The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Architecture

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Plummeting temperatures and fluctuating Spring weather across southern Australia, bringing wild storms to Sydney and snowfalls to the Australian Alps and Blue Mountains, has left our property contrarians Jonathan Chancellor and Margie Blok yearning to be huddled by an open indoor fire. 
When the mercury plummets, there’s nothing like a cosy fireplace – wood, slow combustion or gas – to warm the body and soul.
Fireplaces have been a familiar feature for hundreds of years, however until very recently, they have undergone very little change from the traditional hearth.
Now fireplaces are again becoming the design focus for many rooms - even the bathroom - with technological advances making it possible to do more with the fireplace than ever before. At the press of a remote in many offerings.
This week Jonathan and Margie discuss fireplaces and options available.  
HE SAID <img src="/images/2014/03/28/jc-silhouette-7.jpg" style="line-height: 1.3em; float: right;"> 
I think there is always something very welcoming when approaching a house with smoke coming out of the chimney. For me, the perfect indoor fireplace is wood burning with a raised hearth, bench seating and adjacent storage for logs. Ideally, the ledge seat and bottom of the fireplace should be about 50 centimetres above the floor so it sends out its heat effectively. An excellent example of this type is in the family room of a large <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-turramurra-117510655" target="_blank">residence at Turramurra</a>, on Sydney’s upper north shore, sold in August through Chadwick Real Estate (pictured below).
An attractive focal point of the room, this fireplace has sandstone surrounds, two wood storage niches and a long bench seat – just the spot to perch while chatting to family and friends or watching the 7pm ABC news. 
<img src="/images/2014/10/17/Turramurra%20140%20Pentecost%20Ave%20-%20Chadwick%20.jpg" alt="">
But flat screen televisions fixed to the wall above or next to a fireplace are a definite no-no. Not just a safety issues as it always looks odd and confuses the focal point of the room. This style is evident in the living room of “Jessica”, a pretty circa 1910 Edwardian residence listed for <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-st+kilda+west-118064171" target="_blank">October 25 auction</a> through Marshall White Albert Park agents, Oliver Bruce and Kayne Layton (pictured below). While the raised fireplace works, the television screen jammed up next to it doesn’t suit for mine.
<img src="/images/2014/10/17/St%20Kilda%20West%2035%20Mary%20St%20-%20fireplace%20%20tv.jpg" alt="">
Simplicity is essential with fireplace design. The antithesis of this is a confusing brick chimney in a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-sassafras-115851903" target="_blank">cottage located on the outskirts of Sassafra</a>s, a rural hamlet about 40 kilometres east of Melbourne. Positioned at the centre of this home, it services a wood burning stove, a combustion oven as well as an open fireplace – while practical, it’s not very pretty  (pictured below).
<img src="/images/2014/10/17/Sassafras%2010%20Lennox%20Grove%20VIC-1.jpg" alt="">
For me a very simple sandstone or bluestone works. Though contestant couple, the chimneysweep, Steve and partner Chantelle on the Block Albert Park won their lounge room with a more colourful Russet stone tiling from <a href="https://www.beaumont-tiles.com.au/TileDIYInfo/Blog/tabid/87/ID/166/Steve-and-Chantelle-The-Block-Living-and-Dining-room-reveal.aspx" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Beaumont Tiles</a>. 
<img src="/images/2014/03/28/mb-silhouette-6.jpg" style="float: left;">SHE SAID
I love wood burning fireplaces. But having lived in a cold climate for many years, I know the practical reality of slow combustion and wood burning open fireplaces involve a lot of work: collecting kindling, carting logs, sweeping out ashes and constantly cleaning fine dust. The idea of flipping a switch to make a roaring fire appeals to me, so when it comes to a favourite for everyday use, the gas fireplace gets my vote. 
On a recent visit to one of the best houses in Paddington, I noticed a beautiful example of a gas fireplace. With an elegant stone surround and heavy timber mantelpiece, it works well practically as well as aesthetically for it serves as a focal point but doesn’t take over the living area (pictured below).
Designed by architect Alex Roth with interior design by Nellie Tilley, the house is set for <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-paddington-118119623" target="_blank">November 3 auction</a> through Ballard Property’s William Manning.
 
<img src="/images/2014/10/17/Paddington%20108a%20Paddington%20St%20-%20gas%20fireplace.jpg" alt="">
Another fine example of a home where gas fireplaces work exceptionally is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-glen+osmond-117584471" target="_blank">Plane Tree House</a>, a modern residence at Glen Osmond, high on the hillside above the Adelaide Plains. Listed through Ouwens Casserley agent, Alexander Ouwens (and currently under contract), the house features Escea gas fireplaces integrated with beautiful bespoke joinery. Inspired by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the three-level house is designed by Architects Ink (pictured below).
<img src="/images/2014/10/17/Glen%20Osmond%20Plane%20Tree%20House.jpg" alt="">
While Jonathan’s no-no is placing a television screen next to a fireplace, mine is candles on display in the hearth. This looks so silly – especially in photos of a property listing. Take for instance the fireplace of a living room in a house for sale at Latrobe in Tasmania <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-latrobe-118113663" target="_blank">listed for sale</a> through Saunders Property Group Devonport. The room would seem much cosier and more appealing if the agent has ditched the candles and lit some logs at the time of the photo shoot. 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Hot trends and traditions for fireplaces: He Said She Said

