Buyers considering a residence at boutique Gordon townhouse development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lume-gordon-43-47-dumaresq-street-gordon-nsw-2072">Lume</a>&nbsp;now have another reason to bring forward their decision.

For a limited time, purchasers of a residence at Lume will receive a BMW iX3 50 electric SUV, valued at more than $120,000, as part of their purchase. The offer is designed to add value for buyers while complementing the lifestyle envisioned for the architecturally designed Upper North Shore development.

Scott Timmins, Development Manager at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/winim">WINIM</a>, said the partnership was created to provide buyers with a compelling reason to act.

"In today's market, buyers need a compelling reason to act now, and the BMW partnership was designed to create that catalyst. We wanted to add genuine value for our future purchasers. Choosing the all-electric BMW iX3 50 also reflects the values behind LUME, forward-thinking design, innovation and a more sustainable way of living. It's a premium incentive that complements the lifestyle our buyers aspire to and rewards those who commit early."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]

Delivered by WINIM in partnership with Burtonwood Investment Partners, Lume comprises 14 architecturally designed two, three and four-bedroom townhomes created for families seeking the space of a freestanding house with the ease of modern, low-maintenance living.

The three-storey residences, designed by award-winning architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, have been tailored for families and multi-generational living, featuring private internal lifts, flexible lower-level spaces, generous open-plan living and entertaining areas, media rooms, and landscaped outdoor spaces with custom outdoor kitchens.&nbsp;

Inside, engineered oak flooring, bespoke dining joinery with integrated wine fridges and backlit bars, sculptural porcelain bathrooms, Parisi freestanding baths and Astra Walker tapware create interiors that balance functionality with refined finishes.

Each townhome has been designed to combine generous internal spaces with sustainability initiatives such as EV charging infrastructure, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>'s landscaped communal areas, centred around a restored creek line and native planting, encourage residents to connect with nature and spend more time outdoors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]

Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.

"Our vision was to create elegant, uplifting homes that draw on and positively contribute to the local character through meticulously considered design and an interaction with the surroundings."

The communal landscape has been designed as more than an open space between homes. Arcadia's Ben Newell and Kate Phillips said the adjoining reserve provided an opportunity to create a distinctive natural retreat for residents.

"Just as waterways carve their way through Ku-ring-gai's landscape, a raised boardwalk weaves through the reserve, connecting the homes to this tranquil oasis."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]

Located just 300 metres from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gordon-nsw-2072">Gordon</a> Village and Gordon railway station, Lume offers convenient access to Sydney's CBD while placing residents close to some of the North Shore's leading schools, including Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College and Knox Grammar. Lane Cove National Park, Gordon Golf Club and a range of cafés and restaurants further reinforce the family-focused lifestyle on offer, with the BMW iX3 50 complementing everything from local trips around Gordon to weekend drives and city commutes.

Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]

Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

Two apartments have sold for more than $10 million at EADE Byron Bay, setting some of the highest apartment prices ever achieved in the coastal town and underlining the growing appetite for luxury beachfront apartments in Australia's most popular coastal locations.

The $210 million project by Vitale Property Group has now secured more than $70 million in sales, led by residences that changed hands for $12.75 million and $11.75 million.

The record-breaking transactions reinforce the shift occurring in Byron Bay's premium property market, where affluent downsizers and lifestyle buyers are increasingly opting for high-end apartments over large beachfront homes.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eade-byron-bay-29-shirley-street-byron-bay-nsw-2481">EADE Byron Bay</a> occupies a rare 6,000 sqm absolute beachfront site on the corner of Shirley and Milton Streets overlooking Main Beach and The Wreck surf break, just 350 metres from Byron Bay's town centre.

