<p>Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.</p>

<p>Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]</p>

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

<p>Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.</p>

<p>Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.</p>

<p>Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]</p>

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

<p>Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.</p>

<p>David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.</p>

<p>“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]</p>

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

<p>While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.</p>

<p>Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;</p>


Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.</p>

<p>The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.</p>

<p>Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.</p>

<p>“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.</p>

<p>“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”</p>

<p><img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" /></p>

<p>Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.</p>

<p>The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.</p>

<p>“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.</p>

<p>“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”</p>

<p><img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" /></p>

<p>Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.</p>

<p>“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.</p>

<p>The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.</p>

<p>“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”</p>

<p>The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.</p>

<p>The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.</p>


Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

<p>Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.</p>

<p>Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.</p>

<p>The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.</p>

<p>“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.</p>

<p>“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.</p>

<p>“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”</p>

<p>The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.</p>

<p>“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”</p>

<p>From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.</p>

<p>“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”</p>

<p>The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.</p>

<p>“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.</p>

<p>Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.</p>

<p>“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.</p>

<p>“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”</p>

<p>The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.</p>

<p>“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.</p>

<p>Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

<p>Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.</p>

<p>The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.</p>

<p>It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.</p>

<p>With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.</p>

<p>“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.</p>

<p>“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”</p>

<p><img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" /></p>

<p>GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.</p>

<p>“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”</p>

<p>Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.</p>

<p>“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.</p>

<p><img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.</p>

<p>Green praised local policy settings.</p>

<p>“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”</p>

<p>One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.</p>

<p>“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.</p>


One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

<p>It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.</p>

<p>Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.</p>

<p>Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be</p>

<p data-end="683" data-start="511">"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.</p>

<p data-end="882" data-start="690">"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."</p>

<p data-end="882" data-start="690">[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]</p>

<p>The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.</p>

<p>The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.</p>

<p>Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]</p>

<p>Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.</p>

<p>The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]</p>

<p data-end="247" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" data-start="0">While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.</p>

<p>WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.</p>

<p>With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]</p>


WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

Fender Katsalidis

<html><body>
<p>Malaysian-based Mitraland Group has flagged its intention to enter the Melbourne apartment sector with plans currently on display with City of Stonnington for a 20 level residential tower within South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct. Lodged with council during December 2014, the Fender Katsalidis-designed tower is nominated to have an end value of approximately $50 million.</p>

<p>Long earmarked unsuccessfully for development and surrounded by larger forthcoming towers such as <a href="/buildings/661-chapel-street-661-chapel-street-south-yarra">661 Chapel Street</a> and LK Property's <a href="/buildings/capitol-grand-241-toorak-road-south-yarra">Capitol Grand</a>, Mitraland are no doubt hoping the current planning application will find a favourable outcome in due course.</p>

<h2>649 Chapel Street 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/image7_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of 649 Chapel Street. Image courtesy FK Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="960" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_3.jpg?itok=uj6_M5oz" title="Artist's impression of 649 Chapel Street. Image courtesy FK Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of 649 Chapel Street. Image courtesy FK Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Current use: two storey commercial/retail building over a roughly 500sqm site</li>
	<li>Proposed: 20 level residential development at 61 metres in height</li>
	<li>72 apartments: all with two bedrooms</li>
	<li>71sqm retail outlet at ground level</li>
	<li>44 car parking and 21 bicycle spaces located within three basement levels</li>
	<li>GFA: 8,794sqm</li>
	<li>​Communal rooftop space: dining/BBQ area and open-air roof garden</li>
</ul>
<p>The site in question has been to VCAT in recent years, unsuccessfully, with the then proponent trying to gain approval for a 17 level residential building holding 82 apartments. Urbis state within the current planning application that any proposal put forward for the site:</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Must demonstrate design excellence that will result in an outstanding building for the precinct. It is also imperative that any new proposal responds positively to the previous VCAT determinations</p>
<cite>Urbis, 649 Chapel Street Planning Submission</cite>
</blockquote>

<p>Issues VCAT raised for the site during the previous proposal's hearing include that the northern facade be well articulated given the adjoining and substantially lower Quest apartment complex is unlikely to be redeveloped, and that there be a clear differentiation between podium and tower. The latter point was further articulated at the time where VCAT stated they don't necessarily consider a setback pivotal, rather that there be a visible difference in treatment between lower and upper levels.</p>

