<a href="/buildings/focus-melbourne-81-city-road-southbank">FOCUS Melbourne</a>, the recently completed <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank apartment development</a> from longtime <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a> apartment developer <a href="/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a>, has won the&nbsp;prestigious Victoria Apartment Complex Award (over $20 million) at the&nbsp;2023 HIA-CSR Victorian Housing Awards.

It's another feather in the bow of <a href="/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a>, who is the HIA's most awarded apartment developer in Victoria.

The 50-level <a href="/buildings/focus-melbourne-81-city-road-southbank">FOCUS Melbourne</a> diverges from its contemporaries, as demonstrated by its bright, spacious interiors and luxurious resident facilities and services.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=214221]

The HIA Australian Apartment Complex award celebrates excellence in several areas, including quality of workmanship, design features and effectiveness, innovation, and visual and market appeal.

The Doig Architecture-designed silhouette of a complex 'butterfly' form extruded and sculpted at the upper levels, complemented by a fully restored heritage-graded former warehouse adjoining the tower, adds to FOCUS Melbourne's uniqueness.

At street level, <a href="/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> took great care to restore an existing three level historic building. The historic portion was incorporated as part of the project to create an architectural feature and provide an active and vibrant streetscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=218718]

<a href="/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has been credited as the pioneer of inner city living in <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a>, developing residential properties in the Southbank and the CBD. The 2023 HIA award is testament to Central Equity’s 37-year history of ‘delivering as promised’.

“<a href="/buildings/focus-melbourne-81-city-road-southbank">FOCUS Melbourne</a> has been an outstanding success with residents full of praise for their new homes, the outstanding resident facilities and onsite building management services” says Central Equity Managing Director, Dennis Wilson.

The project’s materials were selected for durability and echo its site along the Yarra Bank Highway, overlooking the Yarra River and Royal Botanic Gardens. Strong rectilinear geometry and bronze-glazed glass shape the exterior's contemporary facade and ensure privacy and light filtration.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=206134]

Located in the lively <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>, <a href="/buildings/focus-melbourne-81-city-road-southbank">FOCUS&nbsp;Melbourne</a> comprises 591 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Living spaces boast 2.7-metre ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, accompanied by a full range of ‘all-in-one’ resort-style amenities, including a pool, gymnasium, sauna, a 17-seat luxe movie theatre, and a landscaped terrace with barbecues.

Apartments feature spacious open-plan living areas, versatile kitchens with mirrored splashbacks, premium Miele appliances, and German tapware. Fully-tiled bathrooms come with elegant mirrored wall cabinets and clear glass shower frames.

The architects and designers have collaborated with Melbourne's best acoustic engineers to ensure residents enjoy unparalleled peace and comfort within their homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=212294]

The development also introduces next-gen features such as a resident-only keyless entry, day-and-night concierge service, 24/7 digitally secured parcel lockers, high-speed lifts with security access, video intercom, and secure bike storage and undercover car parking with remote control access.

<a href="/buildings/focus-melbourne-81-city-road-southbank">FOCUS Melbourne</a> residents benefit from easy access to many cafes, restaurants, and entertainment options along City Road, with the Botanic Gardens, Crown Entertainment Complex, Arts Centre and the <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne CBD</a> all within walking distance.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=3260]

It's another feather in the bow of Central Equity, who is the HIA's most awarded apartment developer in Victoria

Staff Writer

Central Equity's Southbank apartment development FOCUS Melbourne wins HIA award

Brisbane developer&nbsp;Aria Property has taken home Property Council of Australia's Innovation and Excellence Award for their South Brisbane apartment development, The Standard.

Designed by world renowned architectural firm Woods Bagot and located in the heart of South Brisbane, the landmark development soars 31 levels into the sky and homes 264 apartments. The building features extensive landscaping, with 4,732 trees and plants throughout. In addition to its lush greenery, The Standard offers three complimentary Teslas for residents' convenience and a sprawling 2,044 sqm rooftop amenity space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7500 project_image_fid=218737]

Aria Property Development Director, Michael Hurley, said that being recognised by the Property Council of Australia is a testament to Aria Property's commitment to continually achieve the best outcome.

"Each of our projects are extremely curated and designed specifically for their location, and The Standard is no exception," Hurley said.

