Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Architecture

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Gabriel Poole has been designing houses on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland for over four decades.
He is well known for his enlightened, lightweight house designs and innovative use of materials, winning the national Robin Boyd award for domestic architecture in 1991 for an innovative tent house from the Australian Institute of Architects.
Then, in 1998, he was awarded its Gold Medal, its highest honour.
The Poole House, designed in 1962 while still a student draftsman in Robin Gibson’s office, was his first home in Brisbane's Sherwood.
He came renown for using the basic design principles of traditional Queenslanders but looking nothing like them.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/12/poole2.jpg" alt="">
Poole designed <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-sunshine+beach-129552670" target="_blank">a home on Seaview Terrace</a>, one of the Sunshine Coast's best streets, which has recently gone under offer. 
Adrian Reed and Darren Neal at Reed &amp; Co Noosaville had a $4.3 million guide.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/12/poole3.jpg" alt="">
His timeless beach house with a sophisticated aesthetic more recently underwent a redesign from the Brisbane-based interiors outfit, Troupe Studio.
A bank of sliding glass doors appears to bring the pool into the home.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/12/poole4.jpg" alt="">
The residence's top level master suite, which opens to a private and vast outdoor terrace facing the beach.
 
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Gabriel Poole-designed Sunshine Beach trophy home listed

<html><body>
The shortlist for the 2019 Victorian Architecture Awards has been announced. The list includes Melbourne Jetbase, nominated for Commercial Architecture award, after its design by Cox Architecture. (Photographed above)
It features 89 projects across 14 categories celebrating public, residential, heritage and regional architecture.
Victorian Chapter President Amy Muir says that building sustainable communities is important for the state’s long-term panning needs.
“At a time where we are acutely aware of the issues that our industry is facing due to increased procurement and economic pressures, the awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge the significant efforts made by architects, clients, consultants and contractors to provide quality built outcomes,” said Muir.
Muir said that the number of heritage projects that made the shortlist doubled over the past year.
“Most importantly, sustainability in design needs to be understood through the lens of longevity, going beyond short-term gains and visions. This is a prevailing message highlighted in our shortlisted projects this year.
“All good buildings require a considered and collaborative design process. It is these projects that provide the best outcomes for delivering permanent benefits to communities at large.”
Public architecture also saw a rise in recognition – 11 projects listed this year compared to the prior year’s four.
“The design outcomes achieved via the shortlisted public architecture projects define the important role that the public realm plays in providing exemplar-built outcomes that support our growing communities and provide a legacy for future generations,” adds Muir.
“With population density rising across our cities, public space becomes an incredibly valuable commodity – not only from an economic perspective, but more importantly for the wellbeing of our communities.”
The winners of the 2019 Victorian Architecture Awards will be announced at the official awards dinner on 28 June.
Winners of each category will then be eligible for the National Architecture Awards program.
The shortlisted projects for the 2019 Victorian Architecture Awards are:
Public Architecture
Buxton Contemporary – Fender Katsalidis
Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossing Removal – Cox Architecture
Frankston Station – Genton
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Expansion – NH Architecture and Woods Bagot
Melbourne Jetbase – Cox Architecture
Parliament of Victoria Members’ Annexe – Peter Elliott Architecture and Urban Design
Port of Sale – FJMT
Rosanna Station – MGS Architects and Jacobs Architects
St Albans Station – Hassell
The Club Stand – Bates Smart
West Gippsland Arts Centre – Williams Ross Architects
Public Architecture jury: Rosemary Burne (Chair, Conrad Gargett) Simon Knott (BKK Architects) and Anne Clisby (Denton Corker Marshall)
 
Urban Design
Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossing Removal – Cox Architecture with Aspect Studios
Parliament of Victoria Members’ Annexe – Peter Elliott Architecture and Urban Design
Rosanna Station – MGS Architects and Jacobs Architects
South Melbourne Primary School – Hayball
Swan Street Bridge Upgrade – BKK Architects with McGregor Coxall and Relume
Urban Design yury: Adam Pustola (Chair, Lyons) Veryan Curnow (Jackson Clements Burrows Architects), Jocelyn Chiew (Monash University)
 
