Sun Property Group (SPG) has taken a major step to reinforce its commitment to consumer trust by securing Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) from Resilience Insurance for its nearly completed Willoughby development on Sydney’s Lower North Shore.

The boutique project, Aurora, comprising 12 apartments and a ground-floor commercial space, is one of few in the region to adopt the forward-thinking insurance model—offering a point of difference in a competitive market.

For Cameron Johnson, General Manager at Sun Property Group, the decision to adopt LDI was rooted in the company’s long-standing philosophy of maintaining a highly personalised relationship with its end users.

“We’ve always taken ownership over our product,” Johnson said. “Introducing LDI is not just about peace of mind for the buyer—it’s about raising the internal bar. It becomes the baseline for how we do things going forward.”

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While hundreds of developers and builders have taken out an LDI policy from Resilience Insurance, the insurance is still relatively new to Australia. Johnson says he sees significant future potential with LDI nationwide, with both&nbsp;regulatory and market frameworks starting to evolve to support its wider use in class two buildings.

“When we started the Willoughby project, LDI was still just a concept being floated by the Building Commissioner’s office," Johnson says.

"Delays in the construction timeline gave us the unique opportunity to adopt it as the product became more available in late 2023."

That timing aligned with a shift in construction contractors on the project, which opened the door for a more collaborative and considered implementation of the insurance. According to Johnson, Resilience Insurance was proactive and solution-oriented.

“It wasn’t just about us buying a product off the shelf. It was a dialogue—how can we work together to deliver something that meets both of our needs?” he added.

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LDI covers major structural defects for up to 10 years post-completion and offers an alternative to the traditional developer bond held under the Department of Fair Trading’s scheme. SPG prudently factor in a two per cent cost profile for such measures into its feasibility, treating it as “business as usual.”

“What LDI does is show the consumer that we’re front-ending our responsibilities—design, delivery, documentation, execution. That whole chain of custody is assessed and independently reviewed throughout construction. It’s a rubber stamp on quality,” Johnson said.

In a region where no other nearby developments currently carry LDI, the move also creates a market differentiator. While some projects may carry an iCIRT rating, few offer the depth of protection and oversight that LDI provides, especially outside of publicly listed organisations.

Aurora is being brought to market by Henry Burke of McGrath Projects. With the recent cut in interest rates Burke expects that many first home buyers and investors will jump at the chance to buy in Aurora due to its convenient location, fantastic retail amenity, picturesque parks with leafy walks, and excellent transport connections with only one stop to Sydney CBD. He expects a local owner-occupier to secure the standout penthouse which offers 175 sqm of internal space and further 200 sqm of outdoor space.

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Johnson says Aurora residents will not only benefit from the first right insurance policy, which means action is taken immediately rather than often long and complicated battles as developers and builders point fingers at each other as to who created the issue, but from how it can benefit the strata communities of the building.

Many buyers, especially first-time apartment owners, have limited understanding of shared infrastructure or the responsibilities of Owners Corporations. LDI adds an important layer of education, structure, and protection.

“People want to move in and enjoy what they’ve bought. But when things go wrong, that’s when emotions and stress levels rise. The insurance policy gives owners a clearer path to resolution—an assured, regulated compensation process. It also helps equip owners and managers with the knowledge they need to maintain the building properly.”

The insurance includes tools such as service penetration matrices and access documentation—going far beyond standard build drawings. Johnson says it’s about delivering not just a home, but a sustainable, manageable asset.

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Sun Property Group continues to build on its strong track record across Sydney’s Lower North Shore, with an upcoming major development of its Bowen Street, Chatswood landholdings and additional projects underway in Melbourne. The team recently completed its debut Melbourne apartment project, The Brookville in Toorak, showcasing their commitment to delivering high-quality, design-led communities.

In a region where no other nearby developments currently carry LDI, the move also creates a market differentiator

Joel Robinson

Sun Property Group approaches completion of Willoughby's first apartment development with 10-year Latent Defects Insurance

Renowned developer-builder DASCO has unveiled its much-anticipated new development in the heart of Epping.

The architectural brief for Turner Studio was to “create a community where residents are completely immersed in a paradise for the senses.”

The result is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/senso-epping-242-244-beecroft-road-epping-nsw-2121">Senso</a>, a series of buildings that have been oriented around an unrepeatable 10,000 sqm-plus site to create a facility-laden, landscape-first precinct, something of which Epping and its surrounds have not seen before.

There are 479 apartments available in a variety of floorplans across the five buildings, a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in addition to a curated penthouse collection.

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The apartments have been designed to appeal to the owner-occupier market, with generous floorplans, premium materials, and optional upgrades including integrated refrigeration, bespoke joinery, and motorised blinds.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dasco-australia">DASCO</a>, who builds its own developments, is once again bringing peace of mind to its clients by taking the 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy offered by Resilience Insurance, which protects buyers against any structural or waterproofing issues for 10 years post completion of the building. This insurance can only be taken out by the builder or developer and not by individual apartment owners.

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DASCO is known for creating more than just apartments — they create places where people connect. Senso will have over 4,000 sqm of resort-inspired communal amenity in the form of two rooftop pools, a celestial outdoor cinema, wellness club, sensory walk, and an observation deck, in addition to multiple BBQ and outdoor communal areas on multiple levels, intended to deliver a complete lifestyle offering within the residential environment.

There will be over 800 sqm of retail space on street level, which will likely be run as hospitality venues.

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Located adjacent to the new Epping Town Centre masterplan, and just a five-minute walk from Epping Metro Station, Senso offers seamless access to Macquarie Park, Chatswood and the Sydney CBD. Families who are interested in the large two- and three-bedroom apartments are within proximity to several regarded educational institutions including Macquarie University, James Ruse Agricultural High, and Cheltenham Girls School.

The project also leverages Epping’s growing dining and retail precinct, proximity to Macquarie Centre, and access to natural assets including Terrys Creek walking trails and Boronia Park.

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With a 33-year track record and over 7,000 dwellings delivered, DASCO continues to develop and build; a business model that enables integrated delivery and peace of mind, especially when Senso is backed by Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), providing 10 years of protection for buyers at no additional cost.

