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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crescent Palm Beach approved as sales launch

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

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

Construction Methods and Materials

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During 2013 Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/wooden-you-know-it-architecture-and-timber">highlighted the worth of timber</a> as an exterior architectural feature, with the material becoming increasingly popular due to its many positive features.

<blockquote>
Architects employ timber for many reasons - some for the warmth it brings to a space, others to provide a more 'natural' finish - a counter balance to manufactured glass and steel. This softer, natural finish is becoming more prevalent throughout metropolitan Melbourne as an increasing number of architects incorporate timber into their designs, some going so far as to clad entire building exteriors.

Above all else timber is visually stimulating and provides a welcome change to a typical Melbourne urban setting.
<cite>Laurence Dragomir, "<a href="/news/wooden-you-know-it-architecture-and-timber">Wooden you know it - architecture and timber</a>", October 4 2013</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/10_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="56 Princes Street, Kew. Image courtesy Splinter Society"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="742" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/10_5.jpg?itok=GSr3o9oQ" title="56 Princes Street, Kew. Image courtesy Splinter Society" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>56 Princes Street, Kew. Image courtesy Splinter Society</figcaption></figure>Two projects which drew particular attention at the time were the new <a href="http://www.kerstinthompson.com/index.php?id=38">Marysville Police Station</a> and the purely residential 56 Princes Street, Kew. The latter, perhaps appropriately designed by <a href="http://www.splintersociety.com/">Splinter Society</a>, is an apartment block with a near complete timber exterior which has over time changed its appearance due to the weathering of its exterior.

The topic of timber exteriors has been raised once more with dKO Architecture and developer Milieu Property advancing plans for a new townhouse development predominantly clad in timber. Replacing a Victorian weatherboard house on the corner of George and Andrew streets within Windsor, the project features strong horizontal timber lines with vertical timber cladding also providing contrast.

<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/gabrielsaunders-milue-andrewstexternal-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new perspective on George and Andrew. Image courtesy Milieu"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gabrielsaunders-milue-andrewstexternal-1.jpg?itok=EeTS2zOh" title="A new perspective on George and Andrew. Image courtesy Milieu" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new perspective on George and Andrew. Image courtesy Milieu</figcaption></figure>As Milieu Property's first foray into a project south of the Yarra, the intention between developer and architect was to create a project that found balance between function and finish, while positively contributing to its surrounds. Milieu Property Director Michael McCormack described the building as "positively contributing to the neighbourhood by incorporating intelligent design features that will continue to benefit their owners throughout the property’s lifetime."

I'd suggest anyone would be hard pressed to say that of a polystyrene walling clad or precast finish.

Elsewhere, the latest apartment project to feature timber is Jackson Clement Burrowes' 179 Gladstone Street, seen below, with its frontage carrying a natural timber finish. As projects employing timber exterior features continue to increase, so too will diversity and richness of Melbourne's architecture - and there's nothing wrong with that.

<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/image99.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="179 Gladstone Street, South Melbourne. Image courtesy JCB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="404" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image99.jpg?itok=hYgvXQvz" title="179 Gladstone Street, South Melbourne. Image courtesy JCB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>179 Gladstone Street, South Melbourne with exterior timber highlights. Image courtesy JCB</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

The finesse of timber revisited

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A rare opportunity for the general public to have a 'touch and feel' session at one of Habitech Systems recently completed projects is presenting itself tomorrow.
Where the word 'prefabrication' conjures up images of temporary 1960s school buildings, the word in the 21st century realistically equates to architectural and construction innovation.
Sometimes innovation and prefabricated technologies are a bit unknown to the general public and this is the perfect opportunity to experience it in a real dwelling.
Quoting <a href="http://www.habitechsystems.com.au/about/" target="_blank">Habitech Systems</a> about page, Habitech have developed <q>a system of high-quality manufactured building components that are delivered to site in a flack-pack format which fit together to get a house to lock-up stage in weeks, not months</q>.
<img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/why-habitech1.jpg?itok=zAi0S78W" title="Image source: http://www.habitechsystems.com.au/why-habitech/" width="580">
<a href="http://www.habitechsystems.com.au/port-melbourne-open-day" target="_blank">The Port Melbourne House open day</a> will run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 31st May at 388 Graham Street, Port Melbourne.
Lead image credit: <a href="http://www.habitechsystems.com.au/port-melbourne-house/" target="_blank">Habitech Systems</a>.
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Alastair Taylor

Habitech Systems Port Melbourne Open Day 

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Rome may not have been built in a day but <a href="http://one9apartments.com.au/" target="_blank">One9 Hall Street</a> apartments almost were... oversimplifying it yes, yet locals within visual range of the Moonee Ponds apartment project stood agog as 34 prefabricated apartments were delivered and erected within five days in spectacular fashion.

