In Melbourne’s established inner east, the qualities that define a traditional house, width, height, and access to open ground, are increasingly difficult to replicate in new residential developments. Larger landholdings are scarce, and with them, the ability to create apartments that extend beyond compact, internalised layouts.&nbsp;

In <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/kew-vic-3101">Kew</a>, where the residential fabric is shaped by generous setbacks and mature tree canopies, that tension is especially visible.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ricdanic-investments-pty-ltd">Ricdanic</a>&nbsp;is bringing forward a boutique collection of just 13 residences across two buildings at 9–11 Wimba Avenue, Kew. Comprising six homes at No.9 and seven at No.11, the project sits on a quiet, tree-lined street just off Cotham Road.&nbsp;

Each apartment has been planned with a level of independence more commonly associated with standalone dwellings, balancing privacy with the efficiencies of apartment living.

Architect Chris Idle, who has been practising for over two decades, says projects like this don’t come along often.

“There are very few opportunities to do these kinds of developments in leafy, established suburbs,” he explains. “To get this level of amenity, natural light, and architectural freedom in such a setting is extremely rare.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=366267]

The internal planning begins with width. Living areas extend beyond five metres, allowing furniture, circulation, and glazing to sit comfortably within the same zone without compression. Ceiling heights shift from three metres through to five metres in select areas, changing the sense of scale as you move through the apartment. These proportions are paired with double-glazed windows and fully electric systems, balancing volume with performance, supported by a 7.2 NatHERS energy rating.&nbsp;

From the main living space, the apartments open directly outward. Large sliding doors connect to private gardens averaging 125 square metres, with some residences also incorporating balconies of around 60 square metres. Rather than acting as secondary outdoor zones, these areas sit flush with the internal floor level, extending the usable footprint of the home and allowing for multiple modes of use, whether for quiet daily routines or larger gatherings.&nbsp;

The landscape, led by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick</a>, reinforces this relationship. Across the site, 23 different plant species have been introduced, including a mix of native and established varieties, arranged to maintain privacy while preserving sightlines and light access. Gardens are not treated as decorative buffers but as functional extensions of the apartments, shaped to accommodate movement, seating, and informal use over time.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=366265]

Architecturally, the project draws from Kew’s historic residential language. Handmade bricks by Krause define the exterior, grounding the buildings within the material palette of the suburb, while interior finishes, stone, timber flooring, and restrained detailing, continue this approach internally. Architect Chris Idle describes the intent as long-term rather than stylistic: “We wanted it to feel timeless.”&nbsp;

This emphasis on durability extends to how the buildings are accessed and secured. Entry is managed through keyless systems, with a double-gated basement incorporating number plate recognition for vehicle access. Each residence is paired with a private lock-up garage accommodating two to three cars, alongside storage, while all entry points are monitored continuously. These measures sit alongside EV readiness and fully electric infrastructure, aligning the project’s operational systems with its long-term design outlook.&nbsp;

The setting remains central to how the development is experienced. Located within walking distance of Kew Junction and close to established schools including Carey Grammar and Xavier College, the address benefits from existing infrastructure while maintaining a residential quietness that is increasingly difficult to find at this scale.&nbsp;

Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/sinjen">Sinjen</a>, with a 10-year structural guarantee, with completion targeted for mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140755]

Joel Robinson

Inside Wimba Ave, Kew’s garden-scale residences designed for space and permanence

High-end Sydney developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a> has secured approval for one of its latest Mosman projects, one of the first developments approved by Mosman Council under the NSW Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy.

The approval represents an important step in delivering well-considered housing next to established village locations on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, in line with the intent of the Low and Mid-Rise zoning framework. 
&nbsp; 
There are currently 13 other sites lodged within Mosman Council under the policy, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/27-29-heydon-street-mosman-nsw-2088">Heydon Street</a> among the first to receive development consent. 
&nbsp; 
Abadeen Founder and Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the project reflects a considered and appropriate response to its planning context. 
&nbsp; 
“This approval demonstrates how carefully considered, design-led development can align with the objectives of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy," Brown said.