The launch of Senso Epping reinforces DASCO’s active pipeline of Sydney-based developments at a time when the market is increasingly focused on owner-occupier appeal, delivery confidence, and long-term quality.

DASCO is partnering on Senso Epping with leading Australian alternative asset management firm Metrics, which has more than $30 billion in assets under management.

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DASCO reveals Senso, Epping’s first resort-style apartment development

Preliminary data by research giant Charter Keck Cramer reveals a 54 per cent decline in Build to Sell apartments across Australia's capital cities, while the Build to Rent boom continues with a 378 per cent increase over the last five years.

Charter Keck Cramer's upcoming National State of the Market Report - Key Metropolitan Areas, scheduled for release in September, will reveal&nbsp;a dramatic transformation in apartment supply patterns across Australia's capital cities between FY2016-2020 and FY2021-2025.

The Build to Sell (BTS) apartment sector has experienced a substantial contraction, with total supply falling by 54 per cent compared to the previous five-year period. The decline represents a reduction of 149,200 apartments across all capital cities.

<img alt="BTS Charter Keck Cramer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3db2ddf3-e7c0-481f-b8b9-63efb365cb80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-20%20at%2011.26.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bsQl8inhZA7FeiPamnGvw1tse0obBdSd" />

Sydney led the downturn with a decrease of 73,600 apartments, followed by Melbourne (-42,800) and Brisbane (-26,800). Perth and Adelaide also recorded significant declines of 6,400 and 2,400 apartments respectively. Only Gold Coast and Canberra bucked the trend, with modest increases of 500 and 2,300 apartments.

In stark contrast, the Build to Rent (BTR) sector has emerged as a major force in the apartment market, recording a remarkable 378% increase in supply. This growth added 8,590 apartments across the capital cities during FY2021-2025. Melbourne dominated BTR growth with 6,160 additional apartments, while Sydney contributed 2,100 units. Brisbane and Canberra also recorded growth of 800 and 330 apartments respectively. Gold Coast and Perth recorded minor declines, while Adelaide maintained steady levels.

<img alt="BTR CKC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca13ffd4-ab93-4828-afd2-4c3dccbd2b51" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-20%20at%2011.28.54%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=SXNnpcJuFD36ViWOwF6izBBqcQc3NWao" />

“These preliminary findings indicate a fundamental shift in Australia's apartment development landscape, with traditional Build to Sell models giving way to institutional Build to Rent developments,” said Richard Temlett, Charter Keck Cramer’s National Executive Director of Research.

"This transition reflects changing investor preferences, regulatory environments and housing affordability challenges across major metropolitan areas.”

The complete Charter Keck Cramer National State of the Market Report – Key Metropolitan Areas will provide comprehensive analysis of these trends, their underlying drivers and implications for developers, investors and policymakers when released in September.

Build to Sell apartment supply drops 54% in five years across Australian capital cities

Verso Development Group is seeking to bring over 1,100 apartments to the heart of Brisbane's Toowong, with plans filed for a $1 billion, triple tower development known as Toowong Central.

The landmark urban regeneration project "aims to reshape the core of Brisbane’s inner-west riverside suburb."

Covering over 1.4-hectares across&nbsp;Sherwood Road, High Street, and Jephson Street, Toowong Central has been designed by KHA and will comprise three towers rising 49, 55, and 58 levels.

<img alt="Toowong Central" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="48611e3d-7123-4b99-b2cb-bfa4bc98024f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenities.png?VersionId=yKBexB.BgCkq4OET8fHDkWs0d3DjxOKJ" />

According to the Urban Context Report prepared by Urbis, Toowong Central is positioned as a “city-defining precinct reclaiming Toowong as ‘the best destination in the west’,” with a vision to deliver density differently, strengthen Toowong’s identity, and lead subtropical urban design.

There will be a wide range of apartment configurations, from one-bedrooms to five-bedroom penthouses, as well as short-term accomodation offerings. The design prioritises pedestrian permeability, with an activated public realm featuring a central civic plaza, laneways, and street-level retail and dining.

“The central square’s structure, programming, scale and location creates a social anchor - shaped by its edges, flexible for use, and animated by a diversity of experiences throughout the day and into the evening,” the Urban Context Report noted, reinforcing the project's ambition to become a vibrant community destination.

Design excellence was pursued through an international design competition, attracting entries from renowned practices such as UNStudio and BIG. KHA’s winning design distinguished itself with a ceremonial approach to the public realm, integrating terraces, tiered seating, and green infrastructure to promote social interaction and resilience.

The development builds upon two existing approvals: the 25- and 20-storey towers of the Aviary Toowong proposal, and a separate 25- and 24-storey approval at 88 Jephson Street. Consolidation of these fragmented landholdings under a precinct-wide approach allows for increased community value and cohesive urban integration.

Urbis Director Nicholas Stevenson said Toowong Central will bridge the gap in Toowong's current experience, unlocking the potential of the wider precinct.

"Overcoming experiential constraints and leveraging contextual advantages – Toowong Central will redefine Brisbane's inner west.”

<img alt="Toowong Central" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73f7a702-625d-452d-9df2-30a0863ac1e8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/master.png?VersionId=TZdh6wxGC_8IIroXpdkZfuhlS8mFZnea" />

Toowong Central’s ambition extends beyond residential and commercial outcomes. Uses under consideration include a world-class hotel, university facilities, a museum, and health and wellness services, reflecting its role as a western gateway to Brisbane’s growing innovation corridor between the CBD and the University of Queensland.

Urbis Managing Partner James Tuma said Brisbane has no greater opportunity to showcase the future of urban living than Toowong – a sustainable, economically vibrant, and people-centric place that embodies the best of Brisbane.

[The plans] gives us a glimpse into our future as a globally relevant, youthful, entrepreneurial, and distinctly subtropical city.”

