Growing national developer Time &amp; Place has announced its fifth new apartment development.

With two projects in Manly and two upcoming in Surry Hills and Potts Point, the developer, which expanded beyond Melbourne just a few years ago, is now heading to Mosman. It is planning 53 new apartments on Redan Street.

The 3,233 sqm site, spanning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/40-48-redan-street-mosman-nsw-2088">40–48 Redan Street</a> with frontage to Redan Lane, is located just under 400 metres from Spit Junction Town Centre. It is reported the developer paid around $100 million for the five-site amalgamation.

Time &amp; Place, founded by Tim Price and backed by James Packer’s private investment firm NPACT, has submitted the project as a State Significant Development through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

Of the 53 apartments, 42 will be released to the market, with the remaining 11 allocated as affordable housing in line with NSW Government requirements.

fjc Studio has designed the building. In its Design Report, the architect said the diverse mix of dwelling types and sizes, including 11 two-bedroom affordable housing units, 40 three-bedroom apartments, and two four-bedroom residences, will support a broad demographic, including families, downsizers, and key workers.

The development will rise to nine levels, a height encouraged by the NSW Government due to the site’s proximity to Spit Junction, which has been identified as a low- to mid-rise centre. Developments within a certain proximity to these centres are permitted increased height.

fjc said the project “achieves an appropriate density outcome for its setting by balancing increased housing supply with strong amenity performance,” adding that it “makes a measurable contribution to NSW housing supply targets through the delivery of additional dwellings and dedicated affordable housing.”

The new development will replace five existing two-storey homes.

“By aligning with the objectives of the Housing SEPP and applying careful architectural and urban design principles, the development provides high-quality residential accommodation that integrates sensitively within its established Mosman context and delivers enduring benefits to residents and the wider community.”

Mosman has become increasingly popular with developers in recent years.

Developer Abadeen has been particularly active, with Mosman Residences currently on the market and under construction on Clifford Street. It also has an upcoming Burran Avenue project, comprising just three apartments on the Balmoral Slopes, and recently secured the Midas and Honeysuckle nursery site on Military Road.

Prosker Property has a project on Redan Lane, just a few doors down from Time &amp; Place’s proposed development.

Developers including Toohey Miller, DARE Property Group, and WINIM also have projects underway in the area. In 2024, a five-year target was set for the Mosman LGA to increase housing supply by 500 dwellings by 2029.

Time &amp; Place entered the Sydney market with Two Tides, its under construction Manly development. Given its sales success, it has secured another development in the area, more boutique, facing the beach on North Steyne.

They are hoping to launch their redevelopment of The Chimes in Potts Point this year, and next year will look to take to market Marlborough House, an adaptive re-use of the landmark David Jones warehouse in Surry Hills.

Joel Robinson

Time & Place to take on Mosman apartment market

Brunswick’s civic heart continues to consolidate around the Merri-bek Arts and Culture Precinct, where a growing cluster of cultural institutions, recreation facilities, and public infrastructure has created one of the inner north’s most defined community hubs.&nbsp;

Within this evolving precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/saxon-street-by-milieu-brunswick-31-saxon-street-brunswick-vic-3056">Saxon Street by Milieu</a> introduces new housing directly alongside the civic anchors that shape daily life in the suburb.

At 31 Saxon Street, the project sits immediately beside Brunswick Baths and within moments of Brunswick Library and Town Hall, longstanding institutions that support both community services and everyday amenity.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136434 project_image_fid=348840]

Next door, the newly delivered Balam Balam Place arts precinct has emerged as a central piece of Merri-bek Council’s cultural strategy, bringing together creative studios, exhibition spaces, maternal and child health services, and community programming in a purpose-built civic facility. Together, these destinations have reinforced the surrounding blocks as a focal point for public life in Brunswick.

This part of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a> forms a key pocket within the suburb’s designated Major Activity Centre, where long-term planning has prioritised walkability, civic investment, and increased housing supply close to transport and services. The surrounding street network reflects that strategy, with compact blocks, established retail corridors and active transport links supporting a lifestyle that is largely navigable on foot.

Within a few minutes’ walk, Sydney Road delivers one of Melbourne’s most recognisable streets, known for its long-running mix of independent retailers, international dining venues and everyday convenience. Tram routes along Sydney Road provide frequent connections south toward the CBD and north through Brunswick and Coburg, while Jewell Station on the Upfield line sits within roughly a ten-minute walk, offering direct train access into the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136434 project_image_fid=348839]

Active transport also plays a significant role locally. The nearby Upfield Bike Path forms a key north–south cycling corridor linking Brunswick through Parkville and into the central city, reinforcing the area’s reputation as one of Melbourne’s most accessible inner-urban neighbourhoods for cyclists and pedestrians alike.

The surrounding civic cluster extends beyond cultural infrastructure. Siteworks, a nearby creative hub supporting artists and community organisations, adds to the concentration of cultural activity in the immediate area. Educational institutions such as Brunswick North Primary School, Brunswick Secondary College and RMIT’s Brunswick campus are also within easy reach, contributing to the suburb’s diverse resident base spanning families, students and professionals.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136434 project_image_fid=348841]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/jackson-clements-burrows-architects">Jackson Clements Burrows Architects</a> in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> and landscape architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/oculus">OCULUS</a>, the nine-level building has been shaped to respond to the surrounding streetscape, with lower levels aligning to the street and upper storeys stepping back to soften its scale and improve solar access.&nbsp;

Curved balcony forms reference nearby heritage architecture, while the development’s public realm improvements include a widened footpath along Saxon Street to strengthen pedestrian connections between the precinct’s civic sites.

Sustainability also underpins the project’s approach. The building is designed to operate entirely on electric infrastructure supported by rooftop solar, with an average 7.5-star NatHERS energy rating and EV-charging readiness across the development. Shared resident amenities will include a landscaped rooftop terrace with barbecue and covered dining areas intended to encourage informal interaction between residents.

Saxon Street marks developer Milieu's fifth project in Brunswick and continues its focus on design-led infill housing across Melbourne’s inner suburbs.&nbsp;

Construction has commenced through reputable builder Manresa, who will complete the project in 2027.

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Saxon Street by Milieu connects residents to Brunswick’s cultural and civic core

Within <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Candela Ivanhoe</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>&nbsp;takes a different approach to larger residences, moving away from the constraints of a single level.

In Grand Residence 3.05, known as the Lustre, plays out across two levels, with a mezzanine configuration that is uncommon in apartment living.

Lustre is a four-bathroom residence where the layout creates a clear distinction between shared and private zones, with uninterrupted views toward the Dandenong Ranges extending the sense of openness from the main living areas.

Entry is to the primary living level, where the kitchen, dining, and living areas are arranged as one continuous space. Timber flooring runs throughout, with a fireplace set within the living zone. Full-height glazing brings in natural light, supported by double glazing that improves thermal performance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357506]

The kitchen is configured as both a working and social space. A large island bench provides seating, while a walk-in pantry extends storage beyond typical apartment expectations.

