Brisbane developers Core Property Partners and Vector Property Australia has teamed up for Brisbane's newest apartment development.

The duo identified <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as their preferred suburb, on the fringe of the Gabba Precinct, where they've just revealed BANKSII, 72 apartments opposite Raymond Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5481]

The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments will sit in a glass-wrapped building that will also feature a rooftop with an&nbsp;infinity-edge pool, a BBQ area and alfresco dining spaces, sun lounges, and a sauna, as well as a resident-only gym and a ground-floor cafe.

Rhett Williams, Director of Vector Property Australia, said the project will lift the quality of the East Brisbane community and set a new benchmark.

"In Brisbane’s current property landscape, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/banksii-east-brisbane-169-wellington-road-east-brisbane-qld-4169">BANKSII</a> stands out through its emphasis on lifestyle-oriented living, connectivity and sophisticated design," Williams says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5479]

The 10-level building has been designed by MAS Architecture. Their designs were inspired by the native Banksia flower, with the architecture and interiors reflecting the organic symmetry of its namesake flora. MAS has interpreted this throughout the building’s curved form, façade detailing and interior palette.&nbsp;

The building’s flowing geometry and natural tones are complemented by large balconies and floor-to-ceiling glazing, maximising cross-breezes, daylight and views over the city, parklands and river.

“Having a strong narrative for a building helps us architecturally,” MAS noted. "We can choose colours that come off that species of flowers. The trunk and the trees and the flower elements all are now visible in our joinery on the inside and in our architectural finishes on the outside."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5485]

Apartments will feature timber floors, soft porcelain tiles, brushed bronze fittings, and stone benchtops with warm veining.&nbsp;

Kitchens feature premium SMEG appliances and generous storage, while bathrooms have been designed as calming retreats with curved cabinetry and twin sinks in the master ensuites.

The building will feature a suite of rooftop and wellness amenities. Residents will have access to an infinity-edge pool, BBQ and alfresco dining areas, sun lounges and a rooftop sauna.&nbsp;

A residents-only gym will be located on the podium level, while a ground-floor café and landscaped laneway will further activate the site and improve neighbourhood connectivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5488]

BANKSII will rise from a prime Wellington Road site, with the building oriented to overlook the adjacent Raymond Park and take in extensive city views. It is also on the doorstep of key&nbsp;lifestyle infrastructure, including the future Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, The Gabba stadium, and the planned Brisbane Live arena.&nbsp;

Public transport options, including ferry, bus and rail - including the future Cross River Rail Woolloongabba station - are all nearby, supporting a car-optional lifestyle just minutes from the CBD.

Williams said the team spent over a year searching for the ideal site before securing this location.

"We were attracted to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as it is a vibrant and growing community that offers a perfect balance of urban convenience and natural beauty with the parklands and river on our doorstep.”

The project is part of the broader Woolloongabba Games precinct, which is undergoing significant investment in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. This urban renewal, coupled with infrastructure upgrades, is expected to enhance long-term liveability and capital growth in the area.

Given the wide max of configurations, BANKSII is expected to suit everyone from first home buyers and investors to families and downsizers.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136432]

Joel Robinson

BANKSII sales launch in booming East Brisbane apartment market

Sydney developer Deicorp is set to officially open its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hills-showground-village-castle-hill-2-mandala-parade-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Showground Village</a> precinct in Castle Hill.

NSW Premier Chris Minns will attend the opening on Sunday August 31, alongside&nbsp;Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, The Hills Shire Council Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne, Landcom CEO Alex Wendler, and Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri.

There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony before a tour of the newly opened retail precinct.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Located just moments from Hills Showground Metro Station, the centre spans 9,500 sqm across four levels and features 26 specialty retailers as well as a 1,400 sqm public plaza, creating a new community meeting point for shopping, dining, fitness, and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

The grand opening will be celebrated with a family fun day, featuring free entertainment, children’s activities, and a Skill Tester Machine with guaranteed prizes ranging from Woolworths gift cards to a $5,000 Flight Centre voucher.&nbsp;

Showground Village forms part of the Hills Showground Station Precinct, an urban renewal initiative led by Landcom and Sydney Metro that will provide for around 2,300 new jobs over the next 20 years and around 9,000 new homes.&nbsp;

Deicorp was recently approved for another new development next door to Showground Village.