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Guest observation
This year’s Australian Institute of Architects' (AIA) <a href="https://architecture.com.au/events/national/awards/national-awards">2014 National Architecture Awards</a> – to be awarded on November 6 – include a category called “Enduring Architecture”.
Where a fast-paced “build and publish” cycle often becomes an architecture firm’s mode of operation, this award gives pause to consider the slow and deliberate, the longer view, the greater good.
First appearing in 2007, this category is a relabelling of the “25 Year Award” first given in 2003. Separate from a <a href="https://theconversation.com/national-architecture-awards-2014-lets-look-at-the-heritage-finalists-31964">heritage award</a>, the institute’s policy specifically precludes adaptive reuse projects. Rather, it recognises the “enduring features” of a sufficiently aged building.
Aside from allowing the flows of fashion to pass and an award year’s stronger competition to take the recognition, 25 years tests the material endurance of the building. Some architects anticipate the slow transformation of surrounding environments and the inevitable decay of materials: raw hardwood takes months to grey, sandstone buildings can take a few years for their colour to dull, bronze roofs take years to green evenly.
Years must pass before their material intentions are apparent. Buildings where gardens are deeply integrated into their design can take a decade to mature.
Is architecture an act of public good?
Endurance is one of the classical virtues of architecture praised in the earliest architectural text by Roman architect <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitruvius">Vitruvius</a> called <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/20239/20239-h/29239-h.htm">Ten Books on Architecture</a>, probably written around 15 BCE and dedicated to the Emperor Augustus.
<a href="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/61593/area14mp/4fjz49tn-1413249877.jpg"><img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/61593/width668/4fjz49tn-1413249877.jpg" alt=""></a>
A 1684 depiction of Vitruvius (right) presenting De Architectura to Augustus. Wikimedia Commons
Vitruvius’ often quoted triad of architectural value: beauty, commodity and firmness is augmented in the text by more subtly expressed preferences.
Possibly mirroring the architectural sensibilities of Augustus, Vitruvius clearly valued public architecture above private architecture. Although he believed that an architect should be trained to act in the public interest, Vitruvius recognised that many architects were not so generously inclined.
He even went so far as to admire householders who build their own homes rather than entrust them to a possibly self-serving and money-hungry architect.
All of the values expressed by Vitruvius 2,000 years ago have remained the principle values of the profession.
Whether or not a work of architecture acts toward the public good, however, can be rather difficult to assess at any moment in time. Innumerable projects with public components have had their public function surreptitiously removed by the building’s owners after the building’s opening.
Freed from the pressure of assessing a building only when it is new, or reviewing the function of a building in its first year, the Enduring Architecture award has consistently recognised buildings whose public functions have been retained or even enhanced in the years after their completion.
Masterful residential projects
Of the <a href="https://dynamic.architecture.com.au/awards_search">11 projects</a> that have received this award since its inception as the 25 Year Award, almost all buildings include large areas of public space.
The majority are public buildings: three theatres, two courthouses and a parliament. The two awarded commercial towers, Australia Square in Sydney’s CBD and the former BHP House in Melbourne’s CBD, both sacrificed the potential of profitable ground level rental to include large public areas, greatly improving the amenity and value of the districts they inhabit.
The exceptions to the award recognising architecture with a public spirit are three private houses.
 <img src="/images/2014/10/17/3.jpg" alt="">
Magney House at Bingie Bingie on the NSW South Coast designed by Australian Architect Glenn Murcutt. Michael Nicholson/AIA 
One is architect Glenn Murcutt’s <a href="https://architectureau.com/articles/magney-house-bingie-bingie-198284/">Magney House</a> at Bingie Bingie on the NSW South Coast, arguably the most distinctive and recognisable Australian house, it has been the subject of a unprecedentedly large amount of international media attention. As a summer retreat, the house belongs to the purely private interest that gave Vitruvius cause to doubt.
Yet the extraordinary international attention that its iconic elevation has brought to Australian architecture justifies it being considered a true exception.
This article continues on the next page. Please click below.
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The two remaining residential projects, <a href="https://architectureau.com/articles/25-year-award-2/">Glenn Murcutt’s Kempsey Farmhouse</a> in NSW and <a href="https://www.architecture.com.au/docs/default-source/act-notable-buildings/robin-boyd-house-ii.pdf?sfvrsn=0">Robin Boyd’s House II</a> in Melbourne’s South Yarra, are also exceptions. Both were designed and built for clients, then bought by the architects themselves who performed the final renovations.
Those are masterful examples of the architecture that Vitruvius deeply respected, householders building for themselves.
Considering the general trend of this award, we might congratulate the AIA for continuing to recognise architecture that produces public space not only for the attention of press releases and annual awards cycles, but maintain that public space across decades of use.
We also might suspect that those other remarkable architect’s homes, such as Richard Leplastrier’s <a href="https://www.ozetecture.org/2012/dummy-richard-leplastrier-project/">House at Lovett Bay</a> will, as they come of age, take their turn in this award.
Of this year’s shortlisted entries – the <a href="https://canberratimes.domain.com.au/architects/praise-on-high-for-enrico-tagliettis-apostolic-nunciature-in-institute-of-architects-awards-20140911-10fag1">Apostolic Nunciature</a> by Enrico Taglietti (in Canberra’s Red Hill), the <a href="https://www.theherald.com.au/story/2394441/tocal-wins-architectural-award/">CB Alexander College</a> (in Newcastle) by Ian McKay and Phillip Cox, <a href="https://www.architecture.com.au/docs/default-source/vic-notable-buildings/vic-mcintyrehouse.pdf?sfvrsn=0">McIntyre House</a> by Peter McIntyre (in Kew, Victoria) and <a href="https://architectureau.com/articles/2014-northern-territory-architecture-awards/">Troppoville</a> by Troppo Architects (in Coconut Grove, NT) – the work most in keeping with the award’s history is the house Peter McIntyre built for himself and his family (main image, courtesy of the AIA).
Like Murcutt’s houses, at first glance this extraordinary design is difficult to date. Looking many decades younger that it is, this 60-year old building still functions as both archetype and prototype of a well adapted response to the Australian climate.
Many contemporary buildings struggle to reach this level of environmental awareness, and recognition of this house may assist turning the attention of Australian residential architecture toward the enduring necessity of being placed sensibly in their landscape.
<img src="/images/2014/10/17/Enduring_TroppoArchitects_Troppoville_PatrickBinghamHall.jpg" alt="">
Troppoville by Troppo Architects. AIA. 
Vitruvius knew as much, and wrote of cities, streets, public buildings and houses arranged according to sun, wind and rain.
Yet Australian architecture has long been without this instinct for the elemental. Slowly, after the colonial style and then an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Style_(architecture">international style</a> (characterised by unadorned geometric forms, open interiors, and the use of glass, steel, and reinforced concrete), architecture is turning to its rough ground.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/32691/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
Simon Weir is a lecturer in architecture at the University of Sydney. He does not work for, consult to, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has no relevant affiliations.
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/enduring-beauties-when-buildings-look-good-for-their-age-32691">original article</a>.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Enduring beauties: when buildings look good for their age

