Australia’s housing debate has rarely been more urgent. The National Housing Supply and Affordability Council forecasts the country could fall around 262,000 homes short of housing needs by 2029, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing planners, governments and developers.

In response, much of the conversation has centred on high-density towers around transport corridors and strategic centres.

Diversified developer Coronation Property, while also focused on well-located, strategic sites, is incorporating an arguably underutilised typology, the terrace.

Difficult to integrate into true high-rise developments, terraces have become a defining feature of Coronation’s lower-rise portfolio, including projects in Ashbury and Erskineville. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/ashbury-terraces-165-171-milton-street-ashbury-nsw-2193">Ashbury Terraces</a> places a stronger emphasis on this housing type, forming part of a broader community mix.

At its Erskineville development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lillian-erskineville-9-metters-street-erskineville-nsw-2043">Lillian</a>, terraces are more limited, with just a handful&nbsp;included within the wider, predominantly apartment-led precinct, one of the first developments to launch in Erskineville in several years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=368392]

Terrace residents at Lillian benefit from many of the same advantages as apartment owners, the lock-up-and-leave lifestyle and access to shared amenities like the rooftop wellness space, but with significantly more space.

Spanning multiple levels, the terraces also feature front and rear courtyards, providing direct access to the central landscaped gardens within the precinct.

<h3 data-end="212" data-section-id="1n97jye" data-start="191">The terrace model</h3>

Terrace housing has long been part of Australia’s urban fabric. From Paddington and Surry Hills to Glebe and Annandale, rows of terrace homes have shaped neighbourhood streets, offering a housing form that sits between detached houses and apartments.

The contemporary terrace, however, addresses many of the limitations of older designs, where narrow staircases and constrained layouts often compromised liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=368157]

“Terraces represent one of the city’s most intelligent housing models,” says Joe Nahas, Managing Director of Coronation Property.

“They deliver density without losing the human scale that makes neighbourhoods liveable. In many ways, they provide a bridge between the Sydney we know and the Sydney we need to build. If Sydney is going to grow well, it can’t rely on towers alone.”

<hr data-end="1090" data-start="1087" />
<h3 data-end="1124" data-section-id="1a7l0gw" data-start="1092">The evolution of the terrace</h3>

That thinking has shaped Coronation’s approach at Ashbury Terraces, where the terrace typology has been reinterpreted for modern living.

Designed by SJB, the project recently received recognition at the 2026 Better Future World Design Awards, acknowledging its architectural clarity and response to the surrounding suburban context.

SJB Director Adam Haddow says the intent was to evolve a familiar housing form rather than reinvent it.

“The terrace is one of Sydney’s most familiar housing forms, so our approach at Ashbury was to reinterpret that typology in a contemporary way,” Haddow says.

“The homes are designed to sit comfortably within the existing neighbourhood while introducing more light, landscape and shared spaces that support modern living.”

Ashbury Terraces combines terraces, apartments and penthouses across a series of low-rise buildings, integrating contemporary architecture with landscaped communal spaces and resident amenity.

That same typology is now being carried into Coronation’s Lillian development in Erskineville, where a smaller number of terraces sit within a predominantly apartment-led precinct.

<hr data-end="2269" data-start="2266" />
<h3 data-end="2289" data-section-id="cazuws" data-start="2271">Buyer response</h3>

Coronation’s decision to include terraces at Lillian was informed by strong buyer feedback from Ashbury Terraces, where purchasers were drawn to the flexibility and scale the housing type offers.

One resident, Sweta Pursem, purchased a terrace as a single buyer, citing its long-term versatility.

“As a single buyer, it might seem surprising that I chose a terrace over an apartment, but I was thinking long term,” Pursem says.

“The terraces are incredibly versatile, catering to a range of lifestyles while still offering the space and privacy of a house.”

For Pursem, the multi-level layout provides a level of functionality not typically found in apartment living.

“Having a separate living area from the bedroom and home office makes everyday living feel both functional and comfortable. When friends and family come to visit, the layout gives a sense of privacy while still feeling open and spacious.”

Her terrace also supports a more connected, lifestyle-driven way of living.

“I love entertaining, and the courtyard is ideal for relaxed weekend drinks with friends. I tend to use each level differently throughout the day, it creates a natural rhythm between work, downtime and entertaining, which I didn’t have in apartment living.”

Ashbury Terraces is now complete and ready to move in, while Lillian in Erskineville is under construction and expected to welcome residents in mid-2027.

Joel Robinson

Coronation champions terraces as a key piece of Sydney’s housing mix

Private equity real estate firm Conquest has entered into a $220 million partnership with Woolworths’ development arm, Fabcot, to deliver its long-awaited Waterloo project on Bourke Street.

The Bourke Street development was first flagged by Fabcot back in 2021 as part of its push into Sydney’s residential market. However, progress has since stalled, with no activity on site amid a number of design revisions in consultation with the City of Sydney.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a>, which is actively planning more than $6 billion worth of new developments, predominantly mixed-use precincts, is now set to move the project forward.