The new five residential buildings in the East Showgrounds Precinct, will see another 873 dwellings delivered, as well as&nbsp;3,500 sqm of open public space in the form of landscaped courtyards, a public park and communal outdoor recreational space including a playground, barbeque area, and outdoor seating.

“This approval will allow us to start construction on a range of beautifully designed, conveniently located apartments and create another vibrant, walkable and well-connected community,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp" target="">Deicorp</a>&nbsp;Founder Fouad Deiri.

“These new homes will provide their residents with a seamless connection to jobs and services along Metro North West, and the new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hills-showground-village-castle-hill-2-mandala-parade-castle-hill" target="">Hills Showground Village</a>&nbsp;retail precinct currently under construction."

Deicorp has several thousand apartments in planning and under construction across Sydney, from Zetland and Five Dock to Crows Nest and Macquarie Park.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=133881]

Deicorp, NSW Premier to officially open Showground Village, Castle Hill’s new retail and hospitality hub

The Minns Labor Government will deliver Sydney’s first new heavy rail station in more than a decade – enabling up to 10,000 new homes by rezoning land around Woollahra and Edgecliff stations, right next to the CBD, to tackle the housing crisis and rebalance growth across the city.

Recent reports by the NSW Productivity Commission have warned that Sydney is losing twice as many young people as it is gaining, while also finding that Woollahra is the most feasible Local Government Area (LGA) in New South Wales to build new housing.

Despite this, housing approvals in Woollahra consistently lag well behind other LGAs, and the population has declined by 11 per cent over the past 50 years while Greater Sydney as a whole has grown by 74 per cent.

The new station that will be an eight-minute trip from Sydney CBD, will be located on the Eastern Suburbs train line in Woollahra, where a station build was started in the 1970s but never completed.

To enable the delivery of new homes the NSW Government will lead a rezoning of Woollahra and Edgecliff stations similar to other state led rezonings to allow additional homes to be built around the stations.

Affordable housing will also make up a proportion of development on the site with the final amount of affordable housing required, to be determined as part of the rezoning process.

The area surrounding the new station is within walking distance of major green and recreational space including Cooper, Trumper, Rushcutters Bay and Centennial Parks.

The Eastern Suburbs train line between Bondi Junction and Sydney CBD also has the lowest passenger usage rates during the AM peak of any line on the Sydney network, with only 43 per cent of operating capacity during the AM peak currently being utilised by passengers.

Sydney Water and Infrastructure NSW have confirmed there is capacity in the water and wastewater systems to accommodate the proposed 10,000 dwellings without major upgrades.

The rezoning is expected to take around two years and will further support the Government’s housing targets that rebalance the delivery of new homes around existing infrastructure.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Next stop Woollahra train station - delivering up to 10,000 new homes in the heart of Sydney

<section data-element_type="section" data-id="b086848">
Fresh off completing its mixed-use Malvern project Malvern Collective, Kokoda Property Group has acquired a prime site on Richmond's Bridge Road.

They are planning a mid-rise residential development with&nbsp;integrated wellness amenities and a vibrant ground-floor retail and dining offering.

The site, at&nbsp;487–495 Bridge Road, spans&nbsp;1,650 sqm with 50 metres of dual frontage across Bridge Road and Palmer Street. It is currently leased to Adairs, and has a large retail building and 20 onsite car parks.
</section>

<section data-element_type="section" data-id="534a164">
Kokoda Property Group’s acquisition forms part of a broader phase of growth in Melbourne, building on momentum from the completion of Malvern Collective and the recent purchase of a Burnley Street site for the developer’s first commercial project.&nbsp;

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating.

“Melbourne is regaining momentum,"&nbsp;Stevens said.

"After a cautious period post-COVID, we’re seeing buyer sentiment stabilise and capital leaning back into well-located, quality projects. Victoria now benefits from deep builder capacity and competitive delivery pricing, creating a rare opportunity to bring design-led inner-city developments to market without compromising on craftsmanship.

