The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.

Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."

That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.

Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]

Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.

The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]

The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.

Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]

Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.

Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]

Joel Robinson

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 41-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 41-storey tower, which has 229 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

ClarkeHopkinsClarke

One area we&#39;ve had on our radar lately is Moonee Ponds. With Puckle Street as its thriving hub of retail and entertainment akin to the likes of Chapel St or Bridge Road, and excellent education and public transport options &ndash; buyers are flocking north west and rediscovering this hidden gem of Melbourne.&nbsp;

Recently we were invited&nbsp;to take a tour of&nbsp;a completed Brass Edition apartment, situated on Pascoe Vale Road in the heart of Moonee Ponds.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A9o4v1tBOwk" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>THE BRASS EDITION AT A GLANCE</h2>

Developer:&nbsp;<a href="/developers/empire-properties" target="_blank">Empire Properties</a>

Architects:&nbsp;<a href="/architects/clarke-hopkins-clarke-0">ClarkeHopkinsClarke</a>

Builder:&nbsp;<a href="/builders/empire-construction" target="_blank">Empire Construction</a>

Homes from:&nbsp;$650,000

Location:&nbsp;144 Pascoe Vale Road, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039

<img alt="" height="1666" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the-brass-edition-144-pascoe-vale-road-moonee-ponds-5e9b01998d550d5782909cb237317f1e.jpeg" width="2500" />

With its location already ticking a box for many buyers, The Brass Edition by Empire Properties stands out from other homes on the market because it&#39;s already complete and ready to move into.&nbsp;

One of the things we love about this particular development is the high-quality fixtures and fittings. A combination of 100% wool carpet and timber flooring can be found through each home, with expansive stacker slider doors opening onto a spacious balcony.&nbsp;

Kitchens feature timber veneer joinery, European appliances and luxurious stone waterfall island benches.&nbsp;

<img alt="" height="1667" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the-brass-edition-144-pascoe-vale-road-moonee-ponds-ea9770ab74b1e6313887475dc7a7a09c.jpeg" width="2500" />

Bathrooms are fully tiled with modern frameless shower glass, ample storage and concealed cisterns, with some bathrooms offering dual vanities.&nbsp;

Each bedroom is generous in size and includes wardrobes with built-in bespoke shelving tucked away behind floor-to-ceiling mirrored doors.&nbsp;

The care ClarkeHopkinsClarke has taken to design each home with excellent attention to detail is exceptional.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3233 project_image_fid=160020]

To learn more about the apartments available for sale at The Brass Edition, then request a call from a sales consultant today via Urban, but hurry as these properties are selling quickly.&nbsp;

Olivia Round

Display Tour: The Brass Edition by Empire Properties in Moonee Ponds, VIC

The Brass Edition residences offer a series of 22 meticulously crafted homes in two and three-bedroom configurations that challenge the boundaries of modern design.

Urban takes a look at seven reasons why you should secure a residence in the luxury complex today. 
&nbsp;

1. Delivered by a Melbourne-based family business

<a href="/buildings/the-brass-edition-144-pascoe-vale-road-moonee-ponds" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1162" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-05-12_at_1.16.20_am.png" width="2164" /></a>

Founded by Tony Masa, Melbourne-based property development company Empire Properties is a true family business.

Family-owned and operated, the company has developed a wide range of large-scale residential and community-based projects with a focus on creating highly liveable communities.

Other developments by the firm include Essendon&rsquo;s Glass Street townhomes and the proposed Truganina masterplanned community, Allura Village. 
&nbsp;

2. Designed by an award-winning architectural practice

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3233 project_image_fid=160013]

ClarkeHopkinsClarke is an award-winning architectural and interior design practice with 57 years&rsquo; experience.

Recognised for creating dynamic spaces and transforming Australia&rsquo;s suburbs with high-quality affordable housing, ClarkeHopkinsClarke create vibrant communities.

The firm approaches each residential project as an opportunity to create people-centric places, and this can be seen in The Brass Edition. 
&nbsp;

3. The site is steeped in history

Pascoe Vale Road is steeped in history, with small-scale industries entering the area in the 1950s and 1960s, with firms on the road including R.K. Morgans and Dunston and Son.

Taking cues from its refined industrial heritage, the Brass Edition Residences present a series of transitions from the street and into the building.

The use of reclaimed brick, concrete and bronze cladding pays homage to the history of the site and also period homes of the area. 
&nbsp;

4. Ideal inner-north-west location

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3233 project_image_fid=160023]

Now, one of Melbourne&rsquo;s most liveable suburbs, Moonee Ponds fuses a friendly authenticity with a contemporary community vibe.

The property is located in the chic inner-city suburb with numerous public and lifestyle amenities, including Queens Park, an outdoor swimming pool, shopping precincts and Moonee Valley Racecourse.

Residents are spoilt for choice with an abundance of trendy eateries, wine bars and family dining experiences just a short walk from the home.

The Brass Edition offers a lifestyle choice that brings style, substance and convenience. 
&nbsp;

5. &ldquo;An organic element to every aspect&rdquo;

<a href="/buildings/the-brass-edition-144-pascoe-vale-road-moonee-ponds" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1500" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/brassedition_clarkehopkinsclarke_04.jpeg" width="2680" /></a>

Drawing on the heritage of the streetscape, the Brass Edition&rsquo;s architectural design is inspired by modern, clean lines.

&ldquo;Reclaimed brickwork offers contrast against striking bronzed elements, while greenery on every level brings an organic element to every aspect&rdquo;, said Empire&rsquo;s Tony Masa.

Each apartment offers living areas with abundant natural light, floor-to-ceiling windows and large balconies with climbing greenery.

&ldquo;Inbuilt planters and arbour framework encourage creeping and flowering vegetation making the building&#39;s footprint seamlessly blend with the surrounding environment&rdquo;, the project marketing reads. 
&nbsp;

6. Sophisticated interior design

<a href="/buildings/the-brass-edition-144-pascoe-vale-road-moonee-ponds" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1150" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-05-12_at_1.19.16_am.png" width="1856" /></a>

Not only is the exterior architecture drawn from the suburb&rsquo;s history, but the interior palette also draws inspiration from a refined industrial design philosophy.