"Everything within The Standard is designed to support better living, from state-of-the-art amenities to the integration of the location's surroundings, which seamlessly flows into the intricate details of the building. Our properties contribute to both their own community and the wider urban fabric, ensuring their relevance and connection with each surrounding neighbourhood — key elements that have led to The Standard’s resounding success."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7500 project_image_fid=218733]

The Standard features a highly articulated and sculptural façade which combines high-performance double glazing, living green walls, and architectural screening. Situated in the heart of the nationally acclaimed Fish Lane arts precinct, The Standard elevates the Aria experience to new heights. At the street level, The Standard welcomes Lune Croissanterie, marking their first venue outside of Melbourne.

Recognised as Australia's Best High-Density Development by various industry bodies, The Standard sets a new standard in rooftop amenity offerings, with a striking rooftop pool crowning the tower's western edge and a resident sky lounge.

The Standard also features one of Brisbane's first Wellness Retreats which includes a day spa, three magnesium baths, two infrared steam rooms, a sauna, a yoga area, and a fully equipped fitness centre.

Aria Property Development Director, Michael Hurley, said that being recognised by the Property Council of Australia is a testament to Aria Property's commitment to continually achieve the best outcome

Joel Robinson

Aria scoop up Property Council award for South Brisbane apartment development, The Standard

Central Element has won two awards at the&nbsp;Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW Awards for Excellence for their <a href="/new-apartments/coogee-nsw-2034">Coogee apartment development,</a> Anden Coogee.

Anden Coogee took the top prize in both the&nbsp;Medium Density Development and Design categories. Their Balmoral Collection in Mosman was also nominated in the Design and Retirement Living categories and Ethos Chatswood for Marketing.

Anden, a collection of 15 luxury apartments on Oberon Street, was completed earlier this year.

<img alt="Anden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7242b16-6712-423d-98b5-9cafe1a1f1cf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-08-07%20at%201.50.47%20pm.png?VersionId=W3FV.7p0rNlZCx5Mp5YExH_n4DQcE2WU" />

The project, a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, was a collaborative effort between architecture firm MHNDU, interiors experts Lawless &amp; Meyerson, and landscapers Dangar Barin Smith.

Judges’ comments included praise for the careful design that retained the celebrated art deco streetscape – a prominent feature of the Coogee Art Deco Walking Tour, and sustainable features such as its photovoltaic panels, solar access, rainwater collection systems, and that open stairwell promote eco-friendliness.

Also winning the Excelling in Design award,&nbsp;where The Balmoral Collection Mosman was also a finalist, judges recognised Anden’s harmonious design that weaves together the striking original art deco architecture of the former 1930’s block with a new sustainable build.

The development was proclaimed a prime example of biophilic design promoting a greener and healthier way of life, with its central focus the communal garden that unfolds through a series of tiered lawns, complete with fitness floor, yoga space and infrared sauna.

Individual residences feature generous flowing living spaces that seamlessly spill to sun-drenched terraces or private garden courtyards along with state-of-the-art automation and AV technology.

<img alt="Anden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="51b49a66-033c-4a4c-9db9-ce5e1790a7e8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-08-07%20at%201.50.55%20pm.png?VersionId=GRqXgqhCefgYkndHBoZVLF_RXdxXuuXV" />

“Taking out the award in two of the four categories we were nominated in is a reflection of the tireless work and dedication of our exceptional team and our valued partners MHNDU, Lawless &amp; Meyerson, Dangar Barin Smith and Ultra Building Co," Central Element Development Manager Sarah Boland said.

"Our team has doubled in size over the past two years, and it is thanks to the support across the board that enabled our specific project teams to excel.&nbsp;

"It is also thanks to our highly regarded and trusted design and build teams that we continue to deliver on our promise to build exceptional living spaces in enviable locations that exceed expectations time and time again.”

Central Element has been busy so far in 2023. They have their <a href="/new-apartments/ethos-15-ellis-street-753-pacific-highway-chatswood">Ethos Chatswood project</a> currently in market, while they've also just received approval for a <a href="/news/nsw/central-element-get-sign-off-for-mixed-use-hyde-park-tower-in-sydney-cbd">new project on the fringe of Hyde Park</a> and their <a href="/news/nsw/central-element-and-develotek-set-to-launch-bianca-drummoyne-apartments-following-council-sign-off">luxury Drummoyne waterfront development, Bianca Drummoyne</a>.

Anden, a collection of 15 luxury apartments on Oberon Street, was completed earlier this year

Award Winner

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News