A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Joel Robinson

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

Apartments

<html><body>
City of Port Phillip are currently assessing the merits of a recently submitted planning application which seeks to replace an dreary, dated car park with 20 levels of residential living. <a href="http://pdaaustralia.com/" target="_blank">PDA Australia</a>, Message Consultants and <a href="/architects/dko-architecture" target="_blank">DKO Architecture</a> form the core of the project team, preparing the scheme for overseas entity and site owner Kangoala Pty Ltd.

<h2>All the vitals</h2>

<ul>
<li>Site area of 2,320 square metres, currently hosting a seven level commercial car park</li>
	<li>Proposed is a 20 level, 65 metre residential tower</li>
	<li>Basement provides 104 bicycle bays and 260 car parking spaces, below the statutory 331 required</li>
	<li>235 apartments split between 82*1, 104*2 and 49*3 bedrooms</li>
	<li>Setback of 15 metres to Queens Road with generally 4.5 metres to other boundaries</li>
	<li>Pool, gym, event space and rooftop terrace/spa included within the proposed development</li>
	<li>Pedestrian link to site's south, linking Queens Road and Queens Lane</li>
	<li>No borrowed light to any bedrooms within any dwellings</li>
</ul>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image16_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Google snap shot of what currently exists onsite"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image16_2.jpg?itok=Elx_zWBX" style="height:299px; width:580px" title="Google snap shot of what currently exists onsite"></a>

<h2>Quality of Architecture</h2>

External finishes are slated to include glazed balustrades, precast panels, perforated metal and brickwork. Although hard to discern via the renders, many of the external finishes "Meet on an angle to one another, creating a dynamic affect across the facade."

Of the design quality, the application asserts:

<blockquote>
"The curved indentation to the facade, together with the rounded corners of the building give it a sinuous and elegant appearance, while the interplay of solid and translucent balcony surrounds creates a subtle sense of 'movement' across the facades that adds to the visual interest dynamism in the building's presentation."
</blockquote>

<h2>Improving the public realm</h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_2774.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground floor layout. Image © dKO Architecture "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_2774.jpg?itok=kocl20pL" style="height:254px; width:580px" title="Ground floor layout. Image © dKO Architecture "></a>

Granted the immediate area is neither heavily utilised by pedestrians or a retail draw card, but put quite simply any development would be an improvement as the existing structure presents poorly to all frontages. Landscaping is expected along all frontages while a pedestrian link seeks to promote foot traffic through the site during all hours, something which is generally not the case with commercial buildings.

Although taller than surrounding buildings, 12 Queens Road is according to the planning application consistent with City of Port Phillip policy fostering a focus toward higher density development. Surrounded by existing buildings, the proposal wouldn't significantly change the shadow profile of the area.

<h2>Elsewhere on Queens Road</h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/queens%20road.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="77 Queens Road. Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/queens%20road.jpg?itok=GzQwYohp" style="height:326px; width:580px" title="77 Queens Road. Image © Elenberg Fraser"></a>

Neighbouring property Atari House was purchased during 2013 by local developer <a href="/builders/hallmarc" target="_blank">Hallmarc</a>. With a price tag of $13 million for the dated 12 level office structure, it to is expected to make way for apartments in the future. Elsewhere <a href="/buildings/lakeside-77-queens-road-melbourne">77 Queens Road</a> also changed hands last year with expectations and rippled 13 level apartment building designed by <a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a> will become a focal point in due course.

Together these three developments may yield somewhere in the vicinity of 700 new dwellings if built.
</body></html>

silvermb

Planning Application > 12 Queens Road, Melbourne

<html><body>
Victoria One, at 452 Elizabeth represents <a href="http://www.goldenagegroup.com.au/">Golden Age Group's</a> third foray into the Melbourne apartment market. Designed by <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/">Elenberg Fraser</a>, the 75-storey development is set to join a growing number of high-rise developments beyond 170 metres in height through the northern end of the CBD, which are illustrated in the images below.

These include <a href="http://www.icdproperty.com.au/">ICD Property's</a> <a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">Eq Tower</a>, <a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">450 Elizabeth Street</a>, <a href="http://www.meh.com.my/main">Mammoth Empire's</a> <a href="/buildings/empire-melbourne-398-elizabeth-street-melbourne">398 Elizabeth Street</a>, and <a href="http://www.bradygroup.com.au/">Brady Group's</a> Vision Tower with the twisting form of 450 depicted at 202 metres, although it's uncertain whether it has increased to 218 metres in height. Should these all proceed, they will greatly impact the northern entry into the city although that's an article for another day perhaps.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/03_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="268" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/03_6.jpg?itok=SFu5UdFM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Northern Cluster as viewed from north-west . © Blockhead.</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/02_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/02_4.jpg?itok=QhZ2g9b_" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Northern Cluster as viewed from south-west . © Blockhead.</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/elizabeth%20st_height%20profile.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/elizabeth%20st_height%20profile.jpg?itok=3Iy1dPvc" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elizabeth Street Height Profile diagram. © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>For now though let's focus on the subject of today's article - the 241 metre Victoria One. First announced during November last year, Jeffrey Xu's behemoth would become the tallest residential tower within the traditional Hoddle Grid.

