<p>Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.</p>

<p>A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.</p>

<p>Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.</p>

<p>“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.</p>

<p>Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.</p>

<p>“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.</p>

<p>The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.</p>

<p>It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.</p>

<p>The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.</p>

<p>One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.</p>

<p>Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.</p>

<p>The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.</p>

<p>Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.</p>

<p>Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.</p>

<p>Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.</p>

<p>“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”</p>

<p>Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.</p>

<p>Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.</p>

<p>Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.</p>


Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

<p>Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.</p>

<p>The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.</p>

<p>Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.</p>

<p><img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" /></p>

<p>“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.</p>

<p>The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”</p>

<p>The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.</p>

<p><img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" /></p>

<p>The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.</p>

<p>According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.</p>

<p>“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.</p>

<p>A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.</p>

<p>Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.</p>

<p><img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" /></p>

<p>All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.</p>

<p>The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.</p>


Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

<p>Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.</p>

<p>The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.</p>

<p>Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" /></p>

<p>Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.</p>

<p>The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.</p>

<p>"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.</p>

<p>The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.</p>

<p>The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" /></p>

<p>Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.</p>

<p>Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.</p>


First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

<p>The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.</p>

<p>The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.</p>

<p>The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" /></p>

<p>The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.</p>

<p>“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.</p>

<p>“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.</p>

<p><img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" /></p>

<p>“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.</p>

<p>“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.</p>

<p>“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”</p>

<p><img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" /></p>

<p>Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.</p>

<p>“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.</p>

<p>“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.</p>

<p>“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”</p>


$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

<p>Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.</p>

<p>John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.</p>

<p>The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.</p>

<p>In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.</p>

<p><img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" /></p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.</p>

<p>DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.</p>

<p>“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.</p>

<p>The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.</p>

<p>“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.</p>

<p>At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.</p>

<p>The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.</p>


First look: Winx billionaire’s beachfront Surfers Paradise apartment development greenlit

Construction

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<p class="post-title entry-title">EXPERT OBSERVER </p>
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<div><span>Residential building work done fell another 2½ per cent back in the first quarter of the year, to be 3.2 per cent lower than a year earlier. </span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>Unsurprisingly this largely continued to be driven by apartments and medium-density dwelling activity in Sydney and Brisbane. </span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>There'll plenty more where this came from in Q2 as well. </span></div>
<br><div class="separator"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P9fueGlywsY/XOSqw1SGT1I/AAAAAAAAwHQ/oS8gzhTWMf0xNkQe5PiVpvTYLuSYPc7vwCLcBGAs/s1600/A1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P9fueGlywsY/XOSqw1SGT1I/AAAAAAAAwHQ/oS8gzhTWMf0xNkQe5PiVpvTYLuSYPc7vwCLcBGAs/s640/A1.jpg" width="640" height="374" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1387"></a></div>
<br><div>More disappointingly engineering construction is also now winding down sharply again, to be some 12.4 per cent lower than a year earlier. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>New South Wales and Queensland held up relatively well on public and infrastructure works.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>But this was a poor result for Western Australia with the lowest level of activity since 2005. </div>
<br><div class="separator"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7f-GxgMKemk/XOSqwrR3CnI/AAAAAAAAwHM/3FcMjU_TxqU6nY5J4JioFwIagFIGytCgQCLcBGAs/s1600/A2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7f-GxgMKemk/XOSqwrR3CnI/AAAAAAAAwHM/3FcMjU_TxqU6nY5J4JioFwIagFIGytCgQCLcBGAs/s640/A2.jpg" width="640" height="374" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="1369"></a></div>
<br><div>In the post-Ichthys Northern Territory engineering activity is imploding towards zero.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>An ugly result, as median market expectations were for total construction activity to be flat, but year-on-year the contraction has now blown out to 6 per cent and falling fast. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Market analysts and the most highly respected RBA-watchers are weighing up the potential for four interest rate cuts, in addition to fiscal stimulus or unconventional policies. </div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MRH8cCtxeAo/XOSsPDkwFXI/AAAAAAAAwHc/aSxB8JQy6v8ZDcLMoCZonL2IqDap63WzwCLcBGAs/s1600/JG.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MRH8cCtxeAo/XOSsPDkwFXI/AAAAAAAAwHc/aSxB8JQy6v8ZDcLMoCZonL2IqDap63WzwCLcBGAs/s640/JG.jpg" width="640" height="134" data-original-height="154" data-original-width="729"></a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>The skilled vacancies figures for April showed construction jobs and trades down by between 10 and 20 per cent from a year earlier, pushing the monthly result lower once again. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The trend for skilled vacancies nationwide is now also 6 per cent lower than a year earlier, albeit coming back down from a very high peak in New South Wales and Victoria. </div>
<p><em><strong>PETE WARGENT</strong> is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.</em><span> </span></p>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Construction is winding down sharply: Pete Wargent