"The scheme has been designed to respond sensitively to its village setting, with a built form, scale and level of amenity appropriate to its local context. The determination reflects a balanced and considered planning outcome, with Council recognising the capacity for this site to accommodate additional housing within a well-located and established precinct.”

<img alt="Abadeen secures first approval under low and mid-rise housing policy for Heydon Street, Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="92811ce3-02e8-44fc-996e-c61ae039bd3e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Heydon%20Street%20Aerial.jpg?VersionId=ZHJVuWQT64QcdrFJx963pFWFzTX7lI2I" />

The Heydon Street approval followed extensive consultation with Mosman Council, with Abadeen working closely with Council throughout the assessment process.

The approved scheme comprises 27 residences, with only four per floor, creating a low-density living environment. The building will include four half-floor penthouses designed to capture views across Middle Harbour, Sydney Harbour and the surrounding district.&nbsp;

The project is expected to appeal to downsizers and owner-occupiers seeking house-like proportions, privacy and local convenience. There will be north-facing Middle Harbour views from the second level upward. It is also just a flat 100-metre walk to Bridgepoint Shopping Centre, which will appeal to owner-occupiers and in particular downsizers.

Two-bedroom residences are expected to be priced from $1.99 million when sales launch later this year. 
&nbsp; 
Joe Tack, CEO at Abadeen, said the outcome reflects both the quality of the site and the broader need for well-located housing. 
&nbsp; 
“This is a highly considered site within a highly established local setting, offering elevated views and strong connectivity. The project has been designed to respond to that context, delivering a scale and quality of housing aligned with both the planning framework and evolving market demand.” 
&nbsp; 
“This approval is particularly significant in the context of Mosman, where new housing supply has historically been limited. While it represents the first approval of this scale in Mosman to be achieved in over 50 years, it is importantly located within a well-established residential location, in close proximity to the established commercial amenity of Spit Road and Mosman Village. It reflects strong confidence in Abadeen’s approach to design, delivery and community integration, while contributing to the delivery of much-needed housing in a highly constrained market.”

Abadeen has an established track record across Sydney’s Lower North Shore, with recent completions including KOYO in Crows Nest and ENSO in Neutral Bay.

In Mosman, Abadeen recently completed The Hampden, with Mosman Residences on the corner of Spit Road and Clifford Street scheduled for completion later this year. Construction has also commenced at Burran Residences, comprising three full-floor ultra-premium homes positioned just 50 metres from Balmoral Beach, with residences expected to achieve prices in excess of $20 million. Two further projects are also progressing through planning within the local government area.

Abadeen secures first approval under low and mid-rise housing policy for Heydon Street, Mosman apartment development

Apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a> is one of the latest entrants to the Gold Coast development market, with its debut project set to be one of the most boutique offerings on Chevron Island in recent years.

Martello has unveiled <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aere-chevron-island-18-20-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Aere Chevron Island</a>, a collection of 33 large-scale two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments across an 18-storey building on Mawarra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367517]

The developer has placed a strong emphasis on wellness, briefing architecture firm Raunik Design to embed this philosophy into the project. It is a direction <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a> plans to carry through its future developments along the coast.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a> has positioned Aere as a continuation of its human-centric development approach, with a focus extending beyond amenity to the fundamentals of layout, natural light, and spatial planning. Promax Construction has already been appointed to deliver the project, with construction expected to commence in the coming months as part of the group’s broader expansion into South East Queensland.

Rising above the low-rise fabric of Chevron Island, Aere’s design emphasises generous internal proportions and uninterrupted outlooks, with residences oriented to capture coastal, skyline, and waterway views. Interiors prioritise open-plan living, with large-format glazing and carefully considered transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367508]

The upper levels are dedicated to larger-format homes, including four-bedroom residences designed as half-floor offerings. These layouts prioritise separation between living and sleeping zones, along with increased privacy and storage, features more commonly associated with detached housing than traditional apartment product.