“Richmond ticks all the boxes for us – connectivity, culture and everyday amenity – making Bridge Road the perfect address for an amenity-rich, multi-use development."

Envisioned as an “urban lantern” the building will bring a distinctive new presence to Bridge Road with a sculptural retail frontage, designed to honour the street’s heritage character while contributing to its renewal.

Stevens said the acquisition reflects the developer’s commitment to design-led addresses in Melbourne’s inner city.

“Drawing on Richmond’s rich heritage and dynamic character, we’ve envisioned a contemporary building that respects the past while elevating the way people live today. With dual frontages, curated ground-floor spaces, and a focus on wellness, this project will contribute to the neighbourhood’s evolution, appealing to both downsizers and a new generation of professionals.”

Kokoda Property will now progress concept design ahead of a future planning process.
</section>

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating

First look: Kokoda secures Richmond site for new apartment development

Gold Coast developer Drew Group is fast approaching sell-out at its Main Beach apartment development, Lagoon Main Beach.

In the last nine months, Drew Group and sales partner Pezet Matheson have secured 31 sales totalling over $75 million, as the two-tower development advances towards completion under the expert eye of Hutchinson Builders.

“Today's buyers are more discerning than ever," Drew Group Managing Director Jon Drew says.

"It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=193023]

Just over 50 per cent of recent&nbsp;sales have been to local buyers, reflecting the deep trust and connection within the Gold Coast community that Drew Group has developed over the years.

Demand has been particularly robust at the top end, with two of the three exclusive penthouses already sold, alongside five sub-penthouses. Only seven apartments remain in Lagoon's Signature Series — one&nbsp;penthouse and six sub-penthouses.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=284864]

Drew Group has also removed the much-maligned sunset clause from all contracts at Lagoon. The sunset clause — although rarely invoked, yet on occasion known to have been — allows developers to take back contracts on apartments should the building not be completed within the timeframe specified in the contract.

Pezet Matheson Co-Director Jayde Pezet says the fact Lagoon is&nbsp;within a year of completion, and has no sunset clause in contracts, provides certainty to buyers.

"This is paramount in the current market," Pezet says.

Drew Group has committed to providing the highest level of security inclusions — none more impressive than the Ubiquity Access Control System, a cutting-edge facial recognition technology that is one of the most state-of-the-art keyless entry systems on the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=190743]

One of the biggest drawcards to Lagoon has been the size of the apartments.

"It is unlikely that any future new development in Main Beach will be able to offer such spacious living at this price point," Drew says.

"Today's buyers are more discerning than ever, carefully evaluating amenities like gyms, spas, workspaces, and beach lockers, along with quality finishes. It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

Lagoon is set to complete construction in mid-2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108747]

Lagoon Main Beach approaches sell-out as local buyers drive $75m in sales

Hamton

The team behind Melbourne’s $2 billion transformation of the Moonee Valley Racecourse has unveiled the project’s most anticipated residential release to date; Trackside House – the first residential offering in Moonee Valley Park to boast track frontage, and the only one with uninterrupted views of the racetrack’s future finishing straight.

Trackside House will feature 205 residences including some high-end apartment stock, which come with a twist. The project will include three and four-bedroom penthouse product on each level, as opposed to stacking all of the penthouses on the top level. The clever design will accomodate those who want the larger apartment while also being closer to the track.

Joint venture partners, developer Hamton and superannuation fund Hostplus, who are working in partnership with Moonee Valley Racing Club, had renowned architecture firm Rothelowman collaborate with interiors house Carr on the designs.

Prices at Trackside House will start from $470,000 for the one-bedroom apartments, and range in price through the two, three and four-bedroom offerings to over $5 million.

The unobstructed views across the racecourse, which extend across Ascot Vale and Brunswick to the Melbourne city skyline, will offer residents unparalleled vision of iconic race days like the Cox Plate alongside the future infield of the track – which will be transformed into a lush, green landscape of walking tracks, parklands and integrated community amenities.

