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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 

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

Joel Robinson

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

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>.

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.

Olivia Round

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