Local owner-occupiers have jumped at Mirvac's new Brunswick apartment development, Prince &amp; Parade.

<a href="/new-apartments/prince-parade-by-mirvac-brunswick-701-park-street-brunswick">Prince &amp; Parade</a>, on the doorstep of the 39-hectare Princes Park, home of Carlton Football Club, walking paths, sports grounds, and playgrounds, has proven to be a hit with local buyers from <a href="/developments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a>, as well as the neighbouring&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/parkville-vic-3052">Parkville</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/princes-hill-vic-3054">Princes Hill</a>, and <a href="/new-apartments/carlton-vic-3053">Carlton</a>.

There's been an influx of purchasers who are working in the medical industry in particular, given the development's proximity to several local hospitals. Prince &amp; Parade's location has also proven favourable for academics who work at highly prestigious local universities like <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic" target="">Melbourne</a>&nbsp;University and RMIT.

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The parkside location has been one of the biggest drivers in purchasing, according to <a href="/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a>. The Urban community has also marked the great location as the biggest key strength of the project.&nbsp;There are few opportunities to be so connected to nature in inner-city Melbourne.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/vic/on-the-doorstep-of-princes-park-how-mirvacs-prince-parade-takes-advantage-of-its-park-side-location">On the doorstep of Princes Park: How Mirvac's Prince &amp; Parade takes advantage of its park side location</a>

There's also confidence in Mirvac's ability to deliver quality as an ASX-listed developer who has completed a string of apartment developments across Australia over the last five decades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=269392]

Designed by <a href="/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> in collaboration with <a href="/architects/mirvac-design">Mirvac Design</a> and landscaped by <a href="/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo</a>, Prince &amp; Parade comprises one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments.

The fully electric Prince &amp; Parade features a residents' lounge and dining room, as well as a rooftop terrace with extensive panoramic views of Melbourne.

Prince &amp; Parade is just four kilometres from the CBD and is within walking distance of the historically vibrant suburbs of Melbourne's inner north. It's also just a short walk to Jewell Train Station and Royal Park Train Station.

Early site works by <a href="/builders/mirvac-construction">Mirvac Construction</a> have commenced, with Prince &amp; Parade's completion slated for June 2026.

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Joel Robinson

Location and brand recognition drive sales at Mirvac's Prince & Parade apartments in Brunswick

Developer Wickton&nbsp;entered the Hampton off the plan apartment market late last year with two different projects.

They're both aimed at the owner-occupier, but their more boutique project, <a href="/new-apartments/58-beach-hampton-58-beach-road-hampton">58 Beach</a>,&nbsp;only has two of the six large beachside apartments left, just a four-minute walk from <a href="/developments/hampton-vic-3188">Hampton</a> Beach.

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Designed by <a href="/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf Architects</a> and landscaping by <a href="/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick</a>, 58 Beach is a balance of the built and natural environment.

"The architecture’s coastal-inspired palette combines smooth, filleted concrete spandrels and textured parchment tone bricks, all crowned by verdant pre-oxidised shingles."&nbsp;Ewert Leaf described.

"From within, full-height windows frame immersive views of the lush gardens and the indigo hues of the bay beyond, with intention.

“Each residence is individually crafted through practical spatial planning, abundant natural light, refined materiality, bespoke detailing and premium fixtures and fittings. The interiors are both honest and unique, tailored for the address and crafted for the residents. A distinct feeling of home.”

The living and dining spaces are designed to flow into wraparound garden courtyards or expansive terraces, providing residents with wide beachfront vistas.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141530 project_image_fid=229653]

The warm, minimalist interiors boast wide-plank engineered European oak timber flooring, concealed shelf lighting, and a natural stone plinth.

The kitchen, a practical and elegant space, features natural stone benchtops, extensive joinery, brushed nickel cupboard pulls, premium tapware, feature spotlights above preparation areas, and is well-equipped with Swiss V-ZUG appliances housed in a tower arrangement.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141530 project_image_fid=229649]

The master suite features a walk-in robe and built-in robes in additional bedrooms.

