<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA</a>&nbsp;doesn’t just rise over North Sydney, it redefines it. Now in its final release, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>’s $1 billion architectural statement is not just complete, but already reshaping the way people live, connect and dine in this rapidly evolving harbourside CBD.

Positioned beside the new Victoria Cross Metro Station and boasting panoramic views across Sydney Harbour, Aura’s 386 residences crown a mixed-use precinct designed with unapologetic ambition. The curvaceous sandstone-inspired form by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, paired with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richard Stanisich</a>’s understated interiors, sets a design tone that’s both monumental and intimate.

At its peak, literally, the two penthouses so spectacular they command their own names; La Davina and Il Magnate. The residents are spread across the&nbsp;entire top floor, offering what many consider the most refined residences ever built in North Sydney. Designed by Richard and Kirsten Stanisich, each four-bedroom home is meticulously crafted to evoke calm, space, and permanence.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VB70993aG-I?si=adRBlXQliYmYvaSz" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The kitchens are fully wrapped in natural stone, with integrated Gaggenau appliances, Sub-Zero fridges, concealed sculleries, and even a zip hydro tap delivering boiling, chilled and sparkling water on demand. A linear stone fireplace anchors the open-plan living space, dividing lounge and dining zones with quiet sophistication.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292861]

The master suite, meanwhile, feels more like a private retreat, complete with a custom stone makeup vanity, walk-through dressing area, and spa-inspired ensuite with heated stone floors, a freestanding Villeroy &amp; Boch tub, and timber veneer joinery throughout.

Kirsten Stanisich, Director of Richards Stanisich, said the penthouses offer incredible scale reflective of a single residence.&nbsp;

“We sought inspiration for these remarkable residences from the classic top-floor Parisian apartment," Stanisich said.

"We looked at what made these French apartments so elegant and found it really came down to their scale. It was ultimately this generosity of space that we used for the AURA penthouses, where we’ve designed considered rooms with deep large-scale proportions."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=310337]

Everyday living at Aura feels no less elevated. A dedicated 24-hour concierge, Technogym fitness centre, sky dining terraces, and a resort-style pool serve a lifestyle designed to rival luxury hotels.

At street level, Aqualand’s own hospitality arm, Etymon Projects, curates a precinct of LA-style bistros, Japanese fine dining, and local wine bars, all seamlessly integrated into the building’s sculptural podium.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=310337]

This final chapter, aptly dubbed The Finale, is more than a sales phase, it’s an invitation to two of the most exclusive apartments ever to be built in North Sydney.

With limited residences remaining, buyers can access curated incentives including stamp duty rebates, rental guarantees, legal fee coverage, and even $20,000 towards dining within the precinct.

From generous one-bedders to The Icons, two singular penthouses priced well into prestige territory, Aura’s offerings reflect a scale and calibre rarely seen in urban Sydney. And with move-in now immediate, this is no longer a promise of future luxury. It’s happening.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Staff Writer

Aqualand unveils penthouse collection at AURA By Aqualand in North Sydney

There’s no sign of the development wave that began several years ago slowing along Old Burleigh Road.

Around 10 new apartment developments are either underway or preparing to launch along the 800-metre strip stretching from the southern edge of Surfers Paradise towards the heart of Broadbeach, collectively adding just shy of 1,000 new apartments to the beachfront corridor.

The latest plans propose a further 30 apartments to replace an original six-unit walk-up on a 658 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/20a-old-burleigh-road-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">20A Old Burleigh Road</a>. The 14-storey building has been designed by Ferro Chow Architecture, which recently joined the Elevation Architecture Group.

The developer behind the project is Geoffrey Booth, whose Future Liv In has focused on delivering rental accommodation across regional Australia.

<img alt="Old Burleigh Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99d393e7-d404-43bc-80cb-6255c39b83d6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2012.28.44%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ZFT8F3mOny4M4ut.kFF3woC9WH9oR5gT" />

The Old Burleigh Road development will comprise 18 two-bedroom apartments, 10 three-bedroom apartments, and a single four-bedroom residence occupying the entirety of level 12. Above, the building will be crowned by a two-storey penthouse with its own private lift, several multi-purpose rooms, and two rooftop terraces — one featuring a puppy lawn and spa, the other offering a private swimming pool, sunset deck, and built-in barbecue.

Resident amenities will be located on the second level and include a pool with adjoining spa, cabana, and pool deck, along with an indoor residents’ lounge featuring a bar and an alfresco barbecue kitchen.