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<p>GUEST OBSERVATION</p>
<hr>
<p>The world’s current tallest skyscraper is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It’s 828 metres tall, which is over two-and-a-half times as tall as any skyscraper in Australia.</p>
<p>However, there is a skyscraper being built in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, that will be over 1,000 metres tall when it’s finished. This will be the first building to ever rise over a kilometre high. It will also have 167 floors on top of each other!</p>
<p>So, how tall could we build a skyscraper? It would be difficult, but we could probably build a tower over 2,000 metres tall, which would be like ten normal skyscrapers on top of each other!</p>
<p>This is probably not a very good idea though. Building such a mega-tall skyscraper would use a huge amount of concrete and steel. Using lots of these materials when we don’t need to can be bad for the environment. It’s usually much better for the environment if we build smaller skyscrapers, maybe up to 300 metres tall.</p>
<p>In fact, there are lots of challenges when you design and build a mega-tall skyscraper.</p>
<p><strong>Stopping the wind</strong></p>
<p>The biggest difficulty is the wind. It blows on a skyscraper and tries to push it over, so you need to design a structure that keeps the building stable. The wind can also make a tower sway from side to side, so that people at the very top can even feel seasick.</p>
<p>Architects and engineers have lots of technologies to help stop this. Some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world have a giant pendulum at the top, inside the building, called a “tuned mass damper”.</p>
<p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/273734/original/file-20190510-183083-1ecnawq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/273734/original/file-20190510-183083-1ecnawq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a></p>
<p><em>Here’s the tuned mass damper inside a very tall building in Taiwan called the Taipei 101 building. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rinux/2885421716/in/photolist-786x47-RrdhD-7L5rCf-cdadfE-9iWdLQ-isybyW-iq7AUJ-YMxAgb-5XS9AE-iq7uzQ-isxwRR-iq7xxU-isxND1-isxDju-isymzp-iq7st5-isyenS-isy5sY-71aoRR-iq7cEM-TwioMU-5vz76u-fQnMnK-uN592-fQnLhg-71epUy-iq8ajk-71ec27-4t7LZu-isxG3W-BxzS3-isxkUv-iq7ooj-47K2XM-22ybMDL-25X2Bnr-24zTwBZ-9x5PmD-5oUef8-5oYwzS-RpBdW-yUyNB6-5oYv7S-5VgHEu-5oYs5o-5oYxmh-69mpPE-5oUbkV" target="_blank">Flickr/riNux</a>, <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank">CC BY</a></em></p>
<p>Imagine a ball of steel the size of a house hanging from ropes inside a skyscraper. When the wind blows, the pendulum swings back and forth, absorbing the energy of the wind, to stop the building swaying.</p>
<p>Other buildings have pools of water at the top. When the wind blows it makes the water slosh around. Giant paddles in the pool absorb the water’s movement, which stops the building from swaying.</p>
<p>Another way to stop the wind is to use a clever skyscraper shape. When the wind blows on a skyscraper it creates swirls of air called vortices – like whirlpools in the sky.</p>
<p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/273735/original/file-20190510-183083-1g72pb7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/273735/original/file-20190510-183083-1g72pb7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a></p>
<p><em>The Burj Khalifa building in Dubai is thin at the top and wide at the bottom, with giant steps down the side. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/103252903@N02/11869658586/in/photolist-j5T6XY-bvr8eu-2bdB2Ch-ssZPHD-sbz7eZ-ed12bb-s9FWWX-ssYYoM-ssZG5H-rwdq5T-s9GeMa-rw1Ruf-sqJApS-sbzvPK-sbz26x-bvr7sA-ssRVyo-sbqZFy-sbsCT9-s9GaN8-st2iQc-sbyXCF-972TXn-9mFgfn-s9GDzk-9r5pz2-ssRyyh-ssZdct-sbs8ZN-s9GJ9R-drKBAV-rwcyVF-s9FATv-ssReuA-rwd8Wa-rwcKLP-sbsE6s-s9G5Gr-sqJsv5-sbywGP-st2aGt-sbqQSw-sqHUpw-ssR47w-dRA4ND-sbqw5m-FhbBWd-sbtfYW-sqJfXq-s9GLsi" target="_blank">Flickr/Adam</a>, <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></em></p>
<p>If these happen regularly, it can make the building sway back and forth. The Burj Khalifa building in Dubai is thin at the top and wide at the bottom, with giant steps down the side. The steps make the vortices happen at different heights to help stop the building from swaying in the wind.</p>
<p><strong>Getting to the top</strong></p>
<p>Another big challenge is how do you get to the top of a building that is one kilometre tall? Walking up the stairs isn’t an option as there would be more than 3,000 steps!</p>
<p>Taking the lift would be a good idea, but you’d need a very fast lift. Otherwise it would take ages to get up or down the building.</p>
<p>Some of theses lifts can travel at 70km/h, the speed of cars on a highway. At that speed you would go past five floors every second and soon be at the top.</p>
<p>You would also need lots of lifts in a kilometre-high skyscraper. The Jeddah Tower will have 59 of them! They will have super-strong carbon fibre ropes to carry the lift, as normal ropes just aren’t strong enough.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MP_dFzClszU?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" frameborder="0" width="440" height="260"></iframe></p>
<p></p>
<p><em><strong>Philip Oldfield</strong>, Associate Professor in Architecture, UNSW</em></p>
<hr>
<p><em>This is part of <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/curious-kids-36782" target="_blank">Curious Kids</a> - a series by The Conversation for children. </em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><em>This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-whats-the-tallest-skyscraper-its-possible-to-build-116817" target="_blank">original article</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>Main photo: The world’s current tallest skyscraper is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It’s 828 metres tall. But we could go taller. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tesking/35230242163/in/photolist-VFbcAk-XUwxV5-ddWzVn-ecUobg-thKs8D-p8yc7Z-p8z4Nh-9zaphZ-nzgdq2-aXCFxn-a1rTEu-W7zGAC-qruL8A-qoNCRS-CXF6CY-27gVqk6-WDDTV7-6W5U5M-oXJ8SW-fenkop-bDhUuj-qxQWBt-qkvvXv-dCdUpG-9eazzw-p9wSmd-DpMPAx-eLGTUf-9Xr1s9-pNTkKD-dxMWP5-qNgEsP-nCzh2J-miNEiK-7y39vZ-8o5KK2-bmqe9s-bjisJK-9xbm7r-qcZa6i-8XtsnC-GZYtsF-QLC74r-r4DkEj-9xbn3P-wwN58s-8UZLaq-q6hhD2-q69S27-22Kt5pu" target="_blank">Flickr/Cristian Viarisio</a>, <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank">CC BY</a> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/philip-oldfield-140685" target="_blank">Philip Oldfield</a>, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-1414" target="_blank">UNSW</a></em></p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