Aere’s private resident amenity spaces centre on wellness. A rooftop level will incorporate a heated swimming pool, sauna and spa, while the rest of the wellness spaces throughout the building include a&nbsp;residents’ lounge, dining areas and a gym.

The inclusion of both social and quieter retreat spaces reflects a broader shift in higher-end apartment design on the Gold Coast, where developers are increasingly responding to owner-occupier demand for buildings that support long-term living rather than short-stay use.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367814]

Aere is positioned within walking distance of Chevron Island’s village centre along Thomas Drive, as well as the HOTA cultural precinct via the Green Bridge, connecting residents to parklands, galleries, and event spaces.

For <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a>, Aere represents the first in a series of planned Gold Coast developments, with the group also exploring opportunities in other coastal precincts, including Kirra and Palm Beach.

The move north comes as sustained population growth and infrastructure investment continue to reshape South East Queensland, with developers increasingly targeting boutique, design-led projects in established lifestyle pockets. Aera’s relatively small scale and emphasis on spatial quality position it within this emerging segment of the market.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143932]

Martello™ enters Gold Coast market with wellness-led Chevron Island development Aere

Development approval has been granted for Crescent, a boutique waterfront project on one of Palm Beach's most coveted and rarely developed streets.

Launched to market this month, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crescent-palm-beach-34-36-murlong-crescent-palm-beach-qld-4221">Crescent</a> will occupy four combined lots with frontage to both Murlong Crescent and Tallebudgera Drive. The project is among the first new developments to get a green light on the creekside strip, home to only 21 tightly-held properties.

“Murlong Crescent is one of those streets that people discover and never want to leave,” said Andrew Erwin of NPA Projects, who is leading sales and marketing.

“The lifestyle here is genuinely hard to find anywhere else on the Gold Coast.”

Designed by Queensland firm ᴮʸculprit and developed by DCS Property Group, Crescent offers two and three-bedroom residences across four levels, ranging from 119 to 283 sqm and priced from $2.5 million. Builder SNBX Constructions has been appointed, with completion expected in mid to late 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151399 project_image_fid=366218]

Residences face north to Tallebudgera Creek, with views that extend to Burleigh Headland. Upper levels also capture canal and hinterland views to the west.

“The creek is tidal, so it changes constantly. The colour, the light, the mood of it,” Erwin said.

“That view over the creek to Burleigh Headland is only possibly from this location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151399 project_image_fid=366213]

Crescent devotes two levels, spanning more than 1,100 sqm, to resident amenity.&nbsp; On Level 1, a gym, steam room, infrared and traditional saunas, hot spa, cold plunge, and ice bath make up the private wellness retreat. Entertaining and recreation converge on the rooftop with a resort- style pool and sundeck, alfresco BBQ and dining areas, pizza oven, yoga lawn, fire pit, as well as a herb and zen garden. Residents can also jog or walk along a dedicated loop with views over Tallebudgera Creek.

“The amenity here is genuinely out of proportion to the size of the building,” Erwin said.

“Every resident, regardless of which apartment they choose, gets access to the kind of amenity normally associated with luxury resorts.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151399 project_image_fid=366257]

Residences feature natural stone and timber finishes throughout, brushed brass tapware, and New Zealand wool carpet to bedrooms. Two basement levels provide secure parking, with provision for electric vehicle charging.

Beyond calm water swimming, paddling and boating, residents follow the foreshore path to Tallebudgera Beach, local cafes, and Tallebudgera Surf Club, while across the bridge is Burleigh Heads National Park, Burleigh Beach and the vibrant James Street dining and retail hub.

Palm Beach has been among the Gold Coast’s strongest performing suburbs over the past five years, with median house prices having risen by more than 91 per cent and unit values more than doubling in the same period.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151399]

Crescent Palm Beach approved as sales launch

The Albanese and ACT Governments have struck a deal to unlock nearly 5,000 new homes across Canberra, with more than 1,700 earmarked exclusively for first home buyers.

The agreement marks the second formal partnership under the Federal Government’s election commitment to deliver up to 100,000 homes for first home buyers nationally, working alongside state and territory governments and industry.