Anchoring the Elizabeth/Franklin corner, the tower would provide a gateway partner to another Elenberg Fraser designed tower at 450 Elizabeth Street. Victoria One as it has been dubbed intents to replace the current single and two storey buildings housing a Drummond Golf outlet, a site which has previously seen an <a href="http://eatas.com.au/">Architects EAT </a>concept for a 32-storey Tetris-inspired building simply known as Drummond Apartments.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com.au/maps?ie=UTF8&amp;layer=c&amp;sll=-37.807867,144.960438&amp;cbp=13,125.12,,0,0.02&amp;cbll=-37.807786,144.96029&amp;q=452+elizabeth+street&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=452+Elizabeth+St,+Melbourne+Victoria+3000&amp;ll=-37.807867,144.960438&amp;spn=0.007188,0.013937&amp;t=h&amp;z=14&amp;iwloc=A&amp;panoid=FWmdRcaDGfQ5KTODDhYw9A&amp;source=embed&amp;output=svembed" width="100%"></iframe> <a href="https://maps.google.com.au/maps?ie=UTF8&amp;layer=c&amp;sll=-37.807867,144.960438&amp;cbp=13,125.12,,0,0.02&amp;cbll=-37.807786,144.96029&amp;q=452+elizabeth+street&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=452+Elizabeth+St,+Melbourne+Victoria+3000&amp;ll=-37.807867,144.960438&amp;spn=0.007188,0.013937&amp;t=h&amp;z=14&amp;iwloc=A&amp;panoid=FWmdRcaDGfQ5KTODDhYw9A&amp;source=embed">View Larger Map</a>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/drummond%20apartments.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/drummond%20apartments.jpg?itok=Tuny5DK1" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Drummond Apartments. © Architects EAT</figcaption></figure>Should it gain approval the proposed development would boast 622 apartments, (a positively low) 163 parking spaces, the capacity to store 263 bicycles with retail applied to ground and first floors. A wrap of apartments conceals the parking levels along the western and southern frontages whilst residential amenities are distributed throughout the building, located on levels 09, 44 and 64.

Presenting as a strong vertical element the development employs a tower-podium typology of sorts which a shadowline visually separating tower and podium, with no setbacks to the south or east due to the site's small footprint of 937 square metres. Minor setbacks of 5m to the common boundary to the north and 4.5m to the centre of the laneway to the east have been designed in.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/setbacks%20diagram.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="231" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/setbacks%20diagram.jpg?itok=QeCGA3lc" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Setbacks diagram. © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>The tower's facade is a formal representation of Victoria's 'Garden State' identity drawing upon elements of Victoria's landscape such as gardens and waterfalls. The fluid transition of the silver fin elements which cascade down the face of the tower, contract, expand and peel away where communal facilities are located, allowing for glimpses from the outside world of the coloured green glazing behind.

A departure from Elenberg Frasers's typical and successful bronze facade formula, the green facade is reminiscent of the dramatic unfolding when passing through Victoria's rainforest environments. The green gradually fades into a silver towards the tower's apex as landscape meets sky.

The podium heavily features vegetation as a way of softening the building's presence to the street and concealing the car parking along the eastern facade by way of the introduction of shallow angled planter boxes breaking up the otherwise precast concrete.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/452_PODIUM.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Podium design response. © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/452_PODIUM.jpg?itok=DUqVAzct" title="Podium design response. © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Podium design response. © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Overall the design is another solid addition to Elenberg Fraser's growing portfolio of high-rises, provoking visual metaphors of a vertical garden oasis in the midst of an otherwise concrete jungle. Sporting a rippling facade 452 Elizabeth street not only provides visual interest but goes some way to alleviating the effects of wind on the pedestrian environment below.

With the <a href="/news/victorian-government-announces-suite-of-super-tuesday-approvals">recent approvals</a> of Eq. Tower at 127-141 A'beckett Street and 398 Elizabeth Street and 452 Elizabeth Street likely not far behind, the north end of Melbourne's CBD is beginning to present as the counterpoint to Southbank's growing high-rise cluster.

According the Golden Age's website, Victoria One is expected to have its public sales launch during 2014.