Educational Architecture
Albert Park College Liberal Arts Centre – Jackson Clements Burrows Architects
Biomedical Learning and Teaching Building, Monash University – Denton Corker Marshall
Braemar College Stage 1, Middle School – Hayball
Christ Church Grammar School Main Campus Redevelopment – Sally Draper Architects in association with Mcldowie Partners
Monash University Caulfield Library Refurbishment – John Wardle Architects
Moot Court Learning Precinct for the Monash Faculty of Law – Jackson Clements Burrows Architects
Northcote High School Performing Arts and VCE Centre – Kerstin Thompson Architects
Prahran High School – Gray Puksand
South Melbourne Primary School – Hayball
Educational Architecture jury: Michael McKenna (Chair, Michael McKenna), Emily Chalk (Kosloff Architecture) and Sean van der Velden (Peter Elliott Architecture and Urban Design)
 
Commercial Architecture
ArtBank – Edition Office
Melbourne Central Arcade – Kennedy Nolan
Melbourne Jetbase – Cox Architecture
Private Women’s Club – Kerstin Thompson Architects
Pt Leo Estate – Jolson
RACV Cape Schanck Resort – Wood Marsh Architecture
United Places Botanic Gardens South Yarra – Carr
Commercial Architecture jury: Tim Leslie (Chair, Bates Smart), Anna Maskiell (Public Realm Lab), Domenic Cerantonio (Cera Stribley Architects)
 
Heritage
Albert Park College Liberal Arts Centre – Jackson Clements Burrows Architects
Bendigo Soldiers’ Memorial Institute – Lovell Chen
Classical Gas - Original Stereo Version – Multiplicity with Mel Ogden Landscapes
Flinders Street Station Façade Strengthening and Conservation – Lovell Chen
Kagan House – Kennedy Nolan
Loch Street House – Donald Gallagher and Shelley Penn Architect
Monash Caulfield, Buildings D, E and G – NMBW Architecture Studio
Parliament of Victoria Members’ Annexe – Peter Elliott Architecture and Urban Design
Royal Mint Wall Remediation – HLCD with Ingegnaria and Oculus
Sacred Heart Building Abbotsford Convent Foundation – Kerstin Thompson Architects
The Bank, Vaughan – Maria Danos Architecture
Heritage jury: Matt Gibson (Chair, Matt Gibson Architecture and Design), Janet Beeston (Frontier Heritage), adn Vicki McLean (Heritage Victoria).
 
Interior Architecture
2 Southbank – BVN
Denton Corker Marshall Studio – Denton Corker Marshall
Kia Ora Apartment – Baracco and Wright Architects
Melbourne Central Arcade – Kennedy Nolan
Parliament of Victoria Members’ Annexe – Peter Elliott Architecture and Urban Design
Powell Street House – Robert Simeoni Architects
Private Women’s Club – Kerstin Thompson Architects
The Club Stand – Bates Smart
United Places Botanic Gardens South Yarra – Carr
Whitlam Place – Freadman White in collaboration with Anon Studio
Interior Architecture jury: Karen Alcock (Chair, MAA), Eugene Cheah (Cheah Saw Architecture), and Oliver Duff (Clare Cousins Architects).
 
Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
Ballarat House – Eldridge Anderson
Bluff House – Rob Kennon Architects
Canopy House – Leeton Pointon Architects and Interiors
Cornerstone House – Splinter Society Architecture
Daylesford Longhouse – Partners Hill
Fitzroy Lane – Kennedy Nolan
Hawthorn House – Edition Office
House in the Hills – Sean Godsell Architects
North Melbourne House – NMBW Architecture Studio
Point Lonsdale House – Edition Office
Sandy Point House – Kennedy Nolan
Springhill House – Lovell Burton Architecture
St Andrews Beach House – Austin Maynard Architects
Residential Architecture – Houses (New) jury: Rodney Eggleston (Chair, March Studio), Andrew Simpson (Andrew Simpson Architects), and Claire Humphreys (Kerstin Thompson Architects).
 
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
182 Rose – Fieldwork
Acheson Place – Workshop Architecture
Brick and Gable House – Breathe Architecture
Caroline House – Kennedy Nolan
Cascade House – Atelier Red and Black
Edsall Street – Ritz and Ghougassian
Fitzroy Terrace – Taylor Knights
Garden Wall House – Make Architecture
Grant House – Austin Maynard Architects
Light Corridor House – Figr
Oak House – Kennedy Nolan
Powell Street House – Robert Simeoni Architects
South Yarra House – AM Architecture
Storybook House – Folk Architects
York St Residence – Jackson Clements Burrows Architects
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) jury: Jane Caught (Chair, Sibling Architecture), Antony Martin (MRTN Architects), and Michael Roper (Architecture Architecture)
 
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
Clyde Mews – Six Degrees Architects
Farmer Street – MA Architects
Hawke and King – Six Degrees Architects
Iglu Franklin Street – Bates Smart
Little Oxford – Kennedy Nolan
Nth Fitzroy Apartments – Fieldwork
Scarborough and Welkin – Justin Mallia Architecture
Whitlam Place – Freadman White in collaboration with Anon Studio
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing jury: Richard Middleton (Chair, Hassell), Bonnie Herring (Breathe Architecture), and Jesse Linardi (DKO Architecture).
 