In the architectural statement submitted by Elevation Architecture, the project is referred to as “UMI”, which the firm says has been “inspired by the majestic hinterlands and shaped by the coastal climate”.

“It is an exemplar of how community living can still feel at one with nature, breathable, and deeply connected in place,” the architects noted.

They added that the site benefits from established building separation to adjoining towers, helping to maintain privacy, sunlight, and residential amenity, while still offering direct beach access within an urban setting.

“Drawing inspiration from the Gold Coast hinterlands and the region’s natural landscape, the podium and tower detail highlights the contrasting elements of treetop green and cliff-face peach. The vibrant texture and materiality shaped by time has a richness in depth and character.”

<img alt="Old Burleigh Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3d6c923-a0ab-4d74-86da-177313447e8e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2012.28.38%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=i2fygmoVQM6hWpbATTAW_yTitoMTrnI1" />

Old Burleigh Road has become a hotspot for developers, with the three-tower Jewel development kickstarting a wave of projects up and down the strip when it was completed in 2020.

Currently under construction and approaching completion is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/faro-broadbeach-123-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">FARO Broadbeach</a> by 5Point and Bottega, 21 large-scale half- and full-floor apartments. 5Point is also behind the recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lumara-108-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Lumara</a>, another 37 apartments to add to the pipeline.

Luxury builder GRAYA is progressing construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/enclave-by-graya-118-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Enclave</a>, its first Gold Coast tower, while Polycell remains the most active developer on the street. They are preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sandpiper-broadbeach-155-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Sandpiper</a>, a 50-storey redevelopment of the former Sandpiper Holiday Resort that will deliver around 200 apartments alongside extensive resident amenity. The group also has another 130-apartment project approved nearby, as does <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/dvb-approved-for-second-broadbeach-apartment-development">Dean Gallagher’s DVB Projects</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Old Burleigh Road apartment development wave continues

Sunshine Coast developer Habitat Development Group continues to position itself as one of the region’s largest new apartment developers.

Its latest project is in Maroochydore, where it is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-millwell-2-millwell-road-east-maroochydore-qld-4558">The Millwell</a>. Adjacent to the new 53-hectare Maroochydore City Centre project, Habitat is planning a further 180 apartments on a 3,468 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/132-136-aerodrome-road-maroochydore-qld-4558">132–136 Aerodrome Road</a>. The site was purchased with approval for a smaller 13-storey, 103-unit building.

Habitat will demolish the two existing retail centres, currently home to the Salvation Army Family Store and Neighbours Aid, and replace them with an 18-storey building featuring the significant rooftop amenities that have become a hallmark of Habitat developments in recent years. The rooftop will include both indoor and outdoor spaces, anchored by an infinity swimming pool.

<img alt="Maroochydore" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad434d07-666b-4614-b33e-530ad6a2d261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2010.12.33%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7pyLsPWKQuwv0us3_v.9DmbzEc2VZe9Z" />

There will be a mix of one- to four-bedroom apartments.

The Development Assessment Report, submitted to the Sunshine Coast Council, says the proposal&nbsp;is not speculative, but a response to both zoning intent and demonstrated housing need.

“The proposed development represents an appropriate and logical intensification of the site, consistent with the planning framework and the intended urban outcomes for the locality.”

Across the Sunshine Coast, councils are increasingly scrutinising not just height or yield, but whether new projects genuinely align with the long-term structure plans underpinning growth corridors. The&nbsp;ASTP Planning Report&nbsp;reinforces the approach, noting that the project has been shaped around site responsiveness rather than generic typology.

“The development has been designed to respond to the physical constraints and opportunities of the site, while delivering a high-quality residential outcome that integrates with the existing and emerging urban context.”

<img alt="Habitat" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a03fc54-4ca5-4868-88d0-eeced70604e2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2010.12.28%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=1pkK3lJrrZjkghTLBReM2zatcas4Nc4B" />

In mid-2025, Habitat, a developer that also builds its own projects, commenced construction on The Millwell, located just over one kilometre from the new proposal. The Millwell will comprise more than 200 apartments across two eight-storey buildings.

Habitat also has two projects on Lake Kawana in Birtinya: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-clair-birtinya-930-931-waterside-retreat-birtinya-qld-4575">St Clair</a>, a 200-unit, two-building development launched last year and set to welcome buyers this year; and Esperance, a 175-apartment project currently progressing through the development approval process.

