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A mid-century influenced residence nestled on a lush Wahroonga block has been listed for sale.
The Ed Lippmann-designed house has been listed through Jesse Zammit from Belle Property with $4.6 million to $4.8 million hopes.
With 365 square metres of internal space, the four bedroom, four bathroom Hillcrest Street offering, set just off Water Street, has been listed by Amanda and Norman Mighell. 
The couple purchased the property in 1998, then re-built in 2001 with the assistance of specialist Japanese garden designer, Ken Lamb of Imperial Gardens. 
Its grand six metre atrium entrance features a Japanese internal courtyard complete with pond and waterfall.
The rear garden, that features an 11 metre pool, comes with an irrigation system sourced from  a 30,000-litre underground concrete water storage. 
The interiors too have a distinct Japanese elements including the Shoji screens between rooms.
The 1,015 square metre cul-de-sac offering had been initially listed with $4.9 million hopes.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/19/wahroonga%202.jpg" alt="">
It's an easy stroll to the station, a selection of Sydney's best private schools, parks, and village shops.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/19/wahroonga%203.jpg" alt=""> 
Nestled on a 1,015 square metre block, the home situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-wahroonga-129836658" target="_blank">4 Hillcrest Street, Wahroonga </a>comes with three bedrooms, self-contained parent's retreat/office/fourth bedroom, family room with adjoining meal area and kitchen, and separate formal dining overlooking the Japanese styled gardens.
This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Ed Lippmann-designed Wahroonga home listed with $4.6 million hopes

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New research by ING reveals pot plants are the second Australians’ most valuable treasured household possessions ranking second with an average value of $13,198 in homes where they’re cherished.
Artwork topped the list with an average value of $13,787. 
The research also found VHS tapes and DVDs are the most sought after collectable items for thieves with 753,000 Aussies having had these items stolen from their home.
A pricey loss given, on average, Aussies value their treasured VHS tapes and DVD collections at $4,363.  
Most valuable treasured household possessions 
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Item
</td>
<td valign="top">
Average value per household 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Artwork 
</td>
<td valign="top">
$13,787
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Pot plants 
</td>
<td valign="top">
$13,189
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Watches/ jewellery
</td>
<td valign="top">
$8,787
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Designer goods and clothing 
</td>
<td valign="top">
$7,793
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Special collectables/ antiques 
</td>
<td valign="top">
$7,914
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Most sought after collectable items for thieves 
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Item
</td>
<td valign="top">
Number of Aussies that have had item stolen from their home 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
VHS or DVD collections 
</td>
<td valign="top">
753,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Stamp collections 
</td>
<td valign="top">
527,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Musical instruments 
</td>
<td valign="top">
659,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Family portraiture/ vinyl collection/ vintage clothing/ early edition books and comics
</td>
<td valign="top">
517,000 (have had at least one of these items stolen from their home) 
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
ING’s head of Insurance, Cathy Duncan says people need to consider the value of their home and contents.
“When you’re trying to estimate the value of your home and contents most of us probably think about the costs of rebuilding and the value of our big ticket items like furniture, electronics and jewellery,” said Duncan.
“What this research tells us is that it’s actually just as important to remember to consider the collective value of smaller items too. For example, the accumulative costs of all the pot plants in and around your house and your entire DVD collection. These things can really add up.” 
More than a quarter (26%) of Australians have had their home broken into at least once, one in three (32%) say they’ve had items stolen, and overall, 11% say at least one rare or collectable item was stolen from their home. 
“It’s so easy to think that just because something hasn’t happened to you it won’t,” said Duncan.
“That’s probably why almost a quarter (24%) of Australians (according to the research) do not currently have any form of home and or contents insurance. 
“But the reality, according to this research, is that there’s a one in four chance your home could be broken into.”
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Pot plants rank among Australians' most treasured household possessions