$1 billion Toowong Central to deliver 1,100 apartments to undersupplied Brisbane market

In <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/runaway-bay-qld-4216">Runaway Bay</a>, new townhouse-scale waterfront residences are rare - but ones built to the standards found on Sovereign Island are almost unheard of.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/ocean-suites-on-jennifer-10-12-jennifer-avenue-runaway-bay-qld-4216">Ocean Suites on Jennifer</a>&nbsp;changes that, delivering a calibre of construction and detailing that places its seven villas well above the typical market offering in this northern Gold Coast pocket.

Ocean Suites on Jennifer will be move-in ready before Christmas this year, giving buyers the chance to spend the summer on the water in one of Runaway Bay’s rare new waterfront residences.&nbsp;

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The development is a collaboration between <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/stuart-osman">Stuart Osman Design</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sand-side-developments">Sand Side Developments</a>, with construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/alroe-constructions">Alroe Constructions</a>.

Architect Stuart Osman says the intent from the outset was to create a home people would be drawn to. “When you build anything, the design is to make you want to go hang out in this house,” he says.&nbsp;

Ocean Suites on Jennifer’s design features a front façade softened with planter boxes, rear pool areas, and rooftop decks looking over the water.&nbsp;

Inside, voids and high skylights bring daylight deep into the centre of each home, while ceiling heights of 2.85 metres maintain a strong sense of volume.

Each four-level residence spans 345 to 388 sqm, with layouts accommodating multi-generational living - a ground-floor bedroom suite for older family members and upper levels for the rest of the household. A lift connects all floors.

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For Andrew Erwin, Director at NPA, the project’s appeal lies in both its location and the detail in execution.&nbsp;

"At Ocean Suites, you’ve got a canal-front setting with direct Broadwater access and a level of finish you’d normally only see in the city’s most prestigious addresses. The four-level layouts, the glass-framed living areas, the private pools, even the extended kitchens, every part of it has been designed with the buyer in mind,” he says.

Those buyers have so far been a mix of Gold Coast locals and interstate purchasers, many seeking a lock-up-and-leave holiday home or a downsized residence without sacrificing space for visiting family.&nbsp;

Older households with teenage children are a recurring profile, drawn to layouts that support multi-generational living and the ability to host extended stays.

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Material selection reinforces the project’s quality-first ethos, with every home appointed to a premium standard. Kitchens and ensuites feature engineered stone surfaces, complemented by prestige oak engineered timber floors, Victorian ash hardwood staircases, and soft loop-pile carpet.

Premium lighting, statement pendants, ceiling fans, and Fujitsu ducted air conditioning elevate both comfort and design. Each residence also includes a suite of high-end appliances as standard - Fisher &amp; Paykel integrated fridges, Bosch ovens, induction cooktops and dishwashers, Vintec wine fridges, and Franke sinks.

Beyond the interiors, residents enjoy an enviable lifestyle with rooftop terraces, private plunge pools, fire pit areas, outdoor showers, smart home automation, laundry chutes, and private pontoons.

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With no additional upgrade costs, Sand Side Developments underscores its no-shortcuts approach, delivering homes where luxury and amenity come as standard.

Osman adds that the kitchen has been designed as “the main hub of the house” with six metres high skylights above a galley-style layout that “makes it feel bigger, brighter, whiter” and “brings light into the centre of the home.”

Both architect and builder emphasise a shared commitment to delivering the intended design without compromise. “Working with Alroe’s structural team and their construction team, it’s been great to make sure that the look and feel that was originally intended is the result achieved at the end of the project,” Osman says.&nbsp;

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Outdoor living has been given equal consideration, with rooftop terraces designed for entertaining with a fire pit and bar, and spacious undercover patios featuring private plunge pools.

The marine access is as carefully executed as the homes themselves. An eight-metre gangway leads to a six-metre private pontoon capable of mooring vessels up to 30 feet, just 300 metres by water from the Broadwater.&nbsp;

Even the orientation of each villa has been optimised to capture long views down the canal, across the Broadwater, and south to Main Beach.

With construction in its final stages, just three of the seven villas remain, priced from $3.365 million to $3.695 million.

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Sovereign Island standards come to Runaway Bay with Ocean Suites on Jennifer

Dahua Group

Dahua Group recently completed their $300 million Hawthorn East apartment development Hawthorn Park, their biggest apartment development in Melbourne.

Designed by&nbsp;Rothelowman, the features a number of&nbsp;amenities, including Melbourne&rsquo;s first suspended sky pool, theatre rooms and a stunning sky lounge.&nbsp;Delivering a&nbsp;mix of 368&nbsp;one, two, three and four-bedroom townhome and apartment residences.

The tower also features over 2000 sqm of parkland curated by acclaimed landscape architect Jack Merlo that bring the&nbsp;Hickory-constructed building to life.

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Hawthorn Park&rsquo;s striking 25 metre floating lap pool with glass bottom immediately catches the eye, acting almost as&nbsp;a bridge between two of the four buildings.

Rothelowman&nbsp;said it was the feature of the development they were most looking forward to seeing.

&ldquo;We were most excited about delivering the pool bridge as it is testament to our collaboration with the contractor&nbsp;Hickory&nbsp;Group and the consultant team, to realise a design which resolves many complex requirements,&rdquo;&nbsp;Rothelowman&rsquo;s Frances Hall said.

As well as the pool, Hawthorn Park features a fully-equipped gym with a yoga and meditation studio and massage suites, a sky lounge, hammock lounge, an indoor residents lounge and a garden pavilion.

Along with these amenities are plenty of bookable lounge and dining rooms with fully equipped chef&rsquo;s kitchen, and&nbsp;the sky pool which features windows and flooring to peer out underwater.

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One of Australia&rsquo;s leading landscape architects&nbsp;Jack Merlo&nbsp;created the central park and a series of garden spaces through Hawthorn Park. They are complete with&nbsp;outdoor areas boasting fruit and vegetable gardens where residents are invited to grow their own produce.

Every apartment has been&nbsp;fitted out with&nbsp;Gaggenau appliances and features floor to ceiling windows and large garden balconies, some offering&nbsp;views&nbsp;of the communal park.

Located in one of Melbourne&rsquo;s most&nbsp;blue chip suburbs, the Hawthorn East development is surrounded by heritage homes and buildings, cafes, boutiques and bars, as well as a well connected public transport system.