The current plans include between 110 and 120 apartments across two buildings designed by Bates Smart at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/923-935-bourke-street-waterloo-nsw-2017">923 Bourke Street</a>. The scheme will incorporate a portion of apartments reserved for key workers, alongside premium commercial space at ground level, including a full-line Woolworths supermarket.

Construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2026.

Michael&nbsp;Akaawi, CEO of Conquest, said the partnership reflects the firm’s commitment to "convenience-led" urban renewal."

"We are preparing to commence construction in the second half of this year," Akaawi says.

"Along with Woolworths, we look forward to delivering the first major supermarket to the growing Waterloo community, integrated with premium new apartments and specialty retail shops. Our focus is on creating a seamless lifestyle hub where essential services are at the doorstep, saving residents time and enhancing their quality of life."&nbsp;

<img alt="Conquest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8beee83-ef9b-446b-a3b3-1e2fe596512b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-01%20at%2011.08.46%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=raYhGepiLUJfx4InLPRRJduA3ftDJ_kS" />

The news comes just a week after Conquest went to the NSW Government to upsize its plans for Castlecrag's Quadrangle Shopping Centre.

Conquest purchased the site for just shy of $70 million last year, with existing plans in place for a mixed-use residential and retail precinct comprising 38 luxury apartments.

Those plans have now been significantly expanded, with the developer lodging a State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority for 150 apartments across two 11-storey buildings. The apartments will sit above a four-storey podium, incorporating specialty retail tenancies and five levels of basement car parking, on the 5,166 sqm site at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/100-edinburgh-road-castlecrag-nsw-2068">100 Edinburgh Road</a>.

Conquest has been increasingly active in the development space in recent years. The group acquired the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/eastlakes-nsw-2018">Eastlakes</a>&nbsp;Shopping Centre redevelopment, where it plans to deliver more than 1,000 apartments above a new retail precinct, and has also lodged a $900 million State Significant Development Application for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/conquest-unveils-900m-stanmore-village-vision-for-landmark-inner-west-site">mixed-use precinct in Stanmore</a>.

Conquest partners with Woolworths to deliver mixed-use Waterloo project

A shift away from Sydney’s industrial past has left parts of the inner south defined by contrast, brick warehouses repurposed into dining precincts, former factory streets softened by landscaping and pedestrian activity.

Rosebery is one of those suburbs. Over the past decade, it has undergone significant gentrification, anchored by The Cannery, which has helped reposition the area as one of the inner city’s most sought-after lifestyle pockets.

What hasn’t kept pace with that transformation is new residential supply, which has remained relatively limited. Builder-developer Deicorp identified that gap early, securing a site in 2019 and delivering what is now one of the suburb’s most architecturally distinctive developments.

To realise the vision, Deicorp engaged Candalepas Associates to design The Rothschild, a project that is immediately recognisable from the street.

Completed in 2025, The Rothschild comprises two buildings across Rothschild and Mentmore Avenues, delivering 176 apartments. The development replaces a former industrial site, retaining a material and structural dialogue with its past while introducing a more resolved residential framework. The scale is deliberate but not monolithic, broken into forms that engage both street frontages, with retail at ground level and two levels of basement parking below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221665]

From the street, the architectural intent is clear. Off-form concrete columns run through the façade, establishing a repeated structural rhythm that gives the building its visual weight. These are paired with deep-set arches and sections of exposed brickwork, creating a layered elevation that reads less like a typical apartment block and more like a reinterpretation of industrial architecture.

The material palette is intentionally restrained, with concrete left exposed and brick used to define mass rather than decoration. The result is a building that stands out through proportion and repetition, rather than height or glazing.

This approach continues internally. A central landscaped courtyard sits between the two buildings, anchored by an olive grove that acts as both a visual and spatial focal point. Rather than functioning as residual space, the courtyard is designed as a shared ground plane, where circulation paths, seating areas and planting come together to create a usable communal environment. Its positioning allows natural light to penetrate deep into the site while maintaining separation between residences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221666]

Within the apartments, the planning follows a clear and functional logic. Entry points lead directly into open-plan living areas, with kitchens positioned as central elements alongside dining and lounge spaces. These zones extend to balconies or external openings, maintaining a visual connection to either the courtyard or the street.

Kitchens prioritise practicality, with generous bench space, ample storage and European appliances configured for everyday use. Bedrooms are typically set back from the main living areas, creating quieter zones within each residence, with separation achieved through layout rather than material change. Bathrooms are compact but efficient, incorporating mirrored cabinetry and integrated storage to maximise space. Across all residences, the emphasis is on clarity of movement and functional planning.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221669]

At ground level, retail and hospitality uses extend the building’s presence beyond its residential function. A café or restaurant space, alongside communal amenities such as a music room and rooftop areas, positions the development as part of a broader urban network rather than a standalone project. These shared spaces reinforce a lifestyle where the building operates as an extension of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Rosebery’s proximity to Green Square, The Cannery and nearby parklands supports this model of living, where much of daily life is within walking distance. The Rothschild sits comfortably within that network, contributing to the streetscape through its distinctive architecture, while internally organising space around light, structure and communal use.