The 25-residence development is the first beachfront apartment project approved in Byron Bay in more than a decade and is currently under construction, with completion expected in May 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]

The project has attracted a mix of local Byron Shire residents downsizing from larger homes, alongside interstate buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane seeking a permanent coastal lifestyle without compromising on space.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> and with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/alexander-co">Alexander &amp; Co</a>, EADE comprises&nbsp;10 garden apartments ranging from 284 sqm to 622 sqm, nine with private pools, five full-floor apartments and 10 rooftop residences with private plunge pools, expansive outdoor entertaining areas and uninterrupted ocean views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/vitale-property-group">Vitale Property Group</a> Managing Partner Chris Vitale said the project's combination of scale, location and limited future supply was driving buyer demand.

"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.

"Buyers are responding to the scarcity and the irreplaceability of a site of this calibre and to floorplans they can't find elsewhere in the market.

"We are seeing buyers place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of the location. The sales achieved to date demonstrate that discerning purchasers recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay.

"Many are coming from larger homes in the Byron region, or from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and are after the space, security and convenience, without the upkeep of a house."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]

The Byron Bay project follows Vitale Property Group's delivery of the Mondrian Hotel and Private Residences at Burleigh Heads, with EADE continuing the developer's focus on luxury coastal developments.

Residents will have access to a resort-style swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, cold plunge pool, concierge services and dedicated workspaces, while the project is targeting an 8-Star Green Star rating.

EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.

WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.

"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.

"The sales achieved to date demonstrate that purchasers at this level recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay."

Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.

But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.

As online shopping has become part of everyday life, parcel deliveries have shifted from an occasional event to a regular occurrence. Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally.

For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.

If nobody is home to accept a delivery, parcels may be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in a building lobby or common area, or require building management to step in. In higher-density buildings, where dozens or even hundreds of residents may receive deliveries each day, parcel management has become an increasingly important part of everyday living.

That can create a range of frustrations. A missed delivery often means making time to collect a parcel elsewhere, while packages left unattended in foyers or mail areas can create clutter and increase the risk of theft. What seems like a minor inconvenience can quickly become a recurring issue for residents who shop online regularly.

It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.

As a result, buyers are beginning to look beyond traditional apartment features and consider how a building supports day-to-day convenience, including whether there are secure options for receiving deliveries.

Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CkF2oKmlACg?si=C50sDaoUUn2nuLmq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than having a parcel delivered directly to an apartment, eligible deliveries can be sent to a nominated Parcel Locker. Once the parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN at a time that suits them.

The Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with installations at Post Offices, shopping centres, transport hubs and an increasing number of residential developments. By providing a secure collection point, Parcel Lockers help reduce missed deliveries and avoid parcels being left unattended in common areas.

For developers, parcel infrastructure is becoming another way to improve the resident experience. Rather than relying on concierge staff or leaving parcels in communal spaces, secure collection points help streamline deliveries while preserving the presentation and functionality of shared areas.

For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.

A generous floorplan or quality finishes might help narrow the shortlist, but the conveniences that simplify everyday life, whether that's EV charging, secure bike storage or reliable parcel delivery, often become the features residents appreciate most once they're living there.

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hg-developments">HG Developments</a> is doubling down on Maud Street in Newstead, filing plans for a new apartment tower just a few doors down from its under-construction Aire Newstead development.

Recently submitted to Brisbane City Council, the proposal is for an 18-storey building designed by bureau^proberts, which has drawn heavily on Brisbane's subtropical design principles while referencing the suburb's industrial heritage.

A total of 64 apartments are planned for the amalgamated 1,518 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-21-maud-street-newstead-qld-4006">17–21 Maud Street</a>, a short walk from the Brisbane River and Newstead Riverwalk.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a400c7fd-bd15-48f8-a63b-10ede92efe00" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20bldg.png?VersionId=.0vPmjpbC7CNP7kqGWa6L7rGIwsNExaw" />

"The building is defined by a series of vaulted motifs that reinterpret the arches, colonnades and layered facades evident throughout Newstead's historic built fabric," the Urban Design Report states.