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Data released by SQM Research has revealed the national residential rental vacancy rates surged in April 2019 to 2.3%, an increase from 2.1% in March.
The total number of vacancies Australia-wide is now at 77,664 properties for rent, a rise of just under 10,000 dwellings over the past 12 months. 
Darwin’s vacancy rate of 3.6% in April, was the only capital city to experience a decrease in vacancy rates of 0.1%, but it continues to rank the highest of all capital cities since it overtook Perth in September 2018.  
Sydney rental vacancy rates jumped to 3.4%, an increase from 3.1% in March. This represents a new record high for Sydney, based on SQM’s rental index which goes back to 2005.  
Hobart’s vacancy rate increased to 0.6% in April and continues to record the lowest vacancy rate in the country since September 2014.
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="12%">
City
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="14%">
Apr-2018 Vacancies
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="14%">
Apr-2018 Vacancy Rate
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="14%">
Mar-2019 Vacancies
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="14%">
Mar-2019 Vacancy Rate
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="14%">
Apr-2019 Vacancies
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="14%">
Apr-2019 Vacancy Rate
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="12%">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
15,809
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2.3%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
21,942 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
3.1%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
23,837
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
3.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="12%">
Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
7,317
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1.3%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
9,210 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1.6%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
10,565
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="12%">
Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
9,774
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
3.0%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
8,232 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2.5%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
8,792
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="12%">
Perth
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
8,245
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
4.1%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
6,085 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2.9%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
6,568
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
3.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="12%">
Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2,427
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1.3%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2,024 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1.1%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2,249
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="12%">
Canberra
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
474
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
0.8%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
575 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
0.9%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
811
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="12%">
Darwin
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1,011
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
3.3%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1,153 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
3.7%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
1,117
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
3.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="12%">
Hobart
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
219
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
0.7%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
131 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
0.4%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
185
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
0.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="12%">
National
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
67,854
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2.1%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
70,877 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2.1%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
77,664
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="14%">
2.3%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
SQM’s calculations of vacancies are based on online rental listings that have been advertised for three weeks or more compared to the total number of established rental properties.
SQM considers this to be a superior methodology compared to using a potentially incomplete sample of agency surveys or merely relying on raw online listings advertised.
Managing Director of SQM Research, Louis Christopher said: “Tenancy demand has been weak over the course of March and April. That combined with the expectation that dwelling completions are at their peak, prompted the rise in rental vacancies, which happened largely across the country, last month. 
“Going forward we expect rental vacancy rates will further rise in Sydney and Melbourne for most of 2019, before peaking and falling in 2020 as completions are forecasted to fall.”
Asking Rents 
Capital city asking rents increased 0.2% for units, but declined 0.4% for houses for the week ending 12 May to record asking rents of $554 per week for houses and $442 per week for units.
In comparison, over the 12 months, asking rents for units declined by 0.7% and rents for houses remained steady.  
Sydney’s asking rent for units and houses have both marginally declined by 0.3% for units and 1.5% for houses to 12 May. Over 12 months, the decline has been 5.0% for house rents and 3.8% for units. 
Perth’s rental market continued to increase over this period for both houses and units, at 0.5% and 0.2% respectively, as did Brisbane, with a 0.4% increase for houses and 0.6% for units. 
Darwin experienced a marginal increase of 1.4% over the month in house rents, after a decrease of 8.0% over the 12 months. However, units continue to slide at 1.7% over the month and 7.9% over the 12 months.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="6" valign="top" width="409">
SQM Research Weekly Rents Index
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" width="132">
Week ending: 12 May 2019
</td>
<td width="59">
Rent $
</td>
<td width="70">
Change on previous week
</td>
<td width="85">
Rolling month % change
</td>
<td width="62">
12 month % change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
690.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
1.0  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
-1.5%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
-5.0%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
505.2
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-0.2  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
-0.3%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
-3.8%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
542.4
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-1.4  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
-0.2%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
1.7%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
422.5
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
1.5  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
0.0%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
3.1%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
458.5
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
0.5  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
0.4%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
2.7%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
373.2
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
0.8  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
0.6%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
1.5%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
447.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
0.0  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
0.5%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
6.1%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
337.2
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
0.8  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
0.2%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
4.0%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
391.6
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-0.6  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
-0.2%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
2.5%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
302.9
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
0.1  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
0.5%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
1.0%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
Canberra
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
624.3
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-6.3  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
-1.7%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
0.9%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
455.9
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-0.9  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
0.0%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
3.2%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
Darwin
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
497.7
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-1.7  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
1.4%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
-8.0%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
370.6
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-3.6  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
-1.7%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
-7.9%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
Hobart
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
426.8
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
2.2  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
-0.3%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
7.4%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
374.8
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
12.2  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
2.3%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
4.0%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
National
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
443.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
2.0  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
0.5%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
1.4%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
363.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
-4.0  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
-0.5%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
0.8%  
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">
Cap City Average
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
554.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
1.0  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
-0.4%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
 0.0%   
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="56">
All Units
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="59">
442.0
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="70">
2.0  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="85">
0.2%  
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="62">
-0.7%  
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: <a href="http://www.sqmresearch.com.au/" target="_blank">www.sqmresearch.com.au</a>
You can visit SQM's <a href="http://www.sqmresearch.com.au/graph_vacancy.php?region=nsw::Sydney&amp;type=c&amp;t=1#terms" target="_blank">methodology page</a> for more information on how its vacancies are compiled.
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Sydney vacancy rate jumps to 3.4% in April: SQM Research 