The estimated completion date for 58 Beach is&nbsp;December 2024. Construction company&nbsp;<a href="/builders/2-moro-group">2 Moro Group</a>&nbsp;is overseeing the building for&nbsp;<a href="/developers/wickton">Wickton</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141530]

The estimated completion date for 58 Beach is December 2024. Construction company 2 Moro Group is overseeing the building

Staff Writer

Only two apartments remain at Hampton's 58 Beach apartments

The 9.34-hectare masterplanned precinct Highett Common, in the heart of Highett, is set to be home to over 1,000 residences upon completion, with a conservation reserve alongside a public park with a state-of-the-art playground, a new public library and a community centre.

The first residential release in the development settles among the curated pockets of space, with the surrounding landscape inspiring the internal design.&nbsp;

Developer <a href="/developers/sunkin-property-group">Sunkin Property Group</a> tasked the architects at ClarkeHopkinsClarke to design <a href="/new-apartments/highett-common-37-graham-road-highett-vic-3190">Park House</a>, which&nbsp;they say reintroduces nature to modern life.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212517]

The interiors of Park House strike a balance between design and liveability. Floor-to-ceiling walls of glazing and seamless glass doors connect the living spaces to generous balconies that provide the perfect space to take in the surrounding park views.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/vic/sunkin-team-up-with-coco-republic-at-highett-common">Sunkin team up with Coco Republic at Highett Common</a>

The one, two, and three-bedroom residences are versatile and enduring, designed for all seasons and any occasion. The living zones are spacious and graceful, using a thoughtful composition of aesthetics and function. The interiors feature a texturally rich palette of materials highlighted by clean, flowing lines, and sun-drenched luxury.

From the matt finish timber floorboards to the recessed ceiling track for the curtains, a sublime and minimalist approach is evident at every turn. The slender white battens add an elegant profile to a feature wall, giving the lounge subtle tactility and character.

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The kitchen, designed to balance daily cooking and entertaining with ease, is both organic and elegant. The full-height panels of timber laminate or satin white joinery conceal a myriad of storage and functional elements.

The timber-inspired finishes and marbled or stone surfaces of the benchtop and splashbacks ground the design with a warm and earthy presence. The suite of premium appliances is completely integrated within the design, including&nbsp;a flush, undermount double sink and sleek gooseneck tapware.

Park House will also offer a level of customisation with residents given a choice of a warm material scheme in classic timber tones or a contemporary palette light material scheme.

Sunkin is now selling the remaining apartments at Park House, and the <a href="/new-apartments/highett-common-37-graham-road-highett-vic-3190">first townhouses in Highett Common</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108019]

Park House will also offer a level of customisation with residents given a choice of a warm material scheme in classic timber tones or a contemporary palette light material scheme

Designed with substance: Inside the Park House apartments at Highett Common

The former Gronn Place Public Housing Estate in Brunswick West is set to undergo a major overhaul.

Initially constructed in the 1960s, the estate comprised six three and four-storey walk-up flats with 62 units. Despite being continually intended for social housing use since its inception, the estate has become dilapidated and unsuitable for its occupants due to poor condition, inadequate insulation, and the lack of lifts, but has remained under the ownership and operation of the Director of Housing (DoH) under the State Government.

The Victorian Government’s Homes for Victorians strategy includes a $2.7 billion program for investment into housing and homelessness initiatives. One of these initiatives is the Public Housing Renewal Program, a $185 million plan to redevelop aging public housing estates across Victoria into mixed-tenure neighbourhoods with modern, accessible, and fit-for-purpose housing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139951 project_image_fid=212687]

<a href="/developers/avjennings">AVJennings</a> has partnered with the State Government's Director of Housing (DoH) and Women's Housing Limited to redevelop the former Gronn Place Public Housing Estate site at 8 Kitchener Street, with the new development, <a href="/buildings/harvest-square-apartments-and-townhomes">Harvest Square</a>, comprising a mix of private and social housing components.

The&nbsp;site of one of nine public housing estates across Metropolitan Melbourne that is part of the program.