Gaggenau appliances, including a 900mm gas cooktop and 600mm oven, are integrated into a layout that connects directly to the adjacent dining and living areas, and outward to the terrace. This balcony includes a built-in BBQ, reinforcing the apartment’s capacity to accommodate larger gatherings without compromising internal space.

A dedicated laundry room, powder room, and a wine cellar area sit discreetly off the main living zone, ensuring that functional requirements are resolved without encroaching on primary living areas. The master suite is also located on this level, designed as a retreat with a walk-through wardrobe and an ensuite that includes double vanities, a bath, and a dedicated dressing table.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357508]

The mezzanine level introduces a second layer of living, rather than simply additional bedrooms. Two large bedrooms with built-in robes are positioned alongside a central bathroom, while a secondary lounge and study area create a self-contained zone suited to children, guests, or extended family. A large storage room further supports long-term usability, addressing a common shortfall in apartment design.

This separation of levels is central to how the residence functions day-to-day. It allows the lower level to operate as the primary entertaining and living space, while the upper level provides privacy and flexibility. The result is closer in feel to a townhouse or standalone home, but with the benefits of apartment living, security, and low maintenance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=364553]

Candela is close to 80 per cent complete, with Ironside delivering construction ahead of its expected October 2026 completion. The development comprises 58 residences, with a strong owner-occupier profile and a mix of one to four-bedroom apartments and loft-style townhouses.

Candela has exclusive access to private amenities, including a residential lounge and rooftop terrace. A charming café and a lifestyle wellness centre are located on the ground level, designed to foster community connection and extend the living experience beyond individual apartments without competing with the scale of homes like Lustre.

Candela, positioned in the heart of Ivanhoe Village, reinforces the practicality of the address. With a Walk Score of 90, residents are within immediate reach of cafés, retail, parklands, and Ivanhoe Station, while also benefiting from proximity to established schools and healthcare services.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Inside Lustre: Grand Residence 3.05 at Candela Ivanhoe

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a>’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a> is being shaped around a simple but increasingly rare premise in apartment development: that the built environment should actively support residents’ wellbeing.&nbsp;

Located on the former ABC Studios site on Gordon Street in Melbourne’s south-east, the new neighbourhood sits on an expansive 11,740 sqm site neighbouring the heritage-listed Rippon Lea Estate, whose gardens date back more than 140 years.

Rather than positioning wellness as an add-on amenity, the development integrates it into the physical planning of the site. Architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> is arranged across six low-rise buildings set within extensive landscaping designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/oculus">OCULUS</a>, with more than 40 per cent of the land dedicated to gardens and green space. Walking trails, pocket gardens, and mature trees are threaded between buildings, creating a network of green corridors that encourage residents to move through the precinct on foot and spend more time outdoors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288420]

Milieu has intentionally framed these gardens as an extension of the neighbouring Rippon Lea Estate. More than 16,000 new plants will be introduced across the site, with species carefully selected to protect and complement the area’s ecological significance. The approach focuses on strengthening existing environmental conditions while establishing new habitats that support native wildlife, reinforcing the role of the landscape as both an active ecosystem and a defining element of daily life.

A private resident gate will provide direct access to the historic grounds during opening hours, allowing residents to move seamlessly between the development’s landscaped gardens and the estate’s expansive lawns, lakes, and mature trees. The project’s gardens will also be maintained by the same gardeners responsible for Rippon Lea, reinforcing the visual and ecological continuity between the two landscapes.

Complementing the landscape is a dedicated wellness hub designed to support everyday health and recovery. Residents will have access to a gym alongside yoga and Pilates studios, while mineral pools and infrared saunas provide spaces for relaxation and restorative wellbeing. Shared lounges, workshop spaces, and pet care facilities expand the concept of wellness beyond fitness, creating opportunities for social connection and community interaction within the precinct.

Environmental performance is another key component of the project’s wellbeing focus. Elsternwick Gardens will be entirely fossil-fuel-free, with homes designed to operate on renewable electricity rather than gas. Passive design strategies, including cross-flow ventilation, high-performance insulation, and thermally broken double glazing, are intended to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures while reducing energy demand. Solar photovoltaic systems will power common building services, while rainwater harvesting will help irrigate the extensive landscaping across the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=361030]

Milieu Founder and Managing Director Michael McCormack says the scale and setting of the project allowed the team to take a different approach to urban apartment living.

“This site represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build something truly special,” McCormack says.

“Through that process, we arrived at a design that centres on a fully realised natural landscape – a series of private, interconnected gardens that encircle the homes and extend seamlessly from Rippon Lea Estate.”

Elsternwick Gardens will comprise three residential offerings, Gordon Place, Ripponlea Terrace, and The Garden Pavilion, each designed for owner-occupiers and shaped around high-quality interior design by Woods Bagot, K.P.D.O., and Flack Studio. The first stage, Gordon Place, includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed with a strong focus on indoor-outdoor living and sustainability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288412]

Milieu recently appointed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/brady-constructions">Brady Constructions</a> to deliver the project, marking a key milestone for the development. The appointment follows the demolition of the former studio buildings on the Gordon Street site, with construction progressing toward the delivery of the nature-led community.

Situated between the established villages of Elsternwick and Ripponlea, the development balances its garden setting with strong urban connectivity. Residents will be within walking distance of cafés, restaurants, and local retail, while nearby train and tram connections provide quick access to Melbourne’s CBD and the beaches of Elwood and St Kilda.

With construction underway and the first residents expected to move in by early 2027, Elsternwick Gardens represents a growing shift in apartment development toward environments that prioritise wellbeing as much as density or location. By placing landscape, sustainability, and shared spaces at the centre of the design, Milieu is positioning the project as a residential neighbourhood where wellness is not just promoted, but built into the structure of everyday life.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136535]

Elsternwick Gardens' wellness-first design strategy

Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co</a> has made a striking debut on the Gold Coast, officially unveiling its $250 million COMO development in Varsity Lakes, a lifestyle-driven residential project anchored by an extensive rooftop wellness and activity precinct.

Having recently launched to market, construction has already been fast-tracked by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/5point-projects">5Point Projects</a>, ensuring momentum continues on what is set to become a landmark residential address for the growing Varsity Lakes community.

Located at 22 Lake Street, Varsity Lakes, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO</a> will comprise 156 apartments across 16 levels, comprising one-, two- and three-bedroom residences designed for modern living. However, it is the project’s rooftop amenity offering that sets COMO apart.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363510]

Designed as a dedicated wellness and recreation hub, the rooftop will feature a 25-metre lap pool, fully equipped gymnasium, and multiple pickleball and paddleball courts - amenities rarely seen in boutique apartment projects.

Residents will also have access to a sauna and plunge baths, while landscaped gardens and relaxation zones will provide tranquil spaces overlooking sweeping panoramic views across the Gold Coast skyline.

