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

Joel Robinson

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Crown Group

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Sydney’s Crown Development Group has purchased a significant residential development site in Brisbane’s West End for $35 million. 
The purchase at 117 Victoria Street marks Crown’s first entry into the Brisbane market.
It plans to construct a high-density residential tower on the riverfront site with over 400 apartments and adjacent recreational areas.
Cushman &amp; Wakefield’s Nick Spiro and Andrew Gard managed the expressions of interest campaign generating interest from local, interstate and offshore developers with over 200 inquiries.
Located in close proximity to South Brisbane and West End’s retail, dining and entertainment precincts, the 117 Victoria Street site (pictured above) comprises a 12,500sqm high density residential zoned lot with an assessable development height of 12 storeys.
It is one of the last remaining development sites over 1Ha in Brisbane’s inner south area. The land has a 5,100sqm office/warehouse facility which was previously occupied by Computershare.
The sale is the largest development site transaction within Brisbane’s city fringe market in 2018, representing a return to positive development market sentiment after a period of subdued demand. 
Crown’s residential development project will complement existing developments within the West End peninsula, including Turrisi’s Bohemia West End, Stockwell’s Virtuoso, BPM’s Bank Street Project, Sekisui House’s West Village site and Pradella’s Light &amp; Co project.
Commenting on the sale, Nick Spiro, said the West End development market has been subject to substantial swings in sentiment, however, Crown’s purchase of 117 Victoria Street was a sign that the development market "has passed its low point and is well positioned for future growth.”
The last three sites over 1ha in West End have sold to Crown, R&amp;F and Sekisui House who are all national or offshore developers.
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Crown Group secures Brisbane West End residential development site for $35 million

<html><body>
Following its mixed-use development in Parramatta, Crown Group was awarded the 2018 UDIA NSW Mixed-Use award for its 514-apartment tower V by Crown Group at the annual Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW Awards for Excellence last weekend.
Crown Group Chairman and Group CEO Iwan Sunito said the prestigious award recognised the company’s dedication to create an iconic residential development for the site.   Positioned in the heart of Parramatta, and referred to by local media as Parramatta’s “Vertical Village”, V by Crown Group includes a private pool, gym, sauna, conference facilities, music room, theatrette, library, state-of-the-art archaeological showcase and level-26 bar; plus a boutique hotel and ground level retail-and-dining plaza.   "This award is a recognition of the unique design of V by Crown Group, a development which reflects the past, present and the future," Sunito said.   Iwan, who is also an architect, has often expressed his desire to use innovative designs rather than to simply follow designs of the past.   "We strive to push the boundaries of conventional design, to create revolutionary breakthrough developments," Sunito said.   "After more than 20 years of growth, we continually strive to create award-winning architectural designs across Sydney’s skyline." 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/8/8/V%20by%20Crown%20Group%20Lobby.jpg" alt=""> Designed by international architects Allen Jack + Cottier (AJ+C) in collaboration with the Japanese born architect, Koichi Takada, V by Crown Group includes two large V-shaped columns, each standing a striking three storeys tall; highlighting its main entrance on the corner of Macquarie and Marsden streets Parramatta.   The development involved the preservation of a number of key elements of Parramatta’s historical and cultural past, including the remains of a convict hut found during excavation and uniquely displayed for public view in a purpose-built display centre located on-site.
Named the “The Philip Ruddock Heritage Centre,” the public showcase was officially opened to the public by NSW Premier Gladys Berejikilian along with Mayor of Hornsby and former member for Parramatta, Philip Ruddock and Crown Group CEO Iwan Sunito in December 2017.   V by Crown Group is also home to the first Skye Hotel Suites; Parramatta’s first five-star hotel offering 72 luxury suites catering for domestic and international visitors to Parramatta.   At ground-level, V by Crown Group’s modern retail precinct is home to Husk + Vine Restaurant and Bar, The Shed Café among other eateries and retail outlets.   V by Crown Group’s second tower was completed in 2017.
</body></html>

Crown Group wins design award for Parramatta mixed-use development 

Crown Group&#39;s intentions for a sizeable tract of Waterloo land have become clearer, with five separate development applications now before City of Sydney.