The major train and tram lines that provide services into the Melbourne CBD only six kilometres away.

Residents will be surrounded by nature by being within walking distance of Fritsch Holzer Park, and a cycle to the trail that lines the Yarra River.

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Dahua Group recently completed their $300 million Hawthorn East apartment development Hawthorn Park, their biggest apartment development in Melbourne

jordan_55689

Melbourne's first suspended sky pool: A look at the amenities at Hawthorn Park in Hawthorn East

Dahua Group recently completed their $300 million Hawthorn East apartment development Hawthorn Park, their biggest apartment development in Melbourne.

They had architecture firm Rothelowman, one of Australia&rsquo;s leading architecture practices, collaborate with the landscape architect Jack Merlo on the Camberwell Road development of 330 residences.

Now the development is complete, Urban has taken a look at five of the key selling points of Hawthorn Park.

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<h2>The Developer</h2>

Dahua Group was established in 1988 in Shanghai and was established in Victoria in 2014, a year before they entered New South Wales. In 2017 they completed their first apartment development in Melbourne, the 91 apartment block Noir in South Yarra.

Led by managing director William Huang, Dahua has currently a number of master planned communities across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.&nbsp;

<h2>The Architect</h2>

The Melbourne-based, but very much internationally renowned architecture firm Rothelowman handled the unique design of Hawthorn Park.

&ldquo;Dahua Group wanted a sense of community and tranquillity in a common garden setting as a transition from the hustle/bustle of Camberwell road&rdquo; Rothelowman senior associate Frances Hall told Urban.

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&ldquo;All of the colours inside and outside were influenced by tones found in nature.&nbsp; Hence the name Hawthorn Park.&rdquo;

<a href="/expert-insights/buying/rothelowman-discuss-the-design-principles-of-dahua-groups-hawthorn-park-apartment-project">Read more: Urban spoke with Rothelowman about the design of Hawthorn Park</a>

<h2>The Amenities</h2>

Hawthorn Park&rsquo;s striking 25 metre floating lap pool with glass bottom immediately catches the eye, acting as a bridge between two of the four buildings.

Rothelowman said it was the feature of the development they were most looking forward to seeing.

&ldquo;We were most excited about delivering the pool bridge as it is testament to our collaboration with the contractor Hickory Group and the consultant team, to realise a design which resolves many complex requirements,&rdquo; Rothelowman&rsquo;s Frances Hall said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=158931]

As well as the pool, Hawthorn Park features a fully-equipped gym with a yoga and meditation studio and massage suites, a sky lounge, hammock lounge, an indoor residents lounge and a garden pavilion.

<h2>The Landscaping</h2>

One of Australia&rsquo;s leading landscape architects Jack Merlo created the central park and a series of garden spaces through Hawthorn Park, with the plan to soften and complement the built form.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Our brief was also to find a balance between providing a level of privacy in communal spaces while also providing spaces for residents to enjoy with friends,&rdquo; Merlo told Urban. &ldquo;We have achieved this with a design that caters for larger groups and smaller so it can be used by everyone for any occasion.

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&ldquo;Dahua wanted to use landscaping wherever possible, so we also have spaces like the Eastern Courtyard that provides light, greenery and a view for residents.&rdquo;

<a href="/news/jack-merlo-sheds-light-on-the-landscape-design-for-hawthorn-park">Read more: Jack Merlo sheds light on the landscape design for Hawthorn Park</a>

<h2>The Location</h2>

Located in one of Melbourne&rsquo;s most blue chip suburbs, the Hawthorn East development is surrounded by heritage homes and buildings, cafes, boutiques and bars, as well as a well connected public transport system.

The major train and tram lines that provide services into the Melbourne CBD only six kilometres away.

Residents will be surrounded by nature by being within walking distance of Fritsch Holzer Park, and a cycle to the trail that lines the Yarra River.

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There&rsquo;s a number of educational institutions nearby, ranging from primary school to university campuses.

<a href="/news/vic/walking-tour-whats-within-walking-distance-from-hawthorn-park">Read more: Urban gave a full walking tour of what is around Hawthorn Park</a>

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Five key selling points of Dahua’s Hawthorn East apartment development, Hawthorn Park

Residents have moved in to the completed&nbsp;$300 million Hawthorn East apartment project Hawthorn Park.

The striking project was developed by Dahua Group to a design by Rothelowman and sits in landscaping designed by Jack Merlo.

With buyers having moved in, Urban spoke to first home buyer&nbsp;Nahrin Butrus about her property buying journey, and what she loves about Hawthorn Park.

JR: What first drew you to Hawthorn Park?&nbsp;

NB: I was looking for a place with open space and greenery so the landscaping around the complex was actually very attractive and very important to me. And then on top of that the architectural style of the building and the interior design and finishings were all very beautiful and of high end quality. I was incredibly impressed with all that Hawthorn Park has to offer.

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JR: How long had you been searching for a property?&nbsp;

NB: For about one&nbsp;year on and off but I only seriously looked around for about three&nbsp;months with a firm intention of finding a place to finally purchase

JR: Were you always looking for an apartment?&nbsp;&nbsp;

NB: Yes, because I love the idea of living in an apartment with lots of facilities and amenities at hand. I also knew that for the location I was after an apartment would be the best option. It&rsquo;s an affordable way to live in the best part of Melbourne.

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JR: Why did you choose Hawthorn East?&nbsp;

NB: The&nbsp;location is perfect. It&rsquo;s a beautiful leafy suburb, very close to the shops and restaurants on Glenferrie, Burke, Auburn, Burwood, and Riversdale Roads, and it is very close to the city and transport. A lot of my favourite restaurants are here.

Read more: <a href="/news/vic/walking-tour-whats-within-walking-distance-from-hawthorn-park">Walking Tour: What&#39;s within walking distance from Hawthorn Park?</a>

JR: What advice would you have for other first home buyers?

NB: Research on what you need to do to be ready financially and understand how the purchase process works. And there&rsquo;s plenty of government schemes to help you along with buying your first place so take advantage of them.

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JR: Did you take advantage of any government incentives?&nbsp;

NB: Yes, I used the First Home Super Saver Scheme and received the First Home Owner Grant and Stamp Duty was waived.