What’s the tallest skyscraper it’s possible to build?

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<p>Construction is set to commence on Little Projects' $210 million Signature Broadbeach development in Queensland in coming weeks with Icon Construction's Queensland arm appointed to build the project. Signature Broadbeach has sold over 60 per cent of apartments since it was first launched to the market in 2018, and represents one of the strongest selling projects on the Gold Coast.</p>

<p>Located in the quiet street of Philip Avenue, Signature Broadbeach will comprise 245 apartments upon completion, with many buyers opting to combine apartments to make large, ocean-facing homes, whilst many local and interstate investors have seen Signature Broadbeach as a great lifestyle investment given the attractive investment returns available.</p>

<p>Signature Broadbeach has been designed by Rothelowman in collaboration with SJB Interiors and features a mirror-like facade with every apartment oriented towards the ocean in order to maximise views. Internally, SJB Interiors has sought to create a serene and calm environment, with highly considered interiors complemented by natural materials including timber and stone.</p>

<p>Boasting a 50-metre infinity edge pool stretching along the northern edge of the building - the first of its kind for the Gold Coast - The Deck at Signature offers a full podium level of resident amenities, including a private lounge and dining space integrated with the pool area, an outdoor barbecue and teppanyaki grill, family friendly lawn, cinema, gym, spa, sauna and steam room.</p>

<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/philip_ave_ea02_pool_to_view.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Signature Broadbeach's infinity edge pool. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="696" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/philip_ave_ea02_pool_to_view.jpg?itok=Tv81aKfT" title="Signature Broadbeach's infinity edge pool. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Signature Broadbeach's infinity edge pool. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><p>According to Little Projects, Signature Broadbeach is set to become <em>"an exciting new addition to the Broadbeach skyline and will add to the already resilient Gold Coast economy."</em></p>

<p>The construction of Signature Broadbeach will create 400 construction jobs and is slated for completion in 2021. One, two, and three-bedroom ocean view residences are available, starting at $469,000.</p>

<h2><strong>What they say....</strong></h2>

<blockquote>
<p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><em>“The aligned values of Little Projects and Korda Mentha to develop this project in an unrivalled location with intelligent design and state-of-the-art amenities, have played a huge part in its sales success, and in turn, owner and investor confidence.” </em></strong></span></p>

<p><em>- Paul Little, founder of Little Projects</em></p>
</blockquote>

<p> </p>

<blockquote>
<p><span style="font-size:16px;"><em><strong>“Not only will the project be home to 200 plus residents once complete, it will be a unique addition to the Gold Coast skyline, which will continue to evolve as the Gold Coast invests into infrastructure as a means of catering to the 13 million plus international and domestic visitors it welcomes each year.</strong></em></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:16px;"><em><strong>Commencing construction on Signature Broadbeach demonstrates our confidence not only in Signature Broadbeach but in the Gold Coast market as a whole.” </strong></em></span></p>

<p><em>- Paris Lechte, Little Projects Construction Director</em></p>
</blockquote>
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urban.com.au