<h2>Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: <a href="http://www.goldenagegroup.com.au/" target="_blank">Golden Age Development Group</a>
</li>
	<li>Architect: <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/" target="_blank">Elenberg Fraser</a>
</li>
	<li>Project Manager: <a href="http://www.sinclairbrook.com.au/">Sinclair Brook</a>
</li>
	<li>Town Planner: <a href="http://www.urbis.com.au/">Urbis</a>
</li>
	<li>Traffic Consultant: <a href="http://www.ratio.com.au/home">Ratio Consultants</a>
</li>
	<li>Waste Management Consultant: <a href="http://www.leighdesign.com.au/">Leigh Design</a>
</li>
	<li>Landscape Consultant: <a href="http://www.oculus.info/">Oculus</a>
</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: <a href="http://www.plpaust.com/">PLP Building Surveyors</a>
</li>
	<li>ESD Consultant: <a href="http://www.ark-resources.com.au/">Ark Resources</a>
</li>
	<li>Structural &amp; Civil Engineer: <a href="http://www.robertbird.com/">Robert Bird Group</a>
</li>
	<li>Services Engineer: <a href="http://murchie.com.au/">Murchie Consulting</a>
</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: <a href="http://www.bosjon.com.au/">Bosco Jonson</a>
</li>
	<li>Quantity Surveyor: <a href="http://www.wtpartnership.com/">WT Partnership</a>
</li>
	<li>Wind Engineer: <a href="http://melconsultants.com/">MEL Consultants</a>
</li>
	<li>Fire Engineer: <a href="http://www.aecom.com/Where+We+Are/Australia+-+New+Zealand/Building+Engineering">AECOM Fire Engineers</a>
</li>
</ul>
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Laurence Dragomir

Victoria One - 452 Elizabeth Street

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St. Kilda Road has gone about transforming itself from a commercial hub into a haven for upmarket apartments for some time now, morphing from a dead after hours office precinct into an affluent residential boulevard.
A new proposal for the Fawkner Centre at 499 St. Kilda Road continues this trend, with intentions to convert the dated commercial tower into a rejuvenated 19 level residential complex.  Currently the Fawkner Centre stands at 18 levels and ulilises approximately half the 6,050 square metre site with 20,000sqm of office space and five retail tenancies the headline figures.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1178.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Fawkner Centre. Image courtesy Lemon Baxter"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1178.jpg?itok=sQRkaZIr" title="The Fawkner Centre. Image courtesy Lemon Baxter" width="580"></a>
After purchasing the site during 2012, local developer <a href="http://www.lasgroup.com.au/" target="_blank">LAS Group</a> now aims to transform the complex into 19 levels of apartments whilst also expanding the smaller podium building toward St. Kilda Road. Within this new scheme, residential facilities are principally located atop the podium building, whilst double storey dwellings will be included amongst the anticipated 245 apartments available.
Level 19 will house outdoor facilities for the associated penthouses below while the aforementioned residents facilities include a lounge, communal garden, sauna and steam room, yoga facilities, gym as well as an indoor pool and external sundeck. A total of 245 apartments with a variety of layouts will be developed in the project in conjunction with 293 car parks, 19 tandem car parks and 270 bike spaces.
3020.5 square metres of new area will be built, complementing the refurbishment however there are no plans to include retail space into the reincarnated structure. Along the St. Kilda Road frontage the proposal aims to develop a new identity for the building with the lanning application stating that the construction of an additional 7 levels to that side of the building will help change the “face” of the structure from its current bland office exterior to that of a dymanic residential building.
In addition to augmenting the original structure, the St. Kilda Road interface will be revamped via a new drop off zone in conjunction with a new mirrored canopy which will greet residents as they enter the building, creating a distinctive entrance for the revamped tower.  Reconnecting the building with its surrounds is one of the key areas project architect <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/" target="_blank">Elenberg Fraser</a> and landscape design firm <a href="http://www.oculus.info/">Oculus</a> have focused on, with high attention to detail given to revitalising the connections between building adjoining enviorns.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image10_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected Fawkner Park interface. Image © Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="234" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image10_8.jpg?itok=ihExiN3M" title="Expected Fawkner Park interface. Image © Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>
At present, the Fawkner Park interface includes a large at grade car park against the boundary.  Through the introduction of initiatives such as soft articulated fencing and landscaping, a stepped landscaped façade to the ground and first floor of the building and planter boxes at ground level with vertical batten fencing, the design team have aimed to “soften” the building.  By creating a visual link more in keeping with the qualities of the park, the designers intent to “reactivate and reinstate the visual relationship between the building and Fawkner Park.”
In keeping with the “greening” of the site, the vehicular access way between St. Kilda Road and Fawkner Park will be eliminated, transforming it into a pedestrian link with a green edge being planted along the passageway.
Through the courtyards at ground level, pergola like structures are incorporated which are designed to provide privacy from level 1 as well as promote the landscaping to flourish and spread in a natural fashion.  Enhanced connections with Fawkner Park and private access for residents aims to promote use to the park.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image13_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="499 St Kilda Road's enhanced facade. Images © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image13_10.jpg?itok=APrxG8qZ" title="499 St Kilda Road's enhanced facade. Images © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>
As a refurbishment rather than new build, certain constraints were considered by Elenberg Fraser to ensure the new design would not affect the structural integrity of the existing building, in particular the existing structural spandrels which constitute the façade.
By remodelling and recladding the spandrels in a way that gradually transitions vertically and horizontally along the building’s elevation, they have been able to develop an appealing solution to the dated concrete façade which exists at present.  By having the spandrels transition horizontally, the appearance of the building is altered dramatically without stripping the existing original form.
Furthermore, a secondary level of articulation has been introduced to the façade, with a shifting pattern developed that is able to further enhance the elevation by the creation of a three-dimensional like illusion. The carved spandrels are planned to be reclad in a silver metal, with surrounding aspects painted a dark colour to allow the spandrels to highlight the architectural statement across the façade.
Either side of the main facades will be given a dark curtain wall combined with metallic trims as a way to “provide an anchor to the building’s form and complement the rest of the building”.
Having been with state planning body DTPLI for a number of months, 499 St Kilda Road's future will become clear soon enough with a decision on approval likely in the short to medium term.
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melbournee12

