting “more bedrooms and larger living areas”.

<blockquote>
“The new plan changes demonstrate our commitment to creating quality living spaces that accommodate a variety of households. “There was an opportunity prior to construction to combine a number of smaller units into large house-sized apartments and we felt it was the right step for Maasra, considering market demand.”
</blockquote>

<h2>LOCATION</h2>

Price Waterhouse Coopers’ City Pulse SEQ report recently found Coorparoo to be Brisbane’s second most liveable suburb. The city fringe suburb has shown thriving sales growth over the past year, with a potential real estate boom on the horizon as more developments reach completion. Located on the corner site of St Leonards and Holdsworth Streets, the apartments will be within walking distance to supermarkets, parks and only a short drive to the city.  

Maasra Apartments Marketing Manager, Adrian Parsons believes that the window of opportunity to buy in one of Brisbane's up and coming suburbs won't last long. 

<blockquote>
“Brisbane’s city-fringe areas are in high demand from home buyers and tenants, and there is a limited availability of new apartment developments in high growth areas like Coorparoo.”
</blockquote>

Adrian Parsons, Maasra Apartments Marketing Manager and TOTAL Property Group Managing Director 

<figure><a href="/buildings/maasra-coorparoo-220-old-cleveland-road-coorparoo"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="424" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/maasra_apartments_marketing_manager_adrian_parsons_and_karam_group_director_anthony_karam_4.jpg?itok=-sRn103u" title="Adrian Parsons and Anthony Karam" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Adrian Parsons and Anthony Karam</figcaption></figure><h2>AMENITY</h2>

Maasra Apartments will feature luxury facilities including a 25-metre pool with timber decking, loungers and landscaped surrounds. A central podium will include recreation space with multiple entertainment areas. Residents will also have access to an exclusive lounge which can be booked for events.

At street level, a boutique retail offering connects the residential precinct to the Coorparoo community.

<blockquote>
“Maasra will extend Coorparoo’s village-style hub with boutique retail and dining, plus 470 sqm of parkland to create a sense of place for the whole community.”
</blockquote>

Anthony Karam, Karam Group Managing Director

Apartments are currently available from $435,000 to $1.7 million.

<figure><a href="/buildings/maasra-coorparoo-220-old-cleveland-road-coorparoo"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="288" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/city_view.jpg?itok=iZ6TC8Ch" title="Maasra Apartments city view" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Maasra Apartments city view</figcaption></figure>
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Construction of Maasra Apartments has commenced following design iteration finalisation 

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

&nbsp;

The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" dir="auto">
The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

Olivia Round

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