Construction set to commence on Little Projects' Signature in coming weeks

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<p>GUEST OBSERVATION</p>
<p>After a three-year cycle of industry comment, review and revision, May 1 marks the adoption of a new <a href="https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/ncc-online/About" target="_blank">National Construction Code</a> (NCC). Overseen by the <a href="https://www.abcb.gov.au/ABCB/The-Board" target="_blank">Australian Building Codes Board</a> (ABCB), the code is the nation’s defining operational document of building regulatory provisions, standards and performance levels. Its <a href="https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/ncc-online/About" target="_blank">mission statement</a> is to provide the minimum necessary requirements for safety and health, amenity, accessibility and sustainability in the design, construction, performance and liveability of new buildings.</p>
<p>Some say the building industry is in <a href="https://www.thefifthestate.com.au/columns/spinifex/construction-crisis-no-minister-its-broken-try-an-iron-clad-mandated-warranty-instead/" target="_blank">deep crisis and broken</a>, that even our entire building regulatory system is not fit for purpose. Consider what has happened, <a href="https://www.afr.com/real-estate/what-are-australias-other-defective-towers-aside-from-sydneys-opal-tower-20190102-h19n02" target="_blank">particularly in residential construction</a>. We have had buildings <a href="https://theconversation.com/cladding-fire-risks-have-been-known-for-years-lives-depend-on-acting-now-with-no-more-delays-111186" target="_blank">burning</a>, <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/biggest-shake-up-in-building-laws-in-our-state-s-history-follows-opal-tower-debacle-20190210-p50wtd" target="_blank">cracking</a>, windows exploding, <a href="/news/vue-on-king-william-adelaide-cbd-apartment-owners-hot-under-the-collar">rooms with intolerable heat stress</a>, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-23/opal-tower-residents-face-long-wait-for-repair-work/10842504" target="_blank">rendered unfit for occupation</a> without <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/feb/12/it-could-take-two-years-to-replace-flammable-cladding-in-melbourne-says-building-authority" target="_blank">costly remedial action</a>, class <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-08/residents-furious-builder-sued-combustible-cladding/10214570" target="_blank">actions against developers</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/lacrosse-fire-ruling-sends-shudders-through-building-industry-consultants-and-governments-112777" target="_blank">multi-million-dollar court judgments</a> against consultants and builders.</p>
<p>Well, how do you measure performance? We should think in terms of lives saved, <a href="https://theconversation.com/health-check-how-can-extreme-heat-lead-to-death-91480" target="_blank">heat stroke</a> minimised, costly remedial works avoided, <a href="https://theconversation.com/too-hot-to-sleep-heres-why-11492" target="_blank">less sleep deprivation</a> and climate-induced respiratory issues, <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-cant-just-leave-it-to-the-ndis-to-create-cities-that-work-to-include-people-with-disability-93419" target="_blank">disability access</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/sustainable-housings-expensive-right-not-when-you-look-at-the-whole-equation-60056" target="_blank">less bill shock for the vulnerable</a>, and housing that is built to allow <a href="https://theconversation.com/for-australians-to-have-the-choice-of-growing-old-at-home-here-is-what-needs-to-change-91488" target="_blank">ageing in place</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Safety and amenity</strong></p>
<p>Widespread use of non-compliant building materials, and specifically combustible cladding, has been foremost in the minds of regulators. Three years ago, after the <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/sitecollectiondocuments/mbs-report-lacrosse-fire.pdf" target="_blank">Lacrosse fire in Melbourne Docklands</a>, the ABCB amended the existing code. This crucial revision has been <a href="https://www.abcb.gov.au/Resources/Publications/Education-Training/Fire-performance-of-external-walls-and-cladding" target="_blank">carried forward into the new code</a>.</p>
<p>Individually, states have acted on the findings of a <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Economics/Non-conforming45th/Report" target="_blank">Senate inquiry</a> into this area. Last October, for example, Queensland enacted the <a href="http://www.hpw.qld.gov.au/construction/BuildingPlumbing/Building/Pages/NonConformingBuildingProducts.aspx" target="_blank">Building and other Legislation (Cladding) Amendment Regulation 2018</a>.</p>
<p>Investigations into the highly publicised, structurally unsound Opal tower in Sydney found the design – namely the connections between the beams and the columns on level 10 and level 4, the two floors with significant damage — indicated “<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-16/opal-tower-investigation-what-the-report-actually-says/10717830" target="_blank">factors of safety lower than required by standards</a>”.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jj9MWsDrqg8?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" frameborder="0" width="440" height="260"></iframe></p>
<p><em><span class="caption">Opal Tower report finds “construction issues”.</span></em></p>
<p>Just two months ago when the new code was released in preview form, we learnt that a significant number of approved CodeMarks used to certify compliance for a range of building materials are under recall. The Australian Institute of Building Surveyors <a href="https://aibs.com.au/Public/News/2019/20190220_CodeMark_Certificates_Withdrawn.aspx" target="_blank">posted urgent advice</a>: “We are in the process of making enquiries with the ABCB and Building Ministers to find out when they were made aware that these certificates were withdrawn and what the implications for members will be […] and owners of properties that have been constructed using these products.”</p>