<img alt="The tower overlooking the race course" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="04f4c647-7aef-4f5c-a22a-5e73296029aa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-19%20at%203.54.53%20pm.png?VersionId=vH.k0ZF5I1Gm9VPaqLphjemZhjX1hNGa" />

Trackside House will be the fourth stage released within Moonee Valley Park. Its designs by Rothelowman maintains&nbsp;the precinct’s strong connection to nature and biophilic design, fostering a unique urban sanctuary surrounded by greenery – just only six kilometres.

Inspired by the composure and calm of a refined hotel, the Trackside House lobby will welcome residents with a tree-lined landscape that leads to a private drop off area and concierge – complete with a number of services that can be booked via smartphone on the Residents’ App.

Trackside House will also be serviced by a number of exclusive resident amenities including a rooftop pool, residents’ lounge, business lounge and state of the art Wellness Sanctuary – equipped with glass-walled yoga room, meditation space and sauna and fully equipped gym.

Hamton Property Group Executive Chairman Paul Hameister said Trackside House’s uninterrupted views of both the Moonee Valley Racecourse and the city set it apart, adding to the project’s botanical design, community amenities and 20ha of green open space and parklands.

“Residents at Trackside House will be able to soak up the fun atmosphere of Moonee Valley Racing Club’s race days, events and activities, in person or from the privacy of their balcony or the rooftop entertaining areas, while enjoying uninterrupted views of the city skyline," Hameister said.

“Trackside House is the first racetrack-fronting stage within Moonee Valley Park – we have a large database of buyers who have been waiting for a track-fronting apartment, so we are excited to be bringing these unique homes to market.

<img alt="Trackside House" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="75be6960-6c20-438a-bc32-f5b24bf9215c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-19%20at%203.54.49%20pm.png?VersionId=gPWhWRBO5kbNbPQ3LbuwLzepTg9MLOYO" />

“We are once again, offering purchasers of our Penthouse apartments the opportunity to collaborate with Rothelowman and Carr to design a customised home tailored personally to their needs and believe this will resonate strongly with the local owner occupier market."

Rothelowan Principal Chris Hayton says the opportunity for purchasers to customise their future home is reflective of the Moonee Valley Park design ethos, which brings together unique residences and premium amenities that complement its natural surrounds, location and landscape.

“We are thrilled at the prospect of being able to work with future residents of Trackside House to tune the building and apartments to perfectly match their lifestyles," Hayton says.

"The underlying design philosophy for the building has always been to deliver a living experience of enviable generosity by leveraging its truly unique setting. Collaborating with residents of the building further amplifies the opportunities to provide one-of-a-kind residences."

The $2 billion redevelopment of Moonee Valley Racecourse will transform the 40 hectare site into a botanic-inspired residential landmark, and the new premium neighbourhood of Melbourne’s inner north.

Once complete, Moonee Valley Park – which is designed to be a neighbourhood within a park – will encompass around 2,000 dwellings across eight village-style precincts, complete with resident amenities, retailers, cafes, restaurants, playgrounds, sporting fields, running and walking tracks, set among 20 hectares of abundant green open space.

Moonee Valley Park launched to the market in August 2019, and has since delivered its first completed stage – as well as amenities including Tote Park and TOTE Bar &amp; Dining – with the first residents moving into their new homes in 2022. Two further stages are under construction with completion in 2023.

The $2 billion redevelopment of Moonee Valley Racecourse will transform the 40 hectare site into a botanic-inspired residential landmark, and the new premium neighbourhood of Melbourne’s inner north.

Hamton reveal Trackside House at $2 billion Moonee Valley Racecourse redevelopment

Thomas Street is the first apartment building within the $2 billion Moonee Valley Park master-plan, currently underway by property developer Hamton and financier HostPlus.

Rising six storeys, Thomas Street was designed by the award-winning Rothelowman, who partnered with Hamton for much of the residential work across the project, including Feehan Row, the terrace and house development in the master-plan&rsquo;s first release.

Rothelowman worked alongside interior design firm Mim Design and Tract Landscape Architects to unify the building&rsquo;s contemporary form and biophilic design elements to increase resident&rsquo;s connectivity to the natural environment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103179 project_image_fid=167492]

Thomas Street comprises 69 one, two and three bedroom residences.&nbsp;

All of the one-bedroom apartments have already been snapped up. The two-bedroom apartments start from $645,000 and three-bedroom apartments are priced from $1.05 million.