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Two marinas situated on the Central and Mid North Coast of NSW have been listed through Knight Frank’s Richard Garland and Anthony Pirrottina.
Together, the two properties – Koolewong Marina and Marmong Point Marina – are expected to sell in excess of $29 million.
Marmong Point Marina (pictured above), at 1 Nanda Street, Marmong Point, is located on Lake Macquarie, and is one of the longest boating destinations in NSW. 
The facility comprises of approximately 50,000 square metres, including 10,000 square metres of freehold service yard and 235 wet berths. 
Koolewong Marina (pictured below), located at 19 Brisbane Water Drive in Koolewong on the NSW Central Coast, spans circa 15,725 square metres of wet and dry land. 
Koolewong has a secure new ground lease with a 30-year lease term from 2019.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/5/14/Koolewong-Marina-R-Marine-21-2500.jpg" alt="">
According to Richard Garland, Knight Frank Director, Commercial Sales, NSW, the marinas will receive strong interest from marina owners and investors, both nationally and internationally due to the ideal locations, established cash flow and significant value add potential.  
“Marmong Point Marina’s current owners, developed and operated this premium market leading marina for over 14 years on Lake Macquarie.
“The marina, the two-storey commercial building and single level industrial building are close to 100% occupancy, with an experienced and well-structured management team in place to run the day-to-day operations. This provides the new owner with an income stream, in addition to the numerous opportunities to add value through development and expansion, available under the current zoning.” 
Koolewong Marina is situated in a highly desirable location within close proximity to a number of major residential hubs, strengthening future value add potential, according to Anthony Pirrottina, Knight Frank Senior Sales Executive, Commercial Sales, NSW.
“The marina comprises 71 wet berths along with a two-storey commercial building and 45 car spaces. While the new 30-year ground lease that commences this year provides long-term secure tenure for prospective buyers.
“Gosford and the NSW Central Coast remain one of the fastest growing population precincts in NSW, underpinning demand well into the future. Particularly given the marina’s proximity to the Koolewong Train Station and direct access to the Central Coast Highway 
“We anticipate both marinas will appeal to a wide range of owner operators and investors and as they present an excellent opportunity to acquire an investment with reliable income and upside potential.” 
1 Nanda Street, Marmong Point, and 19 Brisbane Water Drive, Koolewong, are for sale via Expressions of Interest, closing on 19 June 2019. Buyers can purchase either or both marinas.
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Two NSW marinas hit the market

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Australia’s hotel sector is entering the era of refurbishment and repositioning as owners identify the need to stay competitive in a changing market. 
According to Colliers International, maintaining facilities to the standards expected by discerning guests and determining how and when to upgrade those facilities is one of the biggest challenges faced by hotel owners. 
“Money never sleeps, and neither do hotels,” Karen Wales, Colliers International Director of Hotels, said.  
“It is a simple fact that eventually every property will need an upgrade but with the opening of more than 15,000 new rooms over the past three years, existing owners will need to consider expediting the renovation cycle to compete with significant new supply. 
“The majority of Australia’s accommodation rooms were built in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. The owners of these properties will need to give greater regard to major capital refurbishment plans, particularly if ongoing repairs and maintenance have not been maintained.”
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Source: Colliers International 
Nigel Greenaway, Colliers International National Director of Hotels, said.  said owners who carefully considered guests’ needs and used any property upgrade as an opportunity to reposition the asset would ultimately be the ones to get the most out of their renovation and improve the value of their hotel asset in the long-term.
“Capital expenditure can be initiated for many different reasons such as commercial business opportunity, compliance with current legislation (WHS/NCC/DDA), end of life replacement or meeting consumer trends,” Greenaway said. 
“But it should ultimately have the common objectives of maintaining market position and/ or upgrading the hotel business, increasing owners’ return in this highly competitive market with the future long-term goal to increase the real estate value of the property.” 
Greenaway said while a successful hotel refurbishment or renovation came with significant challenges, a major property refresh presented a hotel with the unique opportunity to reposition itself in the market and ultimately support its longer-term revenue goals. 
“Owners that take a considered approach, determining the right time to relaunch renovated rooms while also having the right pricing strategies in place, will ultimately get the most out of their renovation,” he said.
“Refurbishments can include both soft and hard elements, as well as a Return on Investment component.”
Ian Pert, Colliers International National Director of Project Management, said first impressions were of vital importance to helping guests distinguish between hotels or brands.
“The design of a hotel, both interior and exterior, is often the most effective way to make an exceptional first impression,” Pert said.
“Product offerings are also changing as hotels look to satisfy new ways of living and working.
“Current trends include a greater focus on the lobby as a central meeting point and the development of new food and beverage concepts which showcase local produce and meet a growing awareness of health a wellbeing. 
“The hotel sector is also under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint and develop truly sustainable operations. Hotel buildings have significant opportunities to reduce their energy, water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and we will see this become a key focus as a growing number of owners look to refurbish.”
Pert said refurbishment programs rolled out in the near future would also have a greater focus on technology and distribution.
“Guests have a high expectation when it comes to technology capability, particularly of a high-end hotel,” he said.
“Most guests are self-sufficient, tech-savvy travellers who expect seamless connectivity across platforms and devices. 
“New developments include service automation, mobile device as door key and on-demand technology in relation to smart televisions.”
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Australian hotels enter new era of refurbishment to adapt to changing market: Colliers