The Rothschild is now complete and ready to move in, with limited residences remaining.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106843]

The Rothschild reinterprets Rosebery’s industrial DNA into residential form

KTQ has unveiled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/casilia-16-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Casilia</a>, the final residential release within the Kirra Point precinct which really kicked off the boom in the area back in 2019.

The final stage comprises&nbsp;87 residences and marks the culmination of a long-term, family-led vision for Kirra Point, as the precinct moves toward completion in tandem with the development.

Around $100 million in sales have been achieved already, close to 35 per cent of the residences secured ahead of launch. There have been a significant number of buyers returning from the first stage of the development, Miles Residences, securing another property within Kirra Point.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368410]

Selling agent Tim Keenan from Keenan Byrne said the response reflects both the scarcity of the offering and Kirra’s growing reputation as a premium coastal market.

“This is effectively Kirra’s final act, the last release within what has become one of the Southern Gold Coast’s most tightly held beachfront precincts,” Keenan said.

“We’ve seen exceptionally strong pre-sale interest, from VIP waitlists through to off-market enquiry, which speaks to both the quality of the product and the confidence buyers have in the precinct. What’s particularly compelling is the number of buyers returning from Miles, either upgrading or investing again, which is a strong signal of how the precinct has been received."

Keenan adds that at the same time, north-facing beachfront remains exceptionally rare in Australia, limited to places like Noosa, Byron and Kirra, which is underpinning long-term value.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368415]

Positioned along one of Australia’s few true north-facing beaches, Casilia offers a mix of two and three-bedroom residences with pricing ranging from $1.87 million to $7.15 million and two exclusive penthouses. Residences are oriented to capture varying outlooks, from uninterrupted Pacific Ocean views across Kirra Beach to hinterland vistas, with upper levels and shared amenity taking in sweeping perspectives along the Gold Coast coastline.

At rooftop level, a north-facing pool deck captures expansive, uninterrupted views over Kirra Beach and north towards Surface Paradise. The space incorporates a heated resort-style pool, mineral spa, sun lounges and a covered BBQ cantina.

Buyer profiles are broad, typically aged between 40 and 70, with a strong skew toward second-home ownership, drawn by a combination of lifestyle, relative value, proximity to Gold Coast Airport and lower congestion compared to more established markets such as Byron Bay and Noosa.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368414]

The project is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ktq-group">KTQ Group</a>, a family-owned Australian property group with a diverse portfolio spanning residential, hospitality and commercial developments. The group has delivered a number of notable projects across sectors, including the award-winning Elements of Byron resort, demonstrating its depth of experience across both hospitality and residential development.

Known for its long-term approach to place-making, KTQ Group retains a vested interest in its projects, often holding assets within its portfolio, which has also helped build trust among buyers and reinforced confidence in both the vision and delivery certainty of the precinct.

“Casilia represents the final opportunity to secure a residence within Kirra Point and brings to market the last release within our long-term vision for the precinct," KTQ Group's Jeremy Holmes said.

"Kirra Point has been more than a decade in the making, and that timeframe reflects the care behind each decision, it takes listening, balance and vision to arrive at something that feels right for the location.

“Our approach has always been to deliver Kirra Point as a destination in its own right, a connected coastal neighbourhood integrating residential, hospitality and wellness, rather than a standalone project. It’s a vision that respects place, pace and permanence, and contributes to a sense of community that feels authentic to Kirra.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368411]

Once complete, the Kirra Point masterplan will incorporate a mix of dining establishments, bars and cafés, alongside the Kirra Point Health Club and a future 91-room independent resort hotel, creating a walkable, integrated lifestyle precinct.

Architecutue and interiors at Casilia have been designed by the experienced design houses of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/little-boat-projects">Little Boat Projects</a> and O’Neil Architecture &amp; Interior Design, The design moves beyond the conventional coastal apartments, instead taking cues &nbsp;from the surrounding landscape - layering natural materials, soft curves and warm textures to create spaces that respond to light, airflow and the rhythms of coastal living.

Residences are designed with an array of floorplates, generous proportions and intuitive flow, while at ground level Casilia connects into the broader precinct, where future laneways, retail and hospitality offerings will contribute to a neighbourhood defined as much by how people live day-to-day as its beachfront position.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152295]

The final residential release within the Kirra Point masterplan is set to launch, as strong pre-sales signal sustained demand for the Southern Gold Coast

A decade in the making: KTQ launches Casilia at Kirra Point

South East Queensland developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a>’s entry into the Gold Coast apartment market has progressed from pipeline to market, with its Chevron Island project Bronze on Chevron now formally available to purchase ahead of a planned 2029 completion.