"Combined with recessed glazing and generous balconies, these elements create a layered building envelope that provides shade, weather protection and opportunities for natural ventilation whilst establishing a distinctive architectural identity."

The proposal comprises 64 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 18 residential levels, positioning it alongside a growing number of taller residential projects transforming Newstead's northern precinct. The tower incorporates extensive subtropical landscaping, with cascading planter boxes, deep planting at street level and a landscaped rooftop recreation area.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d8140f4-8b98-45cd-b1b8-1efe8c8e266b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=VAZtbCoD44YCJ57N99fQCAKeSJx7ldZs" />

Bureau Proberts has prioritised passive environmental design throughout the project, with generous balconies, recessed glazing and operable façades helping reduce solar heat gain while maximising natural ventilation. River views become available from the upper levels, while the building has been orientated to capture prevailing breezes from both the Brisbane River and the west.

The architects say landscape is intended to be integral to the building rather than an applied element.

"Vertical greenery, cascading planter boxes and elevated gardens are woven throughout the architecture, softening the built form and strengthening the connection between residents and the subtropical environment."

"Through the integration of landscape, high-quality materials and passive design principles, the development delivers a refined residential address that celebrates Newstead's heritage character while contributing positively to Brisbane's evolving subtropical identity."

Newstead has remained one of Brisbane's most active apartment markets in recent years, with a number of developers continuing to back the inner-city suburb.

HG Developments is currently delivering the 40-apartment Aire Newstead at 25 Maud Street. Fortis recently launched the 65-apartment <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> on Kyabra Street, while builder-developer BPG and Don O'Rorke's Consolidated Properties are both expected to launch their respective Newstead projects before the end of the year.

HG Developments doubles down in Newstead with second Maud Street apartment development

Walk past a new apartment development promoting its sustainability credentials and it's easy to picture rooftop gardens, mature trees, landscaped courtyards and residents surrounded by nature.

But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.

Australia's leading environmental rating tools have played a significant role in improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings. Yet despite their focus on reducing emissions, many don't require developers to include trees, biodiversity or meaningful green space.

In other words, a building can achieve one of the country's highest sustainability ratings while containing little more than concrete, glass and hard landscaping.

That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.

The concept goes beyond designing buildings that consume less energy. Instead, it encourages developers to treat nature as essential infrastructure, integrating biodiversity, tree canopy, living landscapes and green spaces into projects from the earliest stages of planning.

Research has consistently linked access to nature with better physical and mental health, cooler neighbourhoods, improved biodiversity, stronger climate resilience and more connected communities. As Australia's cities continue to become denser, advocates say those outcomes should be considered just as important as energy efficiency.

Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.

Founded by Hamton Executive Chairman Paul Hameister OAM, the not-for-profit was created after research highlighted a significant gap in Australia's sustainability framework. While existing environmental rating tools rewarded energy performance and emissions reductions, they placed little emphasis on the inclusion of living landscapes.

"We've always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren't there," Hameister says.

"In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that's concrete and glass with not a blade of grass.

"The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn't been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities."

Since its launch, NBC has developed independent design guidelines and accreditation frameworks that encourage developers to prioritise ecology, biodiversity, tree canopy, walkability and living landscapes alongside traditional sustainability measures. The organisation first focused on medium and high-density residential developments before recently expanding into precinct-scale communities and masterplanned neighbourhoods.

Jan Talacko, founder of sustainability consultancy Ark Resources and a member of the Nature Based Cities Advisory Council, says the initiative addresses an area that has largely been overlooked by the property industry.

"Throughout my 25 years of working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the property sector, I've always favoured a pragmatic approach to sustainable design which encourages initiatives that not only meet environmental expectations but also improve amenity," Talacko says.

"Whilst we are making steady progress in relation to energy and carbon emissions from buildings, there has been much less emphasis on encouraging biodiversity and tackling the urban heat island effect.

"The Nature Based Cities initiative responds to a gap in the suite of tools currently used by the property development sector, which don't provide sufficient incentive, or recognition, for the integration of landscaping and greenery."

