Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

Joel Robinson

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

&nbsp;

Developer GURNER™ Group has revealed $1.65 billion in residential sales nationally across the 12 months to December 2025, driven largely by the continued momentum of its Docklands wellness-focused precinct, Elysium Fields.

The sales result was generated across seven projects in Victoria and New South Wales, headlined by Elysium Fields, GURNER™’s $2.75 billion mixed-use precinct planned for Harbour Esplanade in Docklands.

The project has recorded more than $500 million in sales across the first three towers, equating to around 580 apartments sold.

The first tower, Helios, has now sold out of its 240 private residences, with GURNER™ preparing to release a premium penthouse collection comprising 15 three-bedroom penthouses in coming weeks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370975]

Elysium Fields is being developed on the long-held 20,000 sqm Docklands site at 208-226 Harbour Esplanade, which had remained undeveloped for more than two decades prior to GURNER™ taking over the project around four years ago.

Construction has now commenced across four towers ranging between 18 and 30 storeys, with Hamilton Marino and Maxcon appointed as builders.

Once complete, the precinct is expected to comprise around 1,100 residences, alongside retail, hospitality and public realm uses integrated throughout the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370981]

Designed by Fraser &amp; Partners in collaboration with GURNER™ Design House, the project has been positioned around the developer’s broader focus on wellness-led residential living.

“We don’t sell apartments. We create a true luxury lifestyle that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the market today,” Founder and Executive Chairman Tim Gurner said.

“To deliver that requires an extraordinary level of detail, coordination and discipline across multiple verticals, from design and hospitality through to wellness and service.”

“We’ve always believed that living extends far beyond the physical residence. It’s about how you feel the moment you arrive, how you live day-to-day, and the ecosystem that supports that.” 
[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370977]

The project’s design places a heavy focus on landscaping, wellness amenities and biophilic design principles.

Plans include around 3,700 sqm of landscaped gardens and open space throughout the precinct, alongside a retail and dining offering spanning approximately 5,000 sqm.

The broader public realm strategy centres around what GURNER™ describes as the “Path of Life”, an urban forest and landscaped pedestrian environment intended to connect the various buildings and wellness spaces across the precinct.

The apartments themselves will incorporate a range of wellness-focused inclusions, including purified air and water systems, circadian lighting, antimicrobial surfaces, and optional in-home wellness upgrades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370980]

Gurner said the company’s experience through its Saint Haven wellness clubs had directly informed the residential offering now being incorporated into Elysium Fields.

“We’re seeing a clear global shift toward longevity, performance and proactive health,” Gurner said.

“Our role is to deliver that in a way that feels seamless, highly private and beautifully resolved within the environments we create.”

A large component of the wellness offering is planned through the resident amenity and health facilities proposed within the precinct.

That includes plans for bathing and recovery facilities spread throughout the towers, incorporating mineral pools, saunas, steam rooms, flotation therapy, red light therapy and wellness lounges.

The developer is also seeking approvals for what it describes as a “reverse ageing medical clinic” within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370978]

According to project information released by the group, the proposed facility would include cryotherapy, IV infusion therapy, infrared and dry saunas, PEMF beds, MRIs, DEXA scans, brain scans and blood analysis services.

Within the first tower, Helios, residents will also have access to a dedicated amenity offering known as the Sky Private Club.

The upper 15 levels of the building will include private lounges, dining spaces, rooftop amenities and optional private wellness studios integrated within residences.

The Helios tower itself comprises 260 apartments ranging between 60 sqm and 300 sqm, including a collection of penthouses.

That includes a planned two-storey penthouse spanning around 600 sqm with uninterrupted bay views.

The Elysium Fields precinct is being delivered in partnership with Digital Harbour Holdings, a consortium that includes the Liberman family, which controls the development rights across the Docklands site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370979]

The sales result comes as GURNER™ continues expanding its national development pipeline beyond Victoria.

“We have a strong pipeline across Australia and are now focused on scaling into key markets including New South Wales and Queensland, while continuing to build on our Melbourne base,” Gurner said.

