Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Design

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Peak industry body Urban Taskforce Australia (UTA) last week went on the offensive, criticising aspects of Sydney's planning system which it believes leads to dull apartment design.

Far from the international design competitions which define many of inner Sydney's landmark towers, the criticism was levelled at many of greater Sydney's municipal councils 

At a recent forum dubbed Innovative Apartments, UTA's sentiment was that of disappointment in Sydney's 'tick a box' planning system. UTA maintains that the rigidity and increased regulations governing the design of apartment buildings has stymied innovative design outcomes.

UTA CEO Chris Johnson said in a pointed media release:

<blockquote>
Over the last decade the government rules and guides for the design of apartment buildings has become more complex, leading to a tick a box planning assessment process that is leading to less innovation and design diversity.

At a recent Urban Taskforce forum on how to balance regulation and innovation in the design of apartment buildings the Mayor of Burwood, John Faker, called for more innovation and diversity in design. Mark Raggett of Melbourne architects ARM Architecture demonstrated how a strong culture of architecture in Melbourne has made innovative design the accepted way to design apartment buildings.

The debate was timely as a growing negative attitude from community groups about apartments seems to be partly based on the dull look of many apartments that all look the same.
</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/image54_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A selection of Burwood apartment projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="470" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image54_11.jpg?itok=a-xAvlwk" title="A selection of Burwood apartment projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A selection of Burwood apartment projects</figcaption></figure>UTA makes note of the excessive number of controls and guidelines in place, plus as many as 25 specialist reports required by most councils that must demonstrate compliance prior to an application gaining approval.

Consequently the onus has shifted away from premier design outcomes to one of appeasement.

Architects at the Innovative Apartments forum made note that apartment design was being driven by an excessive number of rules which has neagted merit based assessment, with one unnamed architect going as far as to say that the rigorous approvals process was ‘taking away the soul of Sydney’.

Acting NSW Government Architect, Olivia Hyde, who also presented the the forum, outlining the NSW Government’s focus on design excellence through a number of publications, policies and design review processes. Hyde also noted that many councils were using guides as rules despite government documents saying this should not be the case.

UTA's emphasis on design would see "a special design excellence approval path that would bypasses the excessive number of rules that are forcing low common dominator designs rather than encouraging innovative solutions through merit assessment.

The state government must establish a pathway for innovative apartment building design that local councils can use to enrich their neighbourhoods.”

<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/image55_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="ARM Architecture's Orbis has been identified as a design benchmark"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image55_13.jpg?itok=R8aH0v5h" title="ARM Architecture's Orbis has been identified as a design benchmark" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>ARM Architecture's Orbis has been identified as a design benchmark</figcaption></figure>Lead image: Sydney Aerial Photography
</body></html>

silvermb

Urban Taskforce labels Sydney's apartment aesthetic as dull

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Mermaid Beach-based BDA Architecture continues to assume a greater presence in the Apartments.com.au Project Database.

On the back of Broadbeach's <a href="/buildings/infinity-33-surf-parade-broadbeach">33 Surf Parade</a> which was <a href="/news/bassar-group-to-test-broadbeachs-luxury-apartment-market-depth">profiled during September</a> as one of Gold Coast's elite apartment towers in waiting, two further apartment developments have been lodged with City of Gold Coast in recent days. The applications cover sites in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

In addition to affirming BDA Architecture's dominant position as the architect of choice on the Gold Coast, the latest applications are also a tick of confidence in resilience of the Gold Coast apartment market.

<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/image63_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="2763 Gold Coast Highway. Image: BDA Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image63_10.jpg?itok=B-n1oxfk" title="2763 Gold Coast Highway. Image: BDA Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>2763 Gold Coast Highway. Image: BDA Architecture</figcaption></figure>33 Surf Parade aside, The Spot as it has been labelled at 2763 Gold Coast Highway is the second Broadbeach application designed by BDA Architecture and submitted for approval in a matter of days. For Shintaku Australia Pty Ltd, the corner 2,075 square metre site is expected to include apartments and a mini restaurant hub.