For those readers unaware the prefabricated apartment system championed by <a href="http://www.hickory.com.au/" target="_blank">Hickory Group</a> is known as <a href="http://www.hickory.com.au/unitised-building" target="_blank">Unitised Building</a>, and "is a structural building technology which accelerates onsite and offsite construction programs by up to 50%, minimising material and energy waste, whilst maximising quality and safety. It brings the best of automotive manufacturing technology, systems and processes into the construction industry.

Further, "Unlike other modular construction products available on the Australian market, Hickory units are not made to a set size or layout. They can adapt to any architectural design and scale, and are factory-finished to completion, including the building façade. They also have no theoretical height limitation."

<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/Image1_42.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One9 Hall Street interior. Image © Hickory Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_42.jpg?itok=NKc9axSk" title="One9 Hall Street interior. Image © Hickory Group" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>One9 Hall Street interior. Image © Hickory Group</figcaption></figure>According to Hickory Group, the key benefits of the modular construction system are:

<ul>
<li>Up to 50% faster construction programme</li>
	<li>90% less disruption to local community during construction</li>
	<li>60% reduction in transport energy</li>
	<li>90% less construction waste than a comparably sized in-situ construction</li>
	<li>Over 90% of waste produced is then recycled</li>
	<li>15% less embodied energy over the lifecycle of the building</li>
	<li>75% lighter structure, can be used on ‘unbuildable’ sites that would withstand the weight of a conventional build</li>
	<li>Safer work environment – facades attached in factory eliminating work at height on the live edge of the building</li>
</ul>
As evidenced below the inherent beauty of the Unitised Building system is that all modular units are delivered by way of truck to site with near all appointments included. Tiled balconies, split system units, kitchenettes etc are all installed and complete with final plumbing and electrical services required to bring the modular units to occupancy standards. Certain units also carried ancillary materials such as plasterboard to commence internal fitout of the precast concrete structure.

<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_9956.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An earth bound modular unit including finishing materials prior to its lift"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_9956.jpg?itok=23ESZWKS" title="An earth bound modular unit including finishing materials prior to its lift" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>An earth bound modular unit including finishing materials prior to its lift</figcaption></figure>Under the guidance of head contactor <a href="http://www.vaughans.com.au/" target="_blank">Vaughan Constructions</a>, site preparation works began during May with fabrication of the modular units concurrently occurring offsite within a dedicated Brooklyn line fabrication facility, culminating with a five day onsite assembly which commenced last Thursday. No stranger to Apartments.com.au after lifting train carriages atop the <a href="/news/easey-does-it-end-to-end-gains-its-train-set" target="_blank">End To End</a> office development in Collingwood, <a href="http://metcalfcranes.com.au/" target="_blank">Metcalf Cranes</a> Terex Demag AC350 was once more charged with lifting an unusual load.

As with operations of this magnitude much planning had been placed toward transport and traffic considerations. <a href="http://www.cardno.com/en-us/Locations/Pages/Australasia.aspx" target="_blank">Cardno Group</a> after discussions with Moonee Valley City Council sectioned off parts of busy Moonee Ponds Junction, acting as a holding bay while <a href="http://www.ftwgroup.com.au/" target="_blank">FTW Group</a> delivered unit after unit via the path of least resistance, that being suburban Buckley Street, Essendon.

Testament to all parties involved that the delivery and erection of a nine level building over five days occurred in a safe and timely manner, with little fuss and minimal public disruption.

Hickory Group believe Unitised Building to be environmentally friendly, practically sustainable whilst also representing a quantum leap forward in design and delivery methods. And here's a thought to leave you with. Given Hickory Group have identified synergies between the efficiencies of automotive line production and that of Unitised Building's production, should Victoria's ailing automotive industry flatline, could a percentile of automotive industry workers find salvation in some way, shape or form via an expanded Unitised Building assembly line in the future?