“We currently have more than $3 billion in the market, growing to over $5 billion by October, and expect to materially outperform last year in the 2026 calendar year.”

The result also reflects the continued strength of the upper-end apartment market in Melbourne, particularly for owner-occupier-focused product with large-scale amenity and lifestyle offerings.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144441]

Record result anchored by the Group’s “utopian” Elysium Fields precinct – defying market headwinds in Docklands.

Elysium Fields drive Gurner to $1.65 billion in apartment sales over 2025

National Australia Bank (NAB) will fund <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera</a>, a $1 billion, 52-level luxury residential tower being developed by Central Equity in one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held coastal locations at Northcliffe.

The project, launched recently by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a>, one of Victoria’s largest private residential developers, comes at a time when construction funding for large residential developments has become increasingly competitive as lenders tighten exposure to the sector.

Multiplex has been appointed the builder, and construction is now underway.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365784]

Since its first project, Central Equity has delivered more than 85 residential developments with a combined end value exceeding $8 billion.

Palmera reflects Central Equity’s growing focus on the Gold Coast luxury apartment market and continues a relationship between Central Equity and NAB that dates back to the late 1980s, when the bank funded one of Melbourne’s earliest inner-city residential towers at a time when high-rise apartment living in the CBD was largely unproven.

“NAB’s funding of Central Equity’s $36 million CBD development in the late 1980’s to the financing of the billion-dollar tower today highlights the long-term relationship between the two organisations in delivering major residential projects” said Central Equity Founder and Chairman Eddie Kutner.

He said NAB’s early support was instrumental in helping establish the company’s development model.

“When we commenced our first residential tower in the late 1980s the concept of funding off-the-plan apartments was still largely untested in Australia,” Kutner said.

“NAB recognised the opportunity early and supported the project when others were uncertain. That relationship has now continued for more than 37 years across many developments.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Central Equity was established in 1987 when Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank precinct were still dominated by warehouses and commercial buildings. Fewer than 100 residents lived in Southbank at the time, and large-scale residential development in the inner city was not widely considered.

Recognising changing demographics and lifestyle preferences, the company began developing high-rise residential projects designed to bring permanent residents into the city centre.

Central Equity has provided accommodation for approximately 40,000 residents across Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank, while also incorporating supporting infrastructure including essential lifestyle facilities like retail spaces, childcare facilities and neighbourhood activity centres.

Central Equity has spent many years assembling the Palmera development site on the corner of Garfield Terrace and Frederick Street in Northcliffe, creating a supersite of around 3,300 sqm.

The developer said the Palmera apartment tower reflects its long-term view of the Gold Coast as a growing and increasingly diversified economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365768]

Supported by infrastructure including the light rail network, major road upgrades expanded education, hospital and medical facilities and continued expansion at the Gold Coast Airport with more internation and domestic flights.

Positioned in the tightly held Northcliffe precinct, the 52-level tower will deliver 347 apartments, targeting buyers seeking a high-end coastal lifestyle, from downsizers to interstate investors.

Designed by Marchese Partners with interiors by DBI, Palmera has been conceived as a next-generation residential offering, featuring a collection of oversized apartments, with premium three-bedroom residences offering sweeping northern views stretching from Surfers Paradise through to Burleigh Heads.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

NAB funds $1 billion Surfers Paradise apartment development, Palmera

Two years after completing one of the newest developments in North Sydney, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a> is turning its attention to the rapidly evolving St Leonards apartment market.

The developer, which completed AURA by Aqualand on North Sydney's Walker Street, has lodged plans for a 5,918 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/33-37-herbert-street-st-leonards-nsw-2065">33-37 Herbert Street, St Leonards,</a> seeking approval for a pair of residential towers rising above a shared podium opposite Royal North Shore Hospital.

The proposal forms part of the broader transformation underway across the St Leonards-Crows Nest precinct, where former industrial and commercial sites are increasingly being redeveloped into high-density mixed-use projects tied to major transport infrastructure.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cc428cf-fe70-4cac-9cd5-264ad53af62c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=otKSnHtbjAvAddOnovyXQMgcAwE6DMe1" />

According to the planning documents, the site sits “within the St Leonards–Crows Nest Strategic Centre, identified by the NSW Government as a key area for accommodating future jobs and housing across Sydney.”