360 square metres of ground floor space is spread across three separate restaurant spaces, each of which is framed by distinctive ribbed timber internal spaces.

56 apartments veiled by a distinctive facade sit above the active ground floor. The mix consists of 9 single, 27 double and 20 triple bedroom apartments are supplemented by a gym and yoga space.

In adjoining Surfers Paradise BDA Architecture is responsible for the design of 4 Holborow Close. For Advance Development and Investment Pty Ltd, the mid-rise apartment building has absolute frontage to Nerang River, and this is reflected in the apartment mix. 

Sitting within the Gold Coast Light Rail Urban Renewal Area, the site is earmarked for 27 two bedroom apartments sit beneath a four bedroom penthouse. 324 square metres of communal open space facilities are included, taking advantage of the its riverfront location.

<blockquote>
The building features a traditional architectural treatment of a ‘base’, a ‘middle’ and a ‘top’: Tower Base The tower is suspended over two dramatic angled frames at the entry/recreation deck level; so that the tower itself appears suspended or ‘floating’ above ground.

Tower (‘Middle’) Architecture The tower itself is strongly articulated with vertical planes on the northern and southern elevations, east and western faces feature stronger horizontal treatments with full height glazing and horizontal sun-shading. Tower ‘Cap’ The building is capped with soaring cantilevered roof elements which provide a lightness to the built form, and a separation to the massing of the tower itself.

BDA Architecture
</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/image57_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="4 Holborow Close. Image: BDA Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="333" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image57_8.jpg?itok=QdwWOrzf" title="4 Holborow Close. Image: BDA Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>4 Holborow Close. Image: BDA Architecture</figcaption></figure>The addition of 4 Holborow Close, 2763 Gold Coast Highway and 33 Surf Parade during September has seen BDA Architecture's current project count within the Apartments.com.au Project Database expand to 28 active apartment projects.

Whilst not an absolute count, the 28 current projects are reflective of BDA Architecture's strength on the Gold Coast apartment design market. This equates to almost one in every four projects on the Gold Coast being design by the practice.

Of the active projects on the Gold Coast, Mermaid Beach's <a href="/buildings/mali-residences-4-6-alexandra-avenue-mermaid-beach">Mali Residences</a> is a stand out design, as are <a href="/new-apartments/florian-surfers-paradise-42-monaco-street-surfers-paradise">Edge Monaco</a> and <a href="/buildings/magnoli-apartments-7-nineteenth-avenue-palm-beach">Magnolia Apartments</a>.

<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/image70_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A selection of current BDA Architecture projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="303" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image70_13.jpg?itok=wcnUp4kP" title="A selection of current BDA Architecture projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A selection of current BDA Architecture projects</figcaption></figure>
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BDA Architecture strengthens its Project Database presence with new residential applications

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Brisbane’s largest integrated CBD development continues to take shape at 300 George Street.

Backed by Shayher Group and being built by Multiplex, the development consists of three towers containing residential apartments, commercial office space and what is now the first 5-star hotel to open in Queensland’s capital in more than 20 years. Overseen by parent company Marriott International, W Brisbane Hotel is open for business and includes 312 guest rooms.

The importance of the chic hotel brand's arrival in Brisbane was not lost on the development team. Along with project architects ZENX International and DBI Architects, Melbourne-based Studio Ongarato were enlisted to provide W Brisbane with a unique, and arguably quirky identity.

Having already worked on other W branded hotels such as W Shanghai, Studio Ongarato was already in the position of understanding and delivering on W’s unique brand of playful luxury.

<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/image94_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="W Brisbane's reception area. Image: Justin Alexander"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image94_5.jpg?itok=0EH40kEJ" title="W Brisbane's reception area. Image: Justin Alexander" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>W Brisbane's reception area. Image: Justin Alexander</figcaption></figure>Co-founder Fabio Ongarato explains "Our first narrative-led hotel was for the W Hong Kong back in 2010. Using narrative at that time was uncommon. It successfully injected greater vibrancy into the brand and rewrote the rulebook for narrative-led hotel design.

It also successfully set the tone for all the W hotels since."