As agreed with the DoH, the new development will be tenure blind, comprising&nbsp;111 social housing apartments, eight community housing apartments (Women’s Housing), 50 private apartments, and 29 private townhouse dwellings.

At least five per cent of the new social housing homes will also be easy to access for Victorians with disabilities, with drop-off areas, paths, lifts, and car parking. Inside the homes, kitchens, bathrooms, and storage will also be highly accessible.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139951 project_image_fid=212689]

Not only are AVJennings helping to aid in the current housing crisis that is plaguing the country, the group are also creating homes for the future at Harvest Square.&nbsp;

The Harvest Square development has been designed with sustainability in mind, boasting a 5-Star Green Star rating and a minimum 7-star NatHERS rating across all buildings. As a Green Star community, all homes have been sustainably designed to ensure minimal impact on the environment while enhancing health and quality of life, with inclusions such as communal corridors, play areas, bicycle parking, and productive gardens as part of the community.

The Gold Liveable Housing Design will provide more generous space across the development, assisting in comfortable and unobstructed movement between rooms, in addition to the building's orientations which will aid in reducing heating and cooling costs. There's also waste and recycling systems in place to minimise landfill.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139951]

AVJennings has partnered with the State Government's Director of Housing (DoH) and Women's Housing Limited to redevelop the former Gronn Place Public Housing Estate site

Harvest Square to offer affordable housing options in Brunswick West

When it comes to apartment investing, there are two key criteria to look at; the vacancy rate trends and current rate in the area, and the price per square metre.

Local developer Robert Laybutt was well aware of what's important to investors and went against the grain on the island of producing apartments that were solely for the downsizer. What he's produced lends itself perfectly to the investor or first home buyer market.

The result is <a href="/new-townhouses/andiamo-apartments-hope-island-38-42-broadwater-avenue-hope-island">Andiamo Apartments</a>, the most affordable apartment development Hope Island has seen in years.

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The first metric is the vacancy rate. There are just over a dozen rental properties currently available on <a href="/developments/hope-island-qld-4212">Hope Island</a>, 90 per cent of which have three bedrooms.

"The rental market in areas such as Hope Island and its surrounds have experienced some of the most significant price hikes in the country," Bernice Cooper, of Mercer &amp; Cooper said.

Locals buyers agency firm By The Coast Property says that with constrained supply and continued demand from interstate and overseas migration, strong demand for apartments and increased construction costs, property prices and weekly rents on the Gold Coast will continue to rise through 2024.&nbsp;

They believe that weekly rents will continue to rise in 2024 fuelled by migration and a continued shift into more affordable apartments from free-standing houses offering property investors the opportunity for increased yields, particularly if interest rates fall later in the year.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139743 project_image_fid=262913]

The other key element investors look at when purchasing is the price per square metre.

The Light Rail Spine experienced the most uptick in new apartment prices in 2020, rising by 9.5 per cent to an indicative value of $11,500 per sqm. It ranged from $8,800 sqm to $14,3000.

Andiamo's starting price per sqm of $7,500 isn't even close to the range.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139743 project_image_fid=270210]

The two-bedroom apartments at Andiamo begin at $630,000, which is luring first home buyers given the Gold Coast median unit price according to property data analytics firm CoreLogic is $721,000.

The majority of apartments left fall under the $750,000 First Home Owner Grant cap, so first home buyers at Andiamo don't have to pay a penny on stamp duty.

Both first home buyers and investors have also been drawn to the low body corp, just $70 a week. That's despite amenity in the form of a reosrt-style swimming pool, barbecue area, multi-purpose room and access to lifts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139743 project_image_fid=262912]

Located on Broadwater Avenue, Andiamo comprises 76 apartments designed by&nbsp;<a href="/architects/david-gallez-architect">David Gallez Architect</a>.

Investors know the location is an important factor in securing a tenant. Andiamo is ideally located just 100 metres from&nbsp;Broadwater Plaza where there's a Godfather Pizza and a handful of retailers within. Just a few hundred metres the other way is the more abundant Hope Island Marketplace, the shopping hub of the whole of Hope Island.