Most notable is the exhibition of Building C which is&nbsp;44-48 O&rsquo;Dea Avenue&#39;s largest intended building. <a href="https://www.crowngroup.com.au/crown-group-reveals-first-image-kengo-kuma-designed-tower/">Already flagged by the developer</a> earlier in the year,&nbsp;Building C combines the design talents of&nbsp;Koichi Takada Architects with Japan-based Kengo Kuma and Associates.

The distinct 20 storey tower includes a cantilevered infinity-edge pool atop the building, gym and community room. Externally the facade is laden with greenery&nbsp;with the intent of emulating a stacked forest.

The tower includes 153 apartments, split between 11 studio, 42 single, 84 double and 16 triple bedroom configurations. 123 vehicle bays are included within 4 basement levels.

<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/image95_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: KTA / KKAA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="362" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image95_5.jpg?itok=DynewUJy" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: KTA / KKAA" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective. Planning image: KTA / KKAA</figcaption>
</figure>

On&nbsp;the design, the architectural partnership provides the following commentary:

<blockquote>
The building form creates a gentle and responsive transition from the tower to podium creating a better urban relationship to the lower scale developments within the immediate context.

The use of wood look battens across the facade creates a high level of articulation and dynamism along the entire building length. The warm and natural material pallete is used throughout the building in order to create an intrinsic connection back to nature and is evident through the resort style amenities for the residents.

The relationship to nature is further strengthened through three predominant landscaped areas in the building. The design brings a high quality and architecturally responsive aesthetic along the entire streetscape and a new iconic gateway to the heart of Waterloo.
</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/image96_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior space within Building C. Planning image: KTA / KKAA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="282" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image96_1.jpg?itok=FUeoBriZ" title="Interior space within Building C. Planning image: KTA / KKAA" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Interior space within Building C. Planning image: KTA / KKAA</figcaption>
</figure>

Simultaneously plans have been released for Crown Group&#39;s fifth and final instalment of their Waterloo development. Silvester Fuller&#39;s design for Building A will consist of 40 apartments within a 5 storey golden-laced edifice.

5 studio, 12 single, 19 double and 4 triple bedroom apartments are included above retail space and two basement levels for 38 vehicles.

Silverster Fuller say:

<blockquote>
The building is conceived as a community of dwellings connected by communal spaces. Its architectural identity celebrates the intersection of Archibald Avenue and Lachlan Place as an expressed front door and vertical connector, linking the Entry to the Communal Open Rooftop above.

The external connecting stair is a marker defining the building entry and connection to the rooftop garden. Creating a naturally lit and ventilated vertical circulation experience reinforces the wellness principles which underpin the design strategy.
</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/image97_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Building A on display. Planning image: Silvester Fuller"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="310" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image97_2.jpg?itok=WMzJM5op" title="Building A on display. Planning image: Silvester Fuller" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Building A on display. Planning image: Silvester Fuller</figcaption>
</figure>

With all five projects at planning, Crown Group are looking to add as many as 388 apartments over their O&#39;Dea Avenue site.&nbsp;

The collection of buildings seemingly hold a similar architectural language in style and colours, although as has been noted the buildings&nbsp;express their own &quot;clear identity within a collection of individual buildings designed to balance diversity with a sense of place.&quot;

Crown Group&#39;s Waterloo precinct will slot in behind a number of other Sydney projects the developer has in progress. Marquee projects&nbsp;<a href="/buildings/arc-by-crown-group-161-clarence-street-sydney">Arc by Crown</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/zetland-nsw-2017">Infinity by Crown</a> and <a href="/buildings/castle-residences-sydney-116-castlereagh-street-sydney">Castle Residences</a> are at construction, leaving <a href="/buildings/the-grand-residences-eastlakes-16-evans-avenue-eastlakes">Eastlakes Live</a> at sales and <a href="/buildings/waterfall-by-crown-group-18-20-odea-avenue-waterloo">Waterfall by Crown</a> as forthcoming projects.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=7020]