The 119-apartment development on Mawarra Street marks the Brisbane-headquartered builder-developer’s first residential play in the Gold Coast, following its expansion south from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> comprises a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom residences, with pricing starting from just over $1.5 million. The project is being delivered under Gardner Vaughan’s fully integrated model, with the group acting as both developer and builder, a structure it has consistently applied across its South East Queensland portfolio.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367182]

Architecture has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jeremy-ferrier-landscape-design">Jeremy Ferrier</a>. The building presents as a single-tower scheme, with a focus on maximising outlook across both the Surfers Paradise skyline and the Nerang River.

Apartments have been planned with open-plan living zones extending to generous balconies, a response to the site’s dual-aspect positioning between river and ocean. Interiors follow a restrained coastal palette, with two colour schemes offered, and an emphasis on natural light and cross-ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367181]

Resident amenity is concentrated across more than 1,250 sqm and includes a resort-style pool, gym, yoga lawn and rooftop entertaining areas. A function space with catering facilities forms part of the upper-level offering, alongside north- and south-facing outdoor areas.

Ground level will incorporate two retail tenancies, intended to extend the existing village character of the surrounding streets.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367200]

The project sits within walking distance of Thomas Drive’s established dining strip, while maintaining proximity to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a> beach and broader Gold Coast amenity. The location, positioned on Chevron Island between the river and coastline, has increasingly attracted mid- to high-density development in recent years as the precinct evolves beyond its low-rise origins.

Gardner Vaughan’s move into the Gold Coast was first signalled in 2025, with the group identifying the region as a natural extension of its operations. Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge described the expansion as both “strategic and natural”, citing demand for well-designed apartments in lifestyle-driven markets.

Construction is expected to complete in early 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

Gardner Vaughan brings Bronze on Chevron to market as Gold Coast debut

Future

<html><body>
Imagine being able to explore your new apartment, move your furniture around, and change the entire design palette at the click of a button. Thanks to the innovative technology of Virtual Reality (VR) and the talented team behind BVN REAL, apartment floorplans are being brought to life, with several buyers already trialing the product.

The cutting-edge new VR production studio named BVN REAL is a subsidiary business of <a href="/architects/bvn-architecture">award-winning architectural design firm BVN</a> and is led by creative director Barry Dineen and a team of highly skilled Game Developer Designers, 3D Visualisation Artists, VR Experience Developers, and Experience Designers. The product took four years to build and has already won the coveted 'Unreal Award' in 2018 (prior to the public launch) as well as receiving two other nominations in The AEC Excellence Awards.

<blockquote>
“Right now, people need to interpret, imagine, and visualise their future home using architectural drawings, plans, and 3D renders of the space. With VR they can actually step into their future for themselves and feel what it is like to be there. 

Our VR experiences give people the confidence to know that what they are seeing is exactly what they are going to get. It’s building trust and reducing the risk involved in one of the biggest purchases of buyers lives.”
</blockquote>

Barry Dineen, Creative Director at BVN REAL 

<div class="intrinsic">
<div class="intrinsic-inner">
<iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1573710549547_74" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/312440113?app_id=122963&amp;wmode=opaque" width="650"></iframe>
</div>
</div>

BVN REAL creative director Barry Dineen humbly acknowledged that although previous iterations of the technology were not taken to immediately, perseverance and user research led the team to focus in on how people authentically engage with VR.

<blockquote>
“The result is a powerfully immersive experience designed expressly for human interaction. A lot of developers and sales teams have dismissed VR because they tried a VR experience that was not designed with human behaviour at its core. When they try BVN REAL’s experiences there is an “ah-ha” moment where they see the true potential for VR for themselves.”
</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/bvn_real_immersive.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Users experiencing VR in the studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bvn_real_immersive.jpg?itok=1y6l8TwQ" title="Users experiencing VR in the studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Users experiencing VR in the studio</figcaption></figure>INTUITIVE FEATURES INTEGRATED WITHIN BVN REAL

<ol>
<li>Users can instantly move between different apartment configurations and floorplans to compare options on offer</li>
	<li>Users have the ability to configure the space in real-time
	<blockquote>
	“Our experiences allow them to try out different materials and finishes options, change out furniture and fittings to their taste, or even strip it back to the empty shell so that they can get a better feeling for the space itself.”
	</blockquote>

	Barry Dineen, Creative Director at BVN REAL
	</li>
	<li>A realistic sunlight system enables users to experience the property at all times of the day</li>
	<li>All elements of the apartments virtually function the way they would in real life
	<blockquote>
	“A major goal of any VR experience is presence – feeling like you are actually in that place. When a user tries to turn on a tap and the tap does nothing, they are reminded that they are in a virtual environment. 