The rooftop precinct has been designed to function as the social and wellness heart of the development, encouraging residents to embrace an active, balanced lifestyle within their own building.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363512]

Red &amp; Co director David Laverty said the amenity offering was central to the project’s design from the outset.

“Amenities were at the forefront of our decisions,” Laverty said.

“Buyers today are looking for more than just an apartment - they want a lifestyle that promotes health, connection and balance.

“The rooftop at COMO has been designed to be the epicentre of that lifestyle, with a suite of wellness and recreation facilities that are quite unique for a boutique development of this scale.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363514]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, the residences prioritise liveability, featuring spacious layouts, 2.7-metre ceilings and high-quality finishes throughout.

The development sits beside Bond University, placing residents within walking distance of education, retail and dining options within the vibrant Varsity Lakes precinct, including Robina Town Centre, Varsity Lakes Train Station and a range of leading schools.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363511]

Laverty said the location was a key driver behind Red &amp; Co’s decision to bring the project to the Gold Coast.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/varsity-lakes-qld-4227">Varsity Lakes</a> was a clear choice for us to invest in as it’s a lifestyle hub that seamlessly blends lakeside living with urbanity,” he said.&nbsp;

“Como will capitalize on this great location, delivering a project that not only creates premium homes, but a lifestyle defined by community, wellbeing, and connectivity.”

Red &amp; Co has delivered more than 500 apartments and townhouses across 26 projects in Brisbane in recent years, with COMO marking the company’s first major Gold Coast development.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135546]

Red & Co unveils amenity-rich Como development in Varsity Lakes

BKK Architects

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Property developer FourSQ are opening the doors of their warehouse inspired display suite for luxury townhouse development, No. 108, located at 108 Leicester Street, Fitzroy, following an unprecedented sales campaign which has seen seven of the eight residences sold in five weeks.

The development, which has broken price barriers with townhouses priced from $1.6-2.3 million, has previously been accessible strictly by appointment only, but this Saturday the public are invited to take a glimpse into the luxury vertical penthouses.

Daniel Cashen, Director of Residential at Knight Frank says he is not surprised by the level of interest in the project to date.

<blockquote>
Fitzroy consistently achieves high prices for its housing stock, which gave us confidence that there was latent demand for our product. Buyers have been drawn to the superior design and finishes, as well as the high ceilings and obviously the location. They have also embraced the ‘vertical penthouse’ style of living, with baby boomers responding positively to the private lifts.
<cite>Daniel Cashen, Director of Residential, Knight Frank</cite>
</blockquote>

<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/fsq003_exterior_01_complete.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No. 108 - Leicester Street, Fitzroy. Image: Knight Frank"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fsq003_exterior_01_complete.jpg?itok=ezXUmTNS" title="No. 108 - Leicester Street, Fitzroy. Image: Knight Frank" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No. 108 - Leicester Street, Fitzroy. Image: Knight Frank</figcaption></figure>On display in this warehouse shell, will be a full-scale example of the spacious living area, furnished by exclusive furniture retailer, Hub, as well as the Italian-made and designed Dada kitchen with a stone island bench and stainless steel bench top.

Visitors will have the opportunity to get a sense of the full floor bedrooms with walk-in-wardrobes complete with dressing tables, customisable Italian made Molteni joinery, ensuites featuring solid surface double vanities, built-in bath and the large walk-in shower.

A key feature of the 4 and 5 level townhouses, No. 108’s private roof terraces with Tait Tilt Outdoor Kitchen and a premium Electrolux barbecue, have also been fully mocked up to give potential purchasers a taste of what life would look like in these striking vertical homes.

<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/fsq003_section_03_complete.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No. 108 - Leicester Street, Fitzroy. Image: Knight Frank"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="701" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fsq003_section_03_complete.jpg?itok=c79pO2eL" title="No. 108 - Leicester Street, Fitzroy. Image: Knight Frank" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No. 108 - Leicester Street, Fitzroy. Image: Knight Frank</figcaption></figure>The first collaboration between FourSQ and BKK Architects, No. 108 residences have a 6.6-star average energy rating and offer expansive, flexible floorplans of 152-232 square metres. They each feature private lifts and soaring 3 metre ceilings along with the private roof terraces, which boast spectacular city and mountain range views.

The design of the project acknowledges the classic housing genres of its Fitzroy neighbourhood. Along Young Street the design is a contemporary reworking of traditional Victorian terraces while on Leicester Street it’s a reimagining of archetypal warehouse conversions.

For buyers aspiring to secure their own FourSQ/BKK townhouse but with a smaller budget, FourSQ will be launching a new development in collaboration with the award-winning architect in Flemington early next year, with residences under $1 million.

<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/fsq003_interior_06_complete.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No. 108 - Leicester Street, Fitzroy. Image: Knight Frank"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="193" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fsq003_interior_06_complete.jpg?itok=12xEnagS" title="No. 108 - Leicester Street, Fitzroy. Image: Knight Frank" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No. 108 - Leicester Street, Fitzroy. Image: Knight Frank</figcaption></figure>
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Alastair Taylor

FourSQ throws open its display suite for No. 108 in Fitzroy

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Not too long after the site was successfully sold, Delta Property Group have moved to launch their latest project dubbed The Point Doncaster Hill.

Formally 600 Doncaster Road, the relevant planning application encompassing 174 apartments was approved by Manningham City Council during May of this year. The permit and site were promptly offered for sale, with Colliers International and GormanKelly sealing the deal during August.

After a short turn around, Delta Property Group have opened registrations of interest for the project which adds to the Footscray-based developers expanding project catalogue.

The design is that of BKK Architects, with landscaping provided by Oculus. A key design feature of The Point Doncaster Hill will be the mature trees placed over the centre of the western facade, with these outdoor spaces set to double as common areas. The plantings will continue down to ground level, where an 'orchard' of sorts will frame the landscape.

<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/image34_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="On point. Image: BKK Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="378" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_8.jpg?itok=V4sgVVQf" title="On point. Image: BKK Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>On point. Image: BKK Architects</figcaption></figure>Following on from <a href="/buildings/the-riverside-1-moreland-street-footscray">Riverside</a> on the banks of the Maribyrnong River which is all but complete, The Point Doncaster Hill joins East Brunswick's <a href="/buildings/the-vic-50-victoria-street-brunswick-east">The Vic</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/422-426-riversdale-road-hawthorn-east">422 Riversdale Road</a> within Hawthorn as projects within Delta Property Group's current pipeline.

Approved with 84 one-bedroom, 83 two-bedroom and 7 three-bedroom apartments, The Point Doncaster Hill will be rejigged to include 4 bedroom abodes as well. 

As the project has a commanding position with views over the CBD which are likely to remain long-term, it seems that Delta Property Group has ramped up the project's appeal to what they hope will be a higher end buyer. 