<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_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Building B, D and E round out Crown Group's Waterloo intentions"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="204" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image99_3.jpg?itok=WXKgzChr" title="Building B, D and E round out Crown Group's Waterloo intentions" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Building B, D and E round out Crown Group&#39;s Waterloo intentions</figcaption>
</figure>

silvermb

Crown Group's design full house for Sydney's Waterloo

<html><body>
Crown Group's third land parcel within their expansive Waterloo development precinct has reached planning.

Koichi Takada Architects have taken on design duties once more for the latest instalment, which is referred to as Building B. Thus far Buildings D and E edged into planning during March; Koichi Takada Architects have maintained a similar scale and design language across all three intended apartment projects.

The latest inclusion will cost in excess of $33 million to deliver and consists of 56 apartments across various living formats.

<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/image73_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Reed Street perspective. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image73_5.jpg?itok=IOcDZd3U" title="Reed Street perspective. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Reed Street perspective. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects</figcaption></figure>Set over 6 levels, the 56 apartments are split between 6 x studio, 18 x 1 Bedroom, 28 x 2 Bedroom and 8 x 3 Bedroom options. The inclusion of studios within Building B is reflective of Crown Group's move to diversify the living options within the initial two planning applications.

Basement parking provides 58 vehicle bays alongside provisions for bicycles.

An expansive 240 square metre retail tenancy will corner Reed Street and Archibald Avenue, bolstering the retail intentions of the overall development. Thus far 16 retail and food/cafe tenancies have been included over the initial two buildings.

<blockquote>
Koichi Takada Architects' design for Lot 9 (Building B) focuses on providing a building that enhances the new streetscape. The proposal provides an iconic and recognizable addition to the new Lachlan Precinct.

A highly articulated facade defines the horizontality of the building, creating an organic form along the entire building’s length. The articulation assists to break down the mass of the building facade while the organic nature of the horizontal banding helps emphasise the street corners.

The artfully designed facade incorporates an integrated awning into the design to create a holistic design aesthetic. 
<cite>Design Statement: Koichi Takada Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

The 56 apartments slated for Building B are in addition to the 139 across both earlier stages.

<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/image72_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Crown Group's initial two residential intentions for Waterloo. Planning images: Koichi Takada Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="222" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image72_3.jpg?itok=fzMuOllF" title="Crown Group's initial two residential intentions for Waterloo. Planning images: Koichi Takada Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Crown Group's initial two residential intentions for Waterloo. Planning images: Koichi Takada Architects</figcaption></figure>Crown Group's trio of modest-sized apartment projects are located within the Lachlan Precinct in Waterloo which forms part of the Green Square Urban Renewal Area.

City of Sydney's vision for the Lachlan Precinct is that "it will continue to gradually transition from industrial and warehouse uses to a mixed-use residential neighbourhood with high-quality buildings and public spaces." The developer and architect have heavily invested into their precinct's ground plane, as evidenced by the numerous retail spaces principally fronting Archibald Avenue.

Crown Group's development site is strategic in that it holds the major axis intersection. Gadigal Avenue runs north-south and is pegged as a major mixed-use thoroughfare whilst Archibald Avenue is on an east-west setting and is slowly developing as the precinct's main retail and café strip.

Imagery for Building B also includes the taller 19 level future residential tower <a href="https://architectureau.com/articles/kengo-kuma-koichi-takada-to-design-vertical-urban-forest-for-sydneys-waterloo/">jointly designed by Kengo Kuma and Koichi Takada Architects</a>. 

Crown Group can expect approximately 380 apartments across all stages of their Waterloo development.
</body></html>

Third time over; Crown Group tracks a third Waterloo apartment project

<html><body>
Crown Group have lodged their second development application within a month for a large tract of land in Waterloo.