In this regard four Brisbane-inspired sub-narratives were created for W Brisbane by Studio Ongarato. The implementation of bold and immersive environmental design narratives is an emerging trend in the hotel and hospitality space, but taken to the enth degree within W Brisbane.

On the wider aspect of providing a story or direction for hotel guests, Ongarato says "It’s important for design to tell meaningful stories that customers, users and guests can respond to. Defining and building a thematic framework is the first step for holistic and narrative-driven design to take shape.

A brand foundation enhances a guest’s experience by encouraging them to become more aware and engaged with their environment. It offers a world within a world for experience hunters but ultimately it aims to engage, delight and transport.”

<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/image92_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pool area backdrop. Image: Justin Alexander"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image92_7.jpg?itok=t3QQHdSb" title="Pool area backdrop. Image: Justin Alexander" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pool area backdrop. Image: Justin Alexander</figcaption></figure>Also playing a hand in W Brisbane's interior expression was Ronnen Goren, who alongside Ongarato has been at the forefront of the studio for the past 25 years. The long standing partnership with W Hotels flows from the ability to marry unique design outcomes with commercial objectives.

“Studio Ongarato’s engagement with W Brisbane strengthens the design studio’s relationship with a truly international brand, showcasing our ability to interpret myriad social and cultural contexts as design outcomes, imbuing the W brand with a sense of place and personality” says Goren. Guest rooms aside, areas that received the Studio Ongarato touch included communal zones such as the dining room, bar, pool, spa and yoga facility.

The main narrative within W Brisbane centres around A River Dreaming, a theme developed by Nic Graham and Associates. This is a nod to the indigenous Turrbal people which sees the (Brisbane) river as the giver of life.

Thereafter Studio Ongarato conceived four sub-narratives: Native Allure, Tropical Eden, Brisvegas and Dark Paradise. How they manifest themselves via W Brisbane's interiors is a subjective matter, but Studio Ongarato hope the interplay of ideas creates a "tribal meets pop hybrid personality that electrifies in its many incarnations."

<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_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Typical bedroom design feature. Image: Justin Alexander"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image95_6.jpg?itok=ut4WyYW2" title="Typical bedroom design feature. Image: Justin Alexander" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Typical bedroom design feature. Image: Justin Alexander</figcaption></figure>Fabio Ongarato says “For W Brisbane we looked at the W brand DNA, which is bold, witty and shows a lust for life. And we studied the context of the site – its physical, social and historical parameters.

We looked carefully at many aspects of the Brisbane identity to create our themes. Taking ownership of that originally derogative nickname Brisvegas, Brisbanites are celebrating their tongue-in-cheek persona. From giant fruit landmarks to slogans, slang, stubby shorts and caftans, we deeply absorbed the Queensland vernacular to create our design narratives.”

Whilst W Brisbane remains the nation's sole W branded outlet for now, construction continues on both new Sydney and Melbourne locations. Sydney's The Ribbon will host 402 hotel rooms upon its completion next year whilst <a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">Collins Arch will see 294 rooms</a> under the W Melbourne banner.

<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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Common area hallway. Image: Justin Alexander"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image96_2.jpg?itok=Y1qI2nA6" title="Common area hallway. Image: Justin Alexander" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Common area hallway. Image: Justin Alexander</figcaption></figure>
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Profiling Studio Ongarato's quirky and incredible W Brisbane interior designs

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Radiology professional turner property developer is perhaps not the most trodden career path, yet it has influenced a new apartment development designed with a holistic approach.

Health, happiness and family living are at the core of <a href="/buildings/no-71-71-station-street-fairfield">Fairfield's No.71 station Street</a>. 32 year old developer Vincent Sun who heads Osten has left his medical career behind and is about to launch the development which consists of 13 oversized apartments.