	We want the technology to disappear so that they can truly appreciate the design of a space. At first adding running taps felt like a novelty but over time we have grown to realise the importance of reacting to people’s input.”
	</blockquote>

	Barry Dineen, Creative Director at BVN REAL

	<ol></ol>
</li>
	<li>BVN REAL experiences are often ‘multiplayer’ because people feel more relaxed and comfortable when sharing the virtual experience with another real person. Currently, an avatar is used to represent those in the VR simulation with you
	<blockquote>
	“Realistically not many people are buying apartments on their own so we are trying to replicate what would happen if the apartment already existed. People walk around together a discuss the features and amenities. What really amazes us in our VR experiences is how many important conversations happen in the bathroom - even when the VR is situated on the 83rd floor of Sydney’s highest residential building with amazing views over the city.”
	</blockquote>

	Barry Dineen, Creative Director at BVN REAL

	<ol></ol>
</li>
	<li>Sales agents can join in at any stage to answer any questions live from within the VR simulation</li>
</ol>
HOW VR CAN PROVIDE TRANSPARENCY IN THE OFF-THE-PLAN MARKET

In concurrence with Barry Dineen’s sentiment about VR giving buyers the ability to see a home before they buy it, BVN Co-CEO Neil Logan explains that it also helps provide more transparency and helps advocate for better built outcomes.

<blockquote>
“VR has radically changed the way we communicate design. What was once opaque to many is now transparent and easily digestible. It has facilitated better understanding of design intent and has provided the opportunity for better built outcomes. 

We are proud to make this service available to broader markets. In doing this we believe that we are contributing to the design of a better future”.
</blockquote>

BVN co-CEO Neil Logan

<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/penthouse_hero.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Penthouse apart VR "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="426" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/penthouse_hero.jpg?itok=GpWjXi6N" title="Penthouse apart VR " width="680"></a>

<figcaption>Penthouse apart VR</figcaption></figure>WHAT’S INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION OF A VIRTUAL WALKTHROUGH

A typical 3-bedroom apartment takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks to develop. Often architects will use BIM to build their designs in 3D, making it easier to prepare each design component for the gaming software used to create the virtual reality experience (BVN REAL use Unreal Engine from Epic Games).

Designers will also supply the BVN REAL team with imagery of the fixtures, finishes, and furniture, which will be used to populate the VR design.

<div class="intrinsic">
<iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1573710532178_74" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/355499775?app_id=122963&amp;wmode=opaque" title="Convene VR" width="736"></iframe>
</div>

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE OF BVN REAL LOOK LIKE?

Virtual Reality’s capabilities extend far beyond unbuilt architecture. Not only is BVN REAL exploring VR within our current reality, but also within purely virtual worlds that will never exist in our own. In the past, the team has created Makerspaces which allow school students to build and launch full-size rockets.

<div class="intrinsic">
<iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1573710534038_74" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/343358323?app_id=122963&amp;wmode=opaque" title="MakerspaceX" width="736"></iframe>
</div>

Creative Director Barry has grand ideas for the future of BVN REAL, such as developing the world’s largest museum/gallery.

<blockquote>
“I really want to develop the worlds biggest museum/gallery as a virtual place that people can visit that allows us to do things and see things that we could never do or see in the real world – and it would be accessible to everyone.”
</blockquote>

Barry Dineen, Creative Director at BVN REAL 

We look forward to following the progress of BVN REAL’s exciting future developments with the VR architecture space.

 

<div class="rtecenter">BVN IN THE NEWS</div>

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<div class="rtecenter"><a href="/news/upcycling-australia-why-demolish-when-you-can-re-polish">Upcycling Australia: Why demolish when you can re-polish?</a></div>

<div class="rtecenter"><a href="/news/parramatta-suburb-guide-highlighting-new-developments-in-sydneys-second-cbd">Suburb Guide: Parramatta's boom rundown</a></div>

<div class="rtecenter"><a href="/news/new-photos-latest-construction-update-of-7-qld-projects">NEW PHOTOS: Latest construction update of 7 QLD projects</a></div>
</body></html>