First look: Habitat continues to bolster Sunshine Coast apartment pipeline with Maroochydore development plans

John Camilleri, the breeder of legendary racehorse Winx, is set to deliver a landmark two-tower beachfront development that would redefine the Surfers Paradise skyline.

Camilleri, who spent around $100 million acquiring development sites across the Gold Coast in 2025, has lodged plans for two new towers on the dress-circle stretch of Garfield Terrace, just two days before Christmas.

In assembling the site, Camilleri's Celestino Developments has effectively acquired the 71 Garfield project by Iris Capital and AALTO by Weiya Holdings, creating an unrivalled <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">4,000 sqm beachfront holding along Garfield Terrace</a>.

The proposal comprises two residential towers of 55 and 48 storeys, linked by a dramatic skybridge which will home “exclusive VIP and wellness amenities.”

In total, the development would deliver 275 two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments across the two towers, rising above a shared landscaped podium that incorporates a central green space and a beachfront swimming pool stretching more than 90 metres.

<img alt="DBI" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="097900f3-6bef-4919-b168-b08f2f762876" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.37.58%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=et0SpmcvaPPVrexI_zWi46BVFtZBxAzx" />

Architecture firm DBI, in documents submitted to Gold Coast City Council, said the project at 63–79 Garfield Terrace would “establish a new benchmark for beachfront residential living on the Gold Coast.”

"The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience. Together, the 48-storey North Tower and 55-storey South Tower form a distinctive twin-tower composition whose dynamic silhouette will make a significant contribution to the Surfers Paradise skyline."

DBI said the architectural language draws inspiration from the fluidity and movement of the coastal landscape.

"Each tower is defined by organic, curving forms and continuous balcony ribbons that wrap the buildings, providing deep shading, enhancing environmental performance, and reinforcing the rhythmic, sculptural expression of the façade. These balcony forms also reduce the apparent mass of the towers while maintaining strong visual continuity from podium to summit. Sculpted reflective downturns run along the western spine of both towers, shifting and lifting as they extend upwards to frame service zones and open eastward to maximise ocean views."

<img alt="Garfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a2a00ce3-a0e9-45d6-b4b5-b7baed592ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.40%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=DnruWV1dhLrtXOeElwekyd7vPq2gw55t" />

The project’s most striking feature is the skybridge at level 45, which will house executive lounges, formal dining spaces, wellness facilities and panoramic ocean-facing views.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI added.

The podium will host an extensive suite of recreational amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a large open green lawn, and the signature 90-metre pool stretching along the beachfront. The pool is divided into lap, lounge and children’s zones.

The southern end of the podium will accommodate additional wellness facilities, including a gymnasium, plunge pools, treatment rooms and a dedicated yoga lawn.

<img alt="Garfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee1b4f25-231f-4804-83b1-a573a1481962" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.55.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zObzIA3D5w7EwqPsHjr2pKrA4vbB28zL" />

There will be 127 apartments in the North Tower and 148 in the South Tower, including multiple penthouses, while the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages will be activated by a series of food and beverage tenancies.

Camilleri emerged as the most active site acquirer on the Gold Coast in 2025. He spent just over $30 million acquiring Pacific Point, a 10-level Surfers Paradise apartment block and an adjoining three-level duplex, from fellow racing identity and Aquis billionaire Tony Fung. Plans are now underway for a 93-apartment, 40-storey tower on the 1,682 sqm site.

He also paid $53.65 million for the 1,500 sqm Garfield Terrace site previously marketed as AALTO by Weiya Holdings, before acquiring the adjoining parcel from hotel billionaire Sam Arnaout’s Iris Capital, the developer behind V&amp;A Broadbeach.

First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge

The Melbourne-based HLA Group is the latest developer to expand into South East Queensland, lodging plans for a unique mixed-use short-term accomodation and apartment building in Taringa, with the building design inspired by the Glasswing Butterfly.

The development application for 10 Morrow Street seeks approval for a total of 232 dwellings, comprising 116 residential apartments and 116 short-stay accommodation units. The build-to-sell residential component is made up of 31 one-bedroom apartments, 67 two-bedroom apartments, 17 three-bedroom apartments, and a single four-bedroom apartment, offering a diverse mix aimed at singles, couples, families, and downsizers.