JR: Did you have a set of criteria that your first home had to meet?

NB: I did but I also thought about how a range of characteristics worked together. I wanted a place that was close to the city, some greenery, with a good layout, good internal and external space, lots of amenities, not too tall a building so it is overbearing. I got everything I wanted.&nbsp;

JR: What made you decide to buy off-the-plan rather than an existing dwelling?

NB: I found my dream apartment and it wasn&rsquo;t built yet. But it also has the benefit of coming with the First Home Owner Grant, and it also gave me more time to get prepared with my finances and prepare to move. It&rsquo;s nice to be able to plan in advance with a time frame than suddenly having to move your life around.

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JR: How is your experience in Hawthorn Park?&nbsp;

NB: I&#39;m very happy at Hawthorn Park. It&rsquo;s all so beautiful and has turned out to be exactly what I was hoping to get. It honestly feels like living in a resort. And the apartment itself is well built too. I can see a lot of thought has gone into the layout inside the apartment to be functional for everyday life.

JR: Hawthorn Park has an impressive list of onsite amenities - which one is your favourite and&nbsp;why?&nbsp;

NB: It does and I love them all but the sky pool is definitely the most amazing. The views of the city and surrounds are impressive up there.

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JR: How do you find Hawthorn Park community?

NB: Everyone I&rsquo;ve met and talked to so far have all been lovely and wonderful people. I look forward to meeting more of my neighbours.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/expert-insights/buying/rothelowman-discuss-the-design-principles-of-dahua-groups-hawthorn-park-apartment-project">Rothelowman discuss the design principles of Dahua Group&#39;s Hawthorn Park apartment project</a>

Urban spoke to first home buyer Nahrin Butrus about her property buying journey and what she loves about Hawthorn Park.



Why I purchased: Buyers move in to Hawthorn Park apartment development

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Mentioned briefly in <a href="/news/hickory-adds-88-queensbridge-street-to-its-workbooks">Urban.com.au's article</a> on Hickory's growing construction pipeline, a ground breaking ceremony was held on site at Hawthorn Park to mark the commencement of construction. Located at 33 - 57 Camberwell Rd, Hawthorn East, the campus-style development comprises four interconnected apartment buildings assembled around Jack Merlo-designed parkland and piazzas, providing pedestrian connections between Burwood and Camberwell Road.

Upon completion in early 2020, 345 dwellings including apartments, townhouses and retail tenancies will be delivered on the massive 12,600 sqm site. The Rothelowman-designed project's centrepiece is a glass-bottomed 'Sky Pool' suspended between two of the buildings. 

<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/rothelowman_hawthornpark-26.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial showing the breadth and scope of the site. Image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="411" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rothelowman_hawthornpark-26.jpg?itok=ZadVQHAI" title="Aerial showing the breadth and scope of the site. Image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial showing the breadth and scope of the site. Image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Public piazzas are placed at the site’s entry points drawing Burwood Road’s existing green edge through to the plaza located on Camberwell Road’s more robust presentation. Feature stairs cut a pathway into the open contoured space activated with resident amenity, retail and F&amp;B. A glass bottomed swimming pool spans between buildings and over the plaza, creating a spectacular front door to the project, and also locating the comprehensive resident amenity floor.

In contrast to the softly edged central zones, a hard blue stone envelope has been established around the perimeter to create a sense of protection and containment. This hard edge is driven by a series of feature elements which serve to visually break down the composition along the street and create a sense of community identity.

- Rothelowman
</blockquote>

The four buildings range in height from three to six-storeys and will be situated above a two level basement car park. Residents will have access to exclusive facilities such as fruit and vegetable gardens, private landscaped garden lounges and a wellness retreat featuring a state-of-the-art gym, yoga studio and massage rooms.

Hawthorn Park also includes a roof top residents lounge with access to the 'Sky Pool' extending between two of the four buildings. According to Hickory, its structural engineer was able to rationalise the pool design to enhance buildability, including prefabrication of certain elements. Hickory also offered an in-house façade solution to enable delivery of the textured façade using glass reinforced concrete (GRC) components.

<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/hawthorn_park_launch_event_-_harvey_pr_griffin_simm_high_res_95.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hugh Lu, Development Director at Dahua Group. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hawthorn_park_launch_event_-_harvey_pr_griffin_simm_high_res_95.jpg?itok=4CMbIhYn" title="Hugh Lu, Development Director at Dahua Group. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hugh Lu, Development Director at Dahua Group. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>Dahua Group's Development Director, Hugh Lu says the ground breaking ceremony marks a significant milestone for Dahua, following clearing of the site in July of this year with an expected construction programme of 24-26 months.

Speaking to Apartments.com.au, Lu expressed his excitement about the provision of a garden connection from Burwood Road to Camberwell Road, citing this as one element of the project in particular, that he's most looking forward to seeing realised. As for what's next for Dahua? Lu doesn't give too much away, simply stating that "(Dahua) will continue to build out our other projects in Australia." 

Lead Image: Hickory
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Laurence Dragomir

Dahua Group's Hawthorn Park commences construction in Hawthorn East

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Hawthorn Park, Boroondara's largest development, has slipped into construction mode.

Developer Dahua Group has selected builder Hickory as head contractor for the $300 million project. Demolition across the sprawling site has commenced and is scheduled to continue for two months prior to Hickory Group establishing itself onsite during September.

An extensive earthworks and construction schedule will follow, with Hawthorn Park's anticipated completion date set for the third quarter of 2020. 

Asked on the progress of sales to date, Dahua Group have confirmed that in excess of 50% of the apartments offered have been accounted for. One, two, three and four bedroom apartments are included within the project.

<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/image179_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hawthorn Park's size on show. Planning image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="372" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image179_0.jpg?itok=CuD2wC3P" title="Hawthorn Park's size on show. Planning image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hawthorn Park's size on show. Planning image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>William Huang, Managing Director of Dahua Melbourne told Apartments.com.au "Dahua Group Melbourne are excited to begin construction on this premier flagship development for the city of Boroondara. The team are committed to delivering a community of exemplary design and location in a high quality, medium density project for a growing Melbourne population."