Small Project Architecture
Doubleground – Muir and Openwork
Jock Comini Reserve Amenities – Kerstin Thompson Architects
New Agency – Sibling Architecture
Smiths Beach Surf Life Saving Tower – MRTN Architects
Sunda Bar and Restaurant – Kerstin Thompson Architects
Super Field – Baracco and Wright Architects
Tiny Home – Maddison Architects
Together Apart – Architecture Architecture
Small Project Architecture jury: Keith Streames (Chair, Streames Architects), Natalie Miles (Austin Maynard Architects), and Jamie Sormann (Foomann Architects).
 
Sustainable Architecture
Bendigo Soldiers’ Memorial Institute – Lovell Chen
Eltham North Adventure Playground – Gardiner Architects with Jeavons Landscape Architects
Hawke and King – Six Degrees Architects
Loch Street House – Donald Gallagher and Shelley Penn Architect
MPavilion – Estudio Carme Pinos and Zilka Studio
Parliament of Victoria Members’ Annexe – Peter Elliott Architecture and Urban Design
Rivergum Residential Treatment Centre – Guymer Bailey Architects
Scarborough and Welkin – Justin Mallia Architecture
Tiny Home – Maddison Architects
Sustainable Architecture jury: Marika Neustupny (Chair, NMBW), Emma Gauder (Architects EAT), and Andrew Walter (Woods Bagot).
 
Melbourne Prize
Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossing Removal – Cox Architecture with Aspect Studios
Parliament of Victoria Members’ Annexe – Peter Elliott Architecture and Urban Design
Private Women’s Club – Kerstin Thompson Architects
South Melbourne Primary School – Hayball
The Club Stand – Bates Smart
Melbourne Prize jury: Jane Williams (Chair, John Wardle Architects), Alix Smith (Hassell), and Stefano Scalzo (Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority).
 
Regional Prize
Cobram Library and Learning Centre – Cohen Leigh Architects
Jock Comini Reserve Amenities – Kerstin Thompson Architects
Port of Sale – FJMT
Pt Leo Estate – Jolson
Regional Prize jury: Kim Irons (Chair, Irons McDuff Architecture), Sarah Zahradnik (NH Architecture), and Kim Bridgland (Edition Office).
 
Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture
House in the Hills – Sean Godsell Architects
Peter Mathieson Pavilion – CO-OP Studio
Rosanna Station – MGS Architects and Jacobs Architects
Springhill House – Lovell Burton Architecture
The Cinema Complex at the District Docklands – NH Architecture
Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture jury: Dr Leanne Zilka (Chair, Zilka Studio), Aimee Goodwin (Project 12 Architecture), and Tim Wilson (Folk Architects).
Main photo: Melbourne Jetbase, nominated for Commercial Architecture award. Cox Architecture. Photographer: Peter Clarke.
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Victorian Architecture Awards 2019 shortlist revealed

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Beacon Hill, the Bowral farm with luxury Glenn Murcutt-designed homestead, has been listed for sale.
There are $6 million plus hopes for the 40 hectare estate which is named after a World War II radio beacon that once stood on its highest point to transmit radio signals from Sydney to Canberra.
Murcutt, a Pritzker Prize-winning architect, is renowned for love of space, light, nature, minimalism, earthy tones and harmonising structures with their environment.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/9/Murcutt3.jpg" alt="">
The four bedroom home sits at the end of a private treelined driveway and has open plan living areas featuring a gym, gourmet kitchen and a home office with its own fireplace.
In the grounds is a resort-style heated swimming pool with adjacent spa, sauna and outdoor heater shower.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/9/Murcutt2.jpg" alt="">
The property lends itself to those with equine interests, with horse paddocks, arenas and stables.
The Agency's Ben Olofsen is marketing the home on behalf of the famous Meagher legal family.
<div class="mod" lang="en-AU" data-attrid="hw:/collection/people:spouse" data-md="1001" data-hveid="CAsQDA" data-ved="2ahUKEwiih9CJo7_hAhVVU30KHZKrBa4QkCkwEHoECAsQDA"> </div>
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Glenn Murcutt-designed Bowral home Beacon Hill hits the market