Thomas Street is situated in the heart of Moonee Ponds, a sought-after inner-city locale in Melbourne&rsquo;s north-west.

Apartments at Thomas Street offer large entertainer&rsquo;s kitchens with butler&rsquo;s pantries, private home office spaces and walk-in-robes in some apartments.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103179 project_image_fid=167465]

The building also overlooks the leafy greenery of the peaceful Residents Garden. There&rsquo;s a lush vertical garden facade and green-laden outdoor areas perfect for entertaining and dining alfresco.

Form and finishes are united through contemporary detailing. A palette of ochre, merlot and pumice tones flow throughout and will blend with the future surrounding parkland.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103179 project_image_fid=167465]

Thomas Street residents will have access to plenty of amenities and services including car charging stations and a dog wash station inside. Plus, within the nearby sister building, there is a lobby, concierge and delivery services on offer.

Residents and visitors will have access to Stonepine Square, a Mediterranean style piazza, as well as Cox Place, a dynamic village designed to fulfill convenience and lifestyle needs, from caf&eacute; culture to a social hot spot, business heart and wellness hub.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103179 project_image_fid=167494]

The nearby Puckle Street offers an established lifestyle destination with abundant boutiques, eateries, and the shopping heart of Moonee Ponds Central.

Delivered in the stages following Thomas Street and Feehan Row, Hamton have kept mental health in mind with an optional wellness membership to access the future Wellness Sanctuary and gymnasium, as well as the sky pool with city and racetrack views.

The crowning Jewel of the Moonee Valley Park master-plan, the racing club known as The Valley. With a new grandstand, the Moonee Valley Racing Club aims to be the premier night racing venue and is already home to major races&nbsp;like the Cox Plate.

Thomas Street comprises 69 one, two and three bedroom residences

jordan_55689

Thomas Street, Moonee Valley Park’s first apartment development, designed to connect to nature

<html><body>
Australia’s first convertible apartment spaces have been revealed, designed by architecture practice ROTHELOWMAN and developed by Hamton.

The multifunctional spaces are prime examples of the innovation that can be achieved in small apartments despite current debate surrounding the implementation of minimum size standards.

Currently under construction, the spaces form part of the final stage in the master-planned Sanctuary on the River development, located in Abbotsford.

The apartments include moveable walls, pull down beds and integrated joinery, offering residents the flexibility to extend and define their living space as necessary.

The multifunctional capabilities of the compact design include cupboards that move to create a divider between a separate kitchen and bedroom, or removed for a studio-style apartment feel.

A bed folds out from the wall and an extra room can be created through a separate divider.

Australia’s first convertible spaces illustrate the exciting possibilities for flexible thinking around the way we perceive small living spaces.

<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/image61.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A convertible apartment in action"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="220" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image61.jpg?itok=JBOwDaXp" title="A convertible apartment in action" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A convertible apartment in action</figcaption></figure><h2>A case for innovation</h2>

Convinced of the benefits a convertible space can offer, ROTHELOWMAN went on to test potential mechanisms for creating maximum spatial flexibility.

In an Australian first, ROTHELOWMAN were able to hone the living space down to the essentials.

They have created the apartment design from the ground up, incorporating multiple space-saving solutions to present a holistic, cohesive layout.

"Intelligently designed with meticulous attention to detail, the convertible spaces allow you to make the most of your space,” says ROTHELOWMAN principal Chris Hayton.

“By day you can have a studio apartment and by night you can maximise your entertainment capacity by increasing your living areas."
</body></html>

Amelia Barnes

Inside Australia’s first convertible apartment

<html><body>
Melbourne International Design Week is upon us again, showcasing the best of international design excellence coupled with numerous presentations from forward thinking industry participants. The event seeks to "Give everyone the opportunity to be inspired by the benefits of outstanding design for our lives and our economy."

Highlighting the role of design as a catalyst for innovation, Melbourne International Design Week provides the most accessible means for the general public to engage with business and industry participants.