This can be seen in the terrazzo finishes, beautiful timbers and warm veneers curated by ClarkeHopkinsClarke.

&ldquo;The introduction of darker elements such as feature shelving and brushed bronze fixtures offer a visual contrast which brings harmony and balance to each residence, creating a luxury aesthetic that flows organically throughout each area.&rdquo; 
&nbsp;

7. Highly flexible spaces

Residents can make their new home their own at this Moonee Ponds residence, with flexible living spaces, study nooks and retreats that homebuyers can customise.

Large open-plan living areas provide opportunities to reconfigure living or dining, and study nooks can double as libraries.

The outdoor terrace provides the ideal setting for entertaining family and friends. 
&nbsp;

Apartments at the Brass Edition begin at $709,475 for a two-bedroom apartment, while three-bedroom residences are priced from $1,029,800

Not only is the exterior architecture drawn from suburb’s history, but the interior palette also draws inspiration from a refined industrial design philosophy

max.kwok_55688

Top selling points of the luxury Moonee Ponds apartments, The Brass Edition

Environmental ratings are becoming <a href="/expert-insights/building/benefits-for-banks-buyers-and-the-environment-neometro-shares-its-sustainability-insights" target="_blank">prevalent talking points</a> for new developments, mainly for two reasons &ndash; people want healthier homes, and we have limited time to address our carbon footprint on the planet.

Over the years working in the property industry, Urban CEO Mike Bird has observed a growing trend&nbsp;with more buyers actively seeking environmentally sustainable&nbsp;properties &ndash; and commented that it isn&#39;t just limited to one cohort of buyers; instead, it&#39;s broader market demand.&nbsp;

<blockquote>
&quot;First home buyers have historically been the most responsive to environmental ratings; however, we have now seen this become an increasingly important part of the decision for downsizers and next home buyers.&quot;
</blockquote>

An architecture practice we&#39;ve been watching lead the way towards a more sustainable future is ClarkeHopkinsClarke, which is why it&#39;s no surprise that they are set to deliver a design that will become Australia&#39;s first 8-star NatHERS rated townhome development at scale and with such focus on social as well as environmental sustainability.

NatHERS is an energy efficiency rating system that considers the layout and orientation of properties, methods of construction, building materials used, and solar and thermal efficiency.&nbsp;

The new medium density development, Northcote Place, is a collaborative venture delivered by Metro Homes with an industry-leading design team comprising Akas Landscape Architecture, SDC (Sustainable Development Consultants) and ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects.

<a href="/buildings/northcote-place-198-beavers-road-northcote"><img alt="" height="2048" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/northcote-place-198-beavers-road-northcote-74dd95c571d8a518a633adb3808743fd.jpeg" width="1516" /></a>

&quot;Eight stars is a tangible measure of energy efficiency that&#39;s resonating with Northcote buyers because they&#39;re ESD*-focussed.&quot;&nbsp;Metro&#39;s General Manager, David Steele, explains. Steele&#39;s remark is also backed up by sales numbers, with 80% of stage one already sold.&nbsp;

&quot;But beyond stars, we wanted to create the most well-rounded sustainable townhouse living in Australia, and we were open about how to achieve that on this site. Kicking off with a Creating Vibrant Communities workshop at ClarkeHopkinsClarke helped us create a shared vision, and that&#39;s kept us pushing well beyond what&#39;s available elsewhere. 

Darebin Council&#39;s City Designer was hugely supportive of our intentions, especially incorporating a mews instead of a road, and really encouraged our links and interactions with the broader neighbourhood.&quot;

<a href="/buildings/northcote-place-198-beavers-road-northcote"><img alt="" height="1331" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/northcote-place-198-beavers-road-northcote-10fe1662c2b2994dc9cb0b761c9e4e6d.jpeg" width="2048" /></a>

In order to achieve an 8-star NatHERS rating, the team were already on track with environmental sustainability at the forefront of design decisions. However, ClarkeHopkinsClarke Multi-Residential Associate, Janice Tan, explains that one of the key features that won the development the final star was the inclusion of sliding doors at the bottom or top of each staircase, which acts as an airlock to stabilise air movement and increase comfort.&nbsp;

&quot;We&#39;ve also used robust materials with high ESD values, north-facing living areas, cross ventilation, large eaves, ceiling fans in all bedrooms and living areas, solar power, rainwater tanks, large terraces, gardens and shared outdoor spaces designed as habitat, not decoration.&quot;&nbsp;

<a href="/buildings/northcote-place-198-beavers-road-northcote"><img alt="" height="1443" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/northcote-place-198-beavers-road-northcote-685dc497a2e04fed0897941d082bad86.jpeg" width="2048" /></a>

SDC Director Ben De Waard says he knows of no other 8-star townhouse developments in Australia at this scale offering such holistic sustainability.

&quot;What&#39;s a first here is the scale and the number of different sustainability elements Northcote Place brings together. We&#39;ve got the high energy ratings, the rainwater tanks connected to both toilets and laundries &ndash; that&#39;s pretty rare, the community vegetable garden, the electric-only option for people to be gas-free, having the townhouses ready for solar car charging battery storage. 

With a lot of clients it&#39;s, &#39;what&#39;s the minimum we need to provide?&#39; but with Metro it&#39;s been, &#39;what else can we do?&#39; or &#39;how much further can we push it?&#39; As a consultant wanting the best sustainability outcome that&#39;s exciting. You go the extra mile because they&#39;re so keen.&quot;&nbsp;

<a href="/buildings/northcote-place-198-beavers-road-northcote"><img alt="" height="1262" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/northcote-place-198-beavers-road-northcote-f0cf9a2b23fdd649f361e2490b457182.jpeg" width="2048" /></a>

<a href="/buildings/northcote-place-198-beavers-road-northcote"><img alt="" height="1262" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/northcote-place-198-beavers-road-northcote-85d754aee9f3ef340a46387ffcccafc8.jpeg" width="2048" /></a>

Northcote Place is located on Wurundjeri Country, adjacent to the Merri Creek parklands &ndash; with a vibrant planting scheme planned to support the existing ecosystem. Akas Landscape Architecture have incorporated 80% indigenous plant species into the outdoor zones to create a habitat for local fauna and flora to thrive.&nbsp;

The development is set on an expansive 12,000 square metre site and offers 74 diverse, flexible townhome floorplans.