And that design is the work of Rothelowman, who went about creating multiple buildings in order to allow for site permeability.

"Public piazzas are placed at the site’s entry points drawing Burwood Road’s existing green edge through to the plaza located on Camberwell Road’s more robust presentation. Feature stairs cut a pathway into the open contoured space activated with resident amenity, retail and food and beverage.

A glass-bottomed swimming pool spans between buildings and over the plaza, creating a spectacular front door to the project, and also locating the comprehensive resident amenity floor."

The elevated pool is an intricate aspect of Rothelowman's design and serves as a unique selling point for the project. It will connect the communal area's of both buildings which front Burwood Road.

<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/image171_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The showpiece pool which spans both buildings. Image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image171_0.jpg?itok=y0Z7uolu" title="The showpiece pool which spans both buildings. Image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The showpiece pool which spans two buildings. Image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>Hawthorn Park's place as Boroondara's largest development is evident.

Apartments.com.au is tracking 102 separate current developments within the municipality, with all dedicated to residential use. Of the 102 projects, only four contain 100 or more apartments; this is very much reflective of the area's general dearth of large sites capable of taking development.

The balance of those current projects with 100 or more dwellings consist of the at construction CV Apartments and Longhouse, whilst Sierra within Hawthorn has yet to see works begin onsite.
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silvermb

Boroondara's largest project rolls into construction

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Jack Merlo, one of Australia’s leading landscape architects has collaborated with RotheLowman on Dahua Group's $300m Hawthorn Park development in Hawthorn East. Jack Merlo has created the central park and a series of garden spaces to soften and complement the built form.

Merlo recently spoke to Apartments.com.au about his involvement on the project and the collaborative approach working with Dahua and Rothelowman.

<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/_170508_hawthorn_park_v13_central_garden_final_8k.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hawthorn Park is set in a verdant landscape setting designed by Jack Merlo. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="319" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/_170508_hawthorn_park_v13_central_garden_final_8k.jpg?itok=Zn9rMO9I" title="Hawthorn Park is set in a verdant landscape setting designed by Jack Merlo. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hawthorn Park is set in a verdant landscape setting designed by Jack Merlo. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au : What was Dahua's brief for the design of the landscaped areas?

Jack Merlo: Hawthorn Park is a diverse project on a large scale. It delivers a lot by way of amenities both privately to residents, and also to the wider community, so we were asked to provide landscaping for a range of different spaces, and each area was required to perform a different function.

We’ve got the central courtyard and park space with a primary purpose to give residents a vista. Value is added for purchasers, many of whom are downsizing from a home with a garden. Residents can use the space as a back yard, but they don’t have the burden of having to care for it.

From the brief, we wanted to encourage passive activity in the central park, as well as providing access to walk through. The design does this with a meandering path that gives a sense of flow and connectivity between Burwood Road and Camberwell Road.

Dahua wanted to use landscaping wherever possible, so we also have spaces like the Eastern Courtyard that provides light, greenery and a view for residents.

The 25m lap pool on the rooftop is landscaped to utilise the sunlight. Dahua wanted to beautify the space for obvious reasons so people can enjoy it and make full use of the BBQs, sun lounges and pool area.

Our brief was also to find a balance between providing a level of privacy in communal spaces while also providing spaces for residents to enjoy with friends. We have achieved this with a design that caters for larger groups and smaller so it can be used by everyone for any occasion.

UM: How do you design for a space that is part of a private development but open to the public?

JM: The park area being open to the public was a requirement of the council for the project. It makes an interesting brief that does need to be carefully considered. We needed to make it both welcoming in terms of open presentation, and also provide vistas for residents. Because it’s a thoroughfare, we had to use materials that will withstand daily use.

Of course, we also needed to be mindful of both security and privacy, and strike a balance between all of these elements. From dawn to dusk gates are open, but they’re locked at night for security reasons.

<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/170802_hawthorn_park_v23_garden_skypool_final.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The design for the landscape was a collaborative approach according to Merlo. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="829" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/170802_hawthorn_park_v23_garden_skypool_final.jpg?itok=jZC9XKZp" title="The design for the landscape was a collaborative approach according to Merlo. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The design for the landscape was a collaborative approach according to Merlo. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>UM: How much influence did the building's architecture have on the design of the landscape and vice-versa?

JM: There was a huge amount of influence between the three parties who worked on the project from inception.  Being involved at an early stage working with Rothelowman and Dahua has meant we have been able to create a design that is cohesive on all fronts.

The landscaping is over a building: the basement level car parking is underneath the entire site including the central park. Therefore we needed to ensure adequate soil volumes, especially for the significant trees in the central park.

There’s between 1-1.5m in depth of soil in the central park space, which was required to create the park area and include the trees that fitted the brief. This depth of soil wouldn’t have been possible if we were brought onto the project at a late stage, which would have made it much harder to fit the brief to create a sense of tranquillity.

UM: What were some of the inspirations for the project?

JM: As with many projects, the architecture plays a huge role in informing the landscaping. Singaporean architecture was heavily referenced in the architecture with the suspended sky-pool, and we too have drawn from Eastern influences through unstructured, asymmetrical design with fine detailing (as apposed to hard lines of European landscape design).

We have a different climate to that of South East Asia of course, so while we’ve referenced South East Asian landscaping in the design, we have used much hardier plant species.

UM: What were some of the challenges and opportunities the project provided?

JM: There were some inherent challenges with the project. One example was in creating a garden over a structure which not only brings challenges with soil volumes as I mentioned earlier, but also with weight loading on the below structure that needs to be worked through alongside both the architects and engineers.

Opportunities we capitalised on were things such as utilising landscaping wherever possible across the development: one example would of course be the rooftop where we have created a garden and courtyard space that makes the most of all the sunlight.
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Jack Merlo sheds light on the landscape design for Hawthorn Park

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South Yarra's latest residential addition is rapidly approaching completion, and to mark the occasion Apartments.com.au was guided through Noir by developer Dahua Group.