Rebirthed > 499 St. Kilda Road finds new life

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The holiday season has come and gone, with February generally signifying increased activity and a rush of apartment developments released for sales.  So today we highlight a number of upcoming projects, both big and small, which will in the hopes and expectations of their respective developers grace greater Melbourne's skyline in the not too distant future.

<a href="/buildings/metrolitan-melbourne-137-bourke-street-melbourne">Metropolitan - 137 Bourke Street, Melbourne</a> 

Registrations are open for developer <a href="/developers/vimg">VIMG's</a> latest offering.  Located next to Citadines Hotel, "Metropolitan is a 19 floors luxury living apartments building, designed by leading architect <a href="/architects/metaxas-architects">Metaxas</a>. It contains 104 apartments which includes 19*1bed 1bath apartments, 31*1bed 1bath plus study apartments, 53*2bed 1bath and apartments and 1*2bed 2bath penny house. The internal areas for apartments are all over 43 square meters. The biggest internal area apartment which has 75.5 square meters."

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Untitled1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © vimg.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="871" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Untitled1.jpg?itok=wpCSV5Ii" title="Images © vimg.com.au" width="580"></a>

<a href="/buildings/panorama-101-tram-road-doncaster">101-105 Tram Road, Doncaster</a>

Hoardings are in place and a display suite fronting Doncaster &amp; Tram is midway through completion.  Gaining approval last year, 101-105 Tram Road is held by Dong Chen Trading and Investments according to the planning application.  With 201 dwellings consisting of a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments this pending development continues the measured flow of apartment stock into Doncaster Hill.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image8_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image8_15.jpg?itok=CEnIyqU0" title="Image © Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<a href="/buildings/vanguard-781-807-dandenong-road-malvern-east">Vanguard - 807 Dandenong Road, Malvern East</a>

From recent approval to appearing on the developers website in rapid time, Vanguard is a benchmark tower for the Malvern East stretch of Dandenong Road.  Benchmark in both height and number of apartments; a comprehensive write-up of the project can be found <a href="/news/living-the-high-life-in-malvern-east" target="_blank">here</a> with vitals showing 314 apartments over 18 levels.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image9_9_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="331" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image9_9_0.jpg?itok=4iDuRFCS" title="Image © Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

The Saxon - Sydney Road, Brunswick 

Little is known of this pending apartment development aside from a number of sketches involving a multi-level complex, but if recent projects on and around Sydney Road are any example, The Saxon will sell handsomely in a very popular area.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image9_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © thesaxonbrunswick.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="353" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image9_14.jpg?itok=_lE0jmMu" title="Image © thesaxonbrunswick.com.au" width="580"></a>

<a href="/new-apartments/elysium-54-clarke-street-southbank">54 Clarke Street, Southbank</a>

Apartments.com.au hears that a May public sales launch is slated for this crystalline tower which has divided opinion owing to its position and height.  More artwork than tower, it will be interesting to see the pace of apartment sales given there are only 270 apartments within the near 240 metre structure.  Could this become a Melbourne icon? 

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image1_50.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © 54clarke.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="486" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_50.jpg?itok=OibHsB6d" title="Image © 54clarke.com.au" width="580"></a>

<a href="/buildings/the-village-cheltenham-1228-nepean-highway-cheltenham">The Village Cheltenham - Park &amp; Nepean Highway, Cheltenham</a>

Developed by <a href="/developers/goldfield-group-0">Goldfields Living</a> and <a href="/developers/maple-development-group">Maple</a>, The Village Cheltenham is nearing its launch with one and two bedroom apartments on offer.  The sketch taken from the developments website is similar to imagery found on <a href="/architects/doig-architecture">Doig Architecture's</a> website, although Doig lists the project as fronting Railway Place.  Potentially one and the same or a future additional phase to this initial release which when completed will greatly solidify Cheltenham's Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image11_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © thevillagecheltenham.com.au &amp; Doig Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="230" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image11_10.jpg?itok=OtSmmyU1" title="Image © thevillagecheltenham.com.au &amp; Doig Architecture" width="580"></a>

Reside Carlton - Swanston Street &gt; http://residecarlton.com.au/

Officially launching this weekend, Reside Carlton is the latest installment from Australand and Citta Property Group's joint venture which covers multiple Carlton sites.  "A distinctive Swanston Street entry lobby leads to a collection of 48 apartments across 5 levels. One, one plus study, two and three bedroom apartments offer everything you’d expect for life in the world’s most liveable city."