*Environmentally Sustainable Design

Read next:&nbsp;<a href="/expert-insights/buying/seven-of-australias-leading-sustainable-developments-for-2021" target="_blank">Seven of Australia&#39;s leading sustainable developments for 2021</a>

<h2>SUSTAINABLE PROPERTIES CURRENTLY SELLING IN VIC</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22803 project_image_fid=53579]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32136 project_image_fid=93831]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358 project_image_fid=85958]

Australia's first townhome development to receive an 8-star NatHERS rating is all thanks to strategically placed sliding doors

Working from home just got a whole lot easier&nbsp;thanks to&nbsp;<a href="/developers/rok-project-group">Rok Project Group</a> and <a href="/architects/clarke-hopkins-clarke-0">ClarkeHopkinsClarke's</a> innovative approach to modern apartment design. At <a href="/buildings/kingsvillage-195-197-geelong-road-kingsville">KingsVillage</a>, you can start your day with a morning coffee at the on-site cafe, and work from your apartment's&nbsp;dedicated study area&nbsp;which is complete with integrated shelving and storage, meaning you no longer have to resort to the kitchen table.

We spoke to Motion Property Sales Manager, Jennifer Hogan, who shared what makes KingsVillage a future-focused and sought after property in Melbourne's burgeoning suburb of Kingsville.&nbsp;

<figure><a href="/buildings/kingsvillage-195-197-geelong-road-kingsville"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="415" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kingsvillage_-_rooftop_views.jpg?itok=sBmgSsya" title="Kings Village. Image supplied. " width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>KingsVillage. Image supplied.</figcaption>
</figure>

Urban.com.au: Which aspects of the KingsVillage development are you most proud of and why?

Jennifer Hogan: Located on a corner, the KingsVillage architecture has optimised the streetscape to great advantage.&nbsp;The bold and angular compositions frame the entire building with large windows, and a mixture of timber, brick and concrete. From the street, the architecture is all apartments, with the clever design of concealing the driveway to the double underground carpark, via a side cobblestoned lane.

The interiors also have a highly natural theme,&nbsp; avoiding over-stylized features which would become outdated.

<figure><a href="/buildings/kingsvillage-195-197-geelong-road-kingsville"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="290" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kingsvillage_-_kitchen.jpg?itok=fuBGyVkW" title="Kings Village. Image supplied. " width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>KingsVillage. Image supplied.</figcaption>
</figure>

U:&nbsp;If a buyer was deciding between KingsVillage and a similar residential development in the area, what do you think makes KingsVillage unique and the favourable option?

JH: KingsVillage is a boutique complex with a variety of floorplans,&nbsp; allowing for many differences in size and aspects. The project is uniquely positioned, away from any high-density apartment blocks, in a charming leafy pocket of period style homes, and commands a corner position allowing some apartments to view over the rooftops to the never to be built out view of the city skyline.&nbsp;

<figure><a href="/buildings/kingsvillage-195-197-geelong-road-kingsville"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="390" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kingsvillage_-_bathroom.jpg?itok=XSHqiXXW" title="Kings Village. Image supplied. " width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>KingsVillage. Image supplied.</figcaption>
</figure>

U: In your opinion, what are some of the best amenities on-site or nearby?

JH: KingsVillage is located in the small suburb of Kingsville, nestled adjoining the trendy Yarraville and Seddon,&nbsp;offering the local art scene, cafés and boutique shopping within walking distance.&nbsp;For trips further afield, literally at the doorstep is West Footscray Station,&nbsp;buses on Williamstown Road,&nbsp;and extensive bicycle paths to the riverside and the city.

Universities, hospitals, sporting grounds, markets festivals and more are all easily accessible from KingsVillage.

<figure><a href="/buildings/kingsvillage-195-197-geelong-road-kingsville"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="290" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kingsvillage_-_living.jpg?itok=hDXV_tJ8" title="Kings Village. Image supplied. " width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>KingsVillage. Image supplied.</figcaption>
</figure>

U: What was the inspiration behind the design of the development?

JH: KingsVillage was designed to set standards in function and form.&nbsp;Eye-catching and angular in exterior design and focus on large open plan living and gorgeous finishes on the inside.&nbsp;The inspiration was to compliment the charm of the suburb Kingsville.

<figure><a href="/buildings/kingsvillage-195-197-geelong-road-kingsville"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="410" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kingsvillage_-_external.jpg?itok=FHtm64d5" title="Kings Village. Image supplied. " width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>KingsVillage. Image supplied.</figcaption>
</figure>

U: If you had to use only five words to describe KingsVillage, what would they be?

JH: Boutique, contemporary, practical. The new standard in the west.

Melbourne apartment of the week: KingsVillage, Kingsville

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Life during the pandemic has led many of us to gain a better appreciation for the small businesses, services and existing public facilities within our local communities. In many ways, this time has encouraged us to look at what typifies a liveable neighbourhood and which aspects of it we value the most.

Recently I caught up with Dean Landy, partner at <a href="/architects/clarke-hopkins-clarke-0">ClarkeHopkinsClarke</a> and author of the book Creating Vibrant Communities, to get an idea of how urban neighbourhoods could be designed for a life post-COVID-19.

Given the significant job losses as a result of the pandemic, we discussed some of the employment hub projects which could reinvigorate job prospects and ways in which master-planned communities can promote a better work-life balance. Dean also suggests how we might not need to overcomplicate the design of our neighbourhoods, but look back to pre-war architecture to find examples of perfectly integrated 'mixed-use' precincts.