<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/image33_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bunnings expected Doncaster outlet. Image: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_8.jpg?itok=7XncpHas" title="Bunnings expected Doncaster outlet. Image: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bunnings expected Doncaster outlet. Image: Hayball</figcaption></figure>In other news atop Doncaster Hill, test drilling has commenced on the long-vacant development site owned by Bunnings at 659-669 Doncaster Road. Soil survey is generally a good indicator that a given project is nearing a start.

According to Manningham City Council's planning register, the proposal holds a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit although the final outcome is still listed as in progress. Post its planning submission during 2013, the application has been revised in order to meet a number of concerns, with parking and traffic congestion fears at the forefront of thinking.

Development is likely to <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/doncaster-bunnings-to-be-built-next-to-westfield-doncaster/news-story/2a1804f835ce56da0dc9a4cd44c1d8d3">occur over three stages</a>, and it remains to be seen if Bunnings will go it alone in developing the apartments, buddy up with a recognised developer or sell off the development/air rights whilst maintaining a presence over the lower levels.

Not too far away and CEL Australia have recently seen a tower crane adorned with their logo hoisted into the Doncaster skyline. It's been a longer than expected stint between cranes for the developer post the completion of 33M in the CBD. 

CEL Australia's premier development, Tower Melbourne, has been bogged down in legal proceedings for some years, leaving Willow Doncaster as the Singapore-backed firm's sole Melbourne project at construction, with Canny Projects carrying out the construction works.

<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/img_9624.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Willow Doncaster on the rise"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_9624.jpg?itok=8EIDQDNw" title="Willow Doncaster on the rise" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Willow Doncaster on the rise</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Delta gets to the point on Doncaster Hill

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108 Leicester Street is a collection of eight multi-level Fitzroy townhouses that have been designed to respond to the changing face of multi-residential living in Melbourne.

The hybrid inner-city dwellings combine developer/builder FOURSQ with Melbourne firm BKK Architects. The design acknowledges the housing typologies of the development's Fitzroy neighbourhood with unique identities to its primary street frontages.

Along Young Street a contemporary response to the traditional Victorian terraces is evident, while on Leicester Street a re-imagining of archetypal warehouse conversions is the key driver. Additionally the new built form provides a strong formal gesture to the site's corner, drawing on the qualities of local civic landmarks.

<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/no108.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No. 108's materials reference its local context. Image courtesy FOURSQ"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="369" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/no108.jpg?itok=mdFOPOlF" title="No. 108's materials reference its local context. Image courtesy FOURSQ" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No. 108's materials reference its local context. Image courtesy FOURSQ</figcaption></figure>The exploration of various design typologies is not just limited to the exterior. The interiors employ concrete as both a feature of the ceilings and in the stairwells of each residence with the integration of timber and brass, which draw on the industrial history of the local neighbourhood.

Each of the 6.6-star average energy rated townhouses offer large, flexible floorplans of 152-232 square metres over 4-5 levels, and feature a private lift, 3m ceilings and separate roof terraces which offer views towards the city and the Dandenong Ranges.

Designed with flexibility in mind, four of the townhouses offer the option of using their ground level as a second living area, extra bedroom, home office or media room. All townhouses have two bedrooms – each with their own private level and en suite, with some opening to a balcony. The open plan living areas feature concrete ceilings, expansive glazing and bespoke screens to the stairwell made of Victorian Ash and brass woven mesh.

The outdoor roof terraces have been designed with space for outdoor cooking, dining and living featuring a Tait Tilt Outdoor Kitchen and barbecue with roasting hood. Five townhouses have Young or Leicester Street frontages and access while three are entered via the internal garden courtyard which features timbers recycled from the site’s original warehouse.

<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/108_rooftop.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No. 108 rooftop terraces with a city backdrop. Image courtesy FOURSQ"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/108_rooftop.jpg?itok=i62BnlNU" title="No. 108 rooftop terraces with a city backdrop. Image courtesy FOURSQ" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No. 108 rooftop terraces with a city backdrop. Image courtesy FOURSQ</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
A collection of eight luxury, 4-level, vertical dwellings. The project draws upon the local character and various dwelling typologies to create a new type of housing for this gritty, inner-city suburb of Melbourne.
High levels of environmental design, vertical green spaces and extra-large dwellings are clustered around a tranquil courtyard garden. Every aspect of this project is considered in detail to achieve a benchmark well beyond the standard.
<cite>BKK Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

Urban.com.au recently sat down with BKK director Simon Knott at the on-site display suite to discuss the design of the project, and its response to its context.

Knott described No. 108's conception as "a highly collaborative process between FOURSQ and BKK". FOURSQ engaged BKK to develop a design for a townhouse-style development that was more unique to what was on the market. BKK pushed and pulled the massing around the site from which the idea of developing a typology that was primarily a house within the envelope of what would otherwise be an apartment building.

No. 108, says Knott, has been designed to be at the forefront of a shift in the market away from investor stock towards a more owner occupier driven product - essentially eight high end houses on the site that are extremely well pointed and have a great amount of detail and craftsmanship to them.

One thing that is not quite so obvious to other people when they see the end product is the time taken to develop the design. According to Knott, BKK have explained to clients that they’re not paying for inspiration necessarily, but rather good design which takes time; the more time spent on the drawing board, the better the outcome and overall the process on No. 108 has been an exhaustive one.

<blockquote>
There is a real desire out there for these high end homes in a really good location near the city. They’ve got everything within them – 2 car parks that are in a stacker which people are pretty comfortable with now. Five have their own street address and the other three have entries off the internal courtyard.
We wanted the design to be a contextual reinterpretation – something that looked like it came out of Fitzroy – with elements of the old warehouse that is onsite and using brick that’s typical to Fitzroy.
Then this idea of marking the corner with a really significant corner element. Something which referenced the Victorian Terrace home and then this more industrial warehouse feel out the back and finally mitigated with this central courtyard space which is a semi-public space that services the three townhouses sitting within it.
All the townhouses have been designed with dual aspect and cross ventilation throughout.
The way we approached the design was how we would start to look at apartment design then quickly realised through discussions with Tom from FOURSQ that it’s actually houses that we’ were designing here. And that’s similar to JCB, Six Degrees and even Clare Cousins now – we all have a background in housing rather than typically commercial apartment design.
I think it’s wrong to think of the homes at 108 as townhouses… they’re something else. They’re kind of a new typology of housing and each one is slightly different. There’s a couple that are similar – two on Young Street and two on the courtyard that are similar. But I think the opportunity for someone to have something where they have their own front door in this location and feel a lot more like they're in a home.
The bedrooms are more like 4m x 5m rather than 3m x 3m. The design was very much about trying to get a level of craftsmanship through rather than something manufactured and polished and that’s a hard balance to get right – you don’t want it too look like a shabby, half cooked idea. Something a lot more refined.
<cite>Simon Knott, Director, BKK Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

Construction of No. 108 is anticipated to start by early 2017 with completion in late 2017.
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Laurence Dragomir

Creating a new typology: No. 108 Fitzroy

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Following on from the launch of the first of two apartment buildings that constitutes the new Jewell Station, Apartments.com.au took the opportunity to pose a number of questions to Neometro Director James Tutton. Extensively covered by Apartments.com.au during its inception, Jewell Station Precinct is the latest tract of land seeded by VicTrack in order to create a mixed-use, people friendly development outcome. 