For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.

Rather than assuming a sustainable building will naturally include abundant green space, buyers are increasingly being encouraged to look beyond environmental ratings and ask what nature is actually being delivered. How much tree canopy will the development create? Has biodiversity been considered? Are landscaped spaces designed for people as well as appearance?

As Australia's cities continue to grow upwards and outwards, the next generation of sustainability may not simply be measured by lower emissions, but by how successfully developments bring nature back into everyday urban life.

What does it really mean for a building to be 'green'?

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

<html><body>
All 46 lots offered in the final release of Mirvac's Schofields master-planned development were sold out on the weekend.
More than 700 people registered interest in the blocks, which started at $399,900 for a 324-square-metre block.
Some were offered as house-and-land packages starting at $670,500 in the <a href="https://theavenue.mirvac.com/" target="_blank">393-lot development</a>.
Six new home designs were launched at <a href="https://theavenue.mirvac.com/about/overview/" target="_blank">The Avenue </a>in late June 2015.
Mirvac's head of residential, John Carfi, said The Avenue was set within the government's north-west growth sector which has benefited from investment in infrastructure including the Schofields train station, new schools and roads.
"The Avenue blends the peace of rural tranquility with the convenience and rich amenity of an established urban neighbourhood," the marketing suggested. 
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

 Sellout in Schofields on The Avenue

<html><body>
Canberra ranks as Australia's hottest capital city auction market, according to CoreLogic RP Data preliminary national auction clearance rate report.
The national figure sits at 75.7% with the national capital Canberra sitting at 79.2%.
Sydney’s preliminary auction clearance rate was 78.8% across the week, the fourth week in a row where Sydney has recorded a result below 80%.
Across Melbourne, the week’s preliminary clearance rate was recorded at 78.6%, up from a recent low of 75.7% last week.
This week, Adelaide saw a preliminary clearance rate of 71.9%.
<a href="/images/2015/08/03/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-03%20at%208.52.16%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/03/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-03%20at%208.52.16%20AM.png" alt="">
The preliminary clearance rate for Brisbane is 60.6%.
There were 23 Perth auctions this week, with a preliminary clearance rate of 43.8%. 
</body></html>

Canberra ranks as Australia's hottest capital city auction market

<html><body>
The most clicked property listing in Australia recently was an ultra-modern five-bedroom Toorak home.
Maybe it was all the Iris Cristal Bohemia chandeliers that attracted the property voyuers to the recently sold Dingle Partners listing.
The home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-toorak-119155971" target="_blank">6 Benson Ave, Toorak</a> is built over four levels with white Marmo glass floors, red onyx features, and Sicis mosaic wall tiles.
There is a water window feature too at the house.
The 606 sq m block cost $2.8 million in 2013 when bought by interests associated with Anna Eydlish.
</body></html>