Hope Island is also home to some of South East Queensland's best golf courses, 16 in total across Hope Island and the nearby Sanctuary Cove.

Andiamo Apartments is currently under construction by SEQ builder <a href="/builders/bryant-building-contractors">Bryant Construction</a> and is expected to be completed in early 2025.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139743]

Why every apartment investor metric stacks up at Andiamo Hope Island

Development group <a href="/developers/giancorp-property-group">Giancorp</a> took to <a href="/developments/moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Moonee Ponds</a> to rejuvenate and reconnect the suburb's Puckle Street precinct with their apartment development Penny Lane, an arthouse cinema and arcade, and a laneway network that boosts walkability.

<a href="/buildings/penny-lane-moonee-ponds-6-14-young-street-moonee-ponds">Penny Lane</a> comprises a total of 109 completed apartments, each offering generous balconies or terraces. It is the focus on longevity, spatial planning, and environmental credentials that sets Penny Lane apart.

Designed by <a href="/architects/clarke-hopkins-clarke-0">Clarke Hopkins Clarke Architects</a> with carefully selected permanent materials and exceptional finishes throughout the building and residences, such as glass, concrete, steel, warm timbers, and soft feature stones.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1676 project_image_fid=268937]

"Penny Lane has been designed with longevity at the forefront of our thinking," Clarke Hopkins Clarke Architects Multi-residential partner Toby Lauclan says.

Materials of glass, steel and concrete are softened at street level by vertical planting, bluestone and recycled bricks salvaged from the site’s existing building.

"Robust, long-lasting materials including concrete, steel and glass, will ensure the building ages well, is low-maintenance and inexpensive to maintain over its entire lifespan. While concrete comes with high embodied energy it can also help reduce a building's carbon footprint by making add-on elements like cladding unnecessary."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1676 project_image_fid=268938]

Prioritising an ecologically sustainable development, Penny Lane achieves a 7.2 NatHERS rating, with energy-efficient double glazing, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, and on-site 15Kw of renewable energy, making it a low maintenance and low impact development.

Each apartment has the kitchen as the heart of the home, well appointed with Miele appliances and stone benchtops, where homebuyers can choose between light or dark colour schemes.

The bedrooms feature built-in robes, while the bathrooms adopt an attractive neutral colour palette, maintaining a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic throughout.

Residents of Penny Lane also enjoy exclusive access to amenities on the level three podium garden, a full-line gymnasium, a private lounge, a designer kitchen, and dining rooms for social gatherings. Additionally, the level nine terrace provides expansive views and landscaped spaces.

&nbsp;

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The Penny Lane precinct also features Melbourne’s newest cinema complex complete with a luxury rooftop cinema, Platinum lounge and a range of cafes and casual dining options – the perfect place for a pre-movie dinner or a post-movie wine with friends.

Penny Lane is also conveniently located close to Moonee Valley Racecourse, the home of Australia’s most prestigious horse race, the Cox Plate, while also being just a few minutes from the Queen's Park, Moonee Valley’s oldest park that has a lake, a pool, cottage café, and an expansive gardens space.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1676]

"Penny Lane has been designed with longevity at the forefront of our thinking," Clarke Hopkins Clarke Architects Multi-residential partner Toby Lauclan says

Inside Giancorp's Moonee Ponds apartment development, Penny Lane

Veteran Gold Coast developer Morris Property Group welcomed buyers to their Burleigh Heads apartment development, Sandbar, late last year.

The timing of the completion, as well as a clever design of the floorplans toward the top of the tower, hit an undersupplied section of the market, in an area that has been one of the most popular Gold Coast suburbs in the last five years or so.

While <a href="/new-apartments/burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Burleigh</a> has been a hive of activity, particularly since the onset of COVID-19 in early 2020, the majority of the apartment developments are beachfront, whole floor, and can start anywhere around the $5 million mark.

Those that do have slightly more affordable stock are either all sold out, or not under construction, so they're still at least three years away from being realised.