Enter Neometro who have taken the opportunity to show their wares; Jewell Station being the latest development for the B Corporation-certified developer which actively promotes <a href="/news/high-density-happiness-with-neometros-james-tutton-and-jeff-provan">High Density Happiness</a>.

The project's 1 and 2 bedroom apartments have been created within the context of community gardens, enhanced bike paths, outdoor performance areas, overhauled park space and public art - in line with the developers stance on integrated development.

BKK Architects created the overall precinct design, with placemaking a firm priority. Their northern apartment building along with MA Architects' southern apartment building (which is currently at sales) are tasked with producing a "more holistic approach to urban regeneration that builds upon the local character and delivers a benchmark solution for inner-city living."

Although coy about exact apartment sales to date, James Tutton states that the project has been exceptionally well received with sales outpacing expectations.

<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/jewell_arch_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Jewel Station's southern apartment building. Image: Neometro"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jewell_arch_4.jpg?itok=mqWAplyb" title="Jewel Station's southern apartment building. Image: Neometro" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jewell Station's southern apartment building. Image: Neometro</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au's chat with James Tutton on the ethos behind Jewell Station transpired as follows:

UM: What distinguishing features set the development aside from other nearby developments also at sales?

JT: At Jewell Station we’re bringing together distinctive design, sustainability and community infrastructure to create a New Urban Village. It’s about shaping a sense of place that supports the wellbeing of those who live in the apartments as well as in the broader community.

Jewell Station is truly a collective endeavour that integrates apartment living with social infrastructure. New bike paths, communal gardens, public arts and events programs, a rejuvenated local park, cafés, independent retail and meditation spaces, are the foundations on which a new creative community will be built.

The project is also intended to leave a lasting design legacy and the commitment to creativity, subtlety and integrity at every stage of the design process also sets this development apart. We worked with Clare Cousins Architects to bring that side of the project to life but we’re also collaborating with our long-time community partners, including urban farming group 3000acres who has established community gardens, Melbourne art consultancy Utopian Slumps who has commissioned a public art piece for the precinct, and speciality coffee trader Phase One Coffee (formerly Place Holder) who has opened a new café onsite.

UM: What values are Neometro trying to promote via the development?

JT: To us, a home is much more than four walls and a roof. Building spaces that promote creative and connected communities is at the core of our values.

At Jewell Station we’ve taken into account the physical attributes of apartments that support ‘High Density Happiness’, such as sound insulation and natural light, as well as the external environment, where we’ve prioritised pedestrians and cyclists over cars and created beautiful green spaces for people to enjoy.

Having community infrastructure has a positive impact on the physical and emotional wellbeing of people. The community infrastructure however needs to be something whereby people can either opt in or out. What we have done at Jewell Station is not create a situation where people have to share laundries or are forced into that co-habitation, but rather they can choose to use community gardens or meditate in the outdoor leisure space and that ability to decide for themselves has a major impact on their well being.

And of course you also look at lighting, security, walkability and proximity to retail, education and transport. They're all factors that contribute to physical and mental wellbeing in terms of people's living environment.

<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/jewell_arch_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Upfield Bike Path will also be upgraded. Image: Neometro"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jewell_arch_5.jpg?itok=gZMtSfzp" title="Upfield Bike Path will also be upgraded. Image: Neometro" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Upfield Bike Path will also be upgraded. Image: Neometro</figcaption></figure>UM: How will the surrounding community benefit from the development of Jewell Station?

JT: Jewell Station will revitalise Brunswick and serve not only as a transport hub but also as a cultural heart within the suburb. The surrounding community will benefit from social infrastructure such as new bike paths, communal gardens, public arts and events programs, a rejuvenated local park, cafes, and independent retail and meditation spaces.

The revitalisation has already begun, even though we are yet to begin building the Barkly apartments. Rather than leaving the land vacant in the lead up to construction, we’ve created an onsite display that doubles as a meeting space, bringing the community together for talks, workshops, performances and installations.

UM: Has the process (dealing with VicTrack) been markedly different to the normal planning process?

JT: Prior to engaging Neometro, VicTrack had extensive engagement with council and this meant there was clarity around what could and could not be done with the site. This enabled a positive outcome with the subsequent planning application.

Another distinctive feature was the high degree of community and stakeholder engagement that VicTrack had initiated prior to appointing Neometro. This helped to smooth the process of taking the scheme back to the community for feedback, prior to the planning application being lodged. This smooth process led to a successful application with zero objections and no need to go to VCAT.

UM: Would Neometro repeat the Jewell Station model if given the opportunity to do so elsewhere?

JT: Absolutely. The process has resulted in a very positive, strong working relationship between Neometro and VicTrack. The New Urban Village concept incorporates the elements of design, environmental sustainability and community infrastructure that defines Neometro’s ethos of High Density Happiness.

The Jewell Station model is one that we are keen to apply to future key development sites.

<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/services_property_property_development.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A render of Jewell Station's much improved public forecourt"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="249" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/services_property_property_development.jpg?itok=sUCs1fRc" title="A render of Jewell Station's much improved public forecourt" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A render of Jewell Station's much improved public forecourt. Image: VicTrack</figcaption></figure>For the record, Hampton Station Precinct is next in line to receive an apartment and retail upgrade at the hands of VicTrack. Multiple residential building, improved public access, a reconfigured bus interchange and new commuter car parking are intended, as is a likely potential upgrade to the Hampton Station itself.
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Jewell Station's all-encompassing ethos set to provide a unique development outcome

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Doncaster Hill is set to receive another substantial apartment development. 600 Doncaster Road is currently holding at Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit with a full planning permit essentially a formality.

Located on a prominent site bound by Elgar Road, Elgar Court and Doncaster Road, the twelve level project sits on the crest of Doncaster Hill and will maintain unfettered views toward Melbourne's CBD.

Created by BKK Architects, the project has spent the best part of two years in planning, but is now on the verge of adding to the architecturally diverse Doncaster Hill activity area.

<h2>600 Doncaster Road, Doncaster summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image25_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Angles in play. Planning image: BKK Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="449" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25_5.jpg?itok=ZaK-tRVP" title="Angles in play. Planning image: BKK Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Angles in play. Planning image: BKK Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Development site area: 3,231sqm</li>
	<li>Current use: single storey office buildings</li>
	<li>Proposed: 12 level apartment building at 38.9 metres to parapet</li>
	<li>Built form to cover 61% of site area</li>
	<li>174 apartments: 84 x 1BR, 83 x 2BR, 7 x 3BR</li>
	<li>701sqm commercial office space</li>
	<li>Three basement levels: 236 vehicle bays, 53 bicycle bays, 177 storage cages</li>
	<li>Ground floor 174sqm residential lounge</li>
	<li>Estimated development cost: $45 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>A green touch</h2>

After a process in which the design was amended while at planning, the resultant form employs a highly angular built form with a design highlight provided by a green 'vein' that runs the height of the building.