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33913cd4-9839-4456-b325-d35b3f8b4694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=sLvc7jUrYzDwqPDZBPrXTosKHDSp.qrt" />

Designed by Ellivo Architects, the tower takes strong inspiration from nature, with the architectural language driven by one of Queensland’s most delicate species. As described in the planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council, Ellivo Architects state the design is “inspired by the elegance of the Glasswing butterfly," and mirrors the graceful sweep of its wings, a form that feels light, fluid, and alive.

“Lush subtropical greenery is throughtfull woven throughout, transforming the building into a sanctuary in the heart of the city.”

The proposal positions the building as more than a conventional residential tower, with Ellivo Architects describing 10 Morrow Street as “an urban oasis that blends short term accomodation with residential living. A destination for rest, relaxation, and renewal.”

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="84e9a0ff-464e-4973-bffe-5d5a8fe9f087" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.32%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dhX9eVgUaQE2TvCzJPhF8N8_hzYSKpyK" />

Formally, the building’s massing and floorplate are directly shaped by its butterfly inspiration. Ellivo explain that, “adopting the wings of the Glasswing Butterfly, the tower's plan is divided into four distinct quadrants, each shaped to mirror the wing's segmented geometry and taking the slender ‘veins’ up the facade of the tower.”

"This approach results in a sculpted tower form with articulated façades and a strong vertical expression."

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5947011d-ff6c-4a57-bdc1-9072a472a79c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.29%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=nnGqd4WCZM8AOJZY.c3u49BO4LurKRhb" />

The Assessment Report by Human Habitats said the 19-storey tower capitalises on its strategic connectivity and prominence at the entrance of Taringa Village and adjoining the Taringa Station.

"The proposal offers a significant revitalisation of the subject site that integrates architectural excellence, innovation, and sustainable design to directly address long-standing connectivity and safety challenges, housing supply , and diversity together with enhanced streetscape activation and convenient access to major transport corridors."

HLA Group Australia is registered to South Yarra and is currently delivering Adamson No.5, just 15 luxury apartments that start from around $2 million.&nbsp;

The Butterfly Effect: Glasswing butterfly inspires Taringa apartment development

Hickory

Established in 1991, Hickory has steadily evolved from a family-owned company to a nationwide group of construction specialists.

One of Australia&rsquo;s leading construction groups, Hickory has forged a reputation as an innovative and dynamic company with a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Unlike many other construction companies, Hickory prides themselves on their role as project builders.

The company is self-performing of over 60 per cent of the work on their construction projects, including structure, carpentry and fa&ccedil;ade, enabling them greater control over the project&rsquo;s cost and schedule.

With close to 30 properties built by Hickory listed on Urban, below we take a look at the top five that homebuyers can secure in Melbourne now.

1. <a href="/buildings/yarra-one-16-22-claremont-street-south-yarra" target="_blank">Yarra One</a> 
Address: 16-22 Claremont Street, South Yarra VIC 3121 
Two-bedroom apartments from $725,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=31085]

EcoWorld International&rsquo;s second Australian project, Yarra One, offers 247 one, two and three-bedroom apartments in Victoria&rsquo;s South Yarra.

Hickory constructed the Fender Katsalidis-designed tower, which features rectilinear patterns and pure geometry.

One of the most striking elements of the $250 million development is the Claremont Street atrium.

2. <a href="/buildings/hawthorn-park-33-camberwell-road-hawthorn-east?last_source_news_article_id=99979&amp;ref=news_related_project" target="_blank">Hawthorn Park</a> 
Address: 33 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East VIC 3123 
Two-bedroom apartments from $670,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=158928]

Dahua Group&#39;s Hawthorn Park&nbsp;delivers a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences that reimagine the norm of apartment living.

Designed by Rothelowman, the project boasts unparalleled amenities, including Melbourne&rsquo;s first sky pool, theatre rooms and a stunning sky lounge.

The tower also features over 2000 sqm of parkland curated by acclaimed landscape architect Jake Merlo that bring the Hickory-constructed building to life.

3. <a href="/buildings/victoria-vine-1-57-wellington-street-collingwood">Victoria &amp; Vine</a> 
Address: 1-57 Wellington Street, Collingwood VIC 3066 
Three-bedroom apartment prices available upon request

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5117 project_image_fid=24688]

Situated in Collingwood, Victoria &amp; Vine is a new $280 million luxury residential and retail precinct delivered by GURNER.

Set across nine buildings of different materials and heights, the development draws influence from New York&rsquo;s Meatpacking District and embodies a warehouse-style structural design.