<blockquote>
Melbourne International Design Week is a series of landmark events presented in partnership with Ideas on Design and provides a platform to support and promote other presenters from the local and international community. We encourage programs and activities that showcase design excellence, build collaboration between, design disciplines, industry sectors and the local and international community.
<cite><a href="http://www.designmattersvictoria.com/design-week/">Design Matters: Melbourne International Design Week 2015</a></cite>
</blockquote>

Here's a chosen quartet of Apartments.com.au's most notable events during the course of this week:

<h2>Curbing the Urban Sprawl</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/rothelowman_02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Living upon the Yarra. Image courtesy Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rothelowman_02.jpg?itok=K1kp0bkN" title="Living upon the Yarra. Image courtesy Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Living upon the Yarra. Image courtesy Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>Billed as an event that will discuss the failings of suburbs and their ability to deliver a sustainable model for the Australian city, Curbing the Urban Sprawl will feature discussion lead by ROTHELOWMAN principal Chris Hayton and Hamton Development Director Matt Malseed. Covering issues relating to architecture, landscape architecture and planning, the event will present ideas based upon innovative and intelligent design, sustainability and higher density cities.

<dl>
<dt>When</dt>
	<dd>Saturday 16 May: Discussion 12:30pm - 1.30pm, followed by tours of the Haven development between 2pm to 4pm (no bookings necessary)</dd>
	<dt>Where</dt>
	<dd>Acacia Place - 677-679 Victoria Street, Abbotsford</dd>
</dl>
<h2>Urban Tomorrows, Urban Todays: Dan Hill public talk</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/x-dan_hill-700x467.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy futureeverything.org"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/x-dan_hill-700x467.jpg?itok=oFAvUa8e" title="Image courtesy futureeverything.org" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy futureeverything.org</figcaption></figure>Executive Director of Futures at the UK’s Future Cities Catapult and Adjunct Professor with the School of Media and Communication at RMIT. Impressive qualifications associated with designer and urbanist Dan Hill as he spearheads a discussion on key urban challenges for our future, with an eye toward creating a more sustainable and desirable future.

A regular for publications such as Dezeen, Domus and Volume, Dan Hill is excessively well versed in contemporary urban issues.

<dl>
<dt>When</dt>
	<dd>Wednesday 13 May: 6.30 PM to 8:00 PM (free entry)</dd>
	<dt>Where</dt>
	<dd>Level 4 Lecture Theatre, RMIT Swanston Academic Building (80.04.011) 445 Swanston Street</dd>
</dl>
<h2>Victorian Design Exhibition</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/image172.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Imagew courtesy designmattersvictoria.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="344" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image172.jpg?itok=YxRCYX79" title="Imagew courtesy designmattersvictoria.com" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy designmattersvictoria.com</figcaption></figure>The best of what Victoria can offer in terms of design will be on display this week. Free to the public, Victorian Design Exhibition will showcase in excess of 100 award winning designs. Chosen by industry leading bodies such as The Australian Institute of Architects, Australian Graphic Design Association, Design Institute of Australia and Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, the is the best of the best on display.

<dl>
<dt>When</dt>
	<dd>Sunday 10 May to Saturday 16 May</dd>
	<dt>Where</dt>
	<dd>City Square, Corner Swanston &amp; Collins Streets</dd>
</dl>
<h2>No Risk! A Century of Dense Living in South Yarra - Walking Tour</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/image173.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy architours.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="172" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image173.jpg?itok=_8Y2MpV1" title="Image courtesy architours.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy architours.com.au</figcaption></figure>Join the Melbourne Architours team who know the architecture and design of Melbourne's inner suburbs inside out. South Yarra is on the radar this week with an informative walking tour on the agenda

<blockquote>
South Yarra offers a physical laboratory for Melbourne’s renewed interest in density, providing a convenient cross section of built examples from maisonettes to walk-up flats and recent high end towers. Walking a meandering path from 1920 to today offers an opportunity to compare a range of dense building types, and observe changes in development activity, successive waves of architectural movements and the ever-present effects of urban governance.