<a href="/developers/morris-property-group">Morris Property Group</a> launched <a href="/buildings/sandbar-burleigh-heads-1969-1971-gold-coast-highway-burleigh-heads">Sandbar</a> in 2018, and its late 2023 completion has given them a competitive advantage of having the largest, and newest, three-bedroom apartments in Burleigh Heads.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7013 project_image_fid=86642]

The apartments total nearly 190 sqm, with around 155 sqm of internal living space and a further 30 sqm of balcony space.

Morris Property Group designed the building in a way that the three-bed apartments fully maximise the coastal views, both north and south.

Morris Property Group Sales Director Travis Welsh says capturing significant view lines north and south is something a lot of other buildings can't offer.

"While prices always go higher on the beachfront, they don't offer the panoramic north-south views that we can," Welsh says.

"Because they're smaller buildings and half or full-floor apartments, the floorplan tends to prioritise the living, kitchen and dining rooms toward the front of the apartment facing the beach, keeping the bedrooms at the back. Every bedroom in our three-bedroom collection has significant ocean views, not just glimpses."

The three-bedroom apartments were designed to wrap around the front of the building, giving them extensive views and allow the maximum amount of natural light.

The three-bedroom apartments start from level 14, so they soar above any established buildings as well as any other developments that are currently in with the council.

<img alt="Sandbar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4940406f-c3e8-4dbb-9edc-9119070f53ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-04-12%20at%202.19.42%20pm.png?VersionId=gOF_kNhe6z1Yef7K49PsnsYGVSGp3Q_Y" />

Welsh says the large apartments typically suit a more mature demographic given their price point. He adds however they're still incredibly undervalued in a Burleigh market which has seen exponential growth in recent years.

"We've found that Sydneysiders in particular are still seeing a lot of value in the three-bedroom apartments," Welsh says.

"They're comparing Burleigh Heads to Bondi Beach, in terms of lifestyle and the lack of supply of new apartments, however, prices in Bondi can be double what we've got on offer for something much smaller."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7013 project_image_fid=269973]

Welsh has fielded interest from several interstate buyers who have a view of three different uses for the apartment; a high-yielding holiday let, a holiday home for themselves, and a future retirement pad.

"Morris Property Group manages the whole building, so there's a level of ease when it comes to holiday letting that you don't get at other apartment developments," Welsh adds.

Residents at Sandbar have access to a suite of building amenities. The recreation deck features a swimming pool, fully-equipped gym, yoga deck, residents lounge, and a covered barbecue area.

The remaining three-bedroom apartments at Sandbar start from $3,449,900

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7013]

Morris Property Group Sales Director Travis Welsh says capturing significant view lines north and south is something a lot of other buildings can't offer

Morris Property Group offer Burleigh Heads' biggest apartments at Sandbar Burleigh

National townhouse developer Metro Property Group is well advanced with its latest luxury Sydney townhouse development, Canopy in Crows Nest.

<a href="/buildings/canopy-crows-nest-23-27-wheatleigh-street-crows-nest">Canopy</a> brings just 10 contemporary townhouses to <a href="/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a>, set on a quiet residential street between St Leonards and Naremburn. Only three remain after being snapped up by locals during the build.

There are three and four-bedroom configurations on offer designed by <a href="/architects/corben-architects">Corben Architects</a>, each&nbsp;with landscaped gardens by <a href="/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, designed for minimal maintenance.

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The architectural highlight of the project is the generously proportioned glass doors that offer uninterrupted views of the landscaped gardens and foster a connection between indoor and outdoor areas.

Native plants soften the modern building, while sculptural plants highlight the sunny yards.

&nbsp;

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Each townhome at Canopy comes with internal access from its lock-up garage and is serviced by a private internal lift for added convenience.&nbsp;

The residences feature chef's kitchens equipped with high-end European appliances and fixtures, including wine fridges and integrated refrigerators, with the option to upgrade to state-of-the-art Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances.

The contemporary bathrooms showcase a pared-back styling with muted shades and porcelain tiles, contributing to the overall modern aesthetic of the homes.