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A Steve Koolloos-designed Paddington trophy home has hit the market. 
The offering at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-paddington-130394026" target="_blank">84 Paddington Street</a> is a bold reimagining of a Victorian terrace with nine-metre-high atrium voids.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/28/paddo.png" alt="">
There's been a diverse range of materials used including concrete, brickwork, timber and marble.
The property features a triple-car garage, a dedicated studio, and a plunge pool in the bamboo-framed backyard. 
It was designed for the prior owners, Juicy Design director Tom Williams and wife Belinda by Steve Koolloos of MCK Architects after leaving only the facade and one side wall from its days as an ordinary Victorian terrace.
A three-storey high untouchable gum tree in the garden is viewed from the north-facing rear living room that also overlooks a glass-fronted plunge pool.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/28/paddo2.png" alt="">
The Agency Eastern Suburbs agent Ben Collier has its schedule for March 2 auction.
There is a $7.7 million price guide.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Steve Koolloos-designed Paddington terrace listed with $7.7 million hopes

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The vacant land parcel bought for a New Farm record by Corporate Travel Management founder Jamie Pherous last year now has plans tabled for an ultra-modern home.
Pherous paid $11.3 million for the <a href="/news/business-tycoon-james-pherous-emerges-as-new-farms-11-3-million-mystery-buyer">1,100 square metres Moray Street block</a> of land last year and said he had intentions to build one of Brisbane's best houses.
The land previously belonged to Jane Gibson, the widow of Brisbane architect Robin Gibson. They paid $200,000 for the block in 1986.
The proposal is for a Tim Stewart Architects designed four level, seven bedroom home.
<img src="https://media.theurbandeveloper.com/raw/images/c55b8e43-9f59-4e3e-bf8a-fb7c2168bbcf.png" alt="31-33 Moray Street, New Farm">
Source: www.cityshape.com.au
There's set to be a basement level for car parking and recreational facilities including a games room and gym which leads out to a clifftop pool.
The upper ground level will comprise a media room, office, study, laundry and combined living, dining and kitchen terrace at the rear.
Level one will include a master suite with dressing room, ensuite. There will be a further five ensuited bedrooms.
On the fourth level, there will be a roof terrace with another swimming pool, an entertainment room with kitchenette and guests quarters. 
<source srcset="https://media.theurbandeveloper.com/assets/images/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d-960.webp" sizes="(min-width: 721px) 960px" type="image/webp"></source><source srcset="https://media.theurbandeveloper.com/assets/images/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d-960.png" sizes="(min-width: 721px) 960px" type="image/png"></source><source srcset="https://media.theurbandeveloper.com/assets/images/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d-720.webp" sizes="(min-width: 641px) 720px" type="image/webp"></source><source srcset="https://media.theurbandeveloper.com/assets/images/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d-720.png" sizes="(min-width: 641px) 720px" type="image/png"></source><source srcset="https://media.theurbandeveloper.com/assets/images/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d-640.webp" sizes="(min-width: 481px) 640px" type="image/webp"></source><source srcset="https://media.theurbandeveloper.com/assets/images/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d-640.png" sizes="(min-width: 481px) 640px" type="image/png"></source><source srcset="https://media.theurbandeveloper.com/assets/images/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d-480.webp" sizes="(min-width: 241px) 480px" type="image/webp"></source><source srcset="https://media.theurbandeveloper.com/assets/images/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d-480.png" sizes="(min-width: 241px) 480px" type="image/png"></source><source srcset="https://media.theurbandeveloper.com/assets/images/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d-240.webp" sizes="(min-width: 121px) 240px" type="image/webp"></source><source srcset="https://media.theurbandeveloper.com/assets/images/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d-240.png" sizes="(min-width: 121px) 240px" type="image/png"></source><source srcset="https://media.theurbandeveloper.com/assets/images/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d-120.webp" sizes="(min-width: 120px) 120px" type="image/webp"></source><source srcset="https://media.theurbandeveloper.com/assets/images/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d-120.png" sizes="(min-width: 120px) 120px" type="image/png"></source><img src="https://media.theurbandeveloper.com/raw/images/203e41cd-31b0-4f32-8974-b919fc3ecd2d.png" alt="31-33 Moray Street, New Farm">
Source: www.cityshape.com.au
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New Farm designs for one of Brisbane's best trophy homes