<a href="/architects/cheah-saw-architecture">Cheah Saw Architecture</a> were brought on for design duties; Eugene Cheah was formerly with <a href="/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> and is in part responsible for luxury apartment developments such as <a href="/buildings/35-spring-street-melbourne">35 Spring Street</a>. Under the Cheah Saw Architecture guise, both practice and developer now are pursuing a string of modestly sized yet highly considered residential projects 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/image174_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cheah Saw Architecture's exterior expression"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="749" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image174_1.jpg?itok=j3qnEvBD" title="Cheah Saw Architecture's exterior expression" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cheah Saw Architecture's exterior expression</figcaption></figure>Key to the common stance taken by the pair is the want to design residences with space, light and nature as necessities.

Vincent Sun's stance on design stems from the belief "that we only have one life so we have to enjoy it and share it.” The idea of holistic wellness through design grew upon the now developer during his previous profession, spurned by long hours and excessive time away from family.

“We cannot compromise a home, I am focused on trying to make a better life, and home is the place where the majority of our memories happen. This is so important to us at Osten and we spend more money, effort and time creating quality, well designed homes for people to truly appreciate.”

Essentially Vincent Sun via Osten is determined to create "comprehensively designed spaces, infused with natural light, and surrounded by nature. Families and people of all ages are given plenty of space too; there is room for kids, parents and grandparents."

The Fairfield result is new residential buildings consisting of 13 oversized 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. Two bedroom apartments range up to 102 square metres internally, with three bedrooms apartments peaking at 145 square metres internally.

<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_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No.71 Station's side perspective"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="372" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image171_1.jpg?itok=6xTD_pGV" title="No.71 Station's side perspective" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No.71 Station's side perspective</figcaption></figure>On No.71 Station's design, Eugene Cheah states “We are endeavouring to use a heavy material in a light way through considered design. The outcome is a filigree."

Spanning four storeys, the project's exterior presents as a stacked form dominated by concrete and metal framing.

It is the interior layout and finishes that Osten hopes will distinguish their projects from others from a design perspective. Light and space are paramount for living spaces, as is privacy; John Patrick-designed landscaped gardens will frame apartment views.

In design parlance "the ample light highlights the tactility of the natural finishes, whilst the generosity of the space, ensures that all finishing details, while understated, are noticed, centre stage."

No.71 Station will also feature photographic artist Derek Henderson's work, providing a visual essay of Fairfield’s culture, environment and street life.

<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/image173_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No.71 Station's envisaged interior"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="552" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image173_2.jpg?itok=1ukW1Mfa" title="No.71 Station's envisaged interior" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No.71 Station's envisaged interior</figcaption></figure>
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A holistic design ethos lands in Fairfield

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Another Box Hill super site is up for approval with plans unveiled for 837 Whitehorse Road.

Towers of 16, 19 and 29 storeys are on developer Buzy B Pty Ltd's agenda. A secondary approximately 100 metres frontage encompasses 3-5 Poplar Street; the roughly 3,000 square metre corner site has been slated to hold substantial residential, retail, commercial and hotel components.

CHT Architects have designed the tri-towered development, which initially went to planning mid last year and is now available for public viewing.

<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/image101_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="837 Whitehorse Road's location. Image: CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image101_1.jpg?itok=vH2ipyOn" title="837 Whitehorse Road's location. Image: CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>837 Whitehorse Road's location. Image: CBRE</figcaption></figure>The existing low-rise building will make way for the towers, with the tallest spanning 104 metres. Included are 273 dwellings consisting of 118 one-bedroom, 140 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom apartments located within the taller towers.

49 hotel suites are located in the common podium which spans both residential towers, as is 578 square metres of retail space.

Box Hill's sluggish addition of commercial space over recent years stands to gain with Buzy B Pty Ltd backing plans for an office building taking the prime corner position. The tower's slender profile allows for only 5,979 square metres across 16 storeys.

444 car parking spaces and 176 bicycle parking spaces are included over 6 basement levels.

The application's varied uses will see an array of amenities earmarked for the development, including a spa and pool, yoga room, common areas, function room, kitchen area and business lounge. Dedicated residential communal space totals 820 square metres across levels 4, 16, 21.