<p>Fire safety concerns are driving changes in the code. The new NCC has extended the provision of fire sprinklers to lower-rise residential buildings, generally 4-8 storeys. However, non-sprinkler protection is still permitted where other fire safety measures meet the deemed minimum acceptable standard.</p>
<p><strong>Comfort and health</strong></p>
<p>The code includes new heating and cooling load limits. However, requirements for overall residential energy efficiency have not been increased. The 6-star minimum introduced in the 2010 NCC remains.</p>
<p>The code has just begun to respond to the problem of dwellings that are being constructed to comply but which <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27432732" target="_blank">perform very poorly in the peaks of summer</a> and winter and <a href="http://www.thrive-research.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Living-Well-Report-Final-for-issue-080317.pdf" target="_blank">against international minimum standards</a>. The change in the code deals with only the very worst houses – no more than 5% of designs with the highest heating loads and 5% with the highest cooling loads.</p>
<p>It’s a concern that the climate files used to assess housing thermal performance use 40-year-old BOM data. Off the back of record hot and dry summers, readers in such places as Adelaide and Perth might be surprised to learn the ABCB designates their climate as “<a href="https://www.abcb.gov.au/Resources/Publications/Education-Training/Energy-Efficiency-NCC-Volume-Two" target="_blank">the mildest region</a>”.</p>
<p>For well over a decade my colleagues and I have researched thermal performance, comfort and health and improvements by regulation. Our <a href="http://anzasca.net/paper/investigating-equivalence-in-compliance-pathways-to-australian-housing-energy-efficiency/" target="_blank">recent paper</a>, based on a small <a href="http://www.nathers.gov.au/newsletters/issue-2-june-2016/nathers-news" target="_blank">sample of South Australian houses built between 2013 and 2016</a>, demonstrated what has been discussed anecdotally in hushed voices across the industry, that a building can <a href="http://anzasca.net/paper/investigating-equivalence-in-compliance-pathways-to-australian-housing-energy-efficiency/" target="_blank">fail minimum standards using one particular compliance option yet pass as compliant using a different pathway</a>.</p>
<p>A building that is not six stars can be built under the new code. In fact, it may have no stars!</p>
<p>Lamentably, there has been no national evidenced-based evaluation (let alone international comparison) of the measured effectiveness of the 6-star standard. CSIRO did carry out a <a href="https://publications.csiro.au/rpr/pub?pid=csiro:EP1312595" target="_blank">limited evaluation</a> of the older 5-star standard (dating back to 2005). An <a href="https://www.abcb.gov.au/Resources/Publications/Consultation/Energy-Action-Modelling-and-Sensitivity-Analysis" target="_blank">evaluation for commercial buildings</a> is available from the ABCB website.</p>
<p><strong>Accessibility and liveability</strong></p>
<p>Volume 2 of the NCC covers housing and here it is business as usual, although the ABCB has released an <a href="https://www.abcb.gov.au/Resources/Publications/Consultation/Accessible-Housing-Options-Paper" target="_blank">options paper</a> on proposals that might be part of future codes. Accessible housing <a href="https://www.abcb.gov.au/Initiatives/All/Accessible-Housing" target="_blank">is treated as a discrete project</a>. Advocates for code changes in this area, such as the <a href="https://anuhd.org/" target="_blank">Australian Network for Universal Housing Design</a> (ANUHD), have written to the ABCB expressing disappointment.</p>
<p>A Regulation Impact Assessment on the costs and benefits of applying a minimum accessibility standard to all new housing has yet to see the light of day.</p>
<p>These proposals or “options” talk of silver and gold levels of design (there is no third-prize bronze option for liveable housing). Codes of good practice in accessible design have for decades recommended such measures.</p>
<p><strong>It’s all about performance</strong></p>
<p>Some argue that deep-seated problems have developed from a code that favours innovation and cost reduction over consumer protection. There is a cloud over the industry and over some provisions – or should we say safeguards and compliance?</p>
<p>Safety should not be a matter of good luck or depend on an accidental selection of a particular building material or system. New buildings born of this new code are hardly likely to differ measurably from their troublesome older siblings. The anxiety for insurers, regulators and building owners continues.</p>
<p>The National Construction Code adopts a performance-based approach to building regulation, but don’t expect the sales consultant to know the <a href="http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/glazing" target="_blank">U-value</a> of the windows, whether the doors are hung to allow for disabled access, or if the cleat on your tie beam is to Australian standards.</p>
<p>Anyone can propose changes to the NCC. The form is on the website. Consultants will be hired to model costs and benefits.</p>
<p>Regulatory reforms introduced through the ABCB over the past 20 years have produced an <a href="http://www.thecie.com.au/?page_id=379" target="_blank">estimated annual national economic benefit of A$1.1 billion</a>. That’s a lot of money! The owners of failing residential buildings could do with some of that cash to cover losses and legal fees.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/113729/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;"></p>
<p><em><strong>Timothy O'Leary</strong>, Lecturer in Construction and Property, University of Melbourne</em></p>
<p><em>This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-has-a-new-national-construction-code-but-its-still-not-good-enough-113729" target="_blank">original article</a>.</em></p>
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Australia new National Construction Code still isn't good enough