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The Greenhouse, the eco-home at Wights Mountain, has been sold for $2.6 million.
The 2.4 hectare estate overlooks the rolling countryside in the Moreton Bay region, north-west of Brisbane.
Completed in 2017, the Shaun Lockyer Architects designed modern farmhouse seeks to connect to the environment. 
The use of iron bark timbers connects the house to the landscape of towering eucalyptus.
Its landscaping was designed by Dan Young featuring drought tolerant native plants.
The building block, now with dog proof fencing, cost $650,000 in 2015.
Lee and Lee-Anne Stevens who run Healthy Abode, a consulting and project management company for natural, clean, simple living, then created their own sanctuary.
It was about space, energy and health, slowing down and enjoying the simple pleasures in life.
The house has a functional one level floor plan where each room is accessed off a long corridor.
It has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. There is also a studio apartment.
There's an organic veggie garden at the front of the home. Chooks can roam in the rear courtyard.
The infinity edge swimming pool comes with an outdoor entertaining area with built in barbecue kitchen.
Matt Lancashire at Ray White sold the home.
The Stevens have since spent $1.08 million on a 1980s cottage on 8,100 square metres in the Byron Bay hinterland.
This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian. 
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Shaun Lockyer-designed trophy home at Wights Mountain, Queensland sold

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A Lewis Coote-designed Deepdene trophy home has been listed for sale.
The single level home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-deepdene-130333778" target="_blank">1B Angle Road</a> sits in a garden oasis with a private swimming pool.
Modernist Australia suggests it was a very early 70s Lewis Coote designed home. 
"The C-shaped floor plan will sucker in the MCM die-hards," it suggested.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/2/7/Coote2.jpg" alt="">
"This lovely residence hopefully will attract some form of live-in owner and disperse that sulphuric stench of development which envelops such duel access, school-zoney property," it concluded.
The home last traded for $972,000 in 2005.
It has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a study.
Kay &amp; Burton Hawthorn agents Daniel Bradd and Scott Patterson are marketing the home with a $2.65 million to $2.95 million guide.
 
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Lewis Coote-designed Deepdene trophy home listed

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A round up of some key appointments across the industry, as firms look ahead to a busy 2019.

<h2>Technē expands workplace division, promotes Dana Hutchins</h2>

<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/dana_hutchins.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="425" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dana_hutchins.jpg?itok=aBHRk-QC" width="580"></a></figure><a href="/architects/techne-architecture-interior-design">Technē Architecture + Interior Design</a> in Australia has recently promoted Dana Hutchins to Senior Associate, who will now be spearheading the practice’s workplace division with colleague Gabriella Gulacsi.

With almost 15 years’ experience as an interior designer, Hutchins’ portfolio of projects at Technē include the MRC Medallion Bar, a workplace for Deka and the highly anticipated Hotel Esplanade (The Espy) opening in November 2018. With her experience as an interior designer evenly divided in the workplace and hospitality sectors, Hutchins has spent her recent years working within the latter. 

She believes her hospitality experience will give her a new perspective that can be brought into upcoming workplace projects. Hutchins has seen the trend in workplace design moving away from clean-cut, 
corporate offices and believes good workplace design is best centred on flexibility and bringing people together.

Founding partner and director Nick Travers is delighted to bolster the practice’s workplace offering with Hutchins’ promotion.

<blockquote>
“Dana has already made significant contributions to projects at Technē and we are thrilled for her to continue to apply her professionalism and expertise in our workplace division.” 

- Nick Travers, Founding partner and director
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“The Espy is the most deign intense, complex and highly involved project I have ever worked on but I enjoyed the opportunity to work on a heritage project of this scale. I have always been interested in using interior design to intersect everyday life with experiences that are memorable. I appreciate and have missed the process and strategy often underpinning workplace design along with the logic and order of workplace planning.

A good workplace brings people together, organically allowing for collaboration and socialisation between team members. As workplace design has shown an increasing shift towards hospitality and social spaces, it is an exciting time to bring the work and expertise of Technē into the domain of workplace.

Technē is best known for creating cafés, restaurants and pubs which are social hubs and this experience can be translated into the design of workplaces as companies are moving towards agile work practices. Our ambition is that as a team we can create socially rich and memorable workplaces.