Designed by COX Architecture, the homes blend into Collingwood&rsquo;s rich history of industrial factories and feature 11 retail tenancies and 4,500 sqm of resident amenity.

Only three-bedroom apartments remain.

4. <a href="/buildings/east-central-tower-820-whitehorse-road-box-hill">East Central Tower</a> 
Address: 820 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill VIC 3128 
Two-bedroom apartments from $565,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3867 project_image_fid=21985]

East central tower is a 30-storey building in Melbourne&rsquo;s Box Hill, delivered by the LongRiver Group.

Designed by Fender Katsalidis, the tower features 301 apartments in one, two and three-bedroom configurations.

The urban paradise boasts 1,500sqm of residential facilities, plus 3000 sqm of combined office and retail space, including a wellbeing centre, pool, yoga studio and gym.

Hickory completed construction on the 30-storey tower in December 2020.

5. <a href="/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne">Victoriana</a> 
Address: 20 Queens Road, Melbourne VIC 3004 
Two-bedroom apartments from $745,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=78667]

Completed in March 2021 by Hickory, Victoriana delivers 250 oversized two, three and four-bedroom apartments over 41,000 sqm of build form.

Overlooking Albert Park, the 18-storey tower features luxurious amenities and sprawling terraces with panoramic vistas.

Located on one of the most prestigious boulevards in Melbourne, St. Kilda Road, the Rothelowman-designed project features a large heated indoor to outdoor pool, cabana lounges and outdoor gardens.

One of Australia’s leading construction groups, Hickory has forged a reputation as an innovative and dynamic company with a commitment to environmental sustainability

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Top five projects Hickory are building in Melbourne in 2021

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Developer Time &amp; Place, in conjunction with Hickory, has commissioned renowned interdisciplinary artist Reko Rennie to create a bold public artwork on an inner-Melbourne basketball court.

Taking up residence on the team’s recently acquired Southbank site, the piece titled OA_Hardcourt is an extension of Rennie’s Visible Invisible series.

Located within the 84-90 Queensbridge Street development, ‘The Queensbridge Building’, the developers’ vision is to turn this underutilised space into an urban park to drive community spirit through sport, food and art.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24523]

The space will be open for budding basketballers to book free one-hour half-court sessions and shoot hoops on the art installation itself.

“I’m very honoured to create an artwork for the Underpark basketball court on the traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri people,” said Rennie.

The piece inverts the idea of camouflage, designed to celebrate the visible cultural identity of Indigenous peoples.

“Where in the past camouflage has been used to conceal, here it proudly reveals a strong and vibrant cultural history,” he continued. 

<img alt="" height="1500" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/timeplace_underpark_city_end_2.jpg" width="2250">

Through his art, Rennie explores his Aboriginal identity through innovative mediums, provoking discussion surrounding Indigenous culture in contemporary urban environments.

He is known for combining stylistic elements of graffiti with the iconography of his Kamilaroi heritage and brings his distinctive visual language to the court. 

Time &amp; Place director, Tim Price sees this partnership as an improvement to the Southbank neighbourhood through informed cultural expression.

“We have followed Reko over the course of his career and see this collaboration as a meeting of two minds to achieve a single vision”, he said.

“Reko has produced a vibrant, daring piece of work that speaks to the culture for which our city is known.”

<img alt="" height="1500" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/timeplace_underpark_helping_hoops_2.jpg" width="2250">

This court will be active for a limited time only, with Time &amp; Place looking to open up a broader conversation about the future of Underpark and how it can best serve the surrounding community.

Located in the Crown precinct, the Queensbridge development will focus on activating the public space, with a strong focus on sustainability and design.

The group purchased the 940sqm landholding in an off-market transaction from New Sky Group at an estimated $29 million.
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Taking up residence on Time & Place's recently acquired Southbank site, the piece titled OA_Hardcourt is an extension of Rennie’s Visible Invisible series

The future is in your court: Reko Rennie installs public art piece at residential Southbank project 

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Urban.com.au caught up with Hickory's Managing Director George Abraham following the completion of multiple new developments across Victoria. Abraham discussed successful heritage retrofits, hotel sector growth and what's in the construction pipeline for 2020.

Urban.com.au: Recently you’ve completed many notable buildings in Melbourne including <a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill</a>’s first high rise as well as the world’s 4th slimmest tower. How have you found the reception of these developments? 