At the centre of the deal is a $250 million funding injection from the Albanese Government, targeting enabling infrastructure to bring forward new housing supply across a number of key precincts in the ACT.

That includes funding to unlock 75 homes in the Kingston precinct, support new development in Weston Creek, and deliver estate works across the territory that will facilitate more than 500 homes by 2034. Additional investment will go towards relocating powerlines, water infrastructure in Molonglo Valley, and further expansion of the Ginninderry regeneration precinct.

Housing Minister Clare O’Neil said the agreement was about making it easier for first home buyers to enter the market, particularly in a housing environment that continues to challenge affordability.

“We’re determined to make it easier for young people and first home buyers to achieve the dream of owning a home,” O’Neil said.

“We know the housing market is tough, and we want Australians to know that Labor has got your back.”

The announcement builds on more than $800 million already committed to housing in the ACT since 2022, according to Finance Minister and ACT Senator Katy Gallagher, who said the latest funding would help ensure national housing programs are translating into real supply on the ground.

“We’re working closely with the ACT Government to unlock land and invest in the infrastructure needed to get these homes built sooner,” she said.

For the ACT Government, the agreement aligns with its broader target of delivering 30,000 new homes by 2030, with Chief Minister Andrew Barr pointing to the role of coordinated planning and infrastructure investment in accelerating delivery.

“Now, thanks to our agreement with the Albanese Government, this work is about to reach a new level,” Barr said.

The deal sits within the Federal Government’s broader $45 billion housing agenda, which includes initiatives such as the Housing Australia Future Fund, the Help to Buy shared equity scheme, and incentives aimed at increasing construction capacity and reducing barriers to development.

Canberra set for 4,900 new homes under Federal housing deal

Assemble model

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For many developers, COVID-19 has put a spanner in the works – with buyers acting more cautiously due to the unpredictability of the market. For <a href="/developers/assemble">Assemble</a>, it's quite the opposite. With demand for their latest Kensington project rapidly increasing, Assemble's model proves that going above and beyond to deliver what buyers truly want pays off even in the toughest of times. 

We spoke with Assemble's Managing Director Kris Daff about the future of affordable housing in Australia, and the launch of Assemble's latest project 15 Thompson Street, Kensington. 

<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/screen_shot_2020-05-28_at_12.23.36_pm.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-05-28_at_12.23.36_pm.png?itok=TlUbdjBZ" width="580"></a></figure>Urban: Congratulations on the launch of Assemble's Kensington Project! With unique features such as a lending library, woodfire pizza oven and parcel delivery with fridges, it's clear you've really thought through all the practical things people want in a home and delivered them in an innovative way. What are the features you are most proud of about 15 Thompson Street? 

Kris Daff: We’re very proud of the overall design of our latest development, 15 Thompson Street, Kensington. We have always taken a resident-led approach to design and have surveyed over 1,500 potential future residents to establish what are their actual needs, not just relying on our views on what they should have! We then fed this information into our work with our collaborators including architecture practice, Hayball, and landscape architecture practice, Oculus, to design a neighbourhood that responds directly to our future residents' needs and desires.

I love the open breezeways and vertical gardens that connect each home, along with a ground floor pocket park and the large rooftop that encourages people to get together and meet their neighbours over the barbeque, woodfire pizza oven and communal (and pet!) play facilities. This opportunity for spaces which allow for casual interactions between residents is often what is missing in many apartment developments.

<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/screen_shot_2020-05-28_at_12.23.49_pm.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-05-28_at_12.23.49_pm.png?itok=O6bhv49A" width="580"></a></figure> 

U: This time is pretty uncertain for the housing market in Australia – yet over the past few weeks, you've received daily applications from first home buyers, individuals and families – proving that people are in fact still buying property. What do you think is the secret to your success? 


KD: The process of buying a new property can be very stressful at the best of times, let alone during this unprecedented time, we are currently experiencing due to COVID-19. The flexibility, transparency and trust that is embedded in the Assemble Model has given people a great deal of comfort and confidence, especially for first home buyers, who want to own their own apartment but find the traditional purchasing options a real strain. The Assemble Model offers long-term rental stability for five years, with then the option to buy the apartment at an agreed price that is fixed in advance of us commencing construction. This gives our residents a total of seven years to save.