Building D is the second of five separate land parcels within the developer's expansive site which falls across the Lachlan Precinct renewal area. Addressed 44-48 O'Dea Avenue, the development in its entirety will see buildings of up to 20 levels delivered.

For the time being though Crown Group has seen it fit to focus on the smaller-scale aspect of their budding precinct. The freshly lodged Building D at 7 levels is similar in scale to <a href="/news/koichi-takada-designs-crown-groups-next-considerable-residential-project">Building E which was lodged during March</a>, albeit with a lower overall apartment count.

As with the first stage, Koichi Takada Architects have been given the design duties.

<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/image11_22.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Archibald Avenue and Reed Street perspective. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="307" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_22.jpg?itok=dXav2A5-" title="Archibald Avenue and Reed Street perspective. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Archibald Avenue and Reed Street perspective. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects</figcaption></figure>Building D contains 7 commercial tenancies and 44 residential apartments above 2 levels of basement parking and services. The intended apartment split sees 2 studios, 12 single bedroom, 24 double bedroom and 6 triple bedroom apartments rolled into the building.

Both Buildings D and E maintain similar external gold banding, although Building D's external arrangement is in a vertical configuration. Koichi Takada Architects describe Building D as follows:

<blockquote>
The development is organised in 2 primary masses formed in a L-shape. This comprises of a 4 storey low rise built form along Archibald street, and a 7 storey mid rise fronting Gadigal Ave.

The continuous awning both enhances the streetscape quality and continuous nature of the active street frontage. The upper floors integrate a vertical blade treatment along the facade which assists in breaking down the massing.

As the facade wraps around the building on the three primary frontages, it assists in creating a dynamic facade that helps to break down the apparent mass and visual bulk of the building. The built form is driven by principles of natural ventilation, solar access and visual privacy. 
</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/image14_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Crown Group's initial Waterloo site. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_16.jpg?itok=37FzSdoj" title="Crown Group's initial Waterloo site. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Crown Group's Waterloo site. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects</figcaption></figure>Thus far combined apartment numbers between both lodged applications amount to 139.

Both are located within the Lachlan Precinct which forms part of the Green Square Urban Renewal Area. City of Sydney's vision for the Lachlan Precinct is that "it will continue to gradually transition from industrial and warehouse uses to a mixed-use residential neighbourhood with high-quality buildings and public spaces."

Crown Group's development site is strategic in that it holds the major axis intersection. Gadigal Avenue runs north-south and is pegged as a major mixed-use thoroughfare whilst Archibald Avenue is on an east-west setting and is slowly developing as the precinct's main retail and café strip.

Koichi Takada Architects' commentary on Building D's street level interaction included the following:

<blockquote>
Koichi Takada Architects focuses on a design that enhances both public and residential amenity. The ground plane opens to Archibald Ave, with a highly active retail frontage that will invigorate the streetscape and public domain, providing continuous row of retail tenancies.

The primary active frontage faces south while maximising the district outlook and enhancing available amenity.
</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/image12_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The prospective view from Gadigal Avenue. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_14.jpg?itok=Ug438OFN" title="The prospective view from Gadigal Avenue. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Building D view from Gadigal Avenue. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Crown Group doubles up in Waterloo