George Abraham: We are very proud of the work completed on these two landmark developments. The quality of workmanship and finishes is exceptionally high. The reception has been extremely positive for both of these buildings. The façade on Collins House is very well resolved, the interiors are of high quality and the reproduced mouldings in the main lobby, from the original Fitout, look fantastic. On Sky One, the curved, glass façade with LED and the stainless-steel capping add to the impact of the exterior. The 5,000m2 retail area will be completed in March 2020.

U: I understand that the decision to feature a concrete façade on the western side of <a href="/news/upcycling-australia-why-demolish-when-you-can-re-polish">Collins House</a> was a relatively contentious one – what was the reasoning for this decision and what is your opinion about the decision? 

GA: As the builder, we are not part of the decision-making process. We build what has been designed with the materials that have been specified by the architect. The original proposal was for a concrete toned, prefinished cement sheet rainscreen with an inlaid metal herringbone pattern. The removal of this cladding was in part to offset the costs of introducing windows into the façade as part of the planning process. Hickory’s approach was to use precast rather than in situ concrete for this wall and we still achieved a flush inlaid metal finish within the precast panels. Had the wall been in-situ concrete, a rainscreen would have been required, however, given the wall is high-quality precast, cladding over it in cement sheet would not have enhanced the façade.

<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/20191202_094342.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="West-facing concrete facade of Collins House. Photo: Nicholas Failla."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20191202_094342.jpg?itok=aJ4SCLQt" title="West-facing concrete facade of Collins House. Photo: Nicholas Failla." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>West-facing concrete facade of Collins House. Photo: Nicholas Failla.</figcaption></figure><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/old-new.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="L-R: The original building at 446 Collins Street, the new development Collins House"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/old-new.jpg?itok=6EPkyscB" title="L-R: The original building at 446 Collins Street, the new development Collins House" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>L-R: The original building at 466 Collins Street, the new development Collins House</figcaption></figure>U: How do you approach work on buildings with heritage significance, such as Collins House, and how do you maintain its historic integrity? 

GA: We always want to treat historic buildings with respect as they are an important part of our cities and history. For Collins House, we engaged the services of a heritage consultant for the project and we worked with them to ensure that the integrity was maintained.

U: Many of your recent projects have been hotels, have you seen major growth in this sector? If so, why do you think that is? 

GA: We’ve had a 60% growth in hotel projects in the last year. We have five hotel projects underway at various stages of completion, delivering a total of 1,308 keys. Increased hotel construction, specifically in Victoria reflects the state’s 8.2% rise in tourism numbers in the year ending September 2018. Visitor numbers to Victoria reached 82.3 million in 2018, including 28.4 million overnight visitors. It is, therefore, no surprise that Hickory has seen a surge in hotel projects in 2019.

Key projects include:

<a href="/developments/chadstone-vic-3148">Hotel Chadstone </a>

Hickory’s much anticipated Hotel Chadstone Melbourne, MGallery by Sofitel opened on 1st November. MGallery by Sofitel is a key element of Chadstone’s masterplan and strategy to become a destination for travellers seeking world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment facilities. The hotel’s 250 five-star rooms sit over 12 levels, designed by architects Bates Smart. The $130million project for Accor and Vicinity boasts a 5-Star Green Star rating – the first hotel in Australia to do so. The construction of Hotel Chadstone took only 14 months, and the completion date of the hotel was brought forward due, in part, to Hickory’s prefabricated building components such as core walls, prefabricated walls, and proprietary façade system.

<a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Hyatt Centric </a>

Hyatt Centric, located at 9-27 Downie Street Melbourne, commenced construction in June 2019 and consists of 278 keys over 25 levels. Designed by Architectus, Hyatt Centric Melbourne is the newest iteration of the Hyatt Centric Hotel Series with projects already launched in Hobart and Tokyo.

Holiday Inn Express, Southbank 

Southbank’s newest hotel, the Holiday Inn Express is due for completion in November 2019. Retaining the original 1930s façade on City Road, the Holiday Inn Express is one of the few remaining buildings in the city to feature the distinctive art deco façade detailing. The hotel designed by Reid Campbell consists of 345 rooms over 23 levels. The project aims to achieve a 5-star NABERS performance rating. Levels 8-22 were constructed using Hickory Building Systems, enabling a compressed construction timeline through the integration of structural prefabrication and SYNC prefabricated bathroom pods.