<blockquote>
A key feature of the overall design response is a feature orchard landscape treatment across the western side of the site. The orchard feature is proposed at both ground level and extends up through the centre of the western facade resulting in a “Vertical Garden” anchored by canopy trees.

The vertical space is to be a common area accessed by all future residents from Levels 1-10, inclusive. A third landscape area is provided along the eastern side of the building adjacent to the office floorspace and the residential club lounge.
<cite>Council report regarding 600 Doncaster Road</cite>
</blockquote>

A heavy tree planting schedule is also proposed at ground level, elevating the project above all other recent apartment project completions in the area which provide little by the way of greenery or a softened interface to the pedestrian realm.

<h2>Diversity on the Hill</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image34_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Current Doncaster Hill apartment projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="366" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_5.jpg?itok=CkIWt3ry" title="Current Doncaster Hill apartment projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Current Doncaster Hill apartment projects</figcaption></figure>It's a veritable who's who of architecture firms on Doncaster Hill. Eight projects currently under construction have been designed by eight separate architecture entities: CHT Architects, Artisan Architects, ML Design, Peddle Thorp, Ascui &amp; Co, JAM Architects, Woods Bagot and Sgourakis Architects.

The Buchan Group created the recently completed Imperial Doncaster while the paint is still drying on Pearl which is the work of RotheLowman. Architecture firms with projects approved or at sales include Hayball, ClarkeHopkinsClarke, K2LD, De Nova Group and of course BKK with 600 Doncaster Road.

Based on the above, architectural design diversity is not an issue at Doncaster Hill.
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BKK Architects the latest to enter Doncaster Hill

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Earlier in the month Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/development-sites-presently-advertised-for-sale-offer-a-reflection-of-the-current-market">highlighted the strong field of development sites</a> currently on the market, with a slant toward suburban sites holding sway over inner city offerings. Developers gazes may well be swing back to the inner city with two prime sites offered in the interceding time, will full approvals in tow.

<h2>54-56 Clarke Street, Southbank</h2>

Planning Minster of the day Matthew Guy labelled it "a revolutionary change for the way that we design buildings in Melbourne.” And now a Melbourne Cup field of developers will no doubt run the ruler over the approved 54-56 Clarke Street with an eye toward creating Melbourne's next landmark building and the bragging rights that go with such a tag.

The development site has been listed for sale with incumbent proponent Matrix and Cube choosing to move the Southbank site on rather than proceed with a dedicated apartment sales campaign. The project dubbed 'Elysium' has thus far maintained its own website which has allowed interested parties to register their interest in the project. 
Freshly listed with both CBRE City Sales and Knight Frank, 54-56 Clarke Street is a 74 level project with approval for 288 high-end apartments and an associated ground floor cafe.

<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/image30_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Initial plans for the project had it known as Elysium"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_5.jpg?itok=CPkS_6Kg" title="Initial plans for the project had it known as Elysium" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Initial marketing for the project referred to the tower as Elysium</figcaption></figure>Lauded as innovative and technologically advanced, the approved 240 plus metre design by BKK Architects is unique in that a design of a similar height onsite could not likely be replicated owing to interim planning controls implemented during 2015. Thus any potential buyer of the site could deliver the approved scheme which would be considerably taller than those buildings surrounding it, both in the present and the future.

The successful buyer will have a chance to secure the site via an Expressions of Interest campaign which closes Monday the 11th of April.

<h2>10 Moreland Street, Footscray</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image35_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="10 Moreland Street is available. Image courtesy Architecton"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="764" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35_1.jpg?itok=gV7wyFkL" title="10 Moreland Street is available. Image courtesy Architecton" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>10 Moreland Street is available. Image courtesy Architecton</figcaption></figure>10 Moreland Street was the first high-rise to gain approval within Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct. At 26 levels and 86 metres the approved design is also one of the urban renewal precinct's tallest.

Designed by CBD-based Architecton and in the hands of agent Savills, the tower is capable of accommodating 210 dwellings over the 1,277sqm site, with three street frontages holding retails tenancies.

Other notable development sites offered for sale recently in the immediate area include <a href="/buildings/liberty-one-1-warde-street-footscray">1 Warde Street</a> with 380 approved apartments in tow along with 54-58 Hopkins Street. Better known as Franco Cozzo's Footscray home, 54-58 Hopkins Street has been billed as capable of handling a sizeable tower.

<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/image33_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Architecton's take on 10 Moreland within the Joseph Road Precinct"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="329" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_5.jpg?itok=9IGlhJLL" title="Architecton's take on 10 Moreland within the Joseph Road Precinct" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Architecton's take on 10 Moreland within the Joseph Road Precinct</figcaption></figure>
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54-56 Clarke and 10 Moreland enter the already strong development site field

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Following on from <a href="/news/bkks-simon-knott-talks-cirqua-ivanhoe-east">last week's piece on Cirqua</a> comes the second installment of Apartments.com.au's chat with BKK Director Simon Knott encompassing aspects of the practice's work, the lure of apartment living and the ever changing landscape of the apartment market.

Laurence Dragomir: We touched on the focus being on the owner occupier market with relation to the Cirqua development, but have you found that coming to the fore in the types of multi-res projects the office is working on?

Simon Knott: We tend not to get too involved in the investor driven type projects. In terms of the mulit-residentail work we're doing, we're currently working with Neometro on part of the Victrack development at Jewell Station which has been a fantastic project. It's really exciting as it's an entire precinct which is just about to be submitted for planning.

<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/jewell_station.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Jewell Station development. © BKK"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="393" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jewell_station.jpg?itok=hFnUKdfr" title="Jewell Station development. © BKK" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jewell Station development. © BKK</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Jewell Station is a precinct-based approach to Placemaking. The design encompasses a more holistic approach to urban regeneration that builds upon the local character and delivers a benchmark solution for inner-city living. The creation of an urban village will act as a catalyst for positive change and future high-quality development in the area. The project was won through a competitive VicTrack bid process where BKK were the master-planners for the site and architects for the northern apartment building.

The outcome is a design led solution that incorporates the latest in community consultation, sustainable practice, access for all, integrated living and adaptability. The process for realising this project has been a highly collaborative one that involves an expansive team of consultants including, among others, MA Architects, Glas Landscape and Neometro.
<cite>BKK website</cite>
</blockquote>

SK: We're also doing an interesting one in Fitzroy actually, which I think <a href="/news/bkks-latest-far-from-mundane">Urban.com.au touched upon in a piece</a> a few weeks ago. The current owners bought the site with a permit for 14 or 16 apartments, and there were issues with the design so we completely reworked them into eight townhouses and that is firmly aimed at the downsizer market - every townhouse has an internal lift inside so you get four levels plus a rooftop terrace of a really high quality.