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The design for a new Melbourne hotel has been revealed.
The 23-storey Park Hotel by Roxy Pacific at 360 Little Bourke Street will feature 319 guest rooms.
The hotel has been designed by architecture and interior design practice Bates Smart.
It will also feature a lobby lounge, a concept restaurant and roof top bar.
The hotel is scheduled to open in late 2021.
Bates Smart Director Cian Davis said the design pays homage to the site’s history as gateway to the historic horse stable and livestock auction sale yard, Kirk’s Bazaar.
“We have respected the urban context and character of the location that is surrounded by warehouse frontages,” he said.
“The site will be transformed to offer a respectful sense of verticality, with the façade reinterpreting the old beautiful red brickwork of the streetscape.
“Intimate internal spaces have been created on the ground floor plane to encourage social interactions and engagement with the other local restaurants and retailers.”
Bates Smart Director Brenton Smith said the interior features include “horse saddlery accents” and “blacksmith-inspired metal accents”.
“The hotel takes cues from Melbourne’s vibrant laneway culture, recognising the ‘urban grit’ of this former industrial neighbourhood and its surrounds,” Smith said.
“The interiors complement the architectural approach, creating create a sensory experience for guests.
“The traditional food and beverage model has been challenged to create a space for an independent operator that will offer guests an authentic, local neighbourhood experience.
“We responded to the laneway context of the site and brought this element of Melbourne’s café and street culture within the building.
“We also remodelled the conventional arrival experience to offer an inquisitive guest arrival journey.
“The ground floor plane is opened to encourage guests to walk through the relaxed food and beverage component before reaching reception for check-in.”
There will also be a a ballroom to accommodate meetings and events, said Ben Hopkins, Managing Director of Roxy-Pacific Australian and NZ.
“Conveniently located in the heart of Melbourne, the new Park Hotel Melbourne is a continuation of the Group’s strategic efforts to strengthen our hospitality and is in line with our plans to grow our stable of recurring income streams,” said Hopkins.
“Going forward, Australia’s tourism and hotel sector is expected to record strong growth in the coming years, likely to exceed the country’s broader economic growth, and should augur well for the new hotel.
“Bates Smart have been the perfect partner to grow our vision for the property, which we aspire to be the market leader in 4-star hotels in Melbourne CBD.”
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Designs unveiled for Australia's first Park Hotel in Melbourne

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The premises leased to the Manly waterfront Bar and Microbrewery overlooking Manly ferry terminal is now on the market. 
It has been offered by Michael Gilbert and Phys Parker from Burgess Rawson. 
Set on a 409 sqm land, the property at <a href="https://www.burgessrawson.com.au/properties/43-45-east-esplanade-manly-nsw-nsw003477/" target="_blank">29/43-45 East Esplanade</a> comes with a 10 year lease till 2026, to an inhouse microbrewery and restaurant and $213,000 pa net income.  
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4 Pines Brewery is now owned by the world's largest beer company.
Anheuser-Busch InBev is the world’s largest brewer with over $60 billion in annual revenues selling 28% of the world's beer.
It is for sale by private treaty.
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Waterfront East Esplanade, Manly microbrewery premises for sale