I am very excited to do that with Gabi who I have worked with for most of my career. We both have different roles and interests on a project but our complementary skillset makes for a strong combination.”

-  Dana Hutchins, Senior Associate
</blockquote>

<h2>Bates Smart Appoints a Strategic Advisory Board and Announces Director Promotions</h2>

<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/bates_smart_advisory_board.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="L-R: Cian Davis, Kellie Payne, Rachael McCarthy, Simon Swaney"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="212" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bates_smart_advisory_board.jpg?itok=vFuNyshc" title="L-R: Cian Davis, Kellie Payne, Rachael McCarthy, Simon Swaney" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>New Directors L-R: Cian Davis, Kellie Payne, Rachael McCarthy, Simon Swaney</figcaption></figure><a href="/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> has appointed a dedicated Advisory Board, formed in August this year, comprising five prominent Australian business leaders with diverse experience spanning sectors including property, legal services, finance and corporate business management.

The board members are: John O’Neill AO, Chair of the Advisory Board and Chairman of The Star Entertainment Group; Fiona Hindmarsh, Non-executive Director of Hindmarsh; Julie Levis, Partner of Clayton Utz; Greg Paramor AO, Non-Executive Director of Charter Hall Group and former Managing Director of Folkestone; and Colin Smith, Managing Director of Phoenix Consulting.

Bates Smart Managing Director, Simon Swaney said the Advisory Board will establish a clear strategy for the future and ensure the practice is well equipped to respond to opportunities while maintaining exceptional design quality. 
2018 has been a year of significant progress for the practice with the studio announcing the promotion of Kellie Payne (Sydney) and Cian Davis (Melbourne) as Directors, with Rachael McCarthy (Melbourne) advanced to Studio Director. 
These new appointments are in addition to further staff promotions across the Melbourne and Sydney studios with a total of 21 Associate Directors and Associates named, two thirds being women.

Swaney notes that the restructure, which commenced in 2013, has been vital in supporting the strong and valued client base while maintaining design excellence. The practice has experienced significant growth over the last five years to service clients’ needs and the expansion in the leadership team reflects

<blockquote>
“We welcome our newly appointed Advisory Board and their strategic guidance that draws on their diverse skills to strengthen the practice. Our Directors are delighted to have their experience spanning various sectors, regions and genders available to them as well as their immense capabilities to support the cultural and fiscal success of our practice.

“We congratulate Kellie and Cian, who now join our directorship, for their dedication and achievement in delivering excellence over a number of years, and Rachael who will skillfully continue to develop our Melbourne workplace strategy and design capabilities. We value their expertise and leadership enormously in not only offering exceptional client service but in nurturing the growth of new and existing talent.

“Our business has undergone a significant generational change and the new appointments to the leadership group continue this change and will be supported by our talented teams in their respective architecture and interior design fields.” 

- Simon Swaney, Bates Smart Managing Director
</blockquote>

<h2>Architectus welcomes new Principal to the leadership team</h2>

<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/sophie_cleland_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="612" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sophie_cleland_01.jpg?itok=RFrjcc2e" width="580"></a></figure><a href="/architects/architectus">Architectus</a> has appointed Sophie Cleland as Principal to the leadership team.

An architect with over 15 years of experience, Sophie joins Architectus from ARM Architecture where she developed substantial expertise working on public projects, including the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Athlete’s Village Community and Retail Precinct, the National Museum of Australia and Wanangkura regional sports centre.

Sophie is a member of the NSW State Design Review Panel and the Office for Design and Architecture South Australia (ODASA) for the SA Government.

Sophie’s appointment as Principal follows a year of continued growth at Architectus with recent significant project wins including the Western Sydney Airport Business Park Master Plan.

<blockquote>
“Sophie brings a clear strategic approach to the design process and strong client and stakeholder relationships, including extensive experience working with high levels of government, Government Architects and other State and Territory agencies. We are delighted to have Sophie join our Melbourne studio.”

- Ray Brown, Architectus Managing Director 
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“I am excited to be joining the Architectus leadership team and have the opportunity to drive design strategy in the delivery of high quality public architecture. In my new role, I want to inspire a sense of narrative within the work, to create high quality and forward-thinking spaces that connect people, cultures and their ideas.”