We're working on the interiors at the moment and we think they're as good as any house we have designed previously. The big difference though is how many ways can you plan out a 3.5m long kitchen for example - it's so formulaic.

<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/fitzroy_townhouses.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fitzroy Townhouses. © BKK"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fitzroy_townhouses.jpg?itok=RKoDL45B" title="Fitzroy Townhouses. © BKK" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fitzroy Townhouses. © BKK</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
A collection of eight luxury, 4-level, vertical dwellings. The project draws upon the local character and various dwelling typologies to create a new type of housing for this gritty, inner-city suburb of Melbourne. High levels of environmental design, vertical green spaces and extra-large dwellings are clustered around a tranquil courtyard garden. Every aspect of this project is considered in detail to achieve a benchmark well beyond the standard.
<cite>BKK website</cite>
</blockquote>

SK: I think people are coming to architects like us wanting to get something different and hopefully the likes of Kerstin (Thompson) and those other residential architects get recognised for that, in favour of some of the others. Don't get me wrong though there's certainly a place for investor driven apartments and I don't have a problem with them.

Upper House by JCB, I've been to it a couple of times and I've taken our students in there as well - now they're not lavish apartments in size and they're pretty stripped back in terms of what the interiors are but they've done a really good job with the project. In terms of borrowed light the one bedders you can open it all out which I think is what I'd rather have - something that's more of a studio space. On top of that it's a great location to live in.

I also think there's a cultural shift in the works; it's not just the empty nesters but also younger people who are not wanting to live in the outer suburbs. That's the overseas experience too, it just hasn't quite fully taken grasp in Australia yet but people in general are spending more time out, whether it's for coffee or breakfast etc. Generally you need to be close to activity hubs to get that.

The interesting thing will be getting into the 3 bedders. Everyone keeps talking about the need for more three bedroom apartments yet developers say "we put these 3 bedders in and no one buys them" because they cost you $800-900K and people would rather buy a house. I think we're starting to see that shift where eventually more families will be drawn into apartments.

LD: A number of developers tested the waters with regard to the higher end product about 3-4 years ago with developments like the previous incarnation of Avenue and Capitol in South Yarra which didn't garner all that much interest and in Avenue's case. It was redesigned with more apartments. If the original design was marketed say today it would probably sell in a matter of weeks. Do you feel there's more quality apartment projects now then there was a few years ago?

SK: There's definitely a march in that direction. The downside for us is everyone wants to change everything because they're going to be living in them. They want to change the robes, the kitchens, the number of bedrooms and so what we're ending up with is there's no standardisation which can be quite good in a way because it's more akin to designing a house. If it's an investor project they'd just sign off on it and move in after 2-3 years time.

LD: BKK are getting involved in the next Commons-style development?

SK: Yes we are, we're involved in Nightingale 2.0. Jeremy's a good friend and he asked us to get involved in Nightingale 1 but it just wasn't the right time for us to do so yet we're fully supportive of it and think it's a great idea. There's not that many architects involved, about half a dozen out of 24 in this case and they've got a strong group of professional colleagues associated. I think there'll be an ongoing market for it, and the next version promises to be interesting

LD: Thanks again for your time Simon, much appreciated.
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Discussing apartment living with BKK's Simon Knott

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Designed by BKK Architects, for developer <a href="http://www.cubikdevelopments.com.au/welcome">Cubik</a>, Cirqua is located at 206 Lower Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe East and comprises 44 bespoke and expansive 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments which offer owners the choice of one of 36 individually articulated interior floor plans.

<blockquote>
We have chosen to build Cirqua to this level of design quality because we wanted to have an inherent sense of architectural beauty about it.
<cite>Jim Fagan, Cubik</cite>
</blockquote>

A key design feature of the building are the circular portal windows which are a reference to the rich architectural landscape of Ivanhoe East and its Arts &amp; Craft and Queen Anne Federation residences. The 20th century Arts &amp; Craft movement conceived homes as part of a total ensemble that also included not only the architecture, but also the garden and it was these principles that provided the inspiration for Cirqua.

Landscape designer John Patrick has carefully considered the surrounding landscape and private courtyards encompassing Cirqua. He specified a proliferation of native plants and trees for the garden and some courtyards will be as large as 100 SQM.

In front of Cirqua, an established Yellowbox gumtree will create a sense of place for the building, while native evergreens will soften the perimeters of the property, providing privacy and enclosure while encouraging a feeling of being amongst the native flora and fauna of the area.

<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/img_4001.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cirqua facade close up. © BKK"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="869" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4001.jpeg?itok=tlDctj5F" title="Cirqua facade close up. © BKK" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cirqua facade close up. © BKK</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au caught up with BKK director Simon Knott at their offices on Russell Street initially to discuss Cirqua, but also to gain a general over view of the work the office is producing. The latter aspect will appear in a <a href="/news/discussing-apartment-living-with-bkks-simon-knott">separate article</a> on Apartments.com.au.

​Laurence Dragomir: Can you tell us a little bit about the project Simon? It seems specifically designed to respond to the owner occupier market.

Simon Knott: The project was firmly aimed at owner occupiers with the main driver being creating homes for people, for us that market has shifted quite dramatically in a fairly short period of time. It wasn't long ago when the Grattan Institute released a couple of reports talking about the state of the market and what was out there, particularly in the middle ring suburbs which weren't really being catered for.

Perhaps people who want to live in slightly smaller developments, who don't want to live in 300 apartment-type developments. They want bigger apartments, they want bigger living spaces and in the end what they really want is for them to be homes. At the time the reports were released, most of the developments going up in Melbourne featured smaller apartments, with the exception of a number of developments in Docklands, St Kilda Road or detached housing out on the periphery.

That has suddenly shifted quite dramatically and I think it's a cultural shift and I think it's partly driven by economics.

It's also young people looking to enter the market as well as that downsizer market where people have the family home, particularly if you're in places like Ivanhoe, Glen Iris, Hawthron, Kew, Birghton etc. All those places where you can sell a house for $3-4m, and they've probably got 100% equity in it but then buy a really nice place in an apartment building for say $1m in the same area. They have all the benefits of that in addition to security, low maintenance, lifestyle; all the benefits that come with those types of developments and people are really making the move.

We're excited by it because it means for us as a practice - whose foundations have been in houses - firstly renovations and then single houses which all provide an opportunity to create really good living environments for people that aren't just the base unit.

Cirqua features 36 different types of apartment which are bigger than what you would normally expect, typically 70-80sqm for 1 bedders, and even given that people are still buying them and then combining them into larger apartments which we're quite staggered by. This is clearly empty nesters that are doing this but we had some 3 bedders, one of which would have been about 110sqm and they want to take out the third bedroom replace it with a small study nook and increase the size of the living area, because that's what they want, they want a large living space; it's got a good view, it's got a great aspect and it's difficult to get apartment developments up in these areas.