<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/image105_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An early planning image depicting a taller 837 Whitehorse Road. Planning image: Fender Katdsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="369" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image105_1.jpg?itok=zSU3wagT" title="An early planning image depicting a taller 837 Whitehorse Road. Planning image: Fender Katdsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An early planning image depicting a taller 837 Whitehorse Road. Planning image: Fender Katdsalidis</figcaption></figure>837 Whitehorse Road's location will see it abut LongRiver Group's 843 Whitehorse Road which is expected to rise 37 levels. Earlier planning images indicated that 837 Whitehorse Road was to have been Box Hill's tallest, although the development has regressed to the current 104 metre height.

Regardless of 837 Whitehorse Road's final height, it still ranks as amongst <a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill's tallest buildings</a>.

With its addition to the Apartments.com.au Project Database, the number of towers in Box Hill above 20 levels and yet to be realised to 10 with another planned for Box Hill Institute's 1000 Whitehorse Road.
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Box Hill stays busy with another major development unveiled

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>

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

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The design team behind what looms as one of Sydney's tallest buildings has provided comment on their joint effort for 505-523 George Street.

Last week the development's proponents, Mirvac and Coombes Property Group, announced that Architectus and ingenhoven architects were successful in topping other participants in a design excellence competition. Now in progress is a 79 storey predominantly residential tower spanning 270 metres.

It has been billed as the highest residential building in Sydney, and also as a "profoundly visible landmark standing for an economical, environmental and socially sustainable, future-oriented development."

Efforts to deliver a signature project onsite reach back to August 2015 when Council and the Central Sydney Planning Committee considered a request to change the height control for the site which is currently home to an Event Cinemas complex.

Top flight architecture firms/partnerships Skidmore, Owings and Merrill + Crone, Wilkinson Eyre, Foster + Partners and fjmt + Bates Smart were beaten out by Architectus and ingenhoven architects during the initial design process. The $1 billion development will now progress to a Stage 2 development application with an eye to final 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/image142_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Panoramic views of the George Street tower. Image: Doug and Wolf"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="301" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image142_0.jpg?itok=1T8zwVlW" title="Panoramic views of the George Street tower. Image: Doug and Wolf" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Panoramic views of the George Street tower. Image: Doug and Wolf</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
This is a very exciting project for Sydney. It will rejuvenate George Street’s entertainment precinct with new retail, community facilities, potential hotel and high-quality apartments.

The tower will present as a singular elegant form on the skyline of Sydney with the vertical structure emphasizing height and slenderness while the subtle curving façade addresses views in all directions.

We are looking forward to working with the team at Ingenhoven again on another significant Sydney project. Our collaboration on 1 Bligh Street was very successful and we aim to emulate the same quality and success with 505 George Street.
<cite>Ray Brown, Managing Director at Architectus</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Now we have combined our expertise once again by designing a tower which will be highly integrated in the existing surroundings and offer a great public domain.

This urban approach is based on the philosophy of a well-connected public and conceives of the tower as being a 'friendly neighbour'. The combination of different uses and the timeless design of the building are integral parts of an environmentally sustainable approach but also expression of a deep understanding of the project goals
<cite>Christoph Ingenhoven, owner and founder of ingenhoven architects</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/image140_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level perspective. Image: Doug and Wolf"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="418" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image140_1.jpg?itok=mtUJFfvD" title="Ground level perspective. Image: Doug and Wolf" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level perspective. Image: Doug and Wolf</figcaption></figure>Other aspects of the 65,000 square metre development include multiple retail levels, childcare facilities, a community meeting space and the potential to rehouse Event Cinemas in the podium structure.

ingenhoven architects' supergreen sustainability platform will be rolled out across the design. This includes "awareness of energy and resources, both in the design, construction and operation and in the realization of the building and its use. It includes the primary and secondary energy levels of the materials used, the equipment and building process and the use of resources over the whole lifetime of a building."

505-523 George Street will be a traditional post-tensioned concrete structure with exposed perimeter columns allowing for maximum residential floor space.

The development team has indicated that post a 2019 submission for approval, a construction start is pencilled in for 2020. With a five year build in mind, Mirvac and Coombes Property Group are eyeing residents moving in during 2025.