<p>Project architect Fender Katsalidis have employed metal fins over lower levels with a red ochre-like finish to provide contrast.</p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image18_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A previously unsuccessful proposal for 649 Chapel Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_2.jpg?itok=lYyd-8N7" title="A previously unsuccessful proposal for 649 Chapel Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The previously unsuccessful proposal for 649 Chapel Street</figcaption></figure><p>Generally the exterior is dominated by precast walls to the north and south with an embossed pattern and applied colour designed to break its bulk. The northern facade has a considerable light court running the height of the tower included within the floorplan, accounting for roughly 42sqm of a typical floor's area.</p>

<p>Separated by the light court and the abutting lift, habitable areas within the proposal are essentially split into east and west wings. A generic plan covers levels 5-18, where each wing consists of two apartments with four per floor the norm. While all the apartments carry two bedrooms, the average internal area per apartment is approximately 75sqm with 66sqm and 83sqm the extremities.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Within its context, the proposed building contributes significantly through a well-designed and dynamic piece of architecture. Its form is sleek and slender, while being both sensitive and striking. A suited mix of glass and concrete fold into one another, and an otherwise continuous form is interjected by central voids and light courts that allow light to filter through the centre of the building.</p>

<p>The slender vertical tower element provides a distinct separation between podium and tower forms through varied materials and visible recesses.</p>
<cite>Urbis, 649 Chapel Street Planning Submission</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/16ban_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="16 Quartz as per the Mitraland website"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="232" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/16ban_01.jpg?itok=YPfAoeFb" title="16 Quartz as per the Mitraland website" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>16 Quartz development as per the Mitraland website</figcaption></figure><p>Incorporated during February 2014, Mitraland Australia is the Australian affiliate of Petaling Jaya-based Mitraland Group. Formed during 1998, Mitraland Group has completed a host of medium and high-density residential projects predominantly in and around Kuala Lumpur.</p>

<p>Mitraland Australia is the latest Malaysian developer to enter the local market, following in the footsteps of well established players such as SP Setia and Mammoth Empire. Another Malaysian developer soon to make an impression upon Melbourne is PJ Development Holdings which holds a 20,000sqm land parcel at 93-119 Kavanagh Street, Southbank. Speculation is that a tower of up to 300 metres is in the offing for the site, in a development value at approximately $1 billion.</p>

<h2>649 Chapel Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Urban Context Report: Fender Katsalidis Architects</li>
	<li>Architectural plans: Fender Katsalidis Architects</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Sustainable Management Plan: Ark Resources</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering: Cardno</li>
	<li>​Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

silvermb

Malaysia's Mitraland looks to enter the Melbourne apartment market

<html><body>
<p>Today we look at an application which seeks to address some of the recent concerns surrounding housing diversity in apartment living and resident amenity. Z66, to be located at 66 Lygon St in Carlton would see the current building occupied by the <a href="http://www.downtowner.com.au/">DownTowner</a> demolished to make way for a 14-storey, <a href="http://www.fkaustralia.com/">Fender</a> <a href="http://www.fkaustralia.com/">Katsalidis</a>-designed apartment building.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>The proposal aims to create a new character for the precinct through a dramatic interpretation of the traditional stepped approach of the tower and podium massing. Instead there is an integrated tower and podium, where the "U" shaped form of the podium clasps the tower from below.</p>

<p>As an overarching design philosophy, the proposal aims to stack the mass that would have been available by developing the whole site, into a smaller building footprint to provide all apartments with views out and eliminate south facing or internally overlooking apartments.</p>

<p>This results in a higher form, however we feel this is appropriate given the significant nature of the corner site on main roads; the height has no additional detriment to neighbours through overshadowing or overlooking; and we feel this height is an appropriate transition from the tall city towers to the finer grain of Lygon Street to the north.</p>
<cite>Fender Katsalidis, design philosophy extract</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Building layout</h2>

<p>Z66 has been designed to maximise solar access with all apartments benefiting from a 'great outlook' that has resulted from no apartments overlooking one another, and no south facing orientation.</p>

<p>The impacts of any future neighbouring developments have also been considered with a considerable setback employed from the western boundary above the ground floor area, and to the east above level four. This doesn't just safeguard the amenity of residents in Z66 but also any future neighbours.</p>