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/building-exterior.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © residecarlton.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/building-exterior.jpg?itok=Q7hLbUs9" title="Image © residecarlton.com.au" width="580"></a>

<a href="/buildings/walter-280-neerim-road-carnegie">Walter Carnegie - Neerim Raod, Carnegie</a>

First impressions suggest developer <a href="/developers/bpm">BPM</a> are intent on bringing quality architecture to middle Melbourne.  Their website describes the project as "Walter, a striking new development in the heart of Carnegie, offers an enviable urban lifestyle.  Designed in collaboration with <a href="/architects/dko-architecture">DKO</a> architects, its progressive design offers an exciting new landmark that perfectly complements its surroundings.  This pioneering approach has forgone traditional architecture in favour of a simple yet strong and innovative building."

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image2_26.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © bpmcorp.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="297" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2_26.jpg?itok=RU-9Plc0" title="Image © bpmcorp.com.au" width="580"></a>

<a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">Eq. Tower - 127 A'Beckett Street, Melbourne</a>

This planning application covered late last year by Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/the-fahrenheit-tower-a-closer-look-at-127-141-abeckett-street" target="_blank">here</a> now has a name - Eq. Tower.  Developer <a href="/developers/icd-property">ICD Property's</a> website states "Designs for this project feature extensive residential amenities for the 632 apartments. These include but are not limited to exclusive dining rooms and lounges, a gym, karaoke suites, pool and communal garden. Pre-sales will be launching shortly so keep an eye out for this exquisite development which has no equal."

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image6_7_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="288" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image6_7_0.jpg?itok=aASR2k6C" title="Image © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

It's an interesting group of projects shown above distributed throughout metropolitan Melbourne, but really just a small fraction of projects relative to the apartment stock expected to be released throughout 2014.  Melbourne's insatiable appetite for apartments shows no sign of abating.
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The good oil - forthcoming apartment releases

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Best known as the home of GTV-9 for a good part of half a century, the first stage of <a href="http://www.lendlease.com/site-settings/splashpage.aspx">Lend Lease</a>'s <a href="http://www.studioninerichmond.com.au/">Studio Nine</a> development on Bendigo Street in Richmond has been completed, with residents recently moving in. Designed by <a href="http://www.kerstinthompson.com/">Kerstin Thompson Architects</a> (KTA) the project involved the adaptive re-use of the former Wertheim Piano Factory building into 34 Heritage Apartments, a yet to be fitted out City of Yarra community centre (due to open in late 2014) and a couple of retail offerings - one of which is accessed via a new breezeway space linking Bendigo Street with the new internal Studio Square.

Having worked on the project for a good part of three years while at KTA, I was fortunate enough to see the project through from inception to just before completion and as the title of this article suggests - I believe it was worth the effort.

<h2>Brief history</h2>

The Heritage listed, Federation Free-style Wertheim Piano Factory was designed by architect Nahum Barnet for German-born Hugo Wertheim in 1909, becoming the first piano factory to be constructed in Victoria and the largest in Australia, employing 300 workers and producing 2,000 pianos per annum. Its construction was part of the movement away from the importation of goods with local manufacturing favoured, which in turn led to Wertheim's reputation for producing fine pianos. The foundation stone laid by then Prime Minister, Alfred Deakin on the 21st of October 1908 is still visible from Bendigo Street.

The red brick building features rendered mouldings and detailing, a terracotta roof and dual double storey turrets flanking a single storey spine topped by a gabled roof. A rendered curved parapet once adorned by the names Wertheim and Heinz today carries Studio Nine Richmond.

In March 1935 the building became the new domicile of Heinz, retrofitted to become a tinned food factory. Initially employing 75 workers and beginning with production of bottled horse radish, by 1948 Heinz was producing over 13 million cans a year at the facility. Despite adding further floorspace and equipment Heinz had ultimately outgrown the site and in October 1955 sold the Bendigo Street site to GTV-9.

Occupying the facility from 1957 to 2011, it soon became known as 'Television City'. Television productions such as The Graham Kennedy Show, The Don Lane Show, Nine News, In Melbourne Tonight, Hey, Hey It's Saturday, The Footy Show (AFL) and many more were filmed, adding to the site's already rich history.

For more information on the significance of the Wertheim Piano Factory see the following: <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/reports/report_place/4454">http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/reports/report_place/4454</a>.