- Sophie Cleland 
</blockquote>

Lead image: <a href="http://www.kerstinthompson.com/">Kerstin Thompson Architects</a> 
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Laurence Dragomir

A number of Architecture firms make key leadership appointments ahead of 2019

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A free exhibition at the State Library Victoria will display photographs of Melbourne’s mid-century architecture for the first time.  Opening Saturday 1 December 2018, 'Peter Wille: Out Driving' will feature small and large scale reproductions from the Library’s collection of more than 6,000 colour slides by architectural draughtsman, design enthusiast and amateur photographer Peter Wille.

<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/62_eltham_borland.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Peter Wille, photographer | Kevin Borland, architect | Rice House, Eltham | Completed 1954, reproduction of colour slide, H91.244/566"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="408" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/62_eltham_borland.png?itok=9ISBi0PE" title="Peter Wille, photographer | Kevin Borland, architect | Rice House, Eltham | Completed 1954, reproduction of colour slide, H91.244/566" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Peter Wille, photographer | Kevin Borland, architect | Rice House, Eltham | Completed 1954, reproduction of colour slide, H91.244/566</figcaption></figure>The exhibition will showcase a period of experimental design – from post-war austerity to the height of modernism – featuring the groundbreaking work of architects including Robin Boyd, Peter McIntyre, Kevin Borland, and John and Phyllis Murphy.

It will also explore how the types of buildings in four areas of Melbourne reflect their environment. Suburbs will include South Yarra and Toorak in the south east, Kew in the east, Beaumaris, Aspendale and Frankston in bayside, and the outer suburbs of Eltham and Warrandyte.

<blockquote>
"These images give a unique and candid insight into a period of pioneering Australian architecture.  

Wille’s passion for design is evident in his dedication to amassing this significant survey of Melbourne’s mid-century buildings. 

Setting out with just his car and his camera, Wille captured almost two decades of design and social history.”

- Eve Sainsbury, Exhibition curator
</blockquote>

The free exhibition will be open daily, with a curator talk on Tuesday 12 February.

<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/52_warrandyte_hipwell.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Peter Wille, photographer | John Hipwell, architect | Hipwell House, Warrandyte | Completed 1953, reproduction of colour slide, H91.244/3095"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="397" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/52_warrandyte_hipwell.png?itok=BR0tZaTw" title="Peter Wille, photographer | John Hipwell, architect | Hipwell House, Warrandyte | Completed 1953, reproduction of colour slide, H91.244/3095" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Peter Wille, photographer | John Hipwell, architect | Hipwell House, Warrandyte | Completed 1953, reproduction of colour slide, H91.244/3095</figcaption></figure><h2>Exhibitions and events details:</h2>

Peter Wille: Out Driving exhibition 
Free entry. Open daily from 1 December 10am–6pm (Open until 9pm on Thursdays) 
Location: South Rotunda, State Library Victoria

Lead image: Peter Wille, photographer | Robin Boyd, architect | Neptune’s Fishbowl, South Yarra | Completed 1970, reproduction of colour slide, H91.244/739
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Melbourne's mid-century architecture on display in new State Library Victoria photography exhibition

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St Kilda's landmark Esplanade Hotel or "The Espy" - as it is affectionately known - is reopening its doors following an extensive two year refurbishment undertaken by owners Sandhill Road and long time collaborators, Technē Architecture + Interior Design. The 140 year-old icon has been reborn via a design strategy which celebrates the story of the landmark venue and its rich layers of history.

First built in 1878, The Espy has experienced a number of alterations and additions over the years - namely in the 1920's and 1970's - before being acquired by Carlton and United Breweries in 1995 and then by Becton Corporation in 1997.  Becton sought to develop a 35-storey residential tower on the site, which was eventually scaled back to a more modest seven-storeys following strong community opposition. 

<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/espy201801-010.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Technē's design uncovers and celebrates the Espy's layers of history. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/espy201801-010.jpg?itok=99TyVLpR" title="Technē's design uncovers and celebrates the Espy's layers of history. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a></figure>The Espy, represents Technē’s largest and most complex hospitality undertaking to date, and is 50 per cent larger than <a href="/news/garden-state-hotel-previously-known-as-rosati">Garden State Hotel</a>, which Technē also worked on with Sand Hill Road. Technē's design strategy reflects Sand Hill Road’s vision for the venue; highlighting the different eras across 12 bars, two restaurants and a variety of discrete spaces totalling 3,000 sqm which can accommodate up to 1,780 patrons.

Since day one, The Espy has been a Victorian-era seaside resort and the hotel home to notable personalities such as entrepreneur, art collector and philanthropist Alfred Felton. It’s been a jazz-era ballroom and a rock and roll mainstay from the 1990s until 2015 when it closed for renovation.