The model works to support those seeking to ultimately own their apartment in an Assemble project, with established minimum household incomes (MHI) to ensure each applicant is eligible (but not obligated) to purchase the property after they rent for the five-year period. Residents are offered free-of-charge opt-in financial coaching through construction and the lease to assist them in reaching their homeownership goal. At the of the lease period, they can choose to buy their apartment if it still suits their circumstances – many have called it the ultimate try before you buy scenario.

U: With housing security becoming a fear for many Australians in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, what kind of financial security does rent-with-the-option-to-buy offer property seekers?

KD: The ‘rent-with-the-option-to-buy’ development offer (the Assemble Model) negates the need for prohibitive up-front cash deposits by offering residents with a stable rental, ample time to enjoy their well-designed home, all while working towards a savings goal. We are promoting homeownership and creating an environment where they are encouraged to improve their financial wellbeing.

Once their five-year lease period is up, residents can then decide if it is the right financial and lifestyle choice before buying into the project. They have the flexibility to not exercise their option to purchase their apartment if it no longer suits them, without being financially penalised.

U: For people who are currently experiencing employment uncertainty but can still make rent payments, is there still a way for them to apply for rent-with-the-option-to-buy?

KD: Yes. Our model is aimed at supporting those with a low- to moderate-income households with a total household income from $60,000 can have the opportunity to gain a foothold on the property market – between 80-90% of Assemble Model apartments are classified as affordable for these households.

The two-year construction period and five-year rental period is designed to provide a seven-year home deposit savings timeframe – the average length of time it takes people to save for a home deposit. We also have an <a href="/expert-insights/buying/resetting-your-finances-during-covid-19-a-financial-coachs-guide">in-house financial coach, Sarah</a>, who assists residents in setting up a savings plan, so once their lease is near completion, they are in the best financial position to buy their apartment.

U: In a <a href="/expert-insights/buying/rent-with-an-option-to-buy-the-housing-model-helping-first-home-buyers-into-the-property-market">previous interview with Urban</a>, you said, "We strongly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to access stable housing" which is so important. I'm sure there are many readers who are keen on the Assemble concept but don't live in Melbourne. Do you have plans to expand your model to other states across Australia? 

KD: Yes, we are a fast-growing business, with two <a href="/news/introducing-the-assemble-model-a-new-pathway-to-apartment-buying-and-ownership">Assemble Model projects</a> in Melbourne, including <a href="/buildings/38-albermarle-st-393-macaulay-road-kensington">393 Macaulay Road</a> and 15 Thompson Street in Kensington, and other sites soon to be announced.

We are also expanding in affordable Build to Rent projects and have a number of partnerships in place to develop more affordable apartments and community housing. We are actively looking at site opportunities interstate including Sydney and Brisbane – watch this space!

<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/screen_shot_2020-05-28_at_12.24.21_pm.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="319" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-05-28_at_12.24.21_pm.png?itok=Tk2PKhdc" width="580"></a></figure> 

U: How do you think COVID-19 has impacted the future of housing in Australia? What changes do you foresee the industry making in response to the current situation? 


KD: This time has illustrated how important it is to create homes that foster connected communities.

COVID-19 has seen us retreat to our homes. It is important to have access to good natural light and ventilation, and ample space and flexibility. Having the ability to get outside and enjoy fresh air has also been vital so gardens and outdoor play spaces will be a non-negotiable for people seeking their next property move. Quality, well-designed housing should be accessible to all, and that is the driver of all Assemble developments.

U: And finally, what would your ideal neighbourhood look like and why?