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The Australian Institute of Architecture's inaugural People's Choice Awards will for the first time give the public the opportunity to choose the best house of the year.
The public can choose from the 13 homes shortlisted by the National Jury, with votes closing on October 29.
The short listed entries:
Bellevue Terrace Alterations + Additions – Philip Stejskal Architecture (WA)
Tamarama Semi-D – David Langston-Jones (NSW)
West End Tower – Owen and Vokes and Peters (Qld)
Griffith House – Popov Bass Architects (NSW)
Southern Outlet House – Philip M Dingemanse (Tas)
Strohmayr House – Troppo Architects (NT)
Highgate Hill House – Twofold Studio &amp; Cox Rayner Architects (Qld)
House at Hanging Rock – Kerstin Thompson Architects (Vic)
Hover House – Bower Architecture (Vic)
K House – Chenchow Little (NSW)
Lune de Sang – Stone House – CHROFI (NSW)
Oxlade Drive House – James Russell Architect (Qld)
South Yarra Warehouse – NMBW Architecture Studio (Vic) 
Property Observer has picked out five standout entries. Cast the vote for your favourite in our Property Observer poll.
<img src="/images/2014/10/3/1Res-AA_PhilipStejskalArchitecture_BellevueTerraceAlterations_BoWong.jpg" alt="">
Bellevue Terrace Alterations + Additions – Philip Stejskal Architecture (WA)
To see more of our picks, click below.
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<img src="/images/2014/10/3/2Res-New_PopovBassArchitects_GriffithHouse_SharrinRees-1.jpg" alt="">
 Griffith House – Popov Bass Architects (NSW)
To see more of our picks, click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
<img src="/images/2014/10/3/3Res-AA_TwoFoldsStudioCoxRaynerArchitects_HighgateHillHouse_ChristopherFrederickJones.jpg" alt="">
 Highgate Hill House – Twofold Studio &amp; Cox Rayner Architects (Qld)
To see more of our picks, click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
<img src="/images/2014/10/3/4Res-New_KerstinThompsonArchitects_HouseatHangingRock_TrevorMein-1.jpg" alt="">
House at Hanging Rock – Kerstin Thompson Architects (Vic)
To see more of our picks, click below.
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<img src="/images/2014/10/3/5Res-New_BowerArchitecture_TheHoverHouse_ShannonMcGrath.jpg" alt="">
Hover House – Bower Architecture (Vic)
You can see the other shortlisted entries and vote at the <a href="https://wp.architecture.com.au/news-media/peoples-choice-award/?utm_source=aia&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_campaign=peoples%20choice%20award" target="_blank">People's Choice Awards website</a>.
{mijopolls 46}
 
 
 
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Cast your vote for Australia's best home of the year