<html><body>
Japanese architect Kengo Kuma’s design submitted in partnership with Australian architecture firm Koichi Takada Architects, has been named the winner in a competition to design Crown Group’s new tower for Sydney’s Waterloo. 
Forming part of a five-building development in Waterloo which also includes three buildings designed exclusively by Koichi Takada Architects and a building designed by Sydney-based architects Silvester Fuller, the 19-storey tower will feature a cantilevered infinity-edge rooftop pool, gym and community room with a plant-filled, green exterior designed to emulate a stacked forest.   The development at 48 O’Dea Avenue Waterloo will comprise 384 luxury apartments across five buildings, ranging 4 to 19 storeys and a mix of restaurants, cafes and shops. Overseen by the City of Sydney, a competition to design the development's tallest building attracted a high-calibre of entries judged by a panel of experts including independent architects, assessing architectural design excellence. The winning entry was officially announced today. It will be the first time Kengo Kuma and Associates has designed for the award-winning Australian developer founded with its first development in Bondi in 1996.   Renowned for his designs which show respect for tradition while considering the needs of the future, Kengo Kuma recently designed the 2020 Olympic Stadium Tokyo and the internationally-acclaimed V&amp;A museumin Dundee, Scotland.   Crown Group Chairman and Group CEO Iwan Sunito said he was proud to have the three architecture firms involved in the company’s landmark development in Waterloo.   The collaboration between Kengo Kuma and Koichi Takada was a world first, Mr Sunito said.   “Kengo Kuma and Koichi Takada each have their own unique style and ethos, which fit with Crown Group’s desire to push the boundaries of design,” he said.   “Both architects have proven to be true leaders in their field, renowned for their creativity. I feel the collaboration of the two will lead to something new and unique for Sydney.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/4/3/koch2.jpg" alt="">   “We are excited to be able to take the next step in furthering the path of Sydney as it becomes increasingly recognised for its leading architecture.   “This development will be a forward-thinking new addition to Sydney’s Green Square redevelopment precinct,” Mr Sunito added.   The development will be Crown Group’s third development in Waterloo, following the award-winning Viking by Crown Group completed in 2014 and the recently launched Waterfall by Crown Group.   Kengo Kuma founded Kengo Kuma and Associates, Inc. in 1990 and the company has established a long history in the architect’s home nation; Japan but last year made its first foray into Australia with a tower in Sydney’s Circular Quay and The Darling Exchange which forms part of the NSW Government’s $3.4 billion plan to redevelop Darling Harbour. Kengo studied at Columbia University in New York City and made the top five of last year's Dezeen Hot List.   “Our intention is to give a warm and a natural atmosphere to the community with unique design strategies,” Mr Kuma said.   “The upper volume of the tower seamlessly transforms into the lower part of the stepped terraces in order to create an intimacy between the building scale and the pedestrian scale on the street level. “Eaves wrapping the façade are covered by sticks which give a warm impression of the wood to the façade.   “The entire façade becomes a vertical urban forest by having a vegetation on each eave.   “Those strategies will blur and soften the profile building, and give a whole new image of the W48 precinct of the Waterloo,” Mr Kuma added.   With more than 40,000 jobs expected to be created in the Green Square area by 2030, the development will be home to hundreds of new Waterloo residents when completed in 2020.   Japanese-born Koichi Takada began his career in Tokyo and moved to Sydney in 1997. His firm Koichi Takada Architects has won multiple awards for its designs including residential, retail, hospitality and cultural venues. The new Waterloo development will be the fourth Crown Group development designed by Koichi Takada Architects, following Skye by Crown Group in North Sydney, Arc by Crown Group in the CBD and the multi award-winning Infinity by Crown Group in Green Square. “It is my honour to work alongside Kuma sensei, the Japanese master of architecture. It is a dream come true,” Mr Takada said.    “Responding to Kengo Kuma’s vision for the tallest of the five buildings, I am excited to design three low-rise buildings that create a dynamic architectural dialogue within the precinct.   “Crown Group’s on-going vision for Waterloo will continue to positively regenerate the area’s former industrial warehouses with an ‘organic’ and ‘healthy’ green neighbourhood, celebrated by their signature resort-style living for residents and a new street culture to benefit the public.   “I drew on an idea of ‘green luxury,’ finding inspiration in nature. Each building is designed with a ‘human touch’ to express its organic and distinct architectural character,” Mr Takada added.   More details of the development will be revealed in June and apartment sales are expected to begin later this year.   Crown Group will begin accepting registrations of interest from potential buyers in June.  
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Kengo Kuma’s ‘Stacking Forest’ design wins competition for new Sydney, Waterloo tower

<html><body>
The initial stage of Crown Group's multiphased redevelopment of a substantial land track in Sydney's Waterloo has been unveiled.