KD: My ideal neighbourhood is one which provides housing designed for people, not investors and that is free of any anxiety around the residents’ housing future. As a result of that certainty, a neighbourhood that fosters a sense of inclusion and participation.
</body></html>

Olivia Round

Assemble's Kris Daff discusses 'rent-with-the-option-to-buy' and the future of housing in Australia

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In response to escalating property prices and a lack of quality housing options, <a href="/architects/make-architecture">Make Ventures (MAKE)</a> and <a href="/developers/assemble">Assemble</a> have partnered to launch the Assemble Model, which aims to offer stability on rent, certainty on price, financial coaching and community services to support residents on their path to home ownership

The proponents argue that the conventional off-the-plan development model is largely failing to address people’s expectations of quality and aspirations for the community. 

To combat this, the team at MAKE have spent the past three years working on a proprietary development model to improve housing affordability. This follows the successful delivery of over $2 billion worth of development over the last 15 years and complements their current portfolio of over $1.5 billion of urban renewal projects.

MAKE undertook research of build-to-rent markets and operators in North America and Europe, before engaging KPMG and Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) to help refine a financial model that delivers sufficient long-run annualised investment returns to ultimately attract direct investment from superannuation funds into the Australian housing market.

The model is an adaptation of the built-to-rent model with one of the key distinctions being that the liquidity event is via a sale to residents individually, rather than selling the asset in one line to an institutional investor.

Following refinement of the model, MAKE identified the need for a deep community and service offering to enhance the proprietary nature of the model and underpin equity in the brand.

Enter Assemble, a residential developer focused on small footprint projects and the culture of living closer together, who over the last six years via its Assemble Papers publication, has explored the culture of living closer together a wide spectrum of fields, and in turn developed a large community of passionate and loyal followers.

More recently, Assemble put these ideas into practice through its first development in partnership with <a href="/developers/wulff-projects">Wulff Projects</a> and <a href="/developers/icon-developments">Icon Developments</a> in Roseneath Street, <a href="/new-apartments/clifton-hill-vic-3068">Clifton Hill</a>, comprising 48 apartments and 18 townhouses. Assemble led the community engagement, design presentations and sales process contributing towards a record result with 80% of homes sold on the first day of sales, 95% of which to owner-occupiers and 60% of which were from the Assemble Papers reader community.

The project received the 2016 Victorian Premier’s Design Award for excellence in Service Design and construction for the project is on track for completion in August 2018.

Once it was determined that the two brands shared common goals, values and provided complementary skills, MAKE restructured and took a majority interest in Assemble. This provided it with the capital and infrastructure to become an end-to-end property developer and community manager, and as a result, the brand for the new development model will fall under the Assemble banner.

With the first project underway and site acquisitions pending, the medium to long-term plan for Assemble is to develop and manage a portfolio of up to 40 residential assets totalling approximately 4,000 homes across major capital cities, providing a platform for institutional investment into residential housing and a pathway to home ownership for those currently locked out of the inner-city housing market.

Equity has been secured for the first three projects and discussions are progressing with superannuation funds to become the medium to longer-term capital partner for the business

<h2>393 Macaulay Road, Kensington </h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8415]

The first project to be delivered under the Assemble Model will be <a href="/buildings/38-albermarle-st-393-macaulay-road-kensington">393 Macaulay Road, Kensington</a>. Located three kilometres north-west of <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne’s CBD</a> in the wide, tree-lined streets of the industrial suburb, the building is sited between <a href="/new-apartments/moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Moonee Ponds</a> Creek to the east and the <a href="/new-apartments/maribyrnong-vic-3032">Maribyrnong</a> River to the west and has been designed to encourage and foster a new community.

Identified as one of Resilient Melbourne’s Resilient Communities (an initiative of 100 Resilient Cities – pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation), 393 Macaulay Rd will encourage greater understanding of how to create more connected communities that are both sustainable and financially viable

Following extensive consultation with the City of Melbourne, a town planning application has been submitted for the Fieldwork-designed building, which will upon completion comprise 73 apartments over 8 levels. ANZ has approved its first development and investment facility for the Kensington project, whereby it will provide construction funding without the usual pre-sale requirements.

The design is centred around a landscaped, open-air walkway that will provide apartments with cross-flow ventilation and dual aspect natural light. The entire community will be connected through communal spaces on the upper and ground floors which include places for work, eating and leisure.