The townhomes are artfully composed with a calming colour palette, tactile finishes, and a considered lighting plan.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112885 project_image_fid=269241]

<a href="/developers/metro-property-group">Metro Property Group</a> also offers purchasers a unique opportunity to be part of the design process, allowing them to tailor spaces and interiors to suit their lifestyle preferences. Additional upgrades such as stone-clad Jetmaster fireplaces are available as centrepieces within the homes.

Canopy is strategically located close to North Shore's vibrant café culture, specialty stores, parklands, and the new Metro Line train service.

The development is on track for completion in mid-2024.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112885]

The townhomes are artfully composed with a calming colour palette, tactile finishes, and a considered lighting plan

Canopy Crows Nest luxury townhouses approach completion

Sunkin Property Group is offering buyers a rare opportunity to kit their future homes at the new Highett Common masterplan in Highett, with furniture carefully curated by leading furniture company, Coco Republic.

New purchasers can secure a furniture package from Coco Republic for $12,000, which includes a&nbsp;private styling consultation with one of their experienced interior designers.

The offer gives future buyers a chance to replicate the impressive display suite which features <a href="/interior-designers/coco-republic-interior-design">Coco Republic</a> furniture.

<blockquote>
Visit Highett Common display suite May 4th&nbsp;11am – 1pm for a special presentation with Rohan Smith on recent design trends and Coco Republic’s design services. Light refreshments and food provided. Enquire via Apartments.com.au to register your attendance.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Thanks to Coco Republic, new purchasers at Highett Common receive a $12,000 furniture package to elevate their new homes, available until the end of April.* The package includes a private styling consultation with one of their experienced Interior Designers.
</blockquote>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212514]

Coco Republic’s Senior Interior Designer, Rohan Smith, who&nbsp;collaborates with project designers and architects to curate a furniture selection that is both functional and complementary to a project’s overarching design, says there are a number of growing interior trends coming through in 2024.

“With a growing focus on environmental consciousness, sustainable interior design is expected to continue gaining traction,” Smith says.&nbsp;

“Sustainability, including the use of recycled materials, energy-efficient appliances and fixtures, and a general emphasis on eco-friendly practices is a trend I envisage will dominate in 2024.”

Smith&nbsp;predicts that more homeowners will look to add a sense of individuality to their spaces, utilising eclectic design elements that combine different styles and eras from the design world.&nbsp;

“Mixing styles and periods allows individuals to express their personalities and create spaces that reflect their own tastes and life experiences."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212517]

Smith says as technology advances, seamlessly integrating smart home features into interior design has become increasingly popular.

"This includes smart lighting, climate control, automated window treatments, and other connected home technologies,” Smith explained.&nbsp;

Every resident at Highett Common will have access to <a href="/new-apartments/highett-vic-3190">Highett</a> Common Connect, a dedicated resident’s app that will provide residents with everything they need at their fingertips.&nbsp;

Designed as the digital heartbeat of the community, the app will offer an unrivalled level of convenience, connecting neighbours to each other and the local community while offering an easy way to reserve resident amenities and utilise in-home services.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=219403]

As far as colours go, Smith's believes in incorporating natural, earthy materials including solid timber, leathers, linens, and natural stone, all emphasising the focus on a neutral, calming environment.

Creating harmony between the built forms and landscape has been prioritised at Highett Common, with a focus on neutral tones and natural materials.

Highett Common’s environmental goals will also see the site become <a href="/news/vic/highett-common-2023-s-largest-urban-renewal-precinct-prioritises-conservation-and-enhancement-of-green-space">Victoria’s first net zero medium-density community</a>.&nbsp;

Sunkin is well advanced in the construction of the first stage at <a href="/new-apartments/highett-common-37-graham-road-highett-vic-3190">Highett Common</a>. They recently released their <a href="/news/vic/sunkin-launch-townhomes-at-highett-common-after-park-house-success">first collection of townhouses</a> in the enviro-friendly development.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108019]

Coco Republic’s Senior Interior Designer, Rohan Smith, says there are a number of growing interior trends coming through in 2024.



Sunkin team up with Coco Republic at Highett Common

Prominent Malaysian developer OSK Property, the team behind the $2.8 billion Melbourne Square, has&nbsp;announced award-winning local artist Troy Emery as the winner of its art competition to design a new sculptural landmark in the city.