<img alt="" height="621" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/pictures/article-images/wertheim_0.jpg" title=" KTA" width="930">

<h2>Design methodology</h2>

<blockquote>
We started by looking at the building - what key aspects needed to be retained, conserved and restored, what needed to be transformed.
Inside, in the courtyard, we had more latitude for dramatic changes. They are still changes that are subtle, but retain the key attributes of the original building. Some apartments will have upgraded steel-framed windows … it was about making the building work thermally and acoustically. Looked at from the outside, every apartment has its own variation, is not uniform. Each apartment has its little quirks.
<cite>Kerstin Thompson.</cite>
</blockquote>

The strategies employed consisted of addition, subtraction and restoration. The primary facades along Jago, Bendigo and Khartoum Streets were restored with as few new architectural interventions as possible. These were limited to new decks, fences, privacy screens and A/C enclosures. The turrets and Bendigo Street mezzanine apartments all feature steel windows - the remainder being powdercoated aluminium frames.

Additions and subtractions were made to secondary facades facing Studio Square which had been altered over the course of the building's life - openings re-instated, new openings made and new structures added. These were designed to contrast and compliment rather than imitate or compete with the existing fabric.

To allow for the provision of a new vehicular thoroughfare to the western side of the heritage precinct about 20m of the southern wing once housing Studio 01 was demolished as well as a number of the roof trusses which over time had become compromised structurally. The new western facade to the south wing was recessed to signify that it was once a longer structure.

The restoration process involved demolition of ancillary and non-significant structures, layers of paint were stripped away, hard plaster cleaned and repaired, brick piers rebuilt, brick work re-pointed and restored while new terracotta roof tiles and roof sheeting were laid. Paint colours were picked in consultation with Bryce Raworth and Heritage Victoria but for the most, concrete mouldings, cappings and ornaments were left unfinished save for a lick of sealant.

<h2>Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Client: <a href="http://www.lendlease.com/Australia/Sectors/apartments.aspx" target="_blank">Lend Lease Apartments</a>
</li>
<li>Contractor:<a href="http://www.lendlease.com/worldwide/capabilities/project-management-and-construction" target="_blank"> Lend Lease Project Management &amp; Construction</a>
</li>
<li>Architect: <a href="http://www.kerstinthompson.com/" target="_blank">Kerstin Thompson Architects</a>
</li>
<li>Landscape Architect: <a href="http://www.oculus.info/" target="_blank">Oculus</a>
</li>
<li>Heritage Consultant: <a href="http://bryceraworth.com.au/" target="_blank">Bryce Raworth</a>
</li>
<li>Structural Engineer: <a href="http://www.robertbird.com/" target="_blank">Robert Bird Group</a>
</li>
<li>Traffic &amp; Civil: <a href="http://www.cardno.com/en-us/Locations/Pages/Australasia.aspx" target="_blank">Cardno</a>
</li>
<li>Services Engineer: <a href="http://murchie.com.au/" target="_blank">Murchie Consulting</a>
</li>
<li>Acoustics: <a href="http://www.renzotonin.com.au/" target="_blank">Renzo Tonin &amp; Associates</a>
</li>
<li>Fire Services: <a href="http://jpfire.com.au/" target="_blank">JP Fire</a>
</li>
<li>Building Surveyor: <a href="http://www.philipchun.com.au/" target="_blank">Philip Chun &amp; Associates</a>
</li>
<li>Planning Consultant: <a href="http://www.contour.net.au/" target="_blank">Contour</a>
</li>
</ul>
Please enjoy the photos from my walk around in the slideshow below.
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Project review > Werth the wait @ Studio Nine Richmond

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Derided by locals and poised to be sold as a development site, 6 St Kilda Road has proven to be an unmitigated success – as the sales testify, with over 60% of the project sold in advance of the public launch. A product of Pace Development Group and conceived by Jackson Clement Burrows Architects, the tower was criticised through mainstream media and local opposition group websites during the approval process. Yet as its public launch neared, multiple high quality renders have been released showing a well articulated, interesting and unique residential tower in a prime position.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/external_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Pace Development Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/external_0.jpg?itok=KGSjGHeG" title="Image © Pace Development Group" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Now branded The Icon, St Kilda and having had amended plans approved by VCAT during May, the still 18 level tower now has 11 additional residences while the ground floor office space has been replaced by a 160 seat restaurant, bringing further activation and interest to the building at ground level. Perforated folding metal screens will shroud the glass facade, with no less than 40 different colours to adorn the building, in complete contrast to the current building onsite sporting a white facade which also acts as the display suite.

119 apartments are incorporated, with one, two and three bedrooms available. Top end apartment layouts include three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two carpark spaces. Interiors are architecturally designed and of exceptionally high quality, with Miele appliances, timber floorboards and magnificent upgrade options. Balconies are large, and the striking façade allows external areas to be transformed to increase internal living spaces." With a choice of internal colour schemes and balconies that can be converted to useable internal spaces, the flexibility of The Icon will be a major selling point for potential buyers.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Kitchen1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Pace Development Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Kitchen1_0.jpg?itok=4rkRoBZ_" title="Image © Pace Development Group" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Given its position perched atop St Kilda Junction, the majority of apartments through the 56 metre high complex will hold excellent views in all directions, including Bay/Peninsula, Dandenongs, City and Albert Park aspects. The Icon's facilities include a Teppanyaki Barbeque Deck, common Dining Room, 2 kitchen areas, communal lounge area with suspended fireplace and gym facilities. Along with the redesigned ground level comes a cafe space for residents and visitors alike. Facilities aside, the exemplary design, quality finishes and cracking location suggest The Icon St Kilda will be an instant sales success when released for public sale, which happens to be today.