<p>The ground floor consists of a wrap of retail to Lygon and Queensberry Streets with all ancillary programme relegated to the shared accessway to the south. The retail to the north is setback from the boundary to form a sheltered colonnade to Queensberry Street and a landscaped outdoor area is located to the south-east and north-east corners of the site. Apartments facing the landscaped area feature a 'balcony buffer' which in turn acts a buffer between the development and the adjoining Romanian Orthodox Church.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Habitable rooms, such as bedrooms and living rooms in each apartments have access to direct light and air. Living rooms and bedrooms are oriented to face balconies or the external edge of the building, and provided with operable windows for access to natural ventilation. 'Borrowing' of light is avoided.</p>

<p>The setback from the East boundary results in a relatively small building footprint, which enables internally overlooking apartments to be eliminated in the development. The open landscaped area to the East also improves the amenity to the Romanian Orthodox Church garden next door. The development receives abundant daylighting to the East and West and south facing apartments are avoided.</p>

<p>On podium levels of the development (levels 1 to 6) larger balconies are incorporated to the apartments on the West side. These balconies also function as a buffer to the busy Lygon Street</p>
<cite>Z66 town planning report</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/z66_ground_floor.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground floor plan. © FKA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="376" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/z66_ground_floor.jpg?itok=JOoITcZA" title="Ground floor plan. © FKA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground floor plan. © FKA</figcaption></figure><h2>Z66 facade</h2>

<p>The building's facade is articulated via a series of concrete panels and glazed fenestrations. To the north and south the building presents as quite a solid, ordered structure whereby the concrete panels are double height and arranged with a strong emphasis on horizontal movement; the positioning of the panels in a staggered formation give the impression of a shifting in form.</p>

<p>The other visual effect is one of ambiguity of scale: though a 16-storey building the impression is one of only eight or so, at least to the north and south. The eastern and western elevations on the other hand appear far more permeable with glazing taking precedent over concrete, with an almost adhoc approach as to how the facades are presented; the emphasis shifting to a much more vertical movement visually.</p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/z66_elevations.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="East and South Elevations. © FKA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/z66_elevations.jpg?itok=OYiCojzj" title="East and South Elevations. © FKA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>East and South Elevations. © FKA</figcaption></figure><h2>Dwelling diversity</h2>

<p>In their response to "Objective 5.1 - Dwelling Diversity" as gazetted in the <em>Design Guidelines for Higher Density Residential Development</em>, FKA have sought to provide a diverse and balanced mix of apartment types which cater for the needs of a wider target market. Extracted from the planning application, the break up of apartments is illustrated below:</p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/z66_apartment_types.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Dwelling diversity. © FKA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="344" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/z66_apartment_types.jpg?itok=wNLdD9Ij" title="Dwelling diversity. © FKA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Dwelling diversity. © FKA</figcaption></figure><h3>Apartment mix and amenities</h3>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 50%;">
<thead><tr>
<th scope="col">Apartments</th>
			<th scope="col">Quantity</th>
			<th scope="col">Area</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>One Bedroom</td>
			<td>100 apts</td>
			<td>42-59m²</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Two Bedroom</td>
			<td>118 apts</td>
			<td>59-75m²</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>The development is also comprised of a residential amenity space at ground level that can be used by residents for dining, lounging, meetings as well as appreciating the landscaped area fronting Queensberry Street.</p>

<h3>Apartment types</h3>

<p>Within each apartment category (one bedroom or two bedrooms), there are different layouts to suit different living arrangements. Within the one bed apartment units, there are two types, which are the one bed plus study and the one bed. The one bed plus study layout could suit a couple where 1 person works from home or requires a separate study space. The one bed will be a more affordable option for single person or couple where the study space can be part of the bedroom.</p>

<p>Within the two bed apartment units, there are also two types. One type is an option for two people sharing the same unit, and another type is suited for a couple who require an extra room for guests / older children or even study space.</p>

<h2>Z66 in a nutshell</h2>

<ul>
<li>Projected project cost of $47 million.</li>
	<li>218 apartments over 16-storeys.</li>
	<li>428sqm landscaped area addressing Queensberry Street and the Romanian Orthodox Church.</li>
	<li>103 + 2 tandem car spaces and 99 bike spaces across two basement floors./li&gt;</li>
	<li>Allocation of 30 visitor bike spaces.</li>
	<li>213sqm of resident amenities.</li>
	<li>Height: 57.10m.</li>
	<li>Mixture of one and two bedroom apartments.</li>
	<li>361sqm of retail on ground floor.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Comment</h2>