Iris Cristal Bohemia chandeliers aplenty in most clicked Toorak home

<html><body>
Saturday was the horse's birthday. 
Our resident horse checked out six suitable equestrian property offerings.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-nsw-razorback-120081721" target="_blank">230 Donalds Range Road Razorback NSW 2571</a>
Offers Over $1,620,000, but recently under contract.
"With ten paddocks supported and enforced by post and rail fencing, I can roam around the 5.56 acre country estate with ease and comfort while you enjoy the amazing scenery of Razorback Mountain. I'm also able to settle in at the various stables available on site, complete with a round yard and vet crush. The property has everything I could need! And everything you need to!"
 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-nsw-tennyson-120116921" target="_blank">394 Tennyson Road Tennyson NSW 2754</a>
Guide over $1,250,000
"I'd love to hang up my saddle at the beautiful Tennyson estate. Immediately greeted by beautiful landscaped gardens and a tree lined driveway, 394 Tennyson Road holds the equestrian facilities that every horse dreams about. With quality fencing to make sure I feel secure, custom designed horse yards and paddocks to graze in and a wash bay to clean myself off, this is the ideal place to settle down and enjoy the sights and sounds of the country. It even has 6 separate horse walker facilities and a specialised swimming area for horses to train and exercise, an amazing inclusion for the thoroughbreds among us."
 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-nsw-berridale-7735703" target="_blank">Kosciuszko Road Berridale NSW 2628</a>
$287,000
"Only a short gallop away from the state of the art equestrian facility in the region "JE Resort", this 382 acre property has spectacular views that can be appreciated by both man and animal alike. This is the perfect Snowy Mountains getaway resort locale where I can graze to my heart's content and the natural layers of woodlands make me feel right at home. We can all go for a trail ride through the mountains, enjoying the beauty of rural NSW and also make use of the resort's lessons, clinics and indulgences."
 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-glengowrie-120092973" target="_blank">90A Morphett Road, Glengowrie SA 5044</a>
$1m - $1.1m
"The professional equestrian facility is part of South Australian racing royalty and it could be the perfect home for the  both of us. Metres away from the 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom residence is the state's finest training stables fully outfitted with both the necessities I need and the luxuries I desire. The well maintained complex comfortably holds up to 20 of us, complete with a feeding shed and silo, tack room and workshop. To top it off, the prime location is right by the Morphettville Racecourse , an institution for thoroughbred racing in SA and an instantly recognisable landmark in the racing community. This is the training property we need if we're serious about the racing game."
 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-qld-vale+view-7754645" target="_blank">44 Berry Road, Vale View QLD 4352</a>
At Auction
" 15.86 acres of pure equestrian delight. The new stable complex at the residence consists of 3 large housing areas to keep us content. Each stable holds individual passages to the day yards and an even larger day yard adjacent for some proper exercise. The stables also have a built in feed and tack room that doubles as a storage bay for the riding equipment and gear. The dressage arena was also professionally designed and constructed with a horse enthusiast in mind, emphasising the property was created for a professional rider and to make sure us horses were spoiled rotten! We can be the envy of your equestrian associates and it's perfect for regular personal use and event preparation and training."  
 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-lara-120060853" target="_blank">75 Minyip Road Lara Vic 3212</a>
$589,000-$619,000
"This lifestyle house is all about looking after all members of the family... including the ones on four legs. Well established for horses, the property houses eight paddocks, one of which is currently being used as a grass arena for us to stretch our legs comfortably. The machinery shed features 3 stables and plenty of room for our food and hay. It also has an extensive tack room for our equipment as well as a designated feeding area with power and water available for use. The property is a minutes drive from the Elcho equestrian centre and a very easy commute into the city, so we're essentially surrounded by the conveniences we'd both like!
</body></html>

po-LsXgBTHBmX

Equestrian properties that horses would neigh for

<html><body>
<h2>Melbourne's 78% clearance rate of 78 per cent compared to 76 per cent last weekend and 72 per cent this weekend last year, according to the REIV.</h2>
There were 595 auctions reported to the REIV, with Enzo Raimondo, the REIV chief, noting some $389 million in auction sales.
Houses had a clearance rate of 84% at an $850,000 median price.
Apartments had a clearance rate of 69% with a median price of $608,000.
TOP 5 HOUSES
1. 20 Reed Street, Albert Park $2,810,000 2. 21 Haydens Road, Beaumaris $2,800,000 3. 183 Church Street, Brighton $2,640,000 4. 44 Camperdown Street, Brighton East $2,600,000 5. 15 Fairmount Road, Hawthorn East $2,540,000 TOP 5 BARGAIN HOUSES
1. 36 Oriole Drive, Werribee $287,500 2. 26 Christie Street, Deer Park $308,000 3. 12 Leisure Way North, Rosebud $328,000 4. 2 Brampton Close, Craigieburn $341,000 5. 70 Kuringai Road, Tootgarook $350,000 TOP 5 APARTMENTS
1. 5/105 Crown Street, Richmond $2,000,000 2. 405 New Street, Brighton $1,751,000 3. 3/11 Monomeath Avenue, Toorak $1,701,000 4. 3/47 Durham Road, Surrey Hills $1,525,000 5. 29A Barnett Street, Hampton $1,448,500 TOP 5 BARGAIN APARTMENTS
1. 14/234 Warrigal Road, Camberwell $117,000 2. 11/242 Pascoe Vale Road, Essendon $237,500 3. 2/131 High Street, Thomastown $247,000 4. 2/8 Anzac Street, Carnegie $268,000 5. 3/64-66 Bent Street, St Albans $285,000
 