<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/image143_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Above all others. Image: Doug and Wolf"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="286" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image143_2.jpg?itok=LpCdo-br" title="Above all others. Image: Doug and Wolf" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Above all others. Image: Doug and Wolf</figcaption></figure>
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Architectus and Ingehoven on Sydney's latest super skyscraper

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The public still has the ability to attend a design symposium orchestrated by developer Beulah International that will reveal prospective designs for a monumental Southbank development site.

The mid design process overview is being held next Friday July 27 at 400 City Road, between 1pm and 4pm. Those attending will be able to view the shortlisted design partnerships' respective visions for 58 Southbank Boulevard.

With an end value of approximately $2 billion, Beulah International has gone to great lengths to ensure a premium design outcome is achieved for the major development site which abuts the Freshwater Place complex, and is opposite both Australia108 and Eureka Tower.

Dubbed the 'Future Cities' symposium, the event will see six teams consisting of both domestic and international architecture firms provide in-depth commentary on their respective design submissions.

The shortlisted design partnerships taking part in what shapes as Melbourne's largest design competition include:

<ul>
<li>Bjarke Ingels Group with Fender Katsalidis Architects</li>
	<li>Coop Himmelb(l)au with Architectus</li>
	<li>MAD Architects with Elenberg Fraser</li>
	<li>MVRDV with Woods Bagot</li>
	<li>Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) with Conrad Gargett</li>
	<li>UNStudio with Cox Architecture</li>
</ul>
International speakers include Brian Yang partner of BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group, Wolf. D Prix, co-founder of COOP HIMMELB(L)AU Wolf D. Prix &amp; Partner Ma Yansong, founder of MAD architects Winy Maas, co-founder of MVRDV David Gianotten, managing partner-architect of OMA Caroline Bos, co-founder of UNStudio.

Southbank by Beulah is described as follows:

<blockquote>
The winning design will redefine the entire Southbank precinct and will shape the future of our city.

With a proposed end value of $2 billion plus, Southbank by Beulah will transform Southbank into a lifestyle precinct of international standards.

The proposed scope will comprise of luxury apartments, world-class retail and department stores, a dedicated gourmet food &amp; market precinct, a 5-star hotel and designated commercial spaces.

Mostly importantly, some 23,000sqm will be dedicated to cultural and public programs, with hopes to attract global tech names such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Samsung, together with BMW Experience Centre to create an experiential technology hub within the precinct.
</blockquote>

Each design partnership will have 20 minutes to present their concept to the audience, in addition to providing thoughts and their respective vision on ‘Future Cities’ notion. A crowd approaching 1,500 people is expected.

Post the symposium, the winning design will be announced during August.

Readers have a chance to attend the symposium by securing a ticket via <a href="https://www.southbankbybeulah.com/">www.southbankbybeulah.com</a>

Editor's note (27/7/18): the designs have been unveiled, see our summary <a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-designs-revealed-at-future-cities-symposium">here</a>.
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Southbank by Beulah symposium one week away

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Private healthcare provider Healthscope is hoping the latest bid to redevelop The Victoria Clinic on Malvern Road will have a smoother passage through planning over previous attempts.

310-324 Malvern Road first came to light during 2014 when it was the subject of an expansive mixed-use development conceived by Rothelowman. Included within the proposal at the time was a hospital, enhanced medical hub and two residential buildings combining to provide 154 apartments.

Victoria House Nominees Pty Ltd headed the bid during 2014, although Healthscope Operations have assumed responsibility for the latest application. A member of Healthscope, The Victoria Clinic is one of 40 plus locations the healthcare provider maintains in its portfolio.

<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/image84_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="DPW's take on a new Malvern Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image84_11.jpg?itok=Nli3MgX-" title="DPW's take on a new Malvern Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>DPW's take on a new Malvern Road expression</figcaption></figure>Rothelowman's initial attempt at taking the site through planning was defined by a quartet of buildings onsite; each of which maintained undulating lines.

<blockquote>
The design for the new Medical Centre loosely draws inspiration from concepts of 'motion' and 'body imaging'. Vertical blades, which also act as functional sun shading devices, shift across the facade, sculpting the upper levels.

