Sekisui House Australia launches Waterstone in emerging St Leonards South precinct

Renowned developer Sekisui House Australia has launched its newest apartment project, the company’s first development in Sydney’s prestigious Lower North Shore region.

The new development, Waterstone, on the fringe of Newlands Park in the sought-after St Leonards South precinct, comprises 207 apartments designed to look south back to the Sydney CBD.

The striking landscape-laden building was originally designed by globally renowned Koichi Takada Architects, with equally regarded architect TURNER coming in to handle the interiors and deliver the designs following Sekisui's acquisition of the prime Berry Road site.

One of the biggest focuses for the design was for Waterstone to integrate with the surrounding landscape, with nearly 30 per cent of the site dedeicated to communal open space.

Waterstone will feature a north-south green spine and landscape design by ASPECT Studios, creating a strong connection to the Lane Cove Council’s St Leonards South masterplan and neighbouring pocket parks, trails, and bushland reserves.

Peter Valleau, Project Director, Apartment & Mixed-Use Developments at Sekisui House Australia, said Waterstone represents an important strategic play for the developer.

"As our first Lower North Shore project, it showcases a commitment to delivering human-centric, environmentally responsive communities in one of Sydney’s most desirable blue-chip suburbs,” Valleau said.

“This project is guided by our global Japanese design philosophy of Satoyama, where harmony between the built environment and nature enhances quality of life. Waterstone is a carefully considered community where residents will enjoy the benefits of a sustainable lifestyle without compromising on luxury or urban convenience.”

Waterstone extends across five buildings ranging from four to nine levels and comprises 45 one-bedroom apartments, 111 two-bedroom apartments, 49 three-bedroom apartments, and two four-bedroom apartments.

Miguel Serrao, Associate at ASPECT Studios, said their vision for Waterstone was to create a living, breathing landscape that mirrors the local ecology from woodland ridgelines to the shaded escarpment below.

"We have designed a series of outdoor spaces that foster both privacy and community using native planting, sensory gardens and sustainable water management to support wellbeing, biodiversity and daily connection to nature.

“Residents will experience a sense of calm and retreat the moment they step outside their door. From quiet corners and garden courtyards to open lawns and playful spaces for children, every element has been curated to encourage relaxation, interaction and a deeper relationship with the surrounding environment.”

Turner led the interior design of Waterstone, with a focus on creating space that are timeless yet contemporary, modern yet relaxed, and blend seamlessly with the project’s park setting.  

“Each apartment is individually crafted to feel like a home, incorporating tactile, natural materials, bespoke joinery, light-filled living spaces and framed window views,” said Darren Paul, Interiors at Turner. 

“Our approach focused on balancing elegance with everyday functionality. The colour schemes are warm and neutral, anchored by timeless natural stone and enhanced by optional upgrades such as feature lighting and fluted glass cupboards.”

The first release is now selling and includes Aella and Zenith buildings offering a mix of spacious one, two and three-bedroom apartments, many with multipurpose rooms and flexible layouts tailored for downsizers, families and owner-occupiers.

Designed for comfort and liveability, the oversized residences feature generous layouts, flush indoor-outdoor transitions and sustainability-led inclusions such as a double-glazed façade system and solar panels on all buildings. Interiors are available in customisable palettes with premium finishes.

Residents will enjoy exclusive access to a wide range of amenities integrated along the green spine, including a heated outdoor pool and spa, poolside pavilion with fireplace and dining terrace, gym, infrared sauna, co-working lounge, resident workshop, and wild play areas for children.

Located a short walk from Wollstonecraft and St Leonards train stations, as well as easy access to the new Crows Nest Metro, Royal North Shore Hospital, Mall 88 shopping precinct and Smoothey Park, Waterstone is ideally positioned to take advantage of the Lower North Shore’s leafy character and exceptional amenity. Just three kilometres from Sydney Harbour, it sits within a well-connected precinct.

Construction is expected to commence late in 2025, with completion targeted for the end of 2027.

Sekisui House Australia is a 4 Gold Star iCIRT rated developer and has a strong track record of delivering billions of dollars worth of apartments across both New South Wales and Queensland.