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Freiberg House, the iconic early 1960s Kew residence, has been listed for sale for the first time since its design by Chancellor and Patrick.
The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-kew-116460747" target="_blank">26 Yarravale Road</a> was completed between 1958 and 1960 for Freda and Martin Freiberg set within the first entirely native garden designed by Edna Walling.
Hamish Tostevin of Marshall White, expects $2 million plus at its April 12 auction.
The Freiberg's chose the architects after finding their work to be suitably in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright for their steep 960 square metre block close to the Yarra River's Studley Park.
The three-level five bedroom home features exposed timber and brickwork, with expansive areas of glass providing a leafy outlook.
It appeared on the cover of Best Australian Houses (1961), edited by Neil Clerehan given its status as significant for its use of traditional Australian forms and materials, along with its avant-garde planning.
{qtube vid:=J__d58EdYe8}
The Melbourne based architecture firm, formed in 1953, was headed by David Chancellor (no relation) and William Patrick and became known for notable institutional buildings as well as private residential projects. 
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Freiberg House, 1960s Kew residence designed by Chancellor and Patrick listed

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The Walter Burley Griffin Castelcrag house, Creswick, aka the house of seven lanterns, has been listed for sale.
Albeit with extensions, the house retains aesthetic significance as a residence erected in 1926.
Enthusiasts says the property is an outstanding combination of house and landscape, adhering to the Griffin doctrine of organic architecture. 
The house retains many of its original design features, attributed to the innovation of Griffin, including the knitlock block and the distinctive design of the french doors and windows, incorporating timber joinery.
It is one of a group of three Griffin houses in The Barbette sited near the escarpment edge with staggered setbacks. 
Sadly the seven lanterns now long removed were evidence of Griffin's experimentation into sculptural segmental architecture.
It is one fourteen houses designed by Griffin and built in Castlecrag and one of the thirteen remaining. 
It is being marketed by the McGrath agents as "an iinspiring home that successfully unites Walter Burley Griffin's Creswick house, with a minimalist contemporary residence, delivering a marriage of effortless modern living with revolutionary, timeless design all nestled in a tranquil harbourside setting."
It is set on 891 square metres.
<a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-castlecrag-nsw-2068/222771/?searchID=38078299" target="_blank">Offers are due 14 May with McGrath agents David Forrester and Grant Borley</a>. It is understood around $2.5 million is being sought.
It is offered by the architect Barbara Bunton and her husband Paul who designed and built a two-level addition to the original two-bedroom property, linking the two with a bridge.
The original flat roofed singe storey house was 82 square metres with separate living and dining rooms, two bedrooms, bathroom and small kitchen.
 Even at the time of its construction it was considered a small house and described in the Australian Home Beautiful in 1929 as a "house for elfin folk." 
The Creswick House was built in 1926 for Mrs Alice Creswick who lived in Burwood. Mrs Creswick was a member of the Theosophic Society whose meeting rooms were near Griffin's offices in Bligh Street. Both Walter and Marion Griffin were Theosophists. 
Griffin was compelled to purchase the completed house after Mrs Creswick threatened legal action based on the unhealthy environment of the house due to water penetration and damp.
Marion sold it after Griffin's death to Eric Nicolls, Griffin's architectural partner who owned it for five years until 1949.
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Creswick, Walter Burley Griffin's Castlecrag house of seven lanterns listed

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The building that housed the seventh season of The Block has won the Jury and Peer Voted awards in the Residential Mid Rise category of the Architizer A+ awards.
Designed by Australian architecture firm Brenchley Architects, the building at 142 Park Street in South Melbourne is a conversion from a 1960s motel building. Brenchley Architects pursued a high level of environmental sustainability, with a “second skin” of black aluminium and batten and vertical gardens buffering the existing walls from fluctuating environmental conditions and stabilising the building’s internal temperature.
The building also features a communal rooftop terrace area and solar energy panelling.
The five apartments sold on The Block: Sky High gathered $7.603 million on auction day collectively, with Adelaide sisters and The Block: Fans v Faves team Alisa and Lysandra selling the winning apartment.
Architizer described the building as a “prime example of the ‘adaptive re-use’ of existing, low grade building stock into high-end environmentally sustainable development.”
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The Block: Sky High building wins international architecture awards