<p>The proposal while not ground breaking in terms of its architecture sets itself apart from other similar developments; while it employs a built form almost twice that which is called for in the Design Development Overlay it does not seek to occupy the entirety of the site. In doing so it achieves a quality outcome for the residents who would call it home and provides saperation between itself and the Romanian Orthodox Church rather than suffocating it by developing to its site boundaries but a lower height.</p>

<p>The design team have conceived what can be best described as a thoughful proposal, one that assesses any potential impacts in the short-term but also long term future. Similar to Piccolo Developments' Upper House nearby, Z66 would command a corner site and as such greater height is appropriate to address its position.</p>

<p>This particular stretch of Queensberry Street will continue to see significant development and growth with medium to higher density slowly creeping from the confines of the traditional CBD.</p>

<h2>Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Architecture: Fender Katsalidis.</li>
	<li>Proponent: Zagames Corporation.</li>
	<li>Planning: Tixxis Consulting.</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design.</li>
	<li>ESD: Cundall.</li>
	<li>Traffic: Cardno.</li>
	<li>Heritage: Bryce Raworth.</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

A rather unorthodox approach: 66 Lygon Street, Carlton

<html><body>
<p>Last week it was announced <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's</a> tallest skyscraper was set to be released for sale domestically in February with the remainder of apartments expected to be snapped up after the project's successful launch in Asia. Developed by World Class Land Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Singapore-based <a href="/developers/world-class-global">Aspial</a>, Australia 108 is expected to carry an end value of $1 billion.</p>

<p>With the initial hype and comment over the public launch subsiding, now presents an opportune time to pour over the figures that define Melbourne's next landmark structure.</p>