Watch the interview:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j6eaRdl7dgQ" width="660"></iframe>

Topics discussed: 

00:23 - What is an employment hub? What benefits does it provide a community?

01:30 - Which ClarkeHopkinsClarke projects are considered an 'employment hub' and which aspects of those developments are you most proud of?

03:44 - Is it true that the developer of St Germain is a local family who had a vision for how they wanted their community to progress, so they took the project into their own hands and developed it themselves?

05:34 - How do you find the best ratio between commercial space and residential dwellings within your developments?

07:20 - Given the significant job losses as a result of COVID-19, are you looking to fast-track any developments which could provide a substantial amount of job opportunities once complete?

08:39 - How do you see traditional workplaces evolving given the rise of people working remotely during the lockdown?

Watch next: <a href="/news/clarke-hopkins-clarkes-jordan-curran-explains-how-covid-19-could-influence-the-design-of-mixed-use-communities">Clarke Hopkins Clarke's Jordan Curran explains how COVID-19 could influence the design of mixed-use communities</a>
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ClarkeHopkinsClarke's Dean Landy comments on the value of employment hubs within our neighbourhoods

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As a certified <a href="https://www.bcorporation.com.au/">BCorp</a> and signatory to <a href="https://au.architectsdeclare.com/">Architects Declare</a>, ClarkeHopkinsClarke spoke with Urban.com <a href="/news/735-australian-architects-agree-to-become-entirely-carbon-neutral-by-december-2020">recently</a> about the practicalities of going carbon neutral in response to the climate emergency. We invited Partner Toby Lauchlan and Senior Architect Janice Tan to discuss changing demands in the Multi-Residential sector and the role for developers, designers and buyers in creating high impact, resilient development.

Over recent months we’ve seen a positive impact emerge from the global climate emergency and Australia’s bushfire crisis: increased interest in better Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD), homes with higher energy star-ratings and carbon-neutral development. As more of us experience the climate emergency personally and recognise the ecological, financial and social costs of policy inaction, we’re looking for better ways to build and live.

Property buyers are savvier and better informed. They know building and construction accounts for nearly 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions globally. They understand our cities are growing rapidly and putting our natural habitats under unsustainable pressure. They want to feel like they’re part of the solution, not the problem, by buying homes and living lives that feel – and are – far more sustainable environmentally, socially and financially.

This interest is creating a demand for higher energy star-ratings. Where 6-star homes are mandatory and 7-star homes desirable, we’re seeing increased demand for developments of 7-8-stars and more. That’s on top of now-standard expectations for refined communal spaces and expansive roof gardens. Much currently rests on higher star ratings, but their nuances aren’t well understood by buyers and they don’t tell the whole ESD story. Some developments offer a host of great ESD features that aren’t actually captured by star ratings. So it’s hard for buyers to assess their worth and compare apples with apples. 

There’s an important role for architects, developers and builders in helping buyers understand what star ratings like Green Star, NatHERS and BESS do and don’t measure and the practical impact of various ESD features and materials. Choosing durable materials right down to internal linings, for example, is an important way of ensuring lower replacement costs and less waste over the life of a building.

As an industry, we need a better process for giving buyers and building users more holistic and meaningful user manuals. Currently, builders supply manuals and they tend to focus on operating appliances. Designers and developers need to contribute too and broaden the focus to include clear explanations of ESD in practice and how and when to use features like thermal chimneys, external shading and passive heating, making it easier for people to operate their homes to their full potential. And of course, building owners and users need to apply the same scrutiny to their habits within their home and neighbourhood, too. An 8-star, fossil-fuel-free home is a great start on a low-impact lifestyle. But social and environmental sustainably also means considering things like our transport use, waste management, shopping and eating habits and social connectivity. 

Designers can build on the growing demand for better ESD by making it more convenient and much more visible. That means clearly expressing water tanks and solar panels. Making shared facilities visible from the street, from veggie patches and composting to bike storage and electric and solar car charging. 

Involving residents in the management of their physical environment so they’re more invested in using it efficiently is central to our mission. At a new fossil-fuel-free development in Brunswick East, we’re planning to place building management panels just inside front entrances to show residents precisely how much energy they’re currently using and how they can reduce it. Ultimately, we believe, it’s this kind of visibility and emotional investment that’ll make better ESD more desirable and drive demand for architecture with social impact that’s plain to see.

Obviously, there’s an upfront cost associated with higher star-ratings and more ambitious ESD initiatives but there is multiple time and cost savings too. Clients tell us better ESD and higher ratings help sell properties more quickly, saving them substantial time and money. Councils tend to support developments with good ESD because they align with their broader vision, create better outcomes for residents and impact less on existing infrastructure. A smoother path through planning represents time and cost savings too. 

Ultimately, clients, builders and architects are becoming more conscious of their legacy on the built environment and looking for ways to create a more positive impact. That’s true of others in industry too, like the financial institutions now distancing themselves from fossil fuel-based projects and offering home loan incentives to buyers of carbon-neutral and high-ESD homes. The industry as a whole is under increased media scrutiny, and we know we’ll be held to account for our social and environmental impact. More ambitious ESD and more inclusive, better-connected communities offer the best path forward. Why wouldn’t we take it?

Lead image: Bourke Road, Credit: ClarkeHopkinsClarke.
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Astute home buyers could be the driving force behind environmental change in off-the-plan building practices

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Urban recently spoke with ClarkeHopkinsClarke's (CHC) Managing Partner Robert Goodliffe about the <a href="/news/australia-s-leading-architects-share-what-they-are-willing-to-fight-for-to-achieve-near-net-zero-by-2050">future of building sustainability in Australia</a>. Today, Robert will be joined by CHC's Multi-Residential Partner Toby Lauchlan to discuss their exciting new development, Penny Lane, with commentary on building for increased longevity and some great due diligence tips for buyers. 