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AFL premiership fancies GWS Giants have taken up a lease for a 77 sqm Docklands suite near the league’s headquarters in the Melbourne CBD. 
Samuel Friend and Stephen Land of Fitzroys negotiated the three-year lease with a two-year option at Suite 101/198 Harbour Esplanade, just moments from AFL House and the adjacent AFL-owned Marvel Stadium.
The Giants agreed to pay $450 per sqm with 3% annual increases for its new Melbourne offices.
Friend said more than 50 enquiries were received during the campaign.
He stated, "the suite offers ample natural light with fantastic views west overlooking the harbour and towards the Bolte Bridge, and as expected attracted tenants from a range of industries including tech companies, law firms, not-for-profits and media agencies."
“For the Giants, the suite presented an excellent opportunity to set up an office conveniently close to AFL House and enhance their communication capabilities with the league.
“Spaces of this type attract a great deal of attention when they become available, as vacancies across Docklands have continued to firm in the first several months of 2019 and are now at the tightest level of any of Melbourne’s central precincts," Friend concluded.
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GWS Giants take up Dockland lease near AFL House

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Coles Amaroo Village, a new shopping centre located in the northern suburbs of Canberra, is set to be offered for sale.
Steven Lerche and Nic Purdue of Savills Australia and Philip Gartland and William Blanch of Stonebridge have been exclusively appointed by Coles Group Property Development Ltd to sell the centre.
Comprised of 4,600 sqm the centre features a non-discretionary tenancy mix, with 80% of the gross floor area secured to Coles and Liquorland on a brand-new long-term lease.
Complemented by eight specialty shops including a pharmacy, real estate agency, barber, Indian Grocer and various food offerings.
According to Savills, the ACT retail investment market has continued to be extremely tightly held, with only 3 retail properties between $15m to $40m transacting in the past five years. 
Independent research firm MacroPlan Dimas found, the trade area’s population is forecast to grow by 3.8% p.a. to 2031, more than double the Australian average of 1.4% p.a.
Located at 815 Horse Park Drive, Amaroo, it is the only full-line supermarket within the catchment and the centre produces an estimated Net Income of $1,850,000 p.a.
Savills Australia National Director of Retail Investments, Steven Lerche said “Amaroo Village is an outstanding convenience and non-discretionary retail hub, ideally located within the town centre. The strength and appeal of the town centre will be enhanced with the only Aldi in the area, located opposite the site, under construction and due for completion late-2019.
The site is within walking distance to the northern suburbs’ two major schools and a day care centre.
Mr Lerche added, “neighbourhood centres along the East Coast, particularly in the major capital cities, regularly command yields of sub 6%, as seen in the sale of Cranebrook Village at 5.30% in Western Sydney, Woolworths Caloundra at 5.67% on the Sunshine Coast and Coburg North Village in Melbourne rumoured to be sub 5%."
“Investors place a premium on neighbourhood centres offering a net lease structure such as that offered at Coles Amaroo Village,” he concluded.
Savills and Stonebride anticipate Amaroo Village will receive high levels of interest from a variety of local and international groups.
The international expressions of interest campaign being run by Savills and Stonebridge closes June 19th 2019.
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Savills marketing Amaroo Village shopping centre in Canberra

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Ray White Marine, the largest full service marine brokerage in Australasia, has established a new office within the Royce-Rolls Motor Cars Showroom in Richmond.
CEO and founder Rick Rodwell said the business already had many existing luxury yacht clients in Melbourne, which was home to the highest number of megayacht owners (above 40m) in Australia, so the initiative will also provide local support for both these new and pre-owned brokerage vessel owners.
“Ray White Marine’s Melbourne office will provide the Victorian market with the first sales and service presence of a leading global euro luxury motor yacht brand as the exclusive Australian and New Zealand distributor for Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, and the iconic Riva marque. Other brands in the Ferretti Group include semi displacement and planing yachts from Custom Line, and the full custom superyacht from 45m to 90m built by the CRN shipyard,” Mr Rodwell said.
Ray White Marine is also appointed the Australian and New Zealand distributor for Technohull high performance bespoke RIBS.
The move will also expand the marine auction program to conduct events locally for buyers and sellers alike in consort with the more than 90 local offices in the Ray White real estate network in Victoria.
“Connoisseurs of high end luxury motor cars tend to be interested in luxury yachts, and vice versa, so it makes sense to form an association of this nature,” said Zagame Automotive founder and managing director, Bobby Zagame.
The Ferretti Group has announced the launch of the Riva 50m Megayacht hull #1.
Ray White Marine officially opens in Melbourne this May 15 from 6pm on Level one of the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars showroom, 420 Swan St, Richmond.
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Ray White Marine opens it's doors in Melbourne