<h2>From the ground up</h2>

<ul>
<li>Located at <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">70 Southbank Boulevard</a> in busy <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>
</li>
	<li>100 levels and 319 metres in height</li>
	<li>Designed by <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis Architects</a> as an accompaniment to their earlier Southbank project, the 297 metre Eureka Tower</li>
	<li>Retail and lobby/concierge located at ground floor plus porte cochere access</li>
	<li>10 levels of podium car parking: 558 car parks and 310 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Level 11 lap pool, sauna, steam room and private theatre as well as indoor and outdoor entertaining areas and external deck</li>
	<li>944 apartments below the starburst including:</li>
	<li>Three studio apartments ranging in size from 53.6 to 57.8 square metres
	<ul>
<li>418 one bedroom, one bathroom apartments ranging in size from 47.1 to 65.7 square metres</li>
		<li>105 two bedroom, one bathroom apartments ranging in size from 57.8 to 66.3 square metres</li>
		<li>418 two bedroom, two bathroom apartments ranging in size from 59.6 to 128.2 square metres</li>
		<li>​Level 70/71 starburst with dual level residential facilities</li>
	</ul>
</li>
	<li>161 Sky residences above the starburst which include:
	<ul>
<li>Three bedroom apartments with either two or three bathrooms. Size ranges from 120.6 to 211.4 square metres</li>
		<li>Penthouses (they are also 3 bed 3 bath) – range from 355.4 to 391.6 square metres</li>
		<li>Penthouse 100 (top floor) – the tallest residence in the southern hemisphere. Customisable, it is 797.4 square metres</li>
	</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Exterior</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/tpa8467_australia_108_e01_hero_elevated-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of the Southbank behemoth. Image supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="878" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tpa8467_australia_108_e01_hero_elevated-2.jpg?itok=znmOAPJ6" title="Hero perspective of the Southbank behemoth. Image supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of the Southbank behemoth. Image supplied</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Deep blue facade with white stripes enveloping the facade, and which have integrated LED lighting at visible outside daylight hours</li>
	<li>Starburst feature located 210 metres above ground, inspired by the Federation Star on the Australian Flag</li>
	<li>Similar design impetus to the neighbouring Eureka Tower whose exterior drew inspiration from the Eureka Stockade</li>
	<li>11-level podium features large glazed planter boxes and heavy with greenery providing contrast to City Road's drab frontage</li>
</ul>
<h2>Apartment interior design</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/resisences_06.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior of a typical apartment. Image courtesy australia108.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/resisences_06.jpg?itok=D7erNq20" title="Interior of a typical apartment. Image courtesy australia108.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Interior of a typical apartment. Image courtesy australia108.com.au</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Floor to ceiling windows over all apartments</li>
	<li>Apartments interiors delivered by <a href="/architects/carr-design">Carr Design Group</a>
</li>
	<li>Two colour palettes on offer - Starlight &amp; Sunlight</li>
	<li>Starlight (light scheme) comprise a white palette and strong geometric lines. Kitchen design incorporates a slender benchtop and island breakfast bar, which is finished in a grey porcelain slab. Bathrooms feature custom-designed wall-hung basins with integrated storage, finished in a finely-crafted solid surface material</li>
	<li>Sunlight (warm scheme) follows the same architectural line of the concept, but encompasses an off-white porcelain benchtop and splashback, complemented by timber effect laminate cabinetry</li>
	<li>Residents above the Star Club with find Carrara marble and limestone options, bespoke joinery and stone bathtubs as standard</li>
	<li>Miele appliances as standard, with premium Miele in upper level apartments</li>
	<li>Flooring in premium apartments comprise engineered timber flooring throughout, with woven carpet or wool carpet in bedrooms</li>
</ul>
<h2>Communal facilities</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/star70_06_l.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lounge area within Australia 108. Image courtesy australia108.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/star70_06_l.jpg?itok=fIdAin2D" title="Lounge area within Australia 108. Image courtesy australia108.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lounge area within Australia 108. Image courtesy australia108.com.au</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Three levels of communal facilities with a total of 3000 square metres available for use</li>
	<li>Level 11 includes pool, sauna, steam room, golf simulator, theatrette plus an outdoor entertaining space and external deck</li>
	<li>Star Club over levels 70 and 71 provides two separate communal facilities, with one reserved exclusively for use residents living above the starburst</li>
	<li>Differing finishes define the two levels with HBA designing the premium zone for upper level residents</li>
	<li>Premium zone includes an infinity pool in a double height space with floor-to-ceiling views, private dining room, club rooms and lounges</li>
	<li>Carr Design Group has designed the other zone for lower level residents, comprising an infinity pool with Port Phillip Bay views</li>
	<li>Dining rooms, private theatrettes and bars are common to both communal levels</li>
</ul>
<p>As foreshadowed by Apartments.com.au last year construction giant Brookfield Multiplex holds the upper hand with contractual negotiations between developer and builder reported as in progress last week. With commencement of works a few short months away Australia 108 is due for staged completion through to 2019.</p>
</body></html>

Facts and figures that define Australia 108

<html><body>
<p>Melbourne-based Ubertas Group are waiting upon final planning approval for their latest project located at 360 William Street.  The tower is their fourth in Melbourne and would serve as a sister building to the neighbouring 350 William Street which is better known as Art on the Park/Oaks on William.</p>

<p>The fruitful relationship between Ubertas and Fender Katsalidis Architects continues with the latter having designed all of Ubertas Group's projects to date.  360 William Street is no exception with the project set to capitalise upon the strong demand within the hotel/serviced apartment sector at the moment.</p>

<h2>360 William Street planning application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://urban.melbourne/sites/urban.melbourne/files/pictures/article-images/image246.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="360 William Street as of mid 2014. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="554" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image246.jpg?itok=uJXHrn07" title="360 William Street as of mid 2014. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>360 William Street as of mid 2014. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>1,203sqm site current use: partly demolished two storey office building</li>
	<li>Planning application submitted June 2014</li>
	<li>Proposed: 22 level residential tower at 66.31 metres</li>
	<li>​Total GFA: 25,658sqm.</li>
	<li>239 apartments: 199*1BR / 40*2BR</li>
	<li>6 basement levels catering for 142 car parking spaces and 114 bicycles</li>
	<li>103.1 sqm &amp; 64.4sqm retail space fronting William Street</li>
	<li>Gym, conference, function and meeting rooms included over levels 1 &amp; 2</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design rationale</h2>

<blockquote>
<p>The proposed development aims to enhance the vitality of the Flagstaff gardens precinct by contributing a well-designed, simple and robust piece of architecture.  It strives to achieve this through the provision of livable high amenity apartments maximising north and garden views.</p>