<div style="position: absolute; top: -1999px; left: -1988px;">Teppanyaki Barbeque Deck, Grand Dining Room, 2 kitchen areas, Lounge area with stunning suspended fireplace &amp; wine lockers, and personal training studio - See more at: http://www.motionproperty.com.au/property/the-icon-st-kilda#sthash.n0dEepXq.dpuf</div>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Looking-in_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Pace Development Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Looking-in_0.jpg?itok=hVBfuC8k" title="Image © Pace Development Group" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Apartments are priced as follows:

<ul>
<li>1 bedroom apartments from $340,000</li>
	<li>2 bedroom apartments + car space from $535,000</li>
	<li>3 bedroom apartments + 2 car spaces from $660,000</li>
</ul>
<div style="position: absolute; top: -1999px; left: -1988px;">1 bedroom apartments from $340,000 
2 bedroom apartments + car space from $535,000 
3 bedroom apartments + 2 car spaces from $660,000 - See more at: http://www.motionproperty.com.au/property/the-icon-st-kilda#sthash.n0dEepXq.dpuf</div>

<div style="position: absolute; top: -1999px; left: -1988px;">1 bedroom apartments from $340,000 
2 bedroom apartments + car space from $535,000 
3 bedroom apartments + 2 car spaces from $660,000 - See more at: http://www.motionproperty.com.au/property/the-icon-st-kilda#sthash.n0dEepXq.dpuf</div>

<div style="position: absolute; top: -1999px; left: -1988px;">1 bedroom apartments from $340,000 
2 bedroom apartments + car space from $535,000 
3 bedroom apartments + 2 car spaces from $660,000 - See more at: http://www.motionproperty.com.au/property/the-icon-st-kilda#sthash.n0dEepXq.dpuf</div>

<div style="position: absolute; top: -1999px; left: -1988px;">1 bedroom apartments from $340,000 
2 bedroom apartments + car space from $535,000 
3 bedroom apartments + 2 car spaces from $660,000 - See more at: http://www.motionproperty.com.au/property/the-icon-st-kilda#sthash.n0dEepXq.dpuf</div>

<div style="position: absolute; top: -1999px; left: -1988px;">1 bedroom apartments from $340,000 
2 bedroom apartments + car space from $535,000 
3 bedroom apartments + 2 car spaces from $660,000 - See more at: http://www.motionproperty.com.au/property/the-icon-st-kilda#sthash.n0dEepXq.dpuf</div>

Visit <a href="http://theiconstkilda.com.au" target="_blank">theiconstkilda.com.au</a> for further information, and see the YouTube clip below. As the new saying goes, a YouTube clip is worth a thousand words.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2OSKLA2WR0I" width="100%"></iframe>
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The Icon, St Kilda

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Having observed Melbourne's growing appetite and subsequent construction boom in apartments for over ten years, certain trends become abundantly clear. One such trend is the widening chasm in design quality between Melbourne's inner city and middle/outer suburban apartment stock. Whilst many inner city apartment projects maintain a certain design quality, the majority of those in middle and outer suburbs tend to be precast creations, low in design quality and devoid of character - but not all.

Enter Imperial Apartments atop Doncaster Hill.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/GS_Doncaster_External%20Daylight%20V1_RETOUCH.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sweeping view offered by Imperial Apartments. Image © AXF Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/GS_Doncaster_External%20Daylight%20V1_RETOUCH.jpg?itok=0h0YFEEs" title="Sweeping view offered by Imperial Apartments. Image © AXF Group" typeof="Image"></a>

Ever expanding Melbourne developer <a href="http://www.axfgroup.com.au/" target="_blank">AXF Group</a> have teamed with <a href="http://buchan.com.au/" target="_blank">Buchan Group Architects</a> to deliver an impressive design that responds to its surrounds. With frontage to Williamsons Road and perched atop Doncaster Hill, the terraced design utilises its incredible location to maximise sight lines from apartments over all levels - something generally not afforded to most developments. Relative to nearby apartment buildings, many of which were developed some years ago, Imperial sets the standard for Doncaster in terms of presence and design quality.