<a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Holiday Inn Express, Little Collins Street </a>

Currently, under construction, the Holiday Inn Express hotel on Little Collins Street makes the best of a small footprint of only 1,254m2. Designed by Reid Campbell, the development includes two retail tenancies on the ground floor in the hotel vestibule, putting every inch of the site to use. 
The tower above is set back from the 4 boundaries and contains 24 guest levels, totalling 312 suites. Hickory’s prefab construction has accelerated the construction schedule and completion is expected in June 2021.

Mojo Ovolo Hotel 

The Mojo Ovolo Hotel is a boutique hotel of 123 rooms across 6 levels. Designed by Woods Bagot, guests will enjoy aground floor gourmet café on-site in verdant South Yarra. The project is expected to be completed by September 2020 and is located at 230 Toorak Road, South Yarra.

U: Do many projects in your construction pipeline place importance on sustainability? 

GA: A Hickory development and construction project, <a href="/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">Market Lane</a> is an innovative office development taking on new design thinking and a focus on sustainability for a more <a href="/news/elenberg-frasers-vicki-karavasil-discusses-market-lanes-biophilic-design-approach">people-centred, biophilic workplace</a>. With extensive landscaped terraces and open-air atrium, the light-filled project is targeting a 4.5 Star Green Star and 5 Star NABERS rating. High-tech building management systems allow occupants to control temperatures and the Caroma Smart Command installed in the bathrooms will monitor water use in real-time. There is also provision for 10 electric vehicle charging stations and electric bike charging and bike storage facilities. The Holiday Inn Express project aims to achieve a 5-star NABERS performance rating. Once certified by the Green Building Council of Australia, Hotel Chadstone will be the first five-star Australian hotel to receive a 5 Star Green Star Design &amp; As Built rating. Currently under construction is Nexus Corporate in Mulgrave, which is also a 5-Star Green Star and 5-Star NABERS energy efficient designed building by Gray Puksand.

U: How influential is Hickory on the choice of building materials used in construction and what are your favourite materials to build with right now? 

GA: As the builder, we simply build what has been designed with the materials that have been specified by the architect. In our experience, we can certainly make recommendations if we feel there is a higher-performing material but ultimately, the architect and our clients have the final word. We love working with glass for façade work. Three of our recent projects, Conservatory, Opera and Sky One all feature glass facades that curve to stunning effect.

U: What are some of the key reasons why you choose to accept a project? 

GA: We are always willing to accept a challenge and look for innovative projects that allow us to disrupt the status quo. One example is the Hawthorn Park project that will see Australia’s first suspended sky pool bridge. We’re excited to bring the architect Rothelowman’s vision to reality. The glass-bottomed swimming pool, designed and manufactured by Myrtha Pools in Italy, spans between two buildings and is a complete commitment to engineering and innovation. Hickory is exploring the newest technology available in order to support the structure and ensure all runs smoothly during the installation.

U: What is your favourite Hickory project to date and why? 

GA: How do you choose a favourite child?! We enjoy all the projects we work on, but most recently, Hotel Chadstone presented Hickory with an opportunity to construct the only five-star hotel outside Melbourne’s CBD and the first five-star Australian hotel to receive a 5 Star Green Star Design &amp; As-Built rating once certified by the <a href="/news/a-greener-future-green-building-council-australia-discuss-climate-change">Green Building Council of Australia</a>. With extensive ground floor lobby, kitchen, bar and restaurant facilities, as well as rooftop pool, bar and dining, this 12 level building spans across 19,000m2. 
Another unique feature of this project is the Chadstone Link, a seamless connection between Hotel Chadstone, Tower One Offices and the retail precinct, designed by Make Architects, and also built by Hickory. The travellators are housed in a glulam timber structure with tensile fabric roofing to make for a tranquil and fashionable route for hotel guests and shoppers to make their way from luxury hotel to Chadstone Shopping Centre.

Lead image: Chadstone Hotel, supplied. 
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Olivia Round

Hickory's George Abraham discusses heritage retrofits, hotel sector growth and the 2020 construction pipeline

Elenberg Fraser's Vicki Karavasil discusses Market Lane's biophilic design approach

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Mentioned briefly in <a href="/news/hickory-adds-88-queensbridge-street-to-its-workbooks">Urban.com.au's article</a> on Hickory's growing construction pipeline, a ground breaking ceremony was held on site at Hawthorn Park to mark the commencement of construction. Located at 33 - 57 Camberwell Rd, Hawthorn East, the campus-style development comprises four interconnected apartment buildings assembled around Jack Merlo-designed parkland and piazzas, providing pedestrian connections between Burwood and Camberwell Road.