Olivia Round

Introducing BVN REAL: Off-the-plan virtual reality house viewings are here

<html><body>
Move aside electric cars, another disruption set to occur in the next decade is being ignored in current <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-18/coalition-says-it-is-not-anti-electric-cars/11029222" target="_blank">Australian transport infrastructure debates</a>: electric aviation.
Electric aircraft technology is rapidly developing <a href="https://www.magnix.aero/about-us/">locally</a> and overseas, with the aim of potentially <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/mach/science/electric-planes-promise-big-benefits-air-passengers-planet-ncna862001" target="_blank">reducing emissions and operating costs by over 75%</a>. Other countries are already <a href="http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20180814-norways-plan-for-a-fleet-of-electric-planes" target="_blank">planning for 100% electric short-haul plane fleets</a> within a couple of decades.
Australia relies heavily on air transport. The country has the <a href="https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/airports-2019/draft/airports-draft-overview.pdf" target="_blank">most domestic airline seats per person</a> in the world. We have also witnessed flight <a href="https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/airports-2019/issues/airports-issues.pdf" target="_blank">passenger numbers double</a> over the past 20 years.
Infrastructure projects are typically planned 20 or more years ahead. This makes it more important than ever that we start to adopt a disruptive lens in planning. It’s time to start accounting for electric aviation if we are to capitalise on its potential economic and environmental benefits.
What can these aircraft do?
There are <a href="https://mashable.com/feature/electric-airplanes-future-flight/#ZR4G.vl9cZq3" target="_blank">two main types</a> of electric aircraft: <a href="https://www.harbourair.com/harbour-air-and-magnix-partner-to-build-worlds-first-all-electric-airline/" target="_blank">short-haul planes</a> and vertical take-off and landing (<a href="https://lilium.com/" target="_blank">VTOL</a>) vehicles, including <a href="https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/News/passenger-carrying-drones-now-reality" target="_blank">drones</a>.
The key issue affecting the uptake of electric aircraft is the need to ensure enough <a href="https://www.technologyreview.com/s/612351/top-battery-scientists-have-a-plan-to-electrify-flight-and-slash-airline-emissions/" target="_blank">battery energy density</a> to support commercial flights. While some <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-arent-there-electric-airplanes-yet-103955" target="_blank">major impediments</a> are still to be overcome, we are likely to see short-haul electric flights locally before 2030. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-04/first-electric-plane-passenger-flights-in-australia-to-rottnest/9304424" target="_blank">Small, two-to-four-seat, electric planes</a> are already <a href="https://particle.scitech.org.au/tech/aussie-first-electric-plane-takes-to-wa-skies/" target="_blank">flying in Australia today</a>.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_UhOYtq1_Ag?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" frameborder="0" width="440" height="260"></iframe>
An electric plane service has been launched in Perth.
A scan of global electric aircraft development suggests rapid advancements are likely over the coming decade. By 2022, <a href="https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/siemens-to-supply-motors-for-eviations-all-electric-airplanes" target="_blank">nine-seat planes</a> could be doing short-haul <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-27/electric-passenger-planes-four-years-away-says-tech-firm/10401950" target="_blank">(500-1,000km)</a> flights. <a href="https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/easyjet-outlines-progress-on-electric-jet-453088/" target="_blank">Before 2030</a>, small-to-medium <a href="https://electrek.co/2018/10/29/electric-flying-is-becoming-a-reality-says-easyjet-ceo-electric-plane/" target="_blank">150-seat planes</a> could be flying up to 500 kilometres. Short-range (<a href="https://www.dezeen.com/2019/01/28/boeing-autonomous-passenger-drone-flying-car/">100</a>-<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelgoldstein/2019/01/14/bell-nexus-vtol-air-taxi-makes-a-splash-at-2019-consumer-electronics-show/#2c8801fb2e31" target="_blank">250 km</a>) VTOL aircraft could also become viable in the 2020s.
If these breakthroughs occur, we could see <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170405005365/en/Zunum-Aero-Developing-Hybrid-Electric-Aircraft-Fast-Affordable" target="_blank">small, commercial, electric aircraft</a> operating on some of Australia’s busiest air routes, including Sydney-Melbourne or Brisbane, as well as opening up new, cost-effective travel routes to and from regional Australia.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/267813/original/file-20190405-180014-57189i.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/267813/original/file-20190405-180014-57189i.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Possible short-haul electric aircraft ranges of 500km and 1,000km around Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Author provided
Why go electric?
In addition to new export opportunities, as shown by <a href="https://thedriven.io/2019/04/22/australias-magnix-chosen-to-power-eviation-electric-aircraft/%E2%80%8B">MagniX</a>, electric aviation could greatly reduce the financial and environmental costs of air transport in Australia.
Two major <a href="/news">components of current airline costs</a> are fuel (27%) and maintenance (11%). Electric aircraft could deliver <a href="https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/eviation-secures-funding-for-all-electric-alice-454830/" target="_blank">significant price reductions</a> through reduced energy and maintenance costs.