This walking tour is intended to be highly interactive and seeks to provide a platform for positive debate about inner suburban Melbourne’s past, present and future.
<cite><a href="http://www.designmattersvictoria.com/design-week/melbourne-architours/">Design Matters: Melbourne Architours</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<dl>
<dt>When</dt>
	<dd>Thursday May 14: 9am-10.30am - <a href="http://www.designmattersvictoria.com/design-week/melbourne-architours/">more details</a>
</dd>
	<dt>Where</dt>
	<dd>Meet at 9-11 Claremont Street, South Yarra (bookings required)</dd>
</dl>
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silvermb

Melbourne International Design Week: Urban.com.au's choice events

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Choosing from the immense range and sheer number of apartments on the market for the uninitiated buyer may seem a daunting prospect, but Melbourne-based developer <a href="http://www.hamton.com.au/">Hamton</a> has launched a new apartment configuration they believe will give their current <a href="/buildings/sanctuary-abbotsford-681-victoria-street-abbotsford-vic-3067">Sanctuary on the River</a> apartment project a glowing point of difference.

Designed by <a href="http://www.rothelowman.com.au/">ROTHELOWMAN</a> and dubbed ‘Convertible Spaces,’ a select number of one bedroom apartments within Sanctuary will feature a bedroom space capable of being incorporated into living space as required, with functional areas such as corridors becoming usable space without compromising apartment access.

Based on a system of integrated joinery placed through the open plan layout, ‘Convertible Spaces’ allows for a highly flexible, multi positioning option for dining, bedroom and lounge areas that otherwise would be fixed in position. In turn, living area can increase by 70% at the owners whim. This is best illustrated via the below video:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/f2mVxRq6vHA" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
We're constantly striving to innovate with our product and ‘Convertible Spaces’ is the result of much research both domestically and abroad. Locations such as New York, London and Tokyo were studied given their high population and multiple compact living options available.

‘Convertible Spaces’ essentially delivers bang for buck in terms of utilising a compact apartment to its full potential; creating one large living space and maximising functionality. We believe that ‘Convertible Spaces’ has stepped into a gap evident in the market and we have only now released the product once we've been fully satisfied with its merits.

Sanctuary will feature only five apartments with ‘Convertible Spaces’ - an option exists for twenty existing purchasers to upgrade if the desire, with an element of that cost worn by Hamton.

Although Sanctuary is scheduled to be completed by July 2015, we're pushing contractor LU Simon to a completed ‘Convertible Spaces’ apartment finished in the new year which will act as a display suite.
<cite>Paul Hameister, Hamton Joint Managing Director</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
'Convertible Spaces’ allows you to make the most of your space. By day you can have a studio apartment and by night you can maximise your entertainment capacity by increasing your living areas.

By including a fold-down bed and moveable wall we add several metres to the apartment and offer occupiers an enormous amount of flexibility. When the bed is hidden away and the wall moved across into the bedroom area, the result is a 70% increase in living area".

The movable walls that transforms the apartment is itself a joinery unit continuing the Scandinavian theme whilst importantly providing useful functionality with a pull out pantry, soft close drawers and ample additional storage accessible from both sides.
<cite>Chris Hayton, ROTHELOWMAN principal</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Paul Hameister on 'Convertible Spaces' and the current marketplace</h2>

Asked by Apartments.com.au on the state of the current Melbourne apartment market from a developers perspective, Paul Hameister began by suggesting that the recent changes to zoning and certain councils' stance toward development has led to an imbalance in the marketplace.

<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/sanctuary_v09_hero_balcony-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The right location can still sell itself. Image courtesy Hamton"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="423" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sanctuary_v09_hero_balcony-1.jpg?itok=ENRmBjNj" title="The right location can still sell itself. Image courtesy Hamton" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The right location can still sell itself. Image courtesy Hamton</figcaption></figure>Describing the current Melbourne CBD apartment market as "cooked", Paul Hameister asserts Hamton will continue to develop in inner city locations while avoiding the CBD. He elaborates that while certain areas are in or face a pending glut of generic apartments, other well positioned inner and middle-ring locations offering innovative, attentive living options are subject to under supply.

It's these locations that developers such as Hamton will continue to be drawn to, with 'Convertible Spaces' a likely key platform to future projects.
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