<p>The building form accommodates apartments within faceted glass balustrades. These balustrades take their cues from the changing foliage of Flagstaff gardens across the road.  Furthermore, the contrasting characteristic of concrete used in the development compliments the neighbouring building in both form and materiality.</p>
<cite>Fender Katsalidis - Town Planning Document</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>The third coming</h2>

<p>The current planning application follows on from two separate designs put forward for this site with an initial mixed-use tower of some 177 metres never progressing past planning approval.  The 'statement' tower covering 350-360 William Street would have consisted primarily of glass, aluminium louvres, stone, concrete or metal panels.  Commercial and hotel components plus 636 apartments were to have consumed most of the available space.</p>

<p>History will show that the site was split in order to generate two separate towers, with the initial 35 level 350 William Street reaching completion mid 2013.  A 12 level residential tower for 360 William Street had also gained approval, seemingly in recent times given  the completed 350 William Street is present to its right in the render below right.  It in turn has been replaced by the subject design of today's article.</p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://urban.melbourne/sites/urban.melbourne/files/pictures/article-images/image244_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Previous site proposals as sourced from planning material"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image244_0.jpg?itok=a9MVhyn_" title="Previous site proposals as sourced from planning material" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Previous site proposals as sourced from planning material</figcaption></figure><h2>Serviced apartments anyone?</h2>

<p>360 William Street's planning application has been with DTPLI for some time; barring any substantial design changes the project should be nearing a final planning decision soon enough.</p>

<p>More interesting is the internal layout of the tower with levels 3-21 generic and where 83% of apartments are single bedroom and on average slightly above 50sqm in size. Further 360 William Street's proposed amenities are essentially corporate in nature - conference, function and meeting rooms; not necessarily tailored toward owner-occupiers.</p>

<p>The bulk if not all of 360 William Street's rooms look likely to become serviced apartments, akin to the neighbouring 350 William Street where Ubertas installed Oaks Hotels and Resorts in order to manage the 220 4.5 star serviced apartments post planning approval.  </p>

<h2>360 William Street planning team </h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Ubertas Group</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Architects: Fender Katsalidis Architects</li>
	<li>Building Services: Simpson Kotzman </li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: Webber Design </li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering: Ratio Consultants </li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: PLP Consultants </li>
	<li>Waste Management: Wastech Services</li>
	<li>Environmental Wind: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>ESD: Ark Resources</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

The third coming > 360 William Street, Melbourne

<html><body>
<p>In excess of 100 guests gathered earlier this week at the Fulton Lane construction site to witness the project's topping out ceremony. In a sign of Malaysian-based developer SP Setia's propensity to be seen to be proactive, the sizeable crowd amassed for what is generally only a builders tradition which sees a juvenile tree placed atop of the newly completed concrete structure.</p>

<p>But on this occasion in a very public ceremony three separate trees of Australian, Malaysian and Greek origins were hoisted by tower crane to meet waiting key members of the developer/build team while guests were treated to a hawker-style market arrangement at ground level. The Australian eucalypt reflects Fulton Lane's location, while Malaysian and Greek trees provided a nod to the heritage of both developer and head contractor, Hickory Group.</p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1573.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The obligatory cutting of the ribbon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="437" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1573.jpg?itok=-p0t1iCn" title="The obligatory cutting of the ribbon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The obligatory cutting of the ribbon</figcaption></figure><p>On show during the event was the rudimentary ground floor layout; while many finishes have yet to be applied the basic premise of the space was evident. Sitting at the base of the dual towers containing 816 residential apartments, retail will take centre stage once complete, encouraging activity to Franklin Street in particular which is best described as ancillary to Melbourne's streetscape at best.</p>

<p>Currently the largest residential project under construction in Melbourne and with a construction value of $221 million, the design is the work of architecture firm Fender Katsalidis. Perhaps Fulton Lane's highlight is the rapidly emerging exterior façade which is a contrast of black glazing accentuated by angular aluminium composite panel clad that changes colour from green to yellow to silver depending upon the viewer's angle.</p>

<p>Closer to street level podium to both residential towers are heavy with timber and a green arbor façades, providing a more engaging interface with the streetscape.</p>