The Medical Centre and Apartments buildings explore notions of rhythm, density, reflectivity and flow to create an architecture that is distilled and clear.
</blockquote>

Stonnington City Council rebuffed the initial application, although a secondary application which consisted of new facades and a 27% reduction in dwellings gained approval. Healthscope will now pursue the delivery of a purely medically-driven development for the 5,946 square metre site.

Global design agency DWP is behind the latest iteration, providing a restrained design outcome which adheres to the approved development envelope, and goes further by removing the central building completely.

<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/image87_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Rothelowman and dwp block forms side by side"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="223" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image87_5.jpg?itok=i5U8hNoL" title="The Rothelowman and dwp block forms side by side" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Rothelowman and dwp block forms side by side</figcaption></figure>The $31.3 million DWP design is expected to boost hospitals beds onsite from the current 52 to 110, and cater for 16 medical practitioners at any one time onsite. A new car parking facility fronting Bendigo Street holds capacity for 95 vehicles.

Healthscope has chosen to retain and refurbish the existing single storey building at the centre of the site. The residential aspect of the previous applications was to be sited where the existing building stands.

The northern buildings would stand five levels and include a roof-top courtyard and gym for patients. Directly opposite the Prahran Estate Redevelopment which was completed by Kane Constructions during 2012 stands at ten storeys and acts as a height precedent for the Malvern Road strip.
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Prahran's running man development receives an refined design touch

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The design release for <a href="/developers/beulah">Beulah International's</a> coveted 58 Southbank Boulevard site is drawing near, with a ‘Future Cities’ symposium to be held later this month.

Shortlisted designs for the approximately $2 billion Southbank by Beulah development will be on show during the event, to be held on Friday July 27. <a href="/news/a-design-tour-de-force-beckons-for-beulah-internationals-bmw-southbank-site">Covered previously</a> by Apartments.com.au, Southbank by Beulah's design process has seen six teams consisting of both domestic and international architecture firms vie for the right to take the project through to reality.

The shortlisted design partnerships taking part in what shapes as Melbourne's largest design competition include:

<ul>
<li>Bjarke Ingels Group with <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a> Architects</li>
	<li>Coop Himmelb(l)au with <a href="/architects/architectus">Architectus</a>
</li>
	<li>MAD Architects with <a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a>
</li>
	<li>MVRDV with <a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>
</li>
	<li>Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) with <a href="/architects/conrad-gargett">Conrad Gargett</a>
</li>
	<li>UNStudio with <a href="/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a>
</li>
</ul>
Speakers confirmed for the symposium include:

<ul>
<li>Brian Yang Partner of Bjarke Ingels Group</li>
	<li>Wolf. D Prix co-founder of Coop Himmelb(l)au</li>
	<li>Ma Yansong founder of MAD Architects</li>
	<li>Winy Maas co-founder of MVRDV</li>
	<li>David Gianotten Managing Partner-Architect of OMA</li>
	<li>Caroline Bos co-founder of UNStudio</li>
</ul>
The ‘Future Cities’ symposium will showcase the respective teams' designs which are likely to include a mix of residential, retail/department store, gourmet food &amp; market precinct, 5-star hotel, commercial, culture and public space uses.

Beulah International will target a major tech tenant for the development, with Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Apple and Samsung named as candidates to fill the technology aspect of the development. 

According to the media release, "the overarching theme of the symposium is ‘Future Cities.’ As the population grows and lifestyles change and evolve, so too does the need for considered development that is designed for current and future generations.

A focus of the symposium will be discussing how architects, designers and engineers play an ever-important role in being able to shape communities and optimise lifestyles."

Expected to attract a crowd of approximately 1,500 people, the symposium will be held at <a href="/new-apartments/400-430-city-road-southbank">400 City Road</a>. Each design partnership will have 20 minutes to present their concept to the audience, in addition to providing thoughts and their respective vision on ‘Future Cities’ notion.

Post the symposium, the winning design will be announced during August.

Readers have a chance to attend the symposium which will be held between 1pm-4pm on Friday July 27, by securing a ticket via <a href="http://www.southbankbybeulah.com">www.southbankbybeulah.com</a>. 

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