Short-haul electric aircraft are particularly compelling given the inherent energy efficiency, simplicity and longevity of the battery-powered motor and drivetrain. No alternative fuel sources can deliver the same level of savings.
With conventional planes, a high-passenger, high-frequency model comes with a limiting <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1361920912000703" target="_blank">environmental cost</a> of burning fuel. Smaller electric aircraft can avoid the fuel costs and emissions resulting from high-frequency service models. This can lead to increased competition between airlines and between airports, further lowering costs.
What are the implications of this disruption?
Air transport is generally organised in combinations of <a href="https://aeronauticsonline.com/the-airline-economics-of-the-bicycle-wheel-point-to-point-vs-hub-and-spoke-flying/" target="_blank">hub-and-spoke or point-to-point models</a>. Smaller, more energy-efficient planes <a href="https://blueswandaily.com/the-route-revolution-how-next-generation-aircraft-are-transforming-global-route-maps/" target="_blank">encourage point-to-point flights</a>, which can also be the spokes on long-haul hub models. This means electric aircraft could lead to higher-frequency services, enabling more competitive point-to-point flights, and <a href="https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/bitstream/handle/10072/56018/89299_1.pdf;sequence=1" target="_blank">increase the dispersion of air services</a> to smaller airports.
While benefiting smaller airports, electric aircraft could also improve the efficiency of some larger constrained airports.
For example, Australia’s largest airport, Sydney Airport, is <a href="https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/airports-2019/draft/airports-draft-overview.pdf" target="_blank">efficient in both operations and costs</a>. However, due to noise and pollution, physical and regulatory constraints – mainly aircraft movement caps and a curfew – can lead to congestion. With a significant number of sub-1,000km flights originating from Sydney, low-noise, zero-emission, electric aircraft could overcome some of these constraints, increasing airport efficiency and lowering costs.
The increased availability of short-haul, affordable air travel could actively compete with other transport services, including <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967070X11000837" target="_blank">high-speed rail</a> (HSR). Alternatively, if the planning of HSR projects takes account of electric aviation, these services could improve connectivity at regional rail hubs. This could strengthen the business cases for HSR projects by reducing the number of stops and travel times, and increasing overall network coverage.
What about air freight?
Electric aircraft could also help air freight. International air freight volumes have <a href="https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/airports-2019/draft/airports-draft-overview.pdf" target="_blank">increased by 80% in the last 20 years</a>. Electric aircraft provide an opportunity to efficiently transport high-value products to key regional transport hubs, as well as <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-and-ups-are-betting-big-on-drone-delivery-2018-3/?r=AU&amp;IR=T" target="_blank">directly to consumers via VTOL vehicles or drones</a>.
If properly planned, electric aviation could complement existing freight services, including <a href="https://www.dezeen.com/2017/02/23/ups-drone-launching-delivery-truck-design-technology-news/" target="_blank">road</a>, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/26/volans-i-drones-can-haul-cargo-for-500-miles-and-land-on-a-moving-ship" target="_blank">sea</a> and air services. This would reduce the overall cost of transporting high-value goods.
Plan now for the coming disruption
Electric aircraft could significantly disrupt short-haul air transport within the next decade. How quickly will this technology affect conventional infrastructure? It is difficult to say given the many unknown factors. The uncertainties include step-change technologies, such as <a href="https://www.maketecheasier.com/solid-state-batteries/" target="_blank">solid-state batteries</a>, that could radically accelerate the uptake and capabilities of electric aircraft.
What we do know today is that Australia is already struggling with disruptive technological changes in energy, telecommunications and even other transport segments. These challenges highlight the need to start taking account of disruptive technology when planning infrastructure. Where we see <a href="https://about.bnef.com/blog/energy-storage-620-billion-investment-opportunity-2040/" target="_blank">billions of dollars being invested</a> in technological transformation, we need to assume disruption is coming.
With electric aircraft we have some time to prepare, so let’s not fall behind the eight ball again – as has <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/motoring/huge-problem-with-car-prices-too-few-affordable-electric-vehicles-in-australia/news-story/64a87eb32a4a8d8c2fdc9664420058eb" target="_blank">happened with electric cars</a> – and start to plan ahead.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jake-whitehead-3312" target="_blank">Jake Whitehead</a>, Research Fellow, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805" target="_blank">The University of Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michael-kane-442924" target="_blank">Michael Kane</a>, Research Associate, Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/curtin-university-873" target="_blank">Curtin University</a>
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/get-set-for-take-off-in-electric-aircraft-the-next-transport-disruption-114178" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Get set for take-off in electric aircraft, the next transport disruption