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Describing romanticism is difficult; I seek to find beauty not only in people but in everything around me.
Behavioral studies that attempt to understand the romanticism of objects and environments are both intriguing and complex. Psychology demonstrates that to romanticize non-human entities is to render them worthy of moral care and consideration, and to find a meaningful, personal connection with them.
Neuroscience research indicates that we use the same brain regions when we are thinking about nonhuman entities as we do when thinking about human ones, and it is here that our feelings (including romance, affection and love) can be connected with the built environment.
Architecture may also be connected to brain development. Neuroscience suggests that the quality of a built environment can enhance the performance of the brain and can even generate the growth of new brain cells. During his search for a polio cure, Jonas Salk retreated to the Basilica of Assisi. He later insisted that the design of that environment had cleared his obstructed mind and led to the polio vaccine.
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		<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/Basilica-of-Assisi-in-Italy.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Basilica-of-Assisi-in-Italy.jpg?itok=d_lQUsYW" width="580"></a>
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		Basilica of Assisi in Italy</dd>
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This experience prompted Salk to romanticize the architecture of the Basilica, and many can describe similar feelings about their built environments. This perception can drive people to consider architecture in their most important moments, both tragic and amazing.
Take Manhattan’s Empire State Building, for example. It’s a New York icon, featured in more than a hundred films including King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle. The famous building is a hotbed of romance, hosting numerous marriage proposals and even Valentine’s Day weddings. The world’s tallest building at the time of its completion in 1931, the Empire State Building sparks inspiration in those who see it (in pictures or in person) as well as those daring enough to surge to its peak via ultra-fast elevators.
Is it the height that grabs us and leaves us breathless? Or is it the fact this amazing feat of engineering, with its super-thick walls, was completed in just one year? Whatever the reason, this building dominates the skyline of New York City as well as the romantic consciousness of New York’s visitors, making it deserving of New York’s nickname (“the Empire State”).
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		<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/The-iconic-Empire-State-Building.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/The-iconic-Empire-State-Building.jpg?itok=N2SZ6biK" width="580"></a>
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	<dd>
		The iconic Empire State Building</dd>
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Another example is found in the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, in a small city in the northeast of Spain—not a popular travel destination until Frank Gehry designed the sculptural, sparkling museum along the riverfront. Like a powerful piece of art, a building can have a strong impact on us at first sight, and Bilbao has become a household name and a tourist destination due to this mesmerizing building.
Santiago Calatrava’s airport in Bilbao should not be discounted either; Calatrava’s famous soaring ceilings and structural details sweep visitors up into the rafters and bring them gently back down to where they stand, gazing upward. It’s no wonder that these two buildings are so often the images used for regional advertisements and announcements; they’ve become iconic because of the connections that they create with visitors.
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<dt>
		<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/Gehry%E2%80%99s-sculptural-Museum-Bilbao.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Gehry%E2%80%99s-sculptural-Museum-Bilbao.jpg?itok=B2YVtNu-" width="580"></a>
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	<dd>
		Gehry’s sculptural Museum Bilbao</dd>
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In fact, architecture is increasingly popular in all types of advertising, as ad execs take advantage of the romanticized backdrop. Take time to note the setting of any new car commercial—you’d be hard-pressed to find an ad where the location and architecture wasn’t chosen specifically to enhance the design of the car, its sweeping elegance, speed, timeless design, and beauty. This trend can be found among other types of products as well.
Unfortunately, not all architecture holds a positive meaning; we all have personal connections with spaces, places, and architecture, and sometimes they can be dark. The 2006 documentary <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwl-Pa_QT0M" target="_blank">The Bridge</a> is a testament to this “other” romantic connection, highlighting San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge—classic, photogenic icon for most, but location of life-ending leaps for others.
The bridge has been the site of more than a thousand suicides, making it the most popular suicide location in the world. Why there? Some suggest it’s the majesty and iconicism of the structure that makes it the choice for troubled souls. Most jumpers don’t survive, making “why” a difficult question to answer, but the few survivors note the beckoning “vibrations” of the bridge.
It seems evident that our buildings do speak to us, in different ways. We must remember that when designing spaces, we are also creating a constantly evolving dialogue, open to everyone who visits.
Linda Bennett is a practising architect and founder of website <a href="http://www.archi-ninja.com/" target="_blank">Archi-Ninja</a>, a more than worthwhile read for those seeking a unique, in-depth view of architecture.
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Linda Bennett