<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/toby-robert-urban.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="L-R: Toby Lauchlan, Robert Goodliffe"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="274" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/toby-robert-urban.jpg?itok=43c5zkgX" title="L-R: Toby Lauchlan, Robert Goodliffe" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>L-R: Toby Lauchlan, Robert Goodliffe</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: As one of the leading architecture and urban planning firms in Australia, what is the core ethos driving your influence?

Robert Goodliffe: We aspire to create vibrant communities, so we seek out projects and collaborators who share that goal. Several years ago our Urban Design Partner Dean Landy wrote a book called Creating Vibrant Communities to share our approach with the industry, and that’s found its way onto the coffee tables of most planning departments around Australia. It’s part personal journey, part research project that allowed him to interview 35 thought leaders in the space, and part playbook setting out step-by-step what it takes to design and activate healthy, walkable, connected communities. Dean’s been invited to speak about this methodology all over Australia and internationally, so that’s certainly helped spread the word.

Sharing our methods through Dean’s book ties into our philosophy as a BCorp, which is a growing international network of businesses balancing purpose and profit to be a force for good. BCorps are certified regularly and are legally obliged to consider the impact of decisions not just on staff and customers but on communities and the environment. Open-source IP is one way we’re trying to accelerate change in the design and construction industry. We can’t move forward fast enough as individuals, we need the whole industry. And that’s a challenge because winning work is a selection process so we’re set up to compete with one another. Most architects keep their IP close to their chest. But look at doctors – they hold conferences, publish research and learn from each other. Architects and developers and builders need to do much more of that if we’re serious about tackling the climate emergency.

Urban.com.au: Do you feel as though architects have enough of a say over how our cities are designed?

Robert Goodliffe: I think architects are really trying, but cities are slow-moving and we’re one influence among many. A lot of inner-city architects are inner-city focused. Since Dean’s book, we’ve designed some very progressive new town centres in outer suburbs and regions and found real support for work that’s sustainable socially, environmentally and financially. That creates impact over time.

What’s ‘enough’ of a say is hard to define. Design thinking is now increasingly valued, and architects have a voice through the Office of the Victorian Government Architect. But if a design doesn’t add value it doesn’t resonate. Architects and urban designers need to have practical solutions to make a real impact. Otherwise, you’re relying on benevolence. Much better to provide practical, commercial solutions because then you’ve got the weight of the market behind you. If you have a success you can build on that.

Urban.com.au: What motivates you to accept a project – is it the location? Scope of the design task? Developer’s reputation?

Robert Goodliffe: As a practice, in general, it’s our search for impact and shared commitment. Our BCorp ethos guides us towards projects where we feel we can make a difference. People are asking for more walkable, social, less disconnected cities. Developers see the commercial sense in delivering that.

Toby Lauchlan: With Penny Lane specifically we saw an opportunity to partner with Giancorp to help revitalise the Mt Alexander Road-end of the Puckle Street retail precinct and connect the somewhat disconnected residential area behind it. This location has amazing amenity – shops, restaurants, trams, trains, employment – you name it. It scores 99% on the <a href="http://walkscore.com/" target="_blank">Walkscore.com</a> walkability scale. Penny Lane will enhance this. It’ll transform the site into a Palace Cinema complex designed by Buchan and provide a retail arcade between Puckle and Young Streets. It will integrate into the retail precinct via an active ground plane and into the residential area behind with two new vertical communities with interiors by Arkee. These are built around a shared courtyard and other communal spaces like a lounge, gym and large roof terrace with fire pits and a range of spaces. The whole development is integrated into the surrounding streets by a network of laneways. The intent is to raise the bar in terms of materiality and connectedness.

Urban.com.au: One of ClarkeHopkinsClarke’s latest developments Penny Lane has been designed with robust materials to ‘increase longevity’ and ‘minimise building maintenance’. What is an example of these robust materials and how will they stand the test of time?

Toby Lauchlan: Penny Lane is designed with longevity in front of mind. Robust, long-lasting materials including concrete will ensure the 10-storey building ages well and are low-maintenance and inexpensive to maintain over its entire lifespan. While concrete comes with high embodied energy it can also help reduce a building’s carbon footprint by making add-on elements like cladding unnecessary. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each project. Penny Lane prioritises ESD (<a href="http://www.environment.gov.au/about-us/esd">Ecologically Sustainable Development</a>) and achieves a 7.2-star NatHERS rating, so in this context, it works well. Extensive glazing maximises natural light and reduces the need for artificial light. Apartment interiors by Arkee use high-quality, natural materials including timber joinery, stone finishes and wool carpet.

<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/chc_puckle-st-apartments_02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Penny Lane building facade. Credit: ClarkeHopkinsClarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/chc_puckle-st-apartments_02.jpg?itok=1jfYQ8a_" title="Penny Lane building facade. Credit: ClarkeHopkinsClarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Penny Lane building facade. Credit: FKD Studio</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/chc_puckle-st-apartments_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Penny Lane apartment exterior. Credit: ClarkeHopkinsClarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/chc_puckle-st-apartments_10.jpg?itok=YjtHe2qJ" title="Penny Lane apartment exterior. Credit: ClarkeHopkinsClarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Penny Lane apartment exterior. Credit: FKD Studio</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: What design techniques have you employed within the Penny Lane development which make it low maintenance?

Toby Lauchlan: Penny Lane’s passive solar design features make it low maintenance and low impact. High-performance glazing in all 114 apartments reduces excessive summer heat gain and winter heat loss. Most west-, north- and east-facing sliding doors are shaded by balconies to reduce summer heat gain. The north-facing façade of the retail building will be retained and bricks from other buildings on the site will be reused. It will use sustainably sourced timber, <a href="/guides/how-to-choose-the-right-flooring-for-your-off-the-plan-apartment">low-VOC materials</a>, paints and sealants, renewable energy (including PVs on the roof), energy-efficient lighting, water-efficient landscaping and rainwater harvesting for irrigation and toilet flushing.

Urban.com.au: How would you like to see Penny Lane look in 10 years from now? 