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<p>Earlier this month,<a href="/news/5-of-melbourne-s-environmentally-conscious-new-development-highlights"> Urban.com.au highlighted five projects</a> with strong sustainability credentials across Melbourne at various stages of their respective project lifecycles.</p>

<p>One of the projects featured was Lucent's <a href="/new-apartments/lt-miller-nightingale-55-nicholson-street-brunswick-east">Lt. Miller &amp; Nightingale</a> in Brunswick East, designed by Breathe Architecture and Clarke Hopkins Clarke and which Apartments.com.au has been following closely since it first entered the Apartments.com.au database back in September 2016</p>

<p>The project is effectively two buildings with their own addresses and identities thanks to Lucent's partnership with <a href="/developers/nightingale-housing">Nightingale Housing</a>. The developments have their own separate entrances, while the <a href="/new-apartments/lt-miller-nightingale-55-nicholson-street-brunswick-east">Nightingale component</a>, in keeping with the <a href="/developers/nightingale-housing">Nightingale development model</a>, has an exclusive rooftop to the north completely separate to Lt. Miller and comes complete with a communal laundry. <a href="/new-apartments/lt-miller-nightingale-55-nicholson-street-brunswick-east">Nightingale residents</a> also have access to a secondary communal space at level 1.</p>

<p>Not to be outdone Lt. Miller, provides residents with impressive city views to the south.</p>

<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/20190320_113716.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The view from the top."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="408" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20190320_113716.jpg?itok=TM_Q7aI_" title="The view from the top." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The view from the top of Lt. Miller</figcaption></figure><p>Apartments.com.au was fortunate enough to be invited on a tour of the <a href="/new-apartments/lt-miller-nightingale-55-nicholson-street-brunswick-east">Lt. Miller &amp; Nightingale</a> construction site by Lucent Development Manager, Sophie Whittakers. The project is located on the corner of Nicholson Street and Miller Street in a pocket of Brunswick East experiencing increased development activity which will see almost 300 dwellings added to the area.</p>

<p>This is further reinforced by the fact the <a href="/buildings/mr-nichols-65-nicholson-street-brunswick-east">Mr. Nichols</a> development next door is also being constructed at the same time - in fact both developments are being built by Liberty Builders and share a single crane, which services both sites from within the <a href="/new-apartments/lt-miller-nightingale-55-nicholson-street-brunswick-east">Lt. Miller &amp; Nightingale</a> site. </p>

<p>According to the site foreman from Liberty, this has had its challenges but has also made access requirements to both sites easier to manage and resulted in fewer disruptions across the two sites.</p>

<p>The site visit really reinforced how quickly time flies in the the development industry. I turned up on site expecting to see a concrete shell of maybe two or three levels but was instead greeted with a structure that had structurally topped out.</p>

<p>With the structure topped out, the fit-out of interiors has commenced on the lower levels, with exposed concrete soffits, parti walls and services characterising the low-maintenance approach to the development and ensuring purchasers within the development are provided with a robust shell.</p>

<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/20190320_112712.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The in's and out's of Lt. Miller &amp; Nightingale."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="275" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20190320_112712.jpg?itok=gxBkeFam" title="The in's and out's of Lt. Miller &amp; Nightingale." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The in's and out's. L: Interior of Nightingale | R: view south from Lt. Miller .</figcaption></figure><p>This aesthetic doesn't work in every context says Whittakers, however it was appropriate and very much in keeping with the character of Brunswick East and buyers responded positively across both products.</p>

<p>The <a href="/new-apartments/lt-miller-nightingale-55-nicholson-street-brunswick-east">Nightingale component</a> of the development followed the same balloting process synonymous with the <a href="/developers/nightingale-housing">Nightingale model</a>, while Lt. Miller followed the more traditional sales and marketing model. Some who were unlucky enough to miss out on <a href="/developers/nightingale-housing">Nightingale</a> ended up purchasing in Lt. Miller.</p>

<p>According to Whittakers,<a href="/new-apartments/lt-miller-nightingale-55-nicholson-street-brunswick-east"> Lt. Miller &amp; Nightingale</a> is on track for settlement in September of this year. As construction begins to wind up on one project, Lucent will be turning its attention to another project with a strong focus on sustainable design, <a href="/buildings/the-stewart-collective-269-stewart-street-brunswick-east">The Stewart Collective</a>, located adjacent to CERES Community Environment Park in Brunswick East.</p>
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Laurence Dragomir