Romanticizing Architecture

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I didn't expect to be writing about a momentous project in the municipality I spent my Secondary School days and most weekends, however this is most certainly warranted.  I must admit I was pleasantly surprised when perusing our forum and in particular a <a href="/news">thread</a> created by Apartments.com.au member Fedsquared featuring the new <a href="http://www.caseyculturalprecinct.com.au/design/design/" target="_blank">Casey Cultural Precinct</a>.
After a 6 month design competition with finalists including Ashton Raggatt McDougall, DCM and John Wardle, City of Casey have selected the winning design for the Casey Cultural Precinct.  Conceived by fjmt (<a href="http://www.fjmt.com.au/" target="_blank">Frances-Jones Morehen Thorp</a>), the cultural hub will encapsulate an 800 seat theatre, gallery and community spaces.  Further, the new centre will also function as a Library and Civic Centre replacing the existing buildings located just to the north of the site.
<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/Image-1_external.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Casey Cultural Precinct - image source: http://www.caseyculturalprecinct.com.au/design/design/"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="243" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image-1_external.jpg?itok=UfXY9iRq" title="The Casey Cultural Precinct - image source: http://www.caseyculturalprecinct.com.au/design/design/" width="580"></a>
Further to the aforementioned features of the project, the Cultural Precinct will also host a plaza, pictured at top, whilst also acting as a regional schools centre for the arts. 
Sourcing City of Casey Mayor Geoff Ablett via a <a href="http://www.caseyculturalprecinct.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Media-Release_Contemporary-and-innovative-design-unveiled-for-125-million-Casey-Cultural-Precinct.pdf" target="_blank">media release</a>,
<blockquote>
	<div class="rtejustify">
		‘The winning design is striking, engaging and functional and will ensure the Casey Cultural Precinct will be an inviting central heart for the community that celebrates participation, belonging and civic pride. </div>
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		‘The design rises from the landscape and integrates with the surrounding environment, while the iconic roof which resembles soaring eagle wings, reaches out to create an interactive meeting space for the community. </div>
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		 </div>
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		‘The building incorporates a blend of materials, including an impressive metal and timber roof, contemporary curved glass facade and a warm timber interior. </div>
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	<div class="rtejustify">
		‘The performing arts centre, regional art gallery, multi-purpose exhibition space, library and Civic Centre are easily accessed on the ground level through a common foyer which welcomes visitors to the precinct. </div>
	<div class="rtejustify">
		 </div>
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		‘Outdoor pathways meander through the precinct, drawing visitors to the central community plaza where people will be able to celebrate, collaborate and connect. </div>
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	<div class="rtejustify">
		‘The design is a fantastic outcome for the community and will be a welcoming place for everyone to come together when it opens in 2017’.</div>
</blockquote>
First thought to cross my mind when viewing the foyer images...drawing inspiration from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Parliament" target="_blank">Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh</a>.
  <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/Image-2_foyer.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The striking foyer in the Casey Cultural Centre - image source: http://www.caseyculturalprecinct.com.au/design/design/"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image-2_foyer.jpg?itok=mqcC8-t5" title="The striking foyer in the Casey Cultural Centre - image source: http://www.caseyculturalprecinct.com.au/design/design/" width="580"></a>
  <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/Image-3_foyer_plaza.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Another view of the foyer in the Casey Cultural Centre - image source: http://www.caseyculturalprecinct.com.au/design/design/"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="274" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image-3_foyer_plaza.jpg?itok=8SJaO_GD" title="Another view of the foyer in the Casey Cultural Centre - image source: http://www.caseyculturalprecinct.com.au/design/design/" width="580"></a>
The new Cultural and Civic Centre is reportedly set to open in 2017 and is to be financed by the council itself owing to 'Many years of responsible financial management...Council can finance the Casey Cultural Precinct without an increase to rates".  The Council's own <a href="http://www.caseyculturalprecinct.com.au/project/faq/" target="_blank">FAQ</a> page states a combination of savings, a small loan and external funding will combine to finance the $125 million dollar project.  
Given a State election is due in November it might not come as a surprise to anyone that both the Government and Opposition may just pledge cash to the precinct given that, according to ABC election guru Antony Green's <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/elections/vic/2013/redistribution.htm" target="_blank">analysis</a>, both the Narre Warren North and Narre Warren South seats sit on margins of 4.8% and 7.4% after the final redistribution of seat boundaries.
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/83821030?byline=0&amp;portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="100%"></iframe>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://vimeo.com/83821030">Casey Cultural Precinct Design</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/cityofcasey">City of Casey</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.
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Alastair Taylor

Casey Cultural Precinct comes up with the goods

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Recently Apartments.com.au looked at the generally high quality of its contemporary apartment building designs throughout <a href="/news/port-melbourne-style" target="_blank">Port Melbourne</a>, but well, that was the entrée - as today we give an overview to the heavyweight that is St Kilda.  Highly popular due to its setting, a beacon for the trendy, the wealthy and the... lucky, St Kilda will always lend itself to high quality apartment projects.

Developers realise higher off the plan prices are attainable, supply is somewhat limited and the iconic bayside suburb commands quality.  Add a number of other contributing factors and architects are given greater leeway to deliver stunning, memorable designs.  That such impressive low and mid-rise apartment buildings are present throughout the suburb is a nod to Port Phillip City Council's policies, developers and architects alike.  In to particular order, here's Apartments.com.au's top three apartment building designs through St Kilda.

30 The Esplanade

<div>Michael Bialek describes this contemporary addition to St Kilda's landscape. “The prominent location of the site provided an opportunity for a sculptural expression which allows the built form to manifest its own personality within St. Kilda,” says SJB’s Michael Bialek. The striking glass - a collaboration with DigiGlass Australasia and Pixels Per Inch – actually employs a super-imposed graphic, built into the double-glazed window units, with the semi-transparent image placed between each layer to ensure it does not fade over time. “The image references several characteristics inherent to St Kilda’s cultural fabric; the fishnet stockings simultaneously speaks of sex, the seaside and the politics of the promenade,” Bialek explains.</div>

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<div>
Read more: <a href="http://www.indesignlive.com/articles/projects/30-the-esplanade#ixzz2ifjaGkOQ" target="_blank">http://www.indesignlive.com/articles/projects/30-the-esplanade#ixzz2ifjaGkOQ</a>
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<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_5389.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="30 The Esplanade looking imperious"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5389.jpg?itok=1yhJK9hP" title="30 The Esplanade looking imperious" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Luna St Kilda

<div>In the architects words "It has inspired a dedicated fan web-site, generations of fancy-dress costumes and countless YouTube tribute videos, and now a building. That’s right, Luna, Elenberg Fraser’s new four storey residential project on Barkly Street, St Kilda, is based on Princess Leia’s infamous ‘dancing girl’ gold bikini, featured in Star Wars, Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. While Luna’s curvaceous form echoes the draping lines of Leia’s usual white robes, the shimmering gold glass and metal mesh materials are matched perfectly with the colours and textures of the gold brassiere."</div>

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<div>Read more: <a href="http://www.archdaily.com/421871/" style="text-align: justify;">http://www.archdaily.com/421871/</a>
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<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_5407_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Luna St Kilda Apartments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5407_0.jpg?itok=qUv2YQZo" title="Luna St Kilda Apartments" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

The Face (as seen below)

Architect A-R-M website provides the following description of this unique building, "By embracing the idiosyncrasies of St Kilda we have extended and reinforced this sense of civic quality in the architecture.  The building is designed as an abstract, ornate object, standing as a sculptural element in the 'plaza' of the Carlisle-Acland Streets intersection."