Toby Lauchlan: We hope it’ll be a much-loved part of Puckle Street and a driver for better connections between retail precincts and residential development in the area.

Urban.com.au: What do you think residents will love most about living at Penny Lane?

Toby Lauchlan: We think people will love the walkability of the location and the laneways connecting residents to the vibrancy of Puckle Street and the new cinema complex.

<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/chc_puckle-st-apartments_04.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Penny Lane laneway. Credit: ClarkeHopkinsClarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/chc_puckle-st-apartments_04.jpg?itok=LBsruBE9" title="Penny Lane laneway. Credit: ClarkeHopkinsClarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Penny Lane laneway. Credit: FKD Studio</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/chc_puckle-st-apartments_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Penny Lane's vibrant community precinct. Credit: ClarkeHopkinsClarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/chc_puckle-st-apartments_12.jpg?itok=pIqI4Nda" title="Penny Lane's vibrant community precinct. Credit: ClarkeHopkinsClarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Penny Lane's vibrant community precinct. Credit: FKD Studio</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/chc_puckle-st-apartments_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Penny Lane resident garden. Credit: ClarkeHopkinsClarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/chc_puckle-st-apartments_13.jpg?itok=IaWXHLg2" title="Penny Lane resident garden. Credit: ClarkeHopkinsClarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Penny Lane resident garden. Credit: FKD Studio</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: Which building materials do you most like incorporating into your designs?

Toby Lauchlan: We gravitate towards durable, natural, low maintenance materials that contribute to high energy performance and timeless design. But our material selection varies project to project because we also take cues from local context - materials, colours and forms we find in the surrounding environment and built form.

Urban.com.au: How can buyers ascertain whether the development they're interested in has been constructed using high-quality materials?

Toby Lauchlan: The best way is to understand a development in detail. <a href="/guides">Research the architect and builder</a> (if a builder has been appointed). Look at their websites and visit some of their projects. Visit the development’s display suite and take a close look at marketing collateral, plans, models and visualisations for a good indication of internal and external materials proposed. Clarify what’s actually being specified, especially brands of appliances, tapware and materials, and touch and feel samples to make sure the quality you’re looking for is there. Do your homework and that’ll build your confidence in evaluating what’s on offer.

Urban.com.au: Given your experience in architecture, property development and construction, how do you believe all three fields can work cohesively to produce structurally sound, well-integrated precincts of the future?

Toby Lauchlan: I’ve worked in all three fields. Things work best when you all understand one another and prioritise quality. That means a developer focussed on providing a high-quality outcome for the end-user, a builder focused on high-quality construction, and a designer focussed on longevity – a design that stands the test of time and spaces that connect, work well together and have a look and feel that won’t date.

 

<div class="rtecenter">MORE CLARKEHOPKINSCLARKE NEWS</div>

<div class="rtecenter"><a href="/news/clarkehopkinsclarkes-jordan-curran-discusses-how-to-create-more-liveable-communities">ClarkeHopkinsClarke's Jordan Curran discusses how to create more liveable communities</a></div>

<div class="rtecenter"><a href="/news/clarkehopkinsclarke-open-sydney-office">ClarkeHopkinsClarke open Sydney office</a></div>

<div class="rtecenter"><a href="/news/urbantv-the-future-of-mixed-use-precinct-design-in-australia">UrbanTV: The future of mixed-use precinct design in Australia</a></div>
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ClarkeHopkinsClarke’s Robert Goodliffe and Toby Lauchlan discuss Penny Lane, future-proofed building design and share due diligence tips for buyers

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We spoke to Jordan Curran, ClarkeHopkinsClarke’s leader of the mixed-use and retail team about creating healthier, better connected and more liveable communities. We also discussed the future of city precincts, The Greater Sydney Regional Plan, ethical trading and more.

Urban.com.au: In pursuit of ClarkeHopkinsClarke’s national goal to create healthier, better connected, more liveable communities – how much support have you experienced when sharing your mission with developers, councils and buyers and has this given you more freedom to better achieve this goal?

Jordan Curran: The support is definitely growing. We always begin our discussions with stakeholders by outlining the research and precedents that show where and how this approach working – not just on our projects but in communities overseas. We’ve developed our own detailed methodology, which our Urban Design Partner Dean Landy laid out in a book called Creating Vibrant Communities, and community consultation is key. We get everyone on board early with the big vision and the way, and we then work through the detail together. You obviously can’t please everyone on every single issue, but you can address everyone’s key concerns. And that builds support because everyone’s on board and invested in success from the start.

U: Which key design features do you believe connect communities best?

JC: Public space like playgrounds and parks, especially for young families. Places where people just naturally want to come together, and they don’t cost any money. If you can create close proximity between these spaces and cafes, retail precincts and services like childcare or aged care, that’s where people start to form close relationships and bonds. They make their own connections – with each other and with the place.

U: How do you think future precincts are likely to look and what changes would you like to see made to the current town planning structure?

JC: More and more I think we’ll see purely mixed-use precincts with lots of elements embedded from the start. That’s the essence of our Creating Vibrant Communities strategy – we include as many different elements as we can so all sorts of people can use and enjoy them. Lots of developers are looking at this, and I think that’s a positive thing. Building in flexibility is becoming more important too, so precincts can change and adapt. 
Town planning at the moment almost encourages us to work in silos and tick boxes. But a very positive thing councils are doing is bringing urban designers into their teams. For better or worse they will make a decision on the merit of the project. So they’re holding a lot of sway now. They don’t just work to a tick box. They work to key urban design principles. I actually think that’s a huge positive.  It’s happening a lot in Victoria and probably needs to happen a bit more in NSW.

U: Focusing on Sydney in particular, which areas do you believe have great potential to be developed to inspire interconnectivity and community?

JC: One of the things I think will really help Sydney develop more connected communities is high-speed rail. Melbourne is built on a radius from the city, so wherever you live you’re no more than about 45 minutes from the city. Sydney doesn’t work like that. It’s more rectangular because it’s landlocked by the mountains and national park, and the new growth corridors are about an hour and a half away from the CBD. Moving forward I think high speed rail has huge potential to unlock communities along the coast north and south of Sydney.