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Before you knock down your kitchen walls to increase the value of your home with an open plan, have a think about this: the closed off kitchen could make a comeback in future years, according to Secret Agents’ latest bulletin report.
Trendsetting architects are returning to pre-war designs where kitchen and entertainment areas are separated. There is an emerging market for this kind of home.
Many parents who have raised their family in an open plan kitchen would understand that, whilst great for inclusion, there are certain drawbacks to a lack of four walls.
There is no escaping the noise from the television, no way of treating cooking as a peaceful experience, and no way to hide the mess that the kids leave on the dining table from plain sight. Further, when guests come over, it is often impossible to get them to move to the living room.
A closed off kitchen allows the user to relax in a calming environment and momentarily retreat from the chaos of raising a family. It is also great for those who don’t want to be on show the entire time when guests come over.
Layout aside, the future kitchen from a technological standpoint is looking bright. We might even begin to see chef-less kitchens. In fact, that future is not too far away.
Moley, the world’s first robotic kitchen, is currently being crowdfunded for a launch in 2018. The company hopes to sell Moley for a price comparable to the average cost of kitchen refurbishment, around $46,000AUD.
“In more realistic terms however, Secret Agent believes that the evolution of the near-future kitchen will be less of a romantic tech fantasy,” the report stated.
Technology will not cook for us, but it will do what it does best for humanity: automate the mundane and menial, while enhancing the core experience. There is still joy to be had in cooking for yourself.
“Expect in-built Apple or Google devices in your kitchen hardware and smarter appliances. Maybe a countertop touchscreen (not voice activated, because let’s face it - we wouldn’t want Siri’s attitude in the kitchen) that retrieves your favourite recipe at your command, prompting instructions according to the preparation time. No more scrolling through recipes on your phone or tablet with your grubby, greasy hands mid-way through preparing food. No more overcooked roast chicken,” the report suggested.
Imagine a more seamless workflow, with taps switching on automatically and fridge doors that open as you approach.
Range-hoods that adjust their setting according to the intensity of your cooking. The less you need to touch, the less there is to clean.
There will be more time for enjoying the food you’ve made and the company around you, and less time required to do the actual cooking.
Many of these technologies already exist. Yet until smart home technology becomes ubiquitous and accessible to every household, it remains a future for most of us.
Humans have been cooking since the beginning of time, and it’s not about to change just because we can make robots cook like a chef.
Perhaps the best version of a kitchen we can look forward to is one that cleans itself. Now, that’s something worth developing.
Kitchen layouts can generally be divided into 4 shapes: I, L, II and U, according to Secret Agent’s latest bulletin report.
“Secret Agent thought it would be interesting to take a sample of properties in a niche market of Melbourne and find out which kitchen layouts were most popular. Since we deal with a lot of period homes within inner Melbourne, 507 Victorian and Edwardian terrace houses from this region were selected for the comparison. The houses were all sold in 2016. Regardless of the layout, on average, kitchens were found to be approximately 12sqm in size. The rest of our findings are shown on the right,” the report stated.
I (Single wall kitchen)
• By far this is the least common configuration amongst terrace houses, only present in about 6% of homes. However, Secret Agent notes that this is highly popular in new one and two bedroom apartments and studios with limited internal space.
• This layout is usually found in dwellings with limited floor space, as it usually shares its circulation path with other areas of the house.
• The work triangle doesn’t exist, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to cook! However, this kitchen type usually accommodates only one person cooking at a time.
<a href="/images/2016/11/08/Single%20wall%20kitchen.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/08/Single%20wall%20kitchen.jpg" alt="">
• Due to the lack of counter space, the dining table often doubles up as additional work room. Mobile kitchen islands are also a convenient alternative.
• The single wall layout may suit those who don’t cook often or spend much time in the kitchen, as it offers the bare minimum utility while occupying the least amount of space. You’ll also have your back to your guests when cooking, which isn’t a very sociable gesture.
• Some of these kitchens are also designed to be hidden behind sliding or pocket doors to minimise visual clutter.
II, or “Gallery” (Parallel benchtops)
• This kitchen layout accounts for just under a fifth of the homes studied. Taking its name from the galleys (kitchens) of ships and airplanes, this layout is common in commercial kitchens for its highly efficient nature.
• Essentially, this is a single wall kitchen with a benchtop island, or two parallel single wall kitchens. The former is a more social option due to the island, with the latter having limited face-to-face interaction with guests.
<a href="/images/2016/11/08/Parallel%20benchtops.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/08/Parallel%20benchtops.jpg" alt="">
• Depending on the size of the kitchen, this II-layout allows more than one person to work comfortably in the kitchen.
• Foot traffic in galley kitchens can be disruptive, depending on the distance between both counters. Ideally, it should be between 1.2m to 1.6m, with greater widths making it inconvenient to walk back and forth. Anything narrower than the minimum suggested would restrict movement with more than one person in the kitchen, particularly when opening drawers and ovens.
L-shaped
• Just under a fifth of the homes observed had this kitchen layout.
• The work triangle does not have any obstructions in the path, and can comfortably fit two persons cooking.
• Similar to the I-layout, the L also commonly shares its circulation space with the dining area or a corridor. It is a more flexible option that suits any room size, while offering an improved workflow from the simpler I-layout.
<a href="/images/2016/11/08/L%20kitchens.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/08/L%20kitchens.jpg" alt="">
• In open plan homes, it lacks the social connection with the living and dining areas, as you will still have your back to your guests.
• Instead of adding an island (turning this into a U-layout), some may prefer to have a regular dining table nearby. This way, it provides an all-round dining surface, as opposed to an island which only provides seating on one side.
U-shaped
• This is the most common kitchen type, making up two- thirds of all the terraces we looked at. We have also included what most would call the “G-shape” or “L-shape with island” as part of this group for simplicity, as it has the same wrap-around, three-sided layout.
• The U-shape offers the most flexibility and variation, on top of being a highly social configuration. It suits both smaller and larger homes, in both open plan and closed plan layouts.
• This kitchen type is divided into zones (casual dining, preparing, cooking, cleaning), as opposed to a proper work triangle, allowing multiple people to work in the kitchen at any one time.
<a href="/images/2016/11/08/U%20kitchens.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/08/U%20kitchens.jpg" alt="">
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