The developer earlier this month lodged plans for the first of five separate stages within its Lachlan Precinct land parcel. Addressed 44-48 O'Dea Avenue, the overall development will ultimately see multiple buildings delivered, climbing as high as 20 levels.

The subject of the initial application though is Building E, a more modest 8 level apartment development. The 2,993 square metre island site is set well back from O'Dea Avenue and is bound by Archibald Avenue, Gadigal Avenue, Reed Street and Hatbox Place. 

Koichi Takada Architects is behind the design, having created a number of stand out residential buildings for Crown Group in recent times. Building E, too, shapes as an architectural statement, holding winged feature aluminium corners that soften an otherwise squared form.

<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/image9_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_20.jpg?itok=RXp8qBge" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects</figcaption></figure>95 apartments are slated for the initial stage, which has a development cost beyond $41 million. Crown Group have provided a spread of living options within Building E, electing to include 10 studio, 29 single, 45 double and 11 triple bedroom apartments.

Internal areas for the respecting living options begin at 35 square metres for studios, 50 square metres for singles, 70 square metres for doubles and 90 square metres for triples.

The apartments, along with 11 retails tenancies predominantly facing Archibald Avenue, will be serviced by dual basement levels accommodating 105 parking bays. 
At ground level, a publicly accessible and landscaped through passage will account for roughly 30% of the site's footprint, with a small degree of built form above, effectively creating a U-shaped building. Part of the above build form is a fourth level terrace for future residents.

<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/image16_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Joint Koichi Takada - Crown Group projects to date"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_12.jpg?itok=4oULD1xP" title="Joint Koichi Takada - Crown Group projects to date" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Joint Koichi Takada - Crown Group projects to date</figcaption></figure>Building E aside, Crown Group has taken a liking to Koichi Takada's flowing lines in recent times; the duo has collaborated on a number of projects in inner Sydney. Skye, Arc and the highly distinctive Infinity with its roughly 400 apartments, retail and convention facilities are Koichi Takada designs for the prolific developer.

Another upcoming project sees Crown Group team with architecture firm FJMT to deliver a $1 billion rejuvenation project to Sydney's southern suburb of Eastlakes. Crown Group is also planning its first Melbourne project.

Teaming with G3 Projects, the duo is reportedly developing 175 Sturt Street, Southbank. It went to planning during 2016 and still remains there.
</body></html>

Koichi Takada designs Crown Group's next considerable residential project

<html><body>
Crown Group have revealed its new Eastlakes town centre development.
The image shows the modern retail and restaurant area which will be in the first stage of the $1 billion redevelopment.
Dubbed Eastlakes Live, the fjmt-designed project will comprise modern residential apartments and a new restaurant and retail precinct. 
Stage one of the development will include 134 apartments.
They will range from one-bedroom apartments to penthouses.
There will also be 12 retail outlets.
Stage two of Eastlakes Live will include a mix of residential and retail components, with details still to come, completing the modern new town centre.   The development site adjoins Eastlakes Reserve and is located eight kilometres from Sydney’s CBD and three kilometres from the University of South Wales, Sydney Airport and Green Square.
There will be two major supermarkets fresh food offerings, a restaurant promenade, street cafes, a medical centre, as well as densely landscaped gardens and children’s play areas.
Crown Group chairman and group CEO Iwan Sunito said the development was designed to "create a new entertainment and lifestyle precinct for Sydney."
“This is the first stage of our concept of creating a thriving and modern urban village - anchored by a residential component and filled with dynamic retail, entertainment and outdoor recreation opportunities.
The new development draws on the success of Crown Group’s multi-award-winning Top Ryde City Living project which successfully integrated 653 residential apartments within seven towers above a modern shopping centre. 
Crown Group will begin sales of 134 luxury apartments in the first stage of Eastlakes Live in June 2018, with completion slated for 2020.
</body></html>