U: What are your thoughts on The Greater Sydney Region Plan and segmenting Sydney into three cities?

JC: I think it’s a good idea. It relates back to that last question – Sydney kind of has to grow this way. To have affordable housing as Sydney grows we almost have to provide a second CBD people can connect to. The focus on Parramatta is important. I feel like they’re doing the right thing relocating the Powerhouse and other cultural and civic elements out to there so culture is accessible to everyone, not just those with access to Sydney’s CBD.

U: What does the timeline of a mixed-use precinct planning development look like? Which aspect of the design do you start with?

JC: Timing varies. The first project I did, Leopold Shopping Centre, I started as a student. By the time it was finally built I was a partner. That was a seven- or eight-year process, including planning, rezoning and market shifts. And that’s the challenge of retail precincts. During those seven years the iPhone came into existence and completely changed the whole retail space. We were quite lucky that we were already focussing on placemaking and urban design, so it works well. But if you were designing something seven years ago purely as retail and delivering it now how do you build that flexibility in? With technology every year things change so much.

We begin designs by researching benchmark projects around the world, running workshops and documenting the brief, goals and vision for the future. That initial visioning statement might be something like ‘this is a technology and innovation precinct with a focus on social connectedness’. Big picture stuff with big goals and targets that help us stay on track along the away. Project length can vary but it’s always a minimum of two years, so that’s why flexibility in design is so important. The market shifts so much in that time.

U: As technology impacts physical retail stores, how can intuitive design compete with the rise of online shopping etc.?

JC: We’re working on a model that combines bricks and mortar and online shopping because they both have their challenges. We’re looking at retail shopping centres incorporating customer fulfilment centres for online shopping. Small-scale, warehouse-style hubs that online retailers can use as a local distribution centre and for pop-ups and product testing. Online shoppers can go straight there to pick up their purchases.

Everyone talks about the challenge for retail as creating a physical experience for shoppers but that’s almost a given now. This looks at the challenges of growth for both online and bricks and mortar and how they can work together.

U: ClarkeHopkinsClarke is listed as one of three Australian architecture firms to be certified by B Corps due to the firm's social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability. Do you believe your clients and property buyers are becoming more aware of the importance of ethical trading?

JC: It’s taking a while to be honest. People like to work with designers with a social responsibility background. But at the same time developers are putting everything on the line with every project so they also need designers with the technical expertise to deliver commercial viability. Some practices focus on one and lots focus on the other, but we genuinely focus on both.

U: I’m aware you have been involved in initiating a personal development and mentoring course for the school curriculum in Sydney. What does this course cover and do you believe there is a strong push for both primary and high school students to take an interest in city planning and architecture these days?

JC: We are working with the leadership team of a high school in southern Sydney to develop a mentoring, networking and thought leadership program for senior students in suburban public high schools. We’re keen to broaden access to the kind of thought leadership and alumni that’s common for kids in private schools. The idea is to get the students challenging suburban norms, coming up with big ideas for improving their communities, and teaming up with alumni who have the networks and experience to help achieve them.

U: Which future ClarkeHopkinsClarke project are you most excited about commencing work on and why? 

JC: I’m excited about a mixed-use urban village we’ve proposed for Wollongong because it’s genuinely different to anything that exists currently. The concept is a diverse mix of uses – residential, aged care, a hotel, childcare – and a new architectural style that reflects Woolongong’s amazing landscape. What’s there is very generic. Our focus is trying to typify features like the colours of the mountains and rooftops that reference the cliffs and trees above. There’s nothing like that there at the moment.

Lead image credit: ClarkeHopkinsClarke
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ClarkeHopkinsClarke's Jordan Curran discusses how to create more liveable communities

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As one of Australia’s largest architecture and urban design practices, it was only a matter of time before ClarkeHopkinsClarke outgrew their Melbourne studio. After 60 years in the city, the firm have now opened another branch in Sydney’s Surry Hills, which will provide the company with greater facility to undertake a range of projects, as they embark on an Australia-wide venture to create healthier, better connected and more liveable cities.

The Sydney based team, lead by Jordan Curran, already have a number of projects underway including:

<ul>
<li>Multi-use village centres in western Sydney, Wollongong and Byron Bay</li>
	<li>Retail developments in inner Sydney and the central coast</li>
	<li>Masterplanning of integrated retail, residential and aged care community with heritage buildings in Campbelltown</li>
	<li>Major Education and Innovation Hub proposed in southern Sydney</li>
</ul>
Jordan Curran is a ClarkeHopkinsClarke Partner with 10 years experience in master planning and delivering complex mixed-use precincts, shopping centres, town centres and new smart cities across Australia.

<h2>COMMENT FROM JORDAN CURRAN</h2>

“This is a big moment for us. We’ve worked nationally and internationally for years but resisted opening a Sydney office until the time felt right. We’ve got a strong team of locals to drive it and established our own distinctive approach to designing and activating really diverse, mixed-use communities – not just in inner cities but in outer suburbs and regions. Some practices see those areas as less glamorous than urban in-fill but we’re genuinely passionate about creating healthier, better connected, less car-dependent, more sustainable communities everywhere we can.”

“The impact of Creating Vibrant Communities, the book by our Urban Design Partner Dean Landy, has been a bit of an eye-opener. He’s got speaking engagements all over Australia flowing from that. And as a result, we’re involved in some really ambitious, high-impact projects like Minta, an employment hub in Berwick creating 11,000 jobs, and CLARA, Australia’s most ambitious new cities project. Eight sustainable, compact smart cities across Victoria and NSW connected to capitals by high-speed rail. Developers and communities are really embracing the kind of walkable urbanism we specialise in because they can see the challenges of climate change, population growth and social isolation and they want a fresh response. Developers recognise the social and commercial benefits of creating places that attract a broader mix of people and encourage them to linger. This has an obvious benefit to retail spending and property values.”