OSK Property hosted the competition to select the winning artist to design a visual gateway, which will connect Melbourne Square with its neighbouring arts precinct through a large-scale and visually striking sculptural artwork.

Acknowledging the site’s significant visibility from the Westgate Freeway and surrounding southeast locale, the artwork – which will feature prominently with its 18m x 15m design – aims to support the thoughtful curation of Melbourne Square’s placemaking, punctuated by Southbank’s focus on art, design and heritage.

Global art firm UAP (Urban Art Projects) – who OSK Property engaged as public art consultants for Melbourne Square – oversaw the entire competition process.

UAP put forward a selection of eight Melbourne-based artists whose creativity was synonymous with Melbourne’s renowned arts scene and those who could contribute a visionary and bold artwork to Melbourne’s skyline.

OSK Property then shortlisted three artists whose practices were diverse from one another, ensuring the final three concept designs would be highly unique.

After working with the three artists, UAP presented the three concept designs to OSK Property who selected Troy Emery’s ‘Guardian Lion’ to be commissioned due to its vibrancy, ability to engage with the site and representation of Melbourne’s rich tapestry of public artworks.

<img alt="Melbourne Square" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d9e1464b-ceab-41f7-80af-cc913b173963" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-04-11%20at%205.51.51%20pm.png?VersionId=lc7BeiUBTgyWCwS7cGokTrNO_zFCNrZU" />

To be fabricated in UAP’s workshop, ‘Guardian Lion’ will stand as a reflection of Melbourne’s dynamic, creative community.

Emery, whose work examines the discourse surrounding human interactions within the natural world and has recently appeared at the National Gallery of Victoria, was a natural fit for the project’s ‘Together, in Nature’ ethos.

His winning concept, ‘Guardian Lion’, draws inspiration from traditional Chinese architecture and Japanese symbolism, whereby lions and dogs guard the entrances to shrines and signify strength.

Similarly, ‘Guardian Lion’ is seen to guard the grounds and people within Southbank, standing as a protector welcoming people to the city, akin to Richmond’s beloved Vinegar Skipping girl who has graced the skies of Victoria Street for generations of Melburnians to enjoy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=211874]

Emery drew on Victorian folklore to embed the piece with Australian context, specifically referencing a Melburnian story of the ‘Grampians big cat’ – a mythical big cat living in the Grampians Mountains of regional Victoria.

“I want Guardian Lion to make people happy, to give people a sense of companionship as they travel through the area, like a friendly neighbourhood cat that greets passers-by," Emery said.

"Guardian Lion is a surrogate pet for the neighbourhood and for the city.

“One part of the brief that I particularly resonated with was the idea that Melbourne Square is a ‘gateway to the creative precinct.’ The NGV, Arts Centre, VCA, ACCA, and Malthouse Theatre are all close neighbours, and the work’s location is a gateway to the CBD, so I set out to design a figure that will welcome people to the area.

“This is such an incredible opportunity to contribute to the cityscape of Melbourne with a large-scale public artwork, and I’m excited to have my work join a library of so many great artworks around the city."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929 project_image_fid=255379]

Emery said the&nbsp;intense spectrum of colour in the work not only is an antidote to the greys and browns of the cityscape, but serves to reiterate the fantastical spectrum of the natural world, where the intense colours represent the magical qualities of life on earth.

OSK Property Australia’s CEO, Chong Boon Woon, said the artwork will create a Melbourne landmark to welcome visitors to the CBD.

“We are deeply inspired by the power of public art to transform spaces and communities. Our decision to commission 'Guardian Lion' for Melbourne Square is underpinned by our desire to contribute a long-lasting and meaningful piece to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Southbank."

Guardian Lion’s laser-cut aluminium fixture with LED flex lighting demonstrates an intense spectrum of colour that will be unmissable from those entering the city from the south or passing by on the Westgate Freeway.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107714]

Global art firm UAP (Urban Art Projects) – who OSK Property engaged as public art consultants for Melbourne Square – oversaw the entire competition process

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