Urban goes onsite with Lucent at Lt. Miller & Nightingale 

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<p>Construction work done missed expectations in the fourth quarter shrinking by another 3 per cent to $51.1 billion. </p>
<div>That follows on from a significant contraction in Q3, so in the second half of 2018 construction work done slowed by about 7 per cent overall.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Quite nasty on the face of it, although we were coming off a high base. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The engineering construction work done figures took a 5 per cent hit in Q4, which sounds quite dire at first blush.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>To be fair, the ABS has never gone big on accruals accounting for one-offs like the LNG Prelude platform, and as the Gorgon and Ichthys projects drop off the headline figures will inevitably appear weak - yet the underlying figures aren't quite so bad.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In fact mineral exploration spend has been on the rise, so investment and mine restarts will likely pick up, especially in Western Australia. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Here are the trend figures for engineering, in chain volume measures terms (you can click to expand the charts).</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHa4gkejwfc/XHXfv_tDHhI/AAAAAAAAutU/tZU6tx8YpQsd2_kiSR5ZznERJZye_7BAACLcBGAs/s1600/A1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHa4gkejwfc/XHXfv_tDHhI/AAAAAAAAutU/tZU6tx8YpQsd2_kiSR5ZznERJZye_7BAACLcBGAs/s640/A1.jpg" width="640" height="374" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1367"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<div>Residential construction work dropped by about 3½ per cent in the fourth quarter, although overall activity was actually still quite high on these estimates. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>A significant driver of the squeeze was slowing Sydney and Brisbane apartment construction, and there'll be plenty more to come here in 2019. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOylhEeJli8/XHXfwEaU6iI/AAAAAAAAutc/1WlaQhkwTqYA1J_O_tsLAYo-jm3j10fEwCLcBGAs/s1600/A2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOylhEeJli8/XHXfwEaU6iI/AAAAAAAAutc/1WlaQhkwTqYA1J_O_tsLAYo-jm3j10fEwCLcBGAs/s640/A2.jpg" width="640" height="376" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1387"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<div>For completeness, quarterly 'other residential' work done slowed by about 4½ per cent in H2 2018 from $8.2 billion to $7.8 billion.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In my humble opinion there could well be another couple of billion of quarterly declines to come here in 2019 and beyond, even if Australia is moving more towards attached dwellings and medium-density living. </div>
<p> </p>
<div><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ipAqrmh5jM/XHXfvygOfhI/AAAAAAAAutY/eBW_Qxir5zgbz2qFMTYqJOok537AOZ0wQCLcBGAs/s1600/A3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ipAqrmh5jM/XHXfvygOfhI/AAAAAAAAutY/eBW_Qxir5zgbz2qFMTYqJOok537AOZ0wQCLcBGAs/s640/A3.jpg" width="640" height="392" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="1361"></a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong>The wrap</strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Overall, a fairly ordinary miss on expectations. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>There are still too many partials to be reported for Q4 2018 to have any level of certainty, but while a technical recession perhaps remains unlikely, in per capita terms it looks very possible.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Banks on strike; no chance of a hike.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.</em></div>
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Construction misses in Q4: Pete Wargent

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<p>Construction has commenced on a new boutique development on Chevron Island on the Gold Coast.</p>
<p>Marquee Development Partners’ project Stanhill will have 61 two and three bedroom apartments on offer in the nine level building.</p>
<p>Marquee Development Partners CEO Mark Spedding said the project was 65% sold.</p>
<p>Remaining two bedroom apartments are currently priced between $539,000 and $609,000.</p>
<p>"We decided on a boutique mid rise building so we could offer larger apartments for owner occupiers with expansive views and first class amenities on the rooftop, and buyers have responded with enthusiasm, exceeding our pre-construction sales expectations," Spedding said. </p>
<p>"With fewer neighbours, residents will be able to take full advantage of Stanhill's resort-style facilities including a stunning rooftop entertainment area, which will feature a large spa, gym, barbeque terrace, private dining room and business lounge, all with amazing views over the river and HOTA.</p>
<p>"The majority of enquiries to date have been locals wanting to be at the doorstep of both HOTA and Surfers Paradise, as well as investors who recognise the opportunity to capitalise on Chevron Island's  transformation in to a cultural hub, driven by  the new bridge, HOTA (the planned  $380 million Home of the Arts precinct) and retail amenity."</p>
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Construction commences on Chevron Island project Stanhill