“So we feel like we’re in a position to offer NSW clients something new. There’s also our QMS ISO:9001 certification, which allows us to take on major health and education projects, and our cross-sector expertise. That’s built our design capabilities and kept us buoyant as a business even when residential housing takes a hit. It’s led to very solid growth, in projects and staff, over the past three years.”

<h2>RECENT PROJECTS BY CLARKEHOPKINSCLARKE</h2>

<a href="/new-apartments/frederick-st-19-21-frederick-street-doncaster">19-21 FREDERICK STREET, DONCASTER</a>

Status: Registration and Sales

<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/3d-image-001.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="416" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/3d-image-001.jpg?itok=JMLTJJbu" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>19-21 Frederick Street</figcaption></figure><a href="/developments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">86-108 LAURENS STREET, NORTH MELBOURNE</a>

Status: Planning Assessment

<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/86-108_laurens_street_north_melbourne.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="86-108 Laurens Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="383" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/86-108_laurens_street_north_melbourne.jpg?itok=ZFAbLD5E" title="86-108 Laurens Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>86-108 Laurens Street</figcaption></figure><a href="/buildings/twenty-park-20-park-street-moonee-ponds">TWENTY PARK - 20 PARK STREET, MOONEE PONDS</a>

Status: Completed

<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/twenty_park_-_20_park_street_moonee_ponds.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Twenty Park"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/twenty_park_-_20_park_street_moonee_ponds.jpg?itok=6HhCZwgj" title="Twenty Park" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Twenty Park</figcaption></figure><a href="/buildings/the-wellington-apartments-19-wellington-road-box-hill">THE WELLINGTON APARTMENTS - 19 WELLINGTON ROAD, BOX HILL</a>

Status: Completed

<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/the_wellington_apartments_-_19_wellington_road_box_hill.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Wellington Apartments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_wellington_apartments_-_19_wellington_road_box_hill.jpg?itok=4F0nC8cf" title="The Wellington Apartments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Wellington Apartments</figcaption></figure><a href="/buildings/esse-apartments-316-pascoe-vale-road-essendon">ESSE APARTMENTS - 316 PASCOE VALE ROAD, ESSENDON</a>

Status: Completed

<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/esse_apartments_-_316_pascoe_vale_road_essendon.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Esse Apartments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/esse_apartments_-_316_pascoe_vale_road_essendon.jpg?itok=MYDz-hxd" title="Esse Apartments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Esse Apartments</figcaption></figure><a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">8 BREESE STREET, BRUNSWICK</a>

Status: Completed

<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/8_breese_street_brunswick.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="8 Breese Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/8_breese_street_brunswick.jpg?itok=UPlu76FF" title="8 Breese Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>8 Breese Street</figcaption></figure>Lead image: Jordan Curran with Jake Le Lievre, an architect in ClarkeHopkinsClarke retail/mixed use team
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ClarkeHopkinsClarke open Sydney office

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Townhouses are leading the charge in Melbourne's west in terms of what is currently being offered to buyers, with two major projects notching significant development milestones.

Stockland is set to move the first stage of its Orion at Braybrook townhouse precinct to construction, appointing Glenvill Projects as head contractor. Orion at Braybrook is Stockland’s largest stand-alone medium density project in Australia, incorporating a hefty 422 townhouses.

The first stage though is now in the hands of Glenvill Projects who specialise in the construction of townhouse and medium density apartment projects.

The 11.5-hectare precinct is the design of DKO Architecture and sits adjacent to 10 additional hectares of parkland. 

<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/image5_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One of Orion at Braybrook's differing townhouse designs. Image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_17.jpg?itok=BLLdHN7q" title="One of Orion at Braybrook's differing townhouse designs. Image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One of Orion at Braybrook's differing townhouse designs. Image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>Stockland's Ben Cantwell said that Orion at Braybrook "will set a new benchmark for housing innovation in Melbourne’s inner-west so we sought to partner with Glenvill Projects because of their many years of experience and excellent track record of quality work.

Orion at Braybrook is also a key component of Stockland’s strategy to help meet Victoria’s housing demand by providing exceptional housing options for homebuyers at all stages of life."

Underlining the latent demand for townhouses on Melbourne's west, Bewise Property Group also recently launched the first stage of <a href="http://www.hampsteadpark.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Maidstone's Hampstead Park</a>. 

Having picked up 82-96 Hampstead Road during 2016 for $41.5 million, Bewise Property Group's townhouse aspect of the development consists of 157 dwellings. ClarkeHopkinsClarke assumed design duties for the project, creating both low and medium-rise buildings within the overall development.

<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/image7_23.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hampstead Park's initial release. Image: Bewise Property Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_23.jpg?itok=Ue3wLvqo" title="Hampstead Park's initial release. Image: Bewise Property Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hampstead Park's initial release. Image: Bewise Property Group</figcaption></figure>Whilst the townhouse aspect will serve to meet demand in the current market, Hampstead Park's overall plan also includes mid-rise apartment buildings above a raft of retail and community-based tenancies.

The townhouses are arranged around a communal park, whilst the apartments buildings front the site's perimeter. According to ClarkeHopkinsClarke 400 plus apartments are in the pipeline, as is a supermarket, community centre, medical centre and child care centre.

One the precinct's design ClarkeHopkinsClarke states that "Based on the 4 key principles of Community, Integration, Identity and Sustainability, the design will aspire to create a modern and vibrant community, that integrates within the existing context of the site, has a strong sense of identity, and shapes a socially and environmentally sustainable environment. 

The development will set a new benchmark for mixed-use developments, increasing population density, without overloading current infrastructure, and act as a catalyst for future urban renewal."

For now though both the Braybrook and Maidstone townhouse releases are adequately meeting buyer demand, particularly from a townhouse perspective.

<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/image6_22.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A potential future stage of Hampstead Park. Image: CHC"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="296" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_22.jpg?itok=W292Sazf" title="A potential future stage of Hampstead Park. Image: CHC" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A potential future stage of Hampstead Park. Image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke</figcaption></figure>
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