<p>According to Hickory Group highlights of the Fulton Lane build include:</p>

<ul>
<li>Extensive value management including reworking B3 basement size to reduce piling and excavation, two stage construction programme starting with public areas in Stage 1</li>
	<li>Environmental efficiencies to achieve a 4 star rating including energy efficient lighting, use of recycled materials, recycling rainwater for common toilets and irrigation</li>
	<li>At Level 41, one third of the floor plate is a ‘skydeck’ which will be exclusively available to residents as an interactive community area.</li>
</ul>
<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_1536.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fulton Lane as seen from QVM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1536.jpg?itok=1lKm_V3r" title="Fulton Lane as seen from QVM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fulton Lane as seen from QVM</figcaption></figure><p>While Apartments.com.au hopes to tour Fulton Lane when complete - which is expected during June 2015 - SP Setia have just signed off on a construction contract for their latest Melbourne development titled Parque Melbourne at 555 St Kilda Road. Hickory Group have snared the build once more for the curvaceous tower which is also designed by Fender Katsalidis.</p>

<p>In complete contrast to Fulton Lane's angular design, the flowing lines of Parque signifies a step-up in presence for SP Setia in Melbourne, with the St. Kilda Road development billed as one of Melbourne most prestigious.</p>

<p>But as for SP Setia's entry project into Australia, no doubt the 1500 future residents of Fulton Lane will like what they see.</p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ceremonial trees are hoisted and the exterior facade at its best angle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="434" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15.jpg?itok=fDJ6tXtE" title="Ceremonial trees are hoisted and the exterior facade at its best angle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ceremonial trees are hoisted and the exterior facade at its best angle</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Fulton Lane on show during its topping out ceremony

<html><body>
<p><em>Editor's note: all images and information included below were extracted from a pre-application submission lodged in March 2013.</em></p>

<p>The subject of today's article is a proposal for a residential tower on a prominent Docklands site. Acquired by <a href="http://www.salta.com.au/">Salta Properties</a> back in December 2008, the site sits on the corner of Harbour Esplanade and provides an opportunity for a major contribution to the Esplanade and as an entry statement for Docklands.</p>

<p>Engaging <a href="http://www.fkaustralia.com/">Fender Katsalidis</a> during 2010, the team initially produced a 36-storey mixed-use scheme that had a number of features recognizable in previous FKA-designed projects. A glazed residential tower with a tiered envelope that sat upon a commercial wrap around a carpark podium - providing a bookend to Victoria Point to the south. The proposal was lodged and was to be Salta's signature Docklands project but ultimately never saw the light of day.</p>

<p>An article from The Age briefly touching on the proposal can be seen below:</p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/695_article.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Commercial property article. © Fairfax"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="640" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/695_article.png?itok=a-Is2WGY" title="Commercial property article. © Fairfax" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Commercial property article. © Fairfax</figcaption></figure><p>Fast forward three years and a shorter design has been put on the table that has significantly deviated from the language of the previous proposal. Expressed as a series of staggered volumes the new scheme looks to limit the amount of overshadowing across the Etihad Stadium playing turf. Changes between the two designs are described below:</p>

<h2>Previous vs Current Scheme</h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 100%;">
<thead><tr>
<th>Aspect</th>
			<th class="rtecenter">Previous</th>
			<th class="rtecenter">Current</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Height</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">124.3m</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">Stepped from 78.05m</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>No. floors</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">36 storeys</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">Stepped from 23 storeys</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Apartments</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">336</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">Approx. 303</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Parking</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">338</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">Approx. 309</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Commercial</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">3,896m2</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">Approx. 2,114m2</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Retail</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">598m2</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">Approx. 674m2</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>GFA</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">49,669m2</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">Approx. 41,941m2</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>The submission focuses heavily on the merits of the proposal's ground plane condition with retail tenancies located to the north and south, interspersed with lobbies for the commercial and residential components. Featuring strong vertical timber column and blade elements, the design provides a contrast to the otherwise concrete and glazed structure.</p>

<p>Vehicular entries to the car park and loading dock are located along the eastern boundary while a public thoroughfare separates the proposal from the existing Channel 7 digital broadcast centre.</p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ground_plane.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered ground plane. © FKA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ground_plane.png?itok=mEOOM01D" title="Rendered ground plane. © FKA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered ground plane. © FKA</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