The REIV was expecting about 730 auctions in 242 suburbs this weekend, so further results will change the clearance rate.
The top auction locations were Mount Waverley (12 auctions) and Bentleigh East (10 auctions), followed by Richmond, South Yarra and St Kilda East with nine auctions in each.
Sales included 50 Swayfield Road, Mt Waverley (below) which sold at $1,267,000.
<img src="https://i3.au.reastatic.net/800x600/27472b9d5957b6d7263292fd13032b1d41eae49ae4fae257832d08ae7be6581f/main.jpg" alt="50 Swayfield Road, Mount Waverley" title="50 Swayfield Road, Mount Waverley" data-index="0">
Mt Waverley is among a select number of Melbourne suburbs to have recorded annual capital growth of more than 20 per cent. Mount Waverley's 28 per cent matched Doncaster (28 per cent), and narrowly bettered Burwood (27 per cent) and Balwyn North (23 per cent). 
Mount Waverley had none of the REIV's top sale results with propertydata.com.au listing recent results as:
<table><tbody>
<tr>
<td>381  Blackburn  Rd</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>$1,400,000</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>Passed in at Auction</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
S&amp;L
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2/ 80  Bruce  St</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>$580,000</td>
<td>Unit</td>
<td>Auction Sale</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
Buxton
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1/ 11  Grenfell  Rd</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>$628,000</td>
<td>Unit</td>
<td>Auction Sale</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
Jellis Craig
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1/ 17  Heany  St</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>$590,000</td>
<td>Unit</td>
<td>Passed in at Auction</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
Jellis Craig
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>69  Jubilee  St</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>$1,420,000</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>Auction Sale</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
Barry Plant
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16  Leeds  Rd</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>$1,330,000</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>Auction Sale</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
Ray White
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>50  Swayfield  Rd</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>$1,267,000</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>Auction Sale</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
Barry Plant
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>36  Catherine  Av</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>$1,040,000</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>Auction Sale</td>
<td>31/07/2015</td>
<td>
Barry Plant
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>33  Wilga  St</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>$1,200,000</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>Sold Before Auction</td>
<td>25/07/2015</td>
<td>
Jellis Craig
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2/ 24  Damon  Rd</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>undisclosed</td>
<td>Unit</td>
<td>Auction Sale</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
Jellis Craig
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>96  Headingley  Rd</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>undisclosed</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>Auction Sale</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
Reed
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>36  Oakern  St</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>undisclosed</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>Passed in at Auction</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
Jellis Craig
 