Read more: <a href="http://www.a-r-m.com.au/projects_TheFace">http://www.a-r-m.com.au/projects_TheFace.html</a>

Apartments.com.au has highlighted these three projects, expand the slideshow below to gain an appreciation of a cluster of other high quality residential buildings that call St Kilda home.
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silvermb

The St Kilda way

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Yesterday the Premier <a href="http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/7401-flinders-street-station-designs-revealed">revealed</a> the six short-listed designs in the $1million competition for Flinders Street Station's future. Despite the predictable yarn from the public transport advocates who have an inability to think beyond their next gunzelesque rant (refer to tweet) the amount of people engaging with the people's choice competition has been outstanding.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Of course, first step towards.making the trains run on time is ensuring the station has a functional ballroom. <a href="http://t.co/kxyKrqzUNJ">pic.twitter.com/kxyKrqzUNJ</a>
— Daniel Bowen (@danielbowen) <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/danielbowen/statuses/359513312146358273">July 23, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>We don't get large-scale architectural competitions all that often, well - we barely get them at all, so it was an interesting exercise watching the discussion unfold - especially on the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23voteflindersst">#voteflindersst</a> hashtag.

One thing I found quite interesting (or ironic?) in mainstream media reporting was the quote the Premier doesn't see any construction happening on site for a decade, yet the <a href="http://vote.majorprojects.vic.gov.au/">site</a> maintains 440,000 people are expected to use the station every day by 2021. That's either an extraordinary belief that Flinders Street has plenty of capacity to cope for the next 8 years (most likely does with some track reconfiguration) or just another State Government <a href="/news/how-to-ruin-an-improving-landscape-east-west-tunnel">faux pas</a>.

The people's choice is not going to affect the judgement of who will win the competition however the feedback provided by the community will be an almighty barometer into how the public thinks of Flinders Street Station as is and where they see it going.

After spending a good two hours downloading all the associated images and drawings, in all honesty, and as I posed on the dedicated <a href="/news">transport forum thread</a> we created for this discussion, I still don't have a clear favourite. There's no single proposal which encompasses all the elements I feel are really positive.

Rather than go into an in-depth proposal-by-proposal I thought I'd just point out common themes which are more positive than negative.

<h2>Tram network changes</h2>

Many of the proposals see varying degrees of network changes: be they new road bridges to fix the awkward 90 degree corner from the current northbank side of Queens Bridge or re-positioning of tram stops. The new Queens Bridge concept has the benefit of removing a left and a right hand turn from the #55 tram route which currently runs along Market Street, Flinders Lane and then onto William Street. ARM and Hadid+BVN should be commended for thinking well beyond the station site and any project, should it go ahead, I believe should incorporate this feature allowing the existing Queens Bridge to be a part of an enlarged Queensbridge Square.

<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/1013-images16of60a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="New Queens Bridge at left - image © ARM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/1013-images16of60a.jpg?itok=M03_epdH" title="New Queens Bridge at left - image © ARM" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>New Queens Bridge at left - image © ARM</figcaption></figure>Furthermore many of the proposals saw re-positioning of tram stops: Velasquez + Pineda + Medina and Hadid + BVN moved the main tram stop southward to be positioned on Princes Bridge and ARM moved it to the eastern side of Swanston Street. Many proposals see a complete rebuild of the Elizabeth Street tram terminus which is very welcome and special mention to the HASSELL + Herzog and Hadid+BVN proposals for depicting the underground tunnels necessary to connect with the "CBD South" Station to be built as part of the Melbourne Metro tunnel project.

<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/1170-image38of39a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="New Elizabeth Street tram terminus - image © Hadid + BVN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/1170-image38of39a.jpg?itok=efzES6Im" title="New Elizabeth Street tram terminus - image © Hadid + BVN" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>New Elizabeth Street tram terminus - image © Hadid + BVN</figcaption></figure><h2>The Eastern Entrance</h2>

Whether the entrants have labeled it "Federation Square" entrance or "Eastern" entrance, the clear 'winners' (for lack of a better term) are those that flatten the roadspace and remove the barriers (namely the tram stop).

Hadid + BVN are taking a really radical view. Their main entrance canopy is space-age and very [insert any new Chinese airport terminal built in the past 5 years here], but most dramatic of all looks to be, thanks to the repositioning of the tram stop to the south, even more traffic calming measures put in place on Swanston St allowing for no pedestrian crossing lights and what can only be described as complete integration with Federation Square.