<p>One suspects that Salta will most likely follow the lead of <a href="https://charterhall.com.au/">Charter Hall</a> and <a href="http://premiercapitaldevelopments.com.au/">Flagship Property Holdings</a> and look to offload the site. At time of writing the site next door at 685 La Trobe Street is currently under contract.</p>

<p>The potential for a far more ambitious scheme would be most welcome for a site that demands something special. I'm of the opinion that an amalgamation of the two sites would offer the best outcome for the site and allow for a more successful interface and relationship between potentially multiple buildings.</p>

<p>If the scheme as detailed above is to proceed then I believe a further level of design refinement is required.</p>
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The 4 Step > 695-699 La Trobe Street

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<p>A solid year for development proposals fronting Albert Park Lake continues with the much anticipated 77 Queens Road with City of Port Phillip for assessment. Likewise for site proponent Southlink Developments who add 77 Queens Road to their <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Sovereign Blackburn</a> and <a href="/buildings/claremont-manor-7-claremont-street-south-yarra">Claremont Manor</a> apartment developments, both of which are currently at sales.</p>

<p>Contrary to varying media reports that suggested an Elenberg Fraser scheme associated with the site's sale during 2013 would proceed to sales, Southlink have instead chosen Fender Katsalidis to create a new tower for their next Melbourne foray.</p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image3277q.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Old and new. Images courtesy elenberg Fraser and Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="201" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3277q.jpg?itok=YNWdmQUc" title="Old and new. Images courtesy elenberg Fraser and Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Old and new. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser and Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><h2>77 Queens Road Summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>2,329 sqm site</li>
	<li>Currently a low-rise, 1960's apartment block of 36 apartments</li>
	<li>15 metre setback to Queens Road at ground level</li>
	<li>Proposed 13 level complex @ 41.9 metres</li>
	<li>160 apartments</li>
	<li>178 car parking spaces and 181 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>GFA 12, 364.44sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>An unmistakable imprint</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/image34w_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images courtesy Fender Katsalidis and Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="464" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34w_0.jpg?itok=ZzkvsH2W" title="Images courtesy Fender Katsalidis and Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images courtesy Fender Katsalidis and Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure><p>The casual observer wouldn't be mistaken for assuming Fender Katsalidis have merely melded two of their successful recent projects together in creating 77 Queens Road. Straight lines and funny angles are alive and well as this application draws upon the best of both <a href="/news">108 Flinders Street</a> and Canberra's NewActon Nishi (above left and right).</p>

<p>Perhaps Fender Katsalidis have stumbled upon a winning formula of confluence which yields both commercial and aesthetic returns? Regardless external finished will see blue/grey vision and spandrel glazing, clear balustrades, coloured precast panels in addition to dark window frames and louvres.</p>

<h2>Internal arrangement</h2>

<p>The majority of apartments are arranged in a herringbone pattern where possible to take in an Albert Park Lake and Bay aspects, with the remainder toward Queens Lane presented in a more conventional format. Single bedroom apartments will be centralised along the Queens Lane frontage while dual bedroom apartments run through the mid levels, with all three bedroom abodes holding frontage to Albert Park Lake along the buildings western flank.</p>

<p>Apartment breakdown will see the following numbers: 20 one-bedroom, 24 one-bedroom + study, 76 two-bedroom, 26 one-bedroom + study, 14 three-bedroom.</p>

<h2>Ground plane</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/img_8739.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="249" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_8739.jpg?itok=QcDJUjZn" title="Ground level. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><p>As with many buildings fronting Queens Road, generous setbacks are the norm which allow for an expansive usable space if so desired. A porte-cochere layout addressing Queens Road is included, similar to many developments nearby, including the neighbouring Monarc apartment project.</p>

<p>A central passage will bisect 77 Queens Road at ground with a host of communal facilities holding sway, whilst services are clustered to the most innocuous quadrant. Oculus have devised the landscape solution which will feature outdoor terraces, bluestone paving, outdoor dining/seating and green privacy screens over ground and the level 9 setback.</p>

<h2>Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Southlink</li>
	<li>Architect: Frender Katsalidis</li>
	<li>Planning: URBIS</li>
	<li>Project Management: PDS Group</li>
	<li>Services: WSP Group</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: Robert Bird Group</li>
	<li>Traffic: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: BSGM Consulting Building Surveyors</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Landscape: Oculus</li>
	<li>ESD: Ark Resources</li>
</ul>
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