Cirqua provides a really good opportunity to buy into the area and with the new zoning rules it will probably make it even more difficult.

LD: I suppose areas like Ivanhoe East are also more sensitive in terms of the established neighbourhoods and so are more likely to see opposition to this type of development?

SK: We wouldn't have gotten this up under the current zoning rules, it took a long period of time and was an exhaustive process but we lodged a year or so before the new zoning was implemented. Had it have gone to VCAT the danger would have been that the determination is made based on the laws of the day.

Now the planning permit will be assessed against the rules that were in place when the application was submitted but that's not the case with VCAT. But we managed to get it through which is quite amazing.

LD: Ivanhoe is generally associated with the Arts and Crafts movement and the houses of Harold Desbrowe - Annear. How much influence did that have over the development's architecture?

SK: We did a bit of a study of the vernacular in the area looking at the streetscape and the typical sort of Queen Anne Federation, bungalow 1920's inter-war style architecture and that really tough, muscular form, with highly articulated facade, masonry etc. that is then offset by this fine level detail and recessed balcony / verandah spaces. Those were the sort of elements that really stood out to us and with Cirqua we tried to provide, I guess a contemporary interpretation and one other important feature was how the houses related to landscape and that as really fundamental to the garden city terrace house.

We wanted to create a highly articulated facade that broke down the scale. Essentially trying to make it read as two large houses of 4-4.5storeys due to the sloping nature of the site which slopes quite steeply to the rear of the site. So it's a little deceptive in its scale. There's a gun barrel entry which people were a bit skeptical about initially, which surprised us because we thought it would be fantastic, you would be able to look right through the building to the other end.

At the moment the proposal is for those Whitney Museum sort of lights, so a whole series of lights just running down the centre of the space.

​The way the landscape was then drawn into the plan was via these deep recesses so we can get natural light, cross-ventilation through into the apartments; we don't do bedrooms with borrowed light. All living areas get a great aspect and the bedrooms all get some sort of internal courtyard space with quality amenity, then there are the sizeable decks. All in all we're pretty happy with the design outcome.

<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/img_4002.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bedroom interior with view to internal courtyard. © BKK"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4002.jpeg?itok=JrFhCY7j" title="Bedroom interior with view to internal courtyard. © BKK" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bedroom interior with view to internal courtyard. © BKK</figcaption></figure>Next week, <a href="/news/discussing-apartment-living-with-bkks-simon-knott">we continue our chat</a> with Simon Knott about BKK's work, the lure of apartment living and the ever changing apartment market landscape.
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BKK's Simon Knott talks Cirqua, Ivanhoe East

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Never a firm for bland designs, BKK Architects have unveiled three of their latest creations which are set to grace the Melbourne landscape. Delivering a high level of design diversity, Cirqua Ivanhoe East, Jewell Station and a Fitzroy townhouse project are the latest in a long line of architecturally diverse projects the CBD-based practice has conceived.

At varying stages of the development cycle, the three residential projects seek to bring a new dynamic to their surrounds while solving site specific design challenges in the process.

<h2>Cirqua Ivanhoe East</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image19bkk.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cirqua's distinct facade. Image courtesy BKK"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="204" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19bkk.jpg?itok=0h-ZH1P4" title="Cirqua's distinct facade. Image courtesy BKK" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cirqua's distinct facade. Image courtesy BKK</figcaption></figure>Subject to several unsuccessful planning applications in recent years, Cirqua which is now at sales is the creation of BKK Director Simon Knott. The project was created at the behest of Cubik Developments and Martin Adams Property who merged adjoining properties to facilitate the medium-density development.

Designed to be a high-end legacy residence akin to 99 Spring Street or St Kilda Road's The Domain, Cirqua's stand-out portal windows are joined by a predominantly brick exterior which according to BKK "draws on the materiality and expression of local, historical housing types that are reinterpreted in a contemporary manner." Internally all of the project's 44 apartments have direct access to natural light and ventilation to both bedrooms and living spaces, resulting in 36 individually articulated interior floor plans.

<blockquote>
We have chosen to build Cirqua to this level of design quality because we wanted to have an inherent sense of architectural beauty about it.
<cite>Jim Fagan, Cubik Developments</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Jewell Station</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image18bkk.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Green is the word. Image courtesy BKK"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="240" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18bkk.jpg?itok=MDzTjSaH" title="Green is the word. Image courtesy BKK" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Green is the word. Image courtesy BKK</figcaption></figure>Seen above is the first render released for the northern apartment building which forms part of Jewell Station's redevelopment. Victrack has joined with private development Neometro to revamp the station, with an eye to creating an active, useable public space supplemented by apartments. The distinctive nine level apartment complex looks set to be finished with a predominantly green facade and hanging planters.

<blockquote>
Jewell Station is a precinct-based approach to Placemaking. The design encompasses a more holistic approach to urban regeneration that builds upon the local character and delivers a benchmark solution for inner-city living.

The creation of an urban village will act as a catalyst for positive change and future high-quality development in the area. The project was won through a competitive VicTrack bid process where BKK were the master-planners for the site and architects for the northern apartment building. The outcome is a design led solution that incorporates the latest in community consultation, sustainable practice, access for all, integrated living and adaptability.
<cite>BKK </cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Fitzroy Townhouses</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image51_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="At home in Fitzroy. Image courtesy BKK"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="206" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image51_0.jpg?itok=Do3xNbyD" title="At home in Fitzroy. Image courtesy BKK" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>At home in Fitzroy. Image courtesy BKK</figcaption></figure>Looking the part is BKK's low-rise development which sees eight separate four-level townhouses separated by an internal passage. Employing an exterior finished with red brick, which is prevalent throughout the area, the townhouse development is both interesting and contemporary.

<blockquote>
The project draws upon the local character and various dwelling typologies to create a new type of housing for this gritty, inner-city suburb of Melbourne. High levels of environmental design, vertical green spaces and extra-large dwellings are clustered around a tranquil courtyard garden. Every aspect of this project is considered in detail to achieve a benchmark well beyond the standard.
<cite>BKK</cite>
</blockquote>

Seen below are a sample of BKK projects highlighting the variety and depth of design employed by the firm. <a href="/new-apartments/elysium-54-clarke-street-southbank">Elysium</a> on Southbank with its green podium is perhaps the firm's most recognisable project to date, approved to 244 metres. Described by then Minister for Planning Matthew Guy as "A revolutionary change for the way that we design buildings in Melbourne" the project is currently taking registrations of interest via project manager Baracon's <a href="http://baracon.com.au/54-clarke-street-southbank/">website</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image28bkk.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="BKK style. Image courtesy BKK"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="930" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28bkk.jpg?itok=UiQBXxbO" title="BKK style. Image courtesy BKK" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>BKK style. Image courtesy BKK</figcaption></figure>
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