Yet the true test of an apartment building's quality lies within. Imperial will contain 96 apartments over ten levels, with one, two and three bedroom options available. Internal design firm <a href="http://www.gabrielsaunders.com.au/" target="_blank">Gabriel Saunders</a> have been commissioned to provide a Couture service allowing purchasers to customise their apartments to the their personal preferences. Fixtures &amp; fittings will also be high end with Imperial apartments featuring timber floors, marble bench tops, Bosch or Miele appliances, Two-Pac joinery, porcelain tiles and designer lighting.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/GS_Doncaster_Living_RETOUCH.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A lightfilled and spacious apartment, typical of those at Imperial. Image © AXF Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/GS_Doncaster_Living_RETOUCH.jpg?itok=fnpW_St0" title="A lightfilled and spacious apartment, typical of those at Imperial. Image © AXF Group" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

All dwellings include large outdoor spaces as seen above and below, particularly those with a western orientation accomodating CBD views. Mt Dandenong to the east or the undulating eastern suburbs elsewhere are also visible.

Another aspect setting Imperial apart is Imperial PLAY - a Mini iPad integration system for centralised control of lighting, multi zone audio, energy reporting and entertainment devices. <a href="http://www.pushcontrols.com/" target="_blank">Push Controls</a> in collaboration with Sonos and Spotify have conceived this unique home lifestyle technology system that allows the operator functionality at their fingertips. Light control, music, DVD, TV and Foxtel options to name a few can all be manipulated via a custom portable unit available to each apartment.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/GS_Doncaster_Living%20Penthouse%20V3_RETOUCH.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The penthouse oozes style and quality. Image © AXF Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/GS_Doncaster_Living%20Penthouse%20V3_RETOUCH.jpg?itok=7pJitljd" title="The penthouse oozes style and quality. Image © AXF Group" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Imperial's residential facilities are also of an exceptional standard and include a proposed open terrace residents garden, modern gym and a residents business lounge complete with a theatre while car parking and storage spaces come standard to each apartment.

So there you have it, an impressive line-up of features for an apartment development designed to sit above all others. With apartment prices beginning from $375,000, Imperial offers an high quality product in a suburb where the median house price sits comfortably <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/melbourne-experiences-strongest-march-quarter-price-growth-for-a-decade-with-51-boost-to-%24561000-median-reiv/2013041260356" target="_blank">above $800,000</a> - a viable alternative for those seeking a 3108 postcode without the asscoiated price tag. Harking on my earlier point, if more apartment developments were to feature the thought and quality of Imperial's design, apartment living through Melbourne middle and outer suburbs would be that much more better for it.

<div>
Completion is anticipated during early 2015.

For further information, see <a href="http://www.imperialdoncaster.com.au" target="_blank">www.imperialdoncaster.com.au</a> or contact AXF Property on 03 8680 4888.
</div>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/sCF6AfOkQWE" width="100%"></iframe>
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Imperial by name, Imperial by nature

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<a href="http://youandi.net.au/" target="_blank">You &amp; I</a>, ICD Property's first foray into the Collingwood area is commencing construction on May 29th.

Designed by <a href="http://www.orbitsolutions.com.au/" target="_blank">Orbit Solutions</a>, interiors by <a href="http://www.carr.net.au/" target="_blank">Carr Design</a> and to be built by <a href="http://www.harrishmc.com.au/" target="_blank">Harris HMC</a>, You &amp; I will be a community built over seven levels comprising 28 one bedroom and 35 two bedroom apartments.

<img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_702px" height="485" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/ExteriorFacade02_0.jpg?itok=ifl5ExhS" title="You &amp; I - render © ICD Property" width="702">

Developer Michael Mai, Managing Director of ICD Property said, "We know You &amp; I will have great appeal to owner-occupiers and investors. It's a unique building in a vibrant area and we hope it will give its residents a real sense of community".

Every apartment comprises a balcony, there will be a roof top community garden and recreation area, secured parking as well as a generous amount of bike spaces further enhancing the appeal to residents who wish to get around town with more sustainable transport modes.

As the building is located on Smith Street, residents will have prime access to the #86 Waterfront City-Bundoora RMIT tram offering a 10 minute journey into and out of the CBD with 7-8 minute frequencies in weekday peak and 12 minute frequencies on the weekends. A short 300m walk south on Smith Street, residents will have access to the Doncaster Area Rapid Transit bus routes running on Johnston Street (200, 201, 203 and 207) offering an alternative route to the CBD or a trip out to Kew Junction or Doncaster Shoppingtown with a service frequency of 10 minutes.

You &amp; I will be adorned with three public artworks offering both shade and privacy to residents and at the same time making a statement for the new top end of Smith Street.

ICD Property have announced 60% of the apartments have been sold, so if you'd like to secure a piece of the new top end of Smith Street, register for more information on <a href="http://youandi.net.au" target="_blank">youandi.net.au</a>.

Urban.com.au has also updated our <a href="/buildings/you-and-i-450-smith-street-collingwood#content" target="_blank">project page</a> and we will of course be covering You &amp; I's construction in our <a href="/news">forum</a>.

<iframe align="middle" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0V2vJE6ikDM?rel=0" width="100%"></iframe>

This is advertiser content for ICD Property.
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