The proposal has been designed by fjcstudio, formerly FJMT Studio, and is being progressed through the State Significant Development pathway due to its scale and affordable housing provision.

The scheme would comprise 413 apartments, including 46 affordable housing units, alongside retail and commercial uses fronting Herbert Street. The project would also include communal open space, landscaping, a swimming pool, gymnasium, children’s play areas and podium-level resident amenities.

Planning documents show the development would consist of a part-13, part-39 storey tower form positioned above a four-storey podium.

“The development comprises a unified podium that activates the street interface, and two setback towers to accommodate new housing supply while maintaining an appropriate human scale at ground level,” fjcstudio noted in its Design Report.

The northern and southern towers have been shaped to respond to the surrounding skyline while also limiting overshadowing impacts to nearby public open space, particularly Talus Reserve.

The design report said the differing tower heights were intended to “contribute to a varied skyline while responding to the surrounding built form context and solar access considerations.”

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36da62dc-ff9e-41f2-a7e3-7be38373751c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.45%E2%80%AFAM_0.png?VersionId=Mo6Rp2r.XRLTzIfg_PEEpw8NepDH8UBs" />

The site sits directly opposite Royal North Shore Hospital and within walking distance of both St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

While the site itself sits just outside the formal Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development boundary, the planning documents repeatedly reference its alignment with the broader TOD objectives reshaping the Lower North Shore.

“The site is located adjacent to St Leonards Station and in close proximity to Crows Nest Metro which is within the Crows Nest Transit Orientated Development Accelerated Precinct which has been identified by the NSW Government to support housing delivery,” the Design Verification Statement noted.

According to fjcstudio, the project has been designed to respond to the broader transition occurring across St Leonards, where increasing residential density is being concentrated around transport infrastructure and employment hubs.

“The broader precinct is undergoing significant change, with a mix of existing mid-rise buildings and newer high-density developments,” the report stated.

“Recent and approved projects indicate a consistent shift toward taller built form, typically organised as tower-and-podium typologies with more active ground levels.”

The proposal includes close to 6,000 sqm of retail and commercial space across the ground floor and podium levels, designed to create a more activated street edge along Herbert Street.

Aqualand’s plans would also introduce a landscaped podium shared between the two towers, with communal open space in the form of a podium rooftop designed to support resident interaction and improve urban greening outcomes. The scheme would also introduce pocket parks at the northern and southern ends of the site, including a landscaped area at the corner of Herbert and Ella streets designed to improve pedestrian amenity and soften the streetscape.

&nbsp;

The proposal is being progressed through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway, which was introduced to accelerate housing supply across the state. The application was declared State Significant Development in April 2025 following an expression of interest process.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faf6d97d-2671-454f-b85a-fe1c6a7be608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=diVd28OBVr5.YV.7prrOz.uAanwwwm7a" />

St Leonards has been particularly active with new developments in recent weeks. Developer SP Setia’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-sp-setia-targets-st-leonards-skyline-with-40-storey-tod-tower">plans for a new 42-storey tower</a> recently went on exhibition through the same pathway, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">Stockland’s 52-storey tower proposal</a> was also recently unveiled.

Aside from the St Leonards project, which is expected to take around nine months to move through the approvals process ahead of a potential 2027 launch, Aqualand is also preparing to launch Boronia, a new apartment project in Roseville comprising around 111 apartments on Larkin Street.

The developer also has approvals in place for the next stage of the Barangaroo precinct, which will feature new residential, retail, hospitality and community uses, alongside a new metro entry across the five-hectare site.

More than 50 new retail destinations are planned for Central Barangaroo, alongside a 270-metre-long boulevard connecting Hickson Park to Nawi Cove. Together with Harbour Park, more than 50 per cent of the precinct will comprise public open space and parkland.

First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party

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

<html><body>
<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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