Crown Group reveal Eastlakes' $1 billion redevelopment

<html><body>
James Packer is looking overseas to sell apartments in his ­luxury residential tower in Sydney’s Barangaroo at a time when the property market in the Harbour city has shown signs of slowing.
The 81 exclusive apartments are expected to hit the market soon via an expressions-of-interest targeted marketing campaign, followed by a formal launch.
And the target are the wealthy in global cities. 
“Buyers in the gateway cities of the world will be targeted including­ London, New York, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing,” Crown executive vice-president Todd Nisbet was cited as saying by The Australian.
Crown’s marketing push comes as Sydney home values were steady over the month and edged up just 0.3 per cent over the quarter, rising 13 per cent over the past year.
Melbourne values rose 0.5 per cent in August, 1.9 per cent over the quarter and 12.7 per cent over the year.
The apartments are being marketed by real estate agent Knight Frank and its London figurehead, Lord Andrew Hay. 
Nisbet said he expected the 81 “sky homes” in the Crown residential tower also to appeal to the domestic Australian ­market. 
“This isn’t the kind of project focused on the Chinese investors,” he said, clearly implying that the apartments are not being targeted towards Chinese buyers.  
“Investors are not the type of buyer that it is going to resonate with. We are targeting specific demographics and we will not disclose pricing at this time.’’
Though the pricing is being kept under wraps, there’s speculation that the penthouse atop the Barangaroo tower, to be branded Crown Sydney, One Barangaroo, could come with a price tag as high as $100 million.
Last year, Packer's Crown Resorts secured approval for his $2 billion Sydney casino at Barangaroo.
 
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

James Packer looks to market luxury ‘sky homes’ in Barangaroo to foreigners

<html><body>
Property developer Crown Group’s development in Sydney’s Waterloo has sold more than $300 million worth of apartments at its launch, which the company said is a new sales record.  
The off-the-plan project, Waterfall, at 18 O’Dea Avenue will comprise 331 apartments ranging from studios to three bedroom units and even courtyard apartments and double-storey penthouses.
Prices start from from $650 000. Construction of Waterfall is expected to be completed in 2020.
Buyers snapped up $120 million worth of apartments in the first hour itself, topping the previous one-hour record of $100 million at the launch of its Infinity project in 2015, Crown Group said. 
By close of business, sales had reached $300 million globally with apartments sold in Sydney, Jakarta, Hong Kong and Singapore. The majority of apartments were sold to buyers in Sydney.
Three penthouses worth $12 million were also snapped up.
Crown Group made the decision to release additional apartments worth $100 million originally allocated for a later release, after the initial $200-million allocation of apartments were sold.
Crown Group chairman Iwan Sunito said the sales on Saturday reflected the building’s extraordinary design and exceptional location.
“We saw more people come to the launch on Saturday than we ever anticipated, many of whom were past purchasers of Crown Group apartments,” Sunito said.
Designed by Sydney-based architects SJB, Waterfall will comprise three seven-storey buildings and a 20-storey tower overlooking lush landscaping and a water garden.
A seven-storey waterfall is a focal point; set to become Australia’s tallest man-made waterfall, the media release said.
Public art by Mika Utzon Popov, grandson of Sydney Opera House architect Jørn Utzon, in the form of a large-scale artwork is integrated in the design.  
Among the amenities will be a rooftop pool with a sky garden and terrace, gym, rooftop cinema, function room with a catering kitchen and music room with grand piano. 
“This is evidence of the strong demand for high-quality apartments in the right location,” Sunito said.
Project director Prisca Edwards said buyers on Saturday were a mix of investors and owner-occupiers.
The $400 million mixed-use development will be home to six retail outlets. 
</body></html>

Crown Group

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Crown Group

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News