Technē's design features three different spaces capable of accommodating a range of performances from intimate jazz or stand-up comedy to rock bands drawing big crowds in the Gershwin Room - a space which Technē has left largely untouched. 
The Espy further celebrates its musical heritage with vintage rock posters on display throughout the building, sourced from the venue’s archives. The renovations have also opened up and activated the Espy's second level, expanding the public offering from two levels to four. An operable glass roof has been provided over the famous terrace entrance and highlights the grand stairway that connects the building’s different levels.

On the ground floor, the foyer’s grand arch windows provide a visual connection through to the Main Bar and to a cellar door-inspired dining area, complete with wine barrels filling the walls, and kitchen beyond. The former Espy kitchen has been re-imagined as a public bar featuring traditional curved oak detailing.

<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/espy201801-003.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/espy201801-003.jpg?itok=MgDHIAnj" width="580"></a></figure>Cantonese restaurant Mya Tiger is located on the first floor and draws inspiration from the famous Raffles Hotel in Singapore, providing patrons with views of Port Phillip Bay in addition to the activity on the terrace below. Felton’s spirit of art collecting and as a host of salons for the creative community informs the Technē design response on the second floor. 
Other areas include a small mezzanine-level function room and the 1950s inspired Studio Bar on the ground floor, a space that patrons can book to record podcasts, providing what Technē term “a slightly more modern character” compared to some of the venue’s other restored spaces, with diner-style booths and ’50s-style wood panelling. (As an aside, Apartments.com.au is looking at recording an episode of our <a href="/guides">podcast</a> with Technē in the space.)

A series of hand-painted, period-style murals by Perth artist Desmond Sweeney (8 Foot Walls) provide a unique design feature, with one occupying an entire eight metre wall in the the Green Room.

Technē worked closely with Sand Hill Road stylist Eleisha Gray on conceiving the interior design and decor of the reborn Espy, curating a selection of imported furniture and decorative objects in keeping with the overall narrative. A tribute to The Espy’s heyday, Technē and Sandhill Road's transformation will ensure the St Kilda landmark remains one of the oldest, largest and most prominent 19th-century hotel resorts still operating in Victoria. 

<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/espy201801-006.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/espy201801-006.jpg?itok=FIkHqeiE" width="580"></a></figure>In addition to The Espy redevelopment, a host of other projects such as the recently completed Gatwick Hotel redevelopment as part of The Block TV series, and the <a href="/developments/st-kilda-vic-3182">Victorian Pride Centre</a> are breathing new life into <a href="/developments/st-kilda-vic-3182">St Kilda</a>. A snapshot of the the area's development pipeline is captured below.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/st-kilda-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
There’s something about this Hotel that captures the imagination like no other.

These are the things we determined to keep at the forefront of our minds as we conceived the look, feel and spaces of the new Espy – age, grandeur, history, arts – and respect for what it took to keep her alive all these years.

- Matt Mullins, Sand Hill Road director 
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
There is no other hotel or food and beverage project in the city that is as big and complex as The Espy. Working with a building with such an interesting history has extended our entire working process.

The design is unique because it focuses entirely on historical layering. Different eras and styles call to each other across the spaces – making for an eclectic customer exploration – and this is united throughout by exposing the good bones of the original building.

In a design sense, the glass roof allows the old building to be viewed as it was before the art deco bay window extension was added to it. There's that element of Victorian grandeur that is coming back into the ground level foyer and elsewhere.

Alfred Felton’s ghost benevolently haunts the rooms on the second level. His story is more clearly explained than it has ever been and the renovation opens up spaces to the public that have not been seen since the early 20th century when they became boarding rooms.

We imagined this level as a Victorian parlour with small rooms, small bars filled with curios and little art works. There is a library and a salon – one of the spaces is called The Pharmacy because Alfred Felton made his money in part as a manufacturing chemist.

- Justin Northrop, Technē Director
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
People have a real connection to the Gershwin Room. We’ve refreshed the bar but wanted to make sure the whole space still feels recognisable. Our design concentrates on the building’s heritage and does not aim for a contemporary makeover.

We hope it will be hard to tell which sections are original details and which things have been recreated. This approach is new for us and also it’s also largely new in Melbourne; it’s more familiar in Europe where this architectural tradition is much older.

- Nick Travers, Technē Director 
</blockquote>

All images supplied by Technē.
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