Additionally, the design team at Fieldwork has adopted a "less-is-more approach with the design, where quality is the defining factor." The aim is for the building to improve with age through durable materials, flexible spaces, good access to natural light, cross-flow ventilation, strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, high-quality fixtures and fittings, robust energy systems and integrated landscaping.

At its core, 393 Macaulay Road is about implementing a clear set of standards that promote a better quality of life, while also allowing residents a greater degree of customisation than the market currently offers.

The original heritage building, designed by art deco architect Harry A. Norris will be restored and the facade retained, embedding the design within its industrial context.

<figure><a href="/buildings/38-albermarle-st-393-macaulay-road-kensington"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="383" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/macaulay_rd_slider_1-2.jpg?itok=HQesSiu7" title="393 Macaulay Road will be the first project delivered under the Assemble model. Image: Assemble" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>393 Macaulay Road will be the first project delivered under the Assemble model. Image: Assemble</figcaption></figure><h2>The Assemble Model</h2>

<ul>
<li>Prior to construction, residents sign a 5-year lease with the option to purchase their home for a fixed price at the end of the term.</li>
	<li>The purchase price is agreed up front and is calculated as today’s price with fixed 1.75% increases per year until you buy in approximately 7 years (i.e. 2 years of building and 5 years of leasing).</li>
	<li>Rent is agreed up front for the term of the lease and is calculated at a market rate with fixed 2.5% increases per year over the 5-year lease.</li>
	<li>The lease and option to purchase is secured by paying a refundable amount of 1% of the purchase price prior to the start of construction (e.g. $5k for a $500k apartment).</li>
	<li>Over the 5-year lease period, Assemble will support residents on their pathway to ownership via not-for-profit financial coaching services and bulk-buying initiatives to leverage economies of scale (e.g. internet, utilities, farm-direct groceries, insurance), Assemble will also have an on-site team to help with the day-to-day chores (e.g. parcel pick-up and drop-off, dry-cleaning, dog walking and apartment cleaning) and community building initiatives.</li>
	<li>After 5 years, residents can exercise the option to purchase the property at the fixed price, with the 1% refundable amount contributing towards the purchase price.</li>
</ul>
<figure><a href="/buildings/38-albermarle-st-393-macaulay-road-kensington"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="527" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/macaulay_rd_slider_2-1.png?itok=Gbxj1p5x" title="393 Macaulay Road, Kensington. Image: Assemble" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>393 Macaulay Road, Kensington. Image: Assemble</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
The Assemble Model is the culmination of three years of research, both locally and overseas - and applying these learnings to the Australian context. The model aims to address the fundamental desire for the majority of Australians to own their own home – and is a direct response to multi-level government policies on housing affordability.

By locking in the price today, you are protected from rapid property price increases. You have seven years to save towards your deposit and five years to see if your home lives up to your expectations. Get to know your home, your neighbours and community before you decide to buy, and you can exit the lease or not proceed with the purchase at any time 
Any increase in the market value of your home above the fixed price, is to your benefit. It’s about giving people an opportunity to get a foothold in tomorrow’s housing market today.

- Kris Daff, Managing Director, Assemble and MAKE
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
What excites me in particular about the Assemble Model is a greater alignment of interest between the developer and resident compared to the off-the-plan model. We have to deliver high quality buildings that age gracefully and foster a genuine community. Design will be at the forefront of the Assemble Model to create homes that are functional and beautiful and that we’d genuinely want to live in ourselves.

Having designed many high quality apartment projects over the last 17 years, I’ve been frustrated that a lot of my team members can’t afford to buy into the projects they’re working on. I’m excited that the Assemble Model will provide them with the opportunity to do so in a supported and flexible way.

- Quino Holland, Design Director, Assemble and Director, Fieldwork
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
A tight-knit community doesn’t just grow overnight. We believe that with the right community infrastructure in place - we can support our residents to build strong relationships with their neighbours.

- Abbie Freestone, Head of Community, Assemble
</blockquote>
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