Under the guidance of head contractor Hacer Group, Noir's construction has moved at breakneck speed, so much so Dahua Group asserts it has risen in record-breaking time. The project, on Garden Street, has advanced from its ground level slab to completion in only eight months.

Noir's final slab was poured during April, followed in August by a traditional topping out ceremony. 

The rapid acceleration through the concrete structure can be attributed to the tower's simple square floorplate, combined with the brisk work of concrete structure specialists I&amp;D Group.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1887.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Noir South Yarra is approaching completion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="781" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1887.jpg?itok=aCVGsnHr" title="Noir South Yarra is approaching completion" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Noir South Yarra is approaching completion</figcaption></figure>Fast forward to Apartments.com.au's visit earlier this month and Noir's exterior is all but complete. The building carries a trademark CHT Architects finish which consists of predominantly black and white interlocking geometric shapes; this finish is prevalent across numerous CHT Architects projects such as <a href="http://chtarchitects.com.au/projects-3/multiresidential/ebony-apartments-camberwell/">Ebony Apartments</a>, <a href="http://chtarchitects.com.au/projects-3/evita-maroondah-highway/">Evita</a> and the award-winning <a href="http://chtarchitects.com.au/projects-3/multiresidential/the-maze-apartments/">Maze Apartments</a> in Richmond.

Residents will get to see the building up close soon enough, with settlement approaching and many of its residents able to move in before Christmas 2017.

As Dahua Group's first Melbourne site acquisition post their office being established locally in 2014, Noir's pending completion is a milestone project for the developer and its Project Manager for apartment developments in Australia, PDS Group. At the peak of Melbourne's apartment boom, dwellings within the project sold out promptly.

<blockquote>
We’re delighted to have reached this milestone and thank our partners, particularly Hacer, for getting us to this stage ahead of schedule.

PDS Group is proud to have partnered successfully with Dahua Group for Noir and we are looking forward to Noir welcoming its first residents in the coming weeks and Dahua Group’s next Melbourne project Hawthorn Park.

Dahua Group  and PDS Group wish to thank our partners for their innovation and hard work to date

- Andrew Fortey, Managing Director of PDS Group
</blockquote>

91 residential apartments are located above 6 ground floor tenancies for restaurants and/or retail.1, 2 and 3 bedroom configurations were offered, although a top floor apartment was combined to deliver a massive dwelling looking over Melbourne's skyline.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1891_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Professional photographers get to work on a completed apartment"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="305" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1891_0.jpg?itok=jEkCLeQm" title="Professional photographers get to work on a completed apartment" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Professional photographers get to work on a completed apartment</figcaption></figure>At the time of Apartments.com.au's visit, two apartments were fully completed and styled with DOMO furniture packages. Seen above is a glimpse of a completed single bedroom apartment going through its marketing paces.

DOMO's furnishings were offered across Noir, with certain buyers electing to purchase a combined apartment and furniture package. The synergy will continue with DOMO set to anchor a major Camberwell Road tenancy in Dahua Group upcoming development dubbed Hawthorn Park at 33 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East.

That project will include hundreds of apartments and townhouses, and is a major aspect in Dahua Group's Australian portfolio which is valued at $4.5 billion across 13 projects, with a development pipeline stretching to 2030.

Noir has an end value of $60 million. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1893.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Uninterrupted and impressive sight lines"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="310" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1893.jpg?itok=Nx1KeBXb" title="Uninterrupted and impressive sight lines" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Uninterrupted and impressive sight lines</figcaption></figure>
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A look inside Noir as the project races toward completion

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Dahua Group's Managing Director William Huang recently sat down with Apartments.com.au to profile the company's upcoming Hawthorn Park development, and their wider intentions for the Australian market.

Exposure for the development is on the rise prior to its public launch next month. Hawthorn Park shapes as one of Melbourne's largest releases for 2017, with 362 dwellings slated for the 12,282sqm site which holds three street frontages; the major frontage is to Camberwell Road.

Located in the burgeoning apartment market that is Hawthorn East, Dahua Group have positioned Hawthorn Park with flexibility in mind. William Huang explains that dwellings, and particularly dwelling sizes and formats have been designed to broaden the project's appeal within the marketplace.

Rothelowman are responsible for both architecture and interiors, designing Hawthorn Park's gamut of living options which sees interiors range between 45sqm and 137sqm.

<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/hpark2.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="What residents of Hawthorn Park can expect"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hpark2.jpeg?itok=nLOdvWAu" title="What residents of Hawthorn Park can expect" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>What residents of Hawthorn Park can expect</figcaption></figure>Apartments aside, Hawthorn Park will feature a string of retail tenancies and dual cafes to Camberwell Road and Burwood Road. At present the only confirmed tenant is DOMO, with the furniture brand accounting for a Camberwell Road space.

Asked what additional features the projects boasts, William Huang states that the project will include Melbourne's first elevated pool that spans separate buildings. A gym, skywalk, cabana lounge, outdoor alfresco dining area, yoga/massage room and cycling workshop form the balance of amenities within Hawthorn Park.

Jack Merlo is responsible for the development's communal green areas, with one zone featuring a hammock lounge.

Quizzed on a likely start to construction, Dahua Group have pencilled in the second quarter of 2018. Hawthorn Park's construction tender process is currently underway.

<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/hpark22.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Jack Merlo's influence at Hawthorn Park"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hpark22.jpg?itok=etl_iFwv" title="Jack Merlo's influence at Hawthorn Park" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jack Merlo's influence at Hawthorn Park</figcaption></figure>In the broader development picture, Dahua Group maintains a development pipeline of apartments and greenfield estates that will see it through to 2030.

Asked is Dahua Group is specifically looking for additional Melbourne apartment development sites, William Huang explains that if the right site and circumstances arise the developer would act, but their plan of hedging between apartments and detached housing has served them well to date.

Having created separate development arms in both Melbourne and Sydney during 2014, Shanghai-based parent firm Dahua Group joined the flow of Asian-based developers into Australia at the peak of the recent development boom.

In response to a question regarding the restrictions placed upon foreign investment by the Chinese Government and its subsequent effects on developers such as Dahua Group, William Huang is unperturbed. Given the string of restrictionary planning and financial changes make by both state and federal bodies in recent years, William Huang explains that developers in general have ridden those challenges.