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
</body></html>

Mount Waverley tops weekend auction activity: REIV

<html><body>
CoreLogic RP Data has reported a preliminary national auction clearance rate of 75.7% across the combined capital cities after tabulating results in the week ending Saturday August 1, 2015.
There were a total of 1,862 capital city auctions held over the week, most yesterday on Saturday.
The results indicate that clearance rates are still tracking higher than they were one year ago, when the final auction clearance rate over the week was 68.9% across 1,473 auctions.
But there is a weakening as the prior week’s national preliminary clearance rate was 77.7% for late July 2015.
Sydney’s clearance rate sits below 80% for the fourth week in a row, while Melbourne’s clearance rate is stronger compared to last week.
Sydney’s preliminary auction clearance rate was 78.8% across the week, the fourth week in a row where Sydney has recorded a result below 80%.
Last week, Sydney’s clearance rate was 79.9%, while one year ago results show that 76.7% of Sydney homes taken to auction were successful, showing the gap between this year’s clearance rate and last year’s clearance rate is starting to close.
In terms of the number of auctions across the city, this week volumes were lower, down to 816 from 906 last week.
One year ago just 588 Sydney homes were taken to auction over the week.
The Blacktown sub-region of Sydney has shown the strongest performance so far this week, with 94.4% of the 18 reported results selling, with 2 remaining results yet to be collected.
Across Melbourne, the week’s preliminary clearance rate was recorded at 78.6%, up from a recent low of 75.7% last week and remaining well above the clearance rate for the city one year ago (69.0%).
Melbourne hosted 760 auctions, significantly lower than the 918 held last week, but higher than a year ago when there were 636 Melbourne auctions held over the week.
Of the nine individual Melbourne sub-regions, this week the strongest performer, in terms of clearance rates, was the Outer West.
So far, CoreLogic RP Data has collected 48 results for the region and the preliminary results shows 93.8% of these auctions were successful.
Melbourne had several of the cheapest reported sales (pictured below) at $198,000 in Richmond, marketed at $180,000 plus <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-richmond-120185173" target="_blank">through Biggin &amp; Scott</a>.
<img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/095482d9105ec9e79eb8c5f9ce13b52cc01bbf2acf39c987edf5a169cd93cf9c/main.jpg" alt="1/157 Buckingham Street, Richmond" title="1/157 Buckingham Street, Richmond" data-index="0"> 
There were 140 Brisbane homes taken to auction this week, with 94 results reported so far.
The preliminary clearance rate for the city is 60.6%, up from 54.0% last week and higher than one year ago, when just 36.7% of the 96 properties taken to auction were successful.
Across the Gold Coast 44 results have been reported so far, with a success rate of 47.7% (21 sales).
This week, Adelaide saw a preliminary clearance rate of 71.9%, with 57 reported results across a total of 75 scheduled auctions. In comparison, over the previous week Adelaide’s clearance rate was 58.9% and 61.0% one year ago.
There were 23 Perth auctions this week, with a preliminary clearance rate of 43.8%. Last week, Perth recorded its strongest auction clearance rate for July, at 52.6 %.
Across Canberra a total of 40 auctions were held this week, compared to 49 last week and 28 at the same time last year. Canberra’s preliminary clearance rate of 79.2% is higher than it was the previous week (68.8%).
Of the 6 Tasmanian auction results reported so far this week, 2 sales have been recorded.
</body></html>

Higher clearance rate than last year, but gap narrowing especially in Sydney

<html><body>
A development application has been made for Melville's Garden City Shopping Centre to increase the retail outlet from 72,000 square metres to approximately 120,000 square metres.
The expansion and redevelopment of the Perth shopping centre by AMP Capital is worth $750 million and would be completed 2019, subject to approval.
The development application is at City of Melville Council and Garden City until September 2015.
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

$750m redevelopment proposal for Perth's Garden City

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 19">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Potential investors around Adelaide are warned not to look for short term capital gain and instead concentrate on paying the right price in the right area.
The Herron Todd White July 2015 Month in Review said those looking to buy in the $500,000 price range should concentrate on inner suburban areas close to amenities above anything else.
A townhouse, cottage or unit worth $500,000 within the eastern and southern suburbs would be a more desirable location, the report noted.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Adelaide investors should look past the short term: HTW