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bottega-property-group">Bottega House</a> has secured council approval for its first Brisbane project - a $270 million luxury residential development on an absolute riverfront site in leafy St Lucia.&nbsp;

The 15-storey project, known as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-lucia-by-bottega-house-180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">St Lucia by Bottega House</a> , will occupy a prime north-facing site at 178-180 Macquarie Street, directly fronting the Brisbane River in the established inner-west suburb known for its rowing clubs, golf courses and sprawling University of Queensland campus.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House will feature a suite of amenities including dedicated wellness spaces, a mineral pool and cold plunge. The project has been positioned to attract affluent owner-occupiers seeking high-quality, house-sized apartments.&nbsp;

Bottega House has been set up by co-directors Nick Malloch, Louis Mennes and Craig Marsh.

Malloch said the project drew inspiration from its Brisbane River setting and leafy inner-west surrounds, while responding to the demands of discerning locals looking to transition from freestanding homes into apartment living.&nbsp;

"With an expansive river frontage and lush green surrounds, we knew we had to create something special that reflects the natural beauty of the location while offering residents masterfully crafted homes," said Malloch.&nbsp;

"Our intent was to complement the project's quiet, private setting by introducing residences that offer a calm retreat and sanctuary from the everyday. The result is a harmonious blend of architecture, interiors and amenity that emphasises wellbeing, comfort and beauty without excess."&nbsp;

Malloch added that project consultants had been carefully selected in alignment with Bottega House's commitment to care, quality and attention to detail. The design team includes architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a>, interiors practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/urbis">Urbis</a>.&nbsp;

Three-bedroom apartments are expected to start around $5 millio. Selling agents Keenan &amp; Byrne said the pricing strategy for the project was anticipated to achieve upwards of $25,500 per square metre.&nbsp;

The project's development approval this week follows the success of Bottega House's inaugural Queensland project - a 22-storey collection of full-floor sky homes at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast which included the sale of a two-storey penthouse at a record price for a beachside residence.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House is expected to launch to market in November, with construction anticipated to be completed mid 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151826]

Joel Robinson

Bottega House to make Brisbane debut with St Lucia riverfront apartment development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> is advancing its affordable apartment model into Brisbane with the acquisition of another site at Cordelia Street in South Brisbane for $27 million.

Sherpa, which has a $1.7 billion pipeline across Southeast Queensland, intends to bring a cohort of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers into its proposed 186-apartment project to be built at 2 Cordelia Street.

The Sherpa model has already been incredibly well received from their Gold Coast projects, where Sherpa Group set aside a number of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers.

The new $320 million project marks Sherpa Group's second development in Brisbane, following its $255 million Symphony project, also on Cordelia Street, which is currently under construction.

Symphony will deliver 146 apartments across 28 levels, offering a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. With 114 already sold, construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/lps-group">LPS Group</a> is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=351654]

Sherpa Founder, Christie Leet, said the company was excited to be venturing into Brisbane for its second residential project.

“We’re big believers in the future of Brisbane as we lead into the 2032 Olympics and beyond,” Leet said.

“The success of Symphony has guided us into what will be our second project and we look forward to submitting our plans with council soon so we can deliver yet another quality project to the inner city residential market.

“Our Flourish model has been very well received both in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and we’re excited to be able to offer some of these apartments again exclusively to first homebuyers to help get them into the property market.

“The model has been extraordinarily well received in our previous projects and it is something we are committed to moving forward.”

2 Cordelia Street will be designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hal-architects">HAL Architects</a> &amp; Finegrain and will include Sherpa’s signature residential amenities including pool, gym, recreation, wellness and work from home spaces.

The project will feature ground-floor commercial space, creating a vibrant amenity for residents and the surrounding community.

A development application will be lodged with Brisbane City Council in August on the code compliant site and will be launched to the market early 2027.

Sherpa acquires new site for second Brisbane apartment tower

One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

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fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

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FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station

Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

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The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
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First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

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