<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/1170-image03of39a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Extreme traffic calming measures to excite the urbanist in all of us - image © Hadid + BVN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/1170-image03of39a.jpg?itok=zBxnT6rI" title="Extreme traffic calming measures to excite the urbanist in all of us - image © Hadid + BVN" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Extreme traffic calming measures to excite the urbanist in all of us - image © Hadid + BVN</figcaption></figure>Likewise the UniMelb students Velasquez + Pineda + Medina have also provided an excellent integration with Federation Square, again thanks to moving the tram stop further south. Yet with this proposal, we would get a double amphitheatre effect with Swanston Street becoming somewhat of a stage owing to the existing slope of Federation Square opposite and the Colombian guys' vision to have a (Canberra) Parliament House-like grass-on-roof type arrangement.

<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/1110-image01of43a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Double amphitheatre with Swanston Street as the stage - image © Velasquez + Pineda + Medina"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/1110-image01of43a.jpg?itok=inpXuA-O" title="Double amphitheatre with Swanston Street as the stage - image © Velasquez + Pineda + Medina" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Double amphitheatre with Swanston Street as the stage - image © Velasquez + Pineda + Medina</figcaption></figure><h2>Central Plaza / Amphitheatre + River Stage</h2>

Hadid + BVN, HASSELL + Herzog and NH have a strong similarity in this regard. Hadid + BVN and NH feature shading utilising canopies and in Hadid+BVN's case, the join between the two main parts of superstructure canvassing the entire site appears to provide shade to their smaller amphitheatre fronting the Yarra. NH's inclusion of a new bridge (below) - piggybacking off the newly finished Hamer Hall concourse - running from St. Kilda Road to near the Western entrance / Elizabeth Street axis warrants further investigation.

<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/NHA001%20V04%20RETOUCHED.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Central plaza/concourse with canopy concept - image © NH"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/NHA001%20V04%20RETOUCHED.jpg?itok=OXWjVNwg" title="Central plaza/concourse with canopy concept - image © NH" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Central plaza/concourse with canopy concept - image © NH</figcaption></figure>One wonders what the plaza in HASSELL + Herzog's proposal would be like in summer. Doubtless to say it would have a lot of foot traffic, passing through but not utilising the space other than as another transit route (however Federation Square is in the same boat, so there may be some merit in it).

<h2>Integration with the Yarra</h2>

One of the strongest proposals in this area is Wardle + Grimshaw's. Bricks: love them, small spaces: check, wooden boardwalk: it's there. It appears as if this would have the effect of extending the same style of riverfront usage like on the eastern side of Princes Bridge where Riverland and the other vault businesses are located - I feel that's a big plus.

<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/1014%20Images%20%20%2830%29a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Small spaces for small businesses - image © Wardle + Grimshaw"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/1014%20Images%20%20%2830%29a.jpg?itok=5KHWNcZC" title="Small spaces for small businesses - image © Wardle + Grimshaw" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Small spaces for small businesses - image © Wardle + Grimshaw</figcaption></figure><h2>Open Air platforms or Train shed?</h2>

I'm a sucker for the Victorian-era train sheds that exist all over the world, so ARM and HASSELL + Herzog's proposals caught my eye. Big Kudos to ARM for referencing the original Swanston St entrance proposal.

<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/1019-image25of75a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Reminiscent of the train hall of old - image © HASSELL + Herzog"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/1019-image25of75a.jpg?itok=FN6CGU8c" title="Reminiscent of the train hall of old - image © HASSELL + Herzog" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Reminiscent of the train hall of old - image © HASSELL + Herzog</figcaption></figure><h2>I tried so hard to only be positive</h2>

The only major negative feature of any of the proposals I want to point out is with regards to NH's proposal: lose the existing canopies above platforms, they're outdated and will be out of place with the new concourse. I see them with the least amount of heritage value and actually an impediment; I much prefer an entire roof (like ARM or HASSELL+Herzog) or new canopies and if worst comes to worst incorporate the heritage platform signage. Sorry there's a second negative: Hadid+BVN's over-reliance on shopping centres should be discouraged; hotels fine, but no-one wants another Southern Cross retail outlet shop, no matter how upmarket Hadid+BVN's renders of the retail components are.

While we do have to remember this is a station and its primary function is to have the ability for trains to run more frequently over time to cater for the forecast demand (thanks Daniel), there's a heavy focus - in the imagery at least - on everything above, beside or below the tracks and platforms when the single most important thing in any new development on this site should be focusing on new or less platform space. It might not have been part of the brief, which would explain the lack of detail, but the next stage after a winner is selected (and naturally this should only occur if the State Government is serious about putting this on a long-term road map for actual construction), serious consideration needs to go into what the track and platform layout will be in future.

The primary reason why NH's retention of heritage canopies is not useful is that there are arguments to reduce the number of platforms and therefore space where 3rd overtaking lines may once have existed between two tracks with platforms as the PTV heavy rail plan is gearing itself toward focusing less on Flinders Street station. Melbourne Metro's "CBD South" will remove a large amount of trains from City Loop operations and the dwell times at Flinders Street over time are likely to disappear as driver changes will occur outside the city in future.

While yes, the Ballroom is the least of our concerns, like many have already commented on Twitter and in the mainstream press, we must plan 20 steps ahead for Flinders Street's expansion yet also open the public's mind on what else can be incorporated into the site.

<a href="http://vote.majorprojects.vic.gov.au/">See the videos, write-ups and download all the images/drawings</a> from the Flinders Street Station Design Competition.
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