As for Dahua Group, it's a business as normal approach to delivering their strengthening development portfolio across Melbourne.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_8556.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Noir South Yarra is part of the Dahua Group project catalogue"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="455" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_8556.jpg?itok=beGBkz75" title="Noir South Yarra is part of the Dahua Group project catalogue" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Noir South Yarra is part of the Dahua Group project catalogue</figcaption></figure>
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Hawthorn Park solidifies Dahua Group's Australian presence

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The Hawthorn/Hawthorn East duo continue to bubble along as apartment hotspots with a raft of fresh planning applications before City of Boroondara. Leading the next wave of apartment projects for the popular postcodes is a sleek application headed by Shanghai-based Dahua Group.

Under affiliate Dahua Australia, the leading Chinese developer is pursuing its second sizeable Melbourne apartment project in the form of a 356 dwellings spread over a 12,289sqm site in Hawthorn East.

Following on from Dahua Australia's Noir in South Yarra, 33-53 Camberwell Road would see the demolition of six lowrise commercial and retail buildings. With similar design traits to another of their upcoming projects nearby at 196-202 Burwood Road, RotheLowman have created a flowing lowrise complex with the standout feature a seemingly suspended swimming pool which spans two buildings.

Snapped up by Dahua Australia during mid 2015, the development of 33-53 Camberwell Road would add to the many apartment projects that continue to consume prime development sites along the Burwood Road/Camberwell Road corridor.

<h2>33-57 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image153_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level perspective. Image courtesy RotheLowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="332" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image153_0.jpg?itok=djeTrC55" title="Ground level perspective. Image courtesy RotheLowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level perspective. Image courtesy RotheLowman</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application submitted December 2015</li>
	<li>Site area: 12,289sqm</li>
	<li>356 dwellings spread over five buildings</li>
	<li>37 x 1BR, 50 x 1BR plus, 63 x 2BR, 169 x 2BR plus, 20 x 3BR, 1 x 4BR, 5 x duplex, 11 x townhouses</li>
	<li>Provision for 474 car parking spaces, 251 bicycle bays &amp; 375 stores</li>
	<li>2,025sqm of retail space split between two large tenancies</li>
	<li>Amenities include: rooftop area, lap pool, sundeck, internal courtyard and public plaza</li>
	<li>NSA residential: 24,659sqm</li>
	<li>GFA: 53,480sqm</li>
	<li>Estimated project cost: $80 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Designed up and down</h2>

The expansive site is partly zoned CZ1 and carries a 14.5 metre height limit. To counter the architects have chosen to sink the site below ground level, allowing for seven levels of residential living when only five are discernible from the street.

Combined with the intense site landscaping and public plaza combined into the design, the design firm is hopeful that the proposal will create a strong benchmark for future developments in the Hawthorn area.

<blockquote>
The primary design driver for the internal faces of the development was the creation of a crafted valley landscape, with a soft tiered edge and a sense of scale within the central zone. Imagery was inspired by the stepped landforms of rice paddy fields and the stone terraces of Machu Pichu.

This concept informed the notion of a central courtyard space, and the facade treatment created by tiered and contoured forms. Horizontal concrete bands with a textured finish are evocative of stone terraces, creating a series of strata like levels, while green glass and external walls in a colour pallete of soft natural tones are drawn from a natural pallette.
<cite>Urban context report, RotheLowman</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image160.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The proposed feature stair leading to the lower courtyard. Image courtesy RotheLowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="313" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image160.jpg?itok=ODzpFfwR" title="The proposed feature stair leading to the lower courtyard. Image courtesy RotheLowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The proposed feature stair leading to the lower courtyard. Image courtesy RotheLowman</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Public piazzas at entry points to the site off Burwood Road and Camberwell Road create openings into the site. Feature stairs cut a pathway into the open contoured space. The sunken courtyard garden within creates a layered spatial experience and provides visual connection, interest and recreation.
<cite>Urban context report, RotheLowman</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Boroondara contends with a number of significant proposals</h2>

33-57 Camberwell Road is by some way the largest current planning application on Boroondara's agenda, but a number of other noteworthy applications are also filtering through.

17-23 Lynch Street is VicTrack's latest disposal of an unwanted land holding. The JAM Architects-designed building would see 107 dwellings created adjacent to the Belgrave/Lilydale Line on what is now a hardware outlet and vacant land. Sales for the project are poised to commence upon approval.

<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/image165_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="17-23 Lynch Street, 2 Queens Avenue and 29-31 Queens Avenue"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="606" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image165_0.jpg?itok=y2uzNVuR" title="17-23 Lynch Street, 2 Queens Avenue and 29-31 Queens Avenue" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>17-23 Lynch Street, 2 Queens Avenue and 29-31 Queens Avenue</figcaption></figure>Nearby Queens Avenue in Hawthorn also continues to garner the attention of developers with two projects under consideration. 29-31 Queens Avenue is awaiting a planning permit after receiving a notice of decision for its 72 apartments while Ascui and Co. have lodged plans for 563-565 Burwood Road which also maintains a Queens Avenue frontage.

Combined the four major developments outlined above could add as many as 550 apartments to Hawthornn and Hawthorn East, without factoring in the many smaller active apartments projects in the area.

<h2>33-57 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Dahua Australia Hawthorn Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: RotheLowman</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Contour Consultants</li>
	<li>Project Manager: PDS Group</li>
	<li>Development Manager: United Property Corporation</li>
	<li>Landscape Architects: Jack Merlo Design</li>
	<li>Traffic Consultant: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Services and ESD: ADP Consulting</li>
	<li>Waste Consultant: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: Bosco Jonson</li>
	<li>Acoustic Consultant: Acoustic Logic</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Grimbos Building Surveyors</li>
	<li>Accessibility: Morris Access Consulting</li>
	<li>Engineering Consultant: Mordue Engineering</li>
	<li>Fire Consultant: Omnii</li>
	<li>Arborist report: John Patrick Pty Ltd</li>
</ul>
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Dahua Group

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