But that of course is a topic for another day. See below a sequence of images taken over the five day assembly period.
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One9, Hall Street Moonee Ponds, 34 apartments, 5 days

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<div class="rtejustify">
	During the formative years of my architectural education I had a lecturer for one of the obligatory technology subjects who used to make a very clear distinction between "wood" &amp; "timber" - "You burn wood and you build with timber."  The term "wood' actually refers to the materials natural state before undergoing a process of modification at the hands of man (or these days machine) to become the "timber" that you purchase down at your local Bunnings or Masters (depending on your allegiances).</div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	 </div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	Architects employ timber for many reasons - some for the warmth it brings to a space, others to provide a more 'natural' finish - a counter balance to manufactured glass and steel.  During my time at Kerstin Thompson Architects we employed a timber veil, to the new <a href="http://www.kerstinthompson.com/index.php?id=38">Marysville Police Station</a> in the form of alternating radial profiled battens, "recalling the local timber industry, surrounding forests and the heritage of timber buildings that were most strongly associated with Marysville's built past, now lost.  The timber veil allowed for a much softer and permeable interface with the 'Marysville Heart' Park to the north - balancing transparency to public areas and the privacy required of certain aspects of Police operation.  The Silvertop Ash battens were sealed but allowed to grey over time, giving the impression that the building has been there for longer than it has.
</div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	 </div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	This softer, natural finish is becoming more prevalent throughout metropolitan Melbourne as an increasing number of architects incorporate timber into their designs, some going so far as to clad entire building exteriors as seen below.
</div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	 </div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	<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_6112.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Princess Street, Kew apartment complex."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6112.jpg?itok=vyDXgNFv" title="Princess Street, Kew apartment complex." typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
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	Structurally, timber is a cheaper alternative to steel construction and up until more recently has been limited to buildings much smaller in stature - with precast concrete taking centre stage on high rise construction projects. Enter CLT (cross laminated timber veneer), a multi-layered,lightweight, loadbearing, solid timber panel that allows high rise buildings to go up in a fraction of the time usually required, best demonstrated in Melbourne by Lend Lease's <a href="http://www.forteliving.com.au/">Forte project</a> at Docklands - the world's tallest timber apartment building and a precursor to the direction of the future wharf structures to come at the western end of Victoria Harbour's peninsula.</div>
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	Above all else timber is visually stimulating and provides a welcome change to a typical Melbourne urban setting.  With that in mind expand the images below to fully appreciate some of Melbourne's finest buildings which employ timber in one form or another.  All images taken credited to Apartments.com.au staff.</div>
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Laurence Dragomir

Wooden you know it - architecture and timber

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After observing Melbourne's built form growth over the last decade or so certain trends become evident where progress is made (generally for the better) and the public realm is all the better for it.  Think precast concrete panels and the first thing that comes to mind may well be the sheer edifices that many of Melbourne buildings employ where a common boundary is present.  As ugly and uninviting as they are, these precast walls are necessary but also give a negative connotation, precast walls = poor design.
Well, that's not always the case.  With improved technology and shifting mindsets, the humble precast panel has become far more integral to a building's design and appearance of late. The use of stylised precast panels has increased considerably owing to the ease and cost savings the medium offers.
One of the more interesting and recognisable buildings in recent years is Hive Apartments located in Carlton.  Seemingly the topic of endless online articles, the building's external centrepiece is a precast panel that as seen below has the ability to capture the attention of any passerby.  Euro Precast's <a href="http://www.europrecast.com.au/" target="_blank">website</a> description reads as follows:
"An exterior feature of the apartment is the word “HIVE” which is graffiti inspired and made out of precast.  The word Hive was pre made in the factory and then transported to site and installed before most of the renovations of the apartment took place. Concrete panel walls with unusual design and cut outs also complete this award winning apartment. A beautiful example of public art."
<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/Image1euro.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hive Carlton with its distinctive graffiti precast panel. Images © Euro Precast"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1euro.jpg?itok=J-lSp95z" title="Hive Carlton with its distinctive graffiti precast panel. Images © Euro Precast" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
See below a selection of Melbourne's more interesting buildings that rely upon precast panels to make an architectural statement.  It's by no means a definitive list but it does give an indication as to how the use of precast has evolved and where the future of the material lies; a more interesting, expressive building element that's far more engaging with the public realm.  Click an image for a larger view.
 
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