<html><body>
Latest figures from HSBC's global research team expect the Reserve Bank to keep rates on hold next week in order to further stabilise growth and keep a lid on asset prices.
Recent moves by APRA to slow investor lending will begin to take effect in the next few months, according to Paul Bloxham, chief economist of HSBC, with concerns the benefits of cutting rates further could be outweighed by the costs. 
"The prudential regulator is now requiring banks to hold more capital and, to this end, has announced that mortgage risk weightings will be increased for the major banks from approximately 16% currently to at least 25% by 1 July 2016," Mr Bloxham said. 
"The banks are responding to the APRA’s increased scrutiny by toughening up requirements for investor mortgages. Actions taken so far have included lifting interest rates on investor loans, imposing limits onmaximum loan-to-value and increasing servicing requirements."
"We expect the cash rate to be held steady at 2.00% next week and for the RBA to repeat its emphasis on the need for the AUD to fall to assist the ongoing rebalancing of growth."
<a href="/images/2015/07/31/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-31%20at%209.57.11%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/31/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-31%20at%209.57.11%20AM.png" alt="">
<img src="/images/2015/07/31/POBannerFINAL-Thin-01.jpeg.png" alt="">
</body></html>

RBA expected to hold rates: HSBC's Paul Bloxham

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
A new study has shown that high frequency vibrations can cause bricks to self-assemble into a larger 3D object, a finding that may one day help do away with the need for factory assembly lines.
The findings, published today in the journal Scientific Reports, signal a key advancement in programmable self-assembly, which was previously thought to only be possible using one dimensional or two dimensional objects.
The research team, led by Dr Ido Bachelet from the Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, used an algorithim from the Computational Geometry Algorithm Library (<a href="https://www.cgal.org/">CGAL</a>) as part of a design that allowed 18 tetrahedral bricks to self-assemble into a larger 3D cylinder.
“Assembly rules are encoded by topographic cues imprinted on brick faces while attraction between bricks is provided by embedded magnets,” the researchers said in their paper. “The bricks can then be mixed in a container and agitated, leading to properly assembled objects at high yields and zero errors.
“Improved designs inspired by our system could lead to successful implementation of self-assembly at the macro-scale, allowing rapid, on-demand fabrication of objects without the need for assembly lines.”
Natural self-assembly
The ability for life to self-assemble is something that continues to puzzle scientists: proteins, viruses, living cells and multi-cellular organisms are all examples of systems in which parts are bonded to each other through attraction to form a structure or pattern.
Hamza Bendemra, a Research Engineer at the Australian National University, who was not involved in the study, said the research of 3D printed assemblies is remarkable.
“The algorithm was inspired by the molecular assembly of the DNA,” he said. But he added that more research was needed to address challenges of time, space and safety for the model to be more efficient at forming and remaining together.
“In the study, a two-brick assembly took less than a minute to self-assemble. However, an 18-piece assembly required over two hours to perform the same feat."
“The components are subject to high vibrations and collide over and over again until they fit in the right combination. It would be a challenge to implement such a method with materials with low strength and poor impact tolerance without causing damage.”
The future of construction?
Bernard Meade, Head of Research Compute Services at the University of Melbourne, said that while the initial research is limited to building small objects, future demonstrations combining other techniques, such as embedded electronics, could make the rapid construction of larger devices viable.
“For example, ordering a smart phone with specific components, automatically assembled and shrink-wrapped with a protective coating, might take only a few minutes –- and no longer require thousands of phones to be pre-made. Perhaps furniture scale production might be possible in future – imagine flatpack IKEA – but I think it would be hard to get to something the size of a house.”
The next step in developing this study for construction and manufacturing industries is to use both magnetic forces and adhesives to ensure the assembly stays in place.
Bendemra agreed, saying that “the researchers did a great job at adding topographic cues to ensure a unique combination only would lead to the pieces locking in. Their footage clearly shows that pieces that collide in a non-desired formation detach until they lock-in as planned."
“The number of pieces involved in the assembly and the nature of the materials being used (including the magnet) in more complex assemblies could limit the use of such a method.”
Eliza Berlage is editor at The Conversation and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/team" target="_blank">here.</a>
</body></html>

Latest Expert Insights

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

Guides

Editor's Picks

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Expert Insights

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

Guides

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News