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<p>EXPERT OBSERVATION</p>
<p>Construction work done fell by 2.8 per cent in the September quarter – only the second decline in the past two years. However, in the year to September, construction work done was at record highs in NSW, Victoria and South Australia.</p>
<p>Construction costs rose by 0.9 per cent in the September quarter with building costs up 1.2 per cent. On the year, construction costs were up 3.1 per cent (decade average +2.2 per cent) – down from the 9-year high of 3.5 per cent in the June quarter.</p>
<p>Engineering costs rose by 0.6 per cent in the September quarter. Over the year, engineering costs rose by 3.5 per cent (decade average +2.4 per cent). The data on construction work is important for builders, building material companies and developers.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/11/28/CommSec%20Graph%201.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p>Construction work ebbs and flows from quarter to quarter. After rising by 4.4 per cent in the first half of 2017, construction work eased by 2.8 per cent in the September quarter. Still, overall the amount of work remains high.</p>
<p>In fact in trend terms, construction work is at 3-year highs and just down from the mining boom highs over the period 2012--2015.</p>
<p>While construction work in the mining states has softened, in NSW construction work done hit record highs in the September quarter, just short of $17 billion.</p>
<p>In fact, construction work over the past year was at record highs in NSW, with Victoria and South Australia also completing the most construction work for a 12-month period.</p>
<p>With so much work, construction costs are understandably rising at a reasonable clip. For the past 18 months, construction costs have been rising at an annual rate greater than 3 per cent.</p>
<p>With more talk that skilled workers are hard to find, construction sector inflation will be watched carefully in coming months.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/11/28/CommSec%20Graph%202.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p>Construction work done fell by 2.8 per cent in real (inflation-adjusted) terms in the September quarter – only the second decline in the past two years. Work done is down by 16.9 per cent on a year ago.</p>
<p>Public sector construction work fell by 1.0 per cent in the quarter and private sector activity fell by 3.4 per cent.</p>
<p>Construction work fell in five of the states and territories in the September quarter.</p>
<p>Leading the falls was Northern Territory (down 33.6 per cent); followed by South Australia (down by 8.6 per cent); Queensland (down by 6.4 per cent); Western Australia (down by 3.6 per cent); and Victoria (down by 2.3 per cent).</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/11/28/CommSec%20Graph%203.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p>Construction rose in the ACT (up by 13.3 per cent); Tasmania (up by 4.4 per cent); and NSW (up by 2.2 per cent – to record highs).</p>
<p>Engineering work fell by 4.5 per cent in the September quarter, and is down 34.4 per cent over the year.</p>
<p>Commercial (non-residential) building fell by 2.4 per cent in the September quarter but was still up by 2.3 per cent on the year.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/11/28/CommSec%20Graph%204.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p>Residential building fell by 1.0 per cent in the September quarter but was up by 5.4 per cent over the year.</p>
<p>Alterations &amp; additions rose by 4.7 per cent in the quarter, while new residential work fell by 1.8 per cent.</p>
<p>Construction costs rose by 0.9 per cent in the September quarter, with building costs up 1.2 per cent. On the year, construction costs were up 3.1 per cent (decade average +2.2 per cent), down from 3.5 per cent in the June quarter and 3.0 per cent in the March quarter.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/11/28/CommSec%20Graph%205.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p>Building inflation was 2.8 per cent and engineering inflation was 3.5 per cent.</p>
<p>CommSec expects official interest rates to remain stable until later in 2019. But cost pressures in the construction sector and upward pressure on wages need to be watched closely.</p>
<p><em>CRAIG JAMES is the Chief Economist at CommSec</em></p>
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cjames-5S2v74qSNK

Construction is at record highs in three states: CommSec's Craig James

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<p class="post-title entry-title">EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p class="post-title entry-title">There are much softer numbers for construction in Q3 2018, feeding into the GDP result. </p>
<div>Somewhat old news by now, but the value of apartment building work done peaked somewhere between April and June this year, with the pipeline falling away now.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The value of apartment building work two peaked about two years ago in Queensland, with the unit market in Brisbane now looking much more in equilibrium than it was. </div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GotiguGC1Bo/W_31-vn5rKI/AAAAAAAAtF8/hBy0ioFkrHYSzLFEzhqinlTTp62OzJxUQCLcBGAs/s1600/A1.jpg"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GotiguGC1Bo/W_31-vn5rKI/AAAAAAAAtF8/hBy0ioFkrHYSzLFEzhqinlTTp62OzJxUQCLcBGAs/s640/A1.jpg" width="640" height="372" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="1378"></a></div>
<p class="post-body entry-content"> </p>
<div>The September quarter also saw a much weaker result for engineering, and this was in spite on the tremendous ongoing strength in infrastructure construction in New South Wales and Victoria. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The slowdown reflected weaker activity levels in Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia, as well as dramatic drop off in the Northern Territory as the Ichthys LNG project now transitions to the production phase. </div>
<p class="post-body entry-content"> </p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1t4jAa6gx1E/W_31-9T5rUI/AAAAAAAAtGA/zCEyL4CY9GEPxcYb0SJW5-zHf_5aqVkMQCLcBGAs/s1600/A2.jpg"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1t4jAa6gx1E/W_31-9T5rUI/AAAAAAAAtGA/zCEyL4CY9GEPxcYb0SJW5-zHf_5aqVkMQCLcBGAs/s640/A2.jpg" width="640" height="374" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1366"></a></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">Overall, a weak result across all sectors of construction: new houses, new apartments (ex-Sydney), commercial, and engineering. </div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator"><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.</em></div>
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Construction is weakening, that means fewer cranes: Pete Wargent

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<p>Ceasarstone has pinpointed Australia from the nations it sells its range of kitchen, bathroom, walling and flooring products into as facing housing headwinds.</p>
<p>“Australia’s sales were down 1.2% on a constant currency basis, with weaker performance than forecasted,’’ said Ceasarstone chief financial officer Ophir Yakovian.</p>
<p>“The decline was primarily due to increased competition coupled with continued softness in the housing and remodelling markets, which were affected by more rigid lending standards and increased mortgage rates,” <em>The Australian</em> reported.</p>
<p>Ceasarstone, a global manufacturer of premium quartz surfaces, sells into more than 50 countries.</p>
<p>The Nasdaq-listed Ceasarstone has become one of the housing products manufacturers to highlight issues in the renovation and construction sector.</p>
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