Upon completion in early 2020, 345 dwellings including apartments, townhouses and retail tenancies will be delivered on the massive 12,600 sqm site. The Rothelowman-designed project's centrepiece is a glass-bottomed 'Sky Pool' suspended between two of the buildings. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/rothelowman_hawthornpark-26.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial showing the breadth and scope of the site. Image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="411" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rothelowman_hawthornpark-26.jpg?itok=ZadVQHAI" title="Aerial showing the breadth and scope of the site. Image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial showing the breadth and scope of the site. Image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Public piazzas are placed at the site’s entry points drawing Burwood Road’s existing green edge through to the plaza located on Camberwell Road’s more robust presentation. Feature stairs cut a pathway into the open contoured space activated with resident amenity, retail and F&amp;B. A glass bottomed swimming pool spans between buildings and over the plaza, creating a spectacular front door to the project, and also locating the comprehensive resident amenity floor.

In contrast to the softly edged central zones, a hard blue stone envelope has been established around the perimeter to create a sense of protection and containment. This hard edge is driven by a series of feature elements which serve to visually break down the composition along the street and create a sense of community identity.

- Rothelowman
</blockquote>

The four buildings range in height from three to six-storeys and will be situated above a two level basement car park. Residents will have access to exclusive facilities such as fruit and vegetable gardens, private landscaped garden lounges and a wellness retreat featuring a state-of-the-art gym, yoga studio and massage rooms.

Hawthorn Park also includes a roof top residents lounge with access to the 'Sky Pool' extending between two of the four buildings. According to Hickory, its structural engineer was able to rationalise the pool design to enhance buildability, including prefabrication of certain elements. Hickory also offered an in-house façade solution to enable delivery of the textured façade using glass reinforced concrete (GRC) components.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/hawthorn_park_launch_event_-_harvey_pr_griffin_simm_high_res_95.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hugh Lu, Development Director at Dahua Group. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hawthorn_park_launch_event_-_harvey_pr_griffin_simm_high_res_95.jpg?itok=4CMbIhYn" title="Hugh Lu, Development Director at Dahua Group. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hugh Lu, Development Director at Dahua Group. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>Dahua Group's Development Director, Hugh Lu says the ground breaking ceremony marks a significant milestone for Dahua, following clearing of the site in July of this year with an expected construction programme of 24-26 months.

Speaking to Apartments.com.au, Lu expressed his excitement about the provision of a garden connection from Burwood Road to Camberwell Road, citing this as one element of the project in particular, that he's most looking forward to seeing realised. As for what's next for Dahua? Lu doesn't give too much away, simply stating that "(Dahua) will continue to build out our other projects in Australia." 

Lead Image: Hickory
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Laurence Dragomir

Dahua Group's Hawthorn Park commences construction in Hawthorn East

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Vicinity Centres and Gandel Group, owners of Chadstone Shopping Centre, have appointed <a href="/builders/hickory">Hickory</a> as head contractor for the hotel development which will join the 10-storey office tower completed as part of the last round of construction works.

Located at <a href="/developments/chadstone-vic-3148">1341 Dandenong Road</a>, the hotel forms a key anchor of the Chadstone master plan with AccorHotels managing the 250-room hotel under its MGallery by Sofitel brand, adding a further dimension to the shopping, dining and entertainment centre.

The hotel is being built to capitalise on the 23 million visitors that visit Chadstone each year, including an estimated 350,000 international tourists.

Designed by <a href="/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a>, the 12-storey hotel will become the first to target a 5 -tar Green Star rating using the new generation Green Star – Design/As Built v1.1 rating tool.

The hotel will also feature health and wellness facilities, including a day spa, gymnasium and rooftop infinity swimming pool, plus two restaurants, lounge bar, and a ballroom capable of hosting functions for up to 400 people.

Demand for the hotel will be driven by business travellers, tourists and visitors to both Chadstone and the commercial offices of the 17 international and national businesses located on-site, as well as the nearby Monash precinct employment hub which employs 75,000 people.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1xWAKxStfO0" width="560"></iframe>

As part of the build, Hickory is targeting a compressed construction timeline, which will be achieved via the implementation of Hickory's patented building technology HBS. Hickory will incorporate large prefabricated elements such as stairs and walls within the build.

Additionally Hickory are employing a dust management plan to control, monitor and identify all dust-generating activities during all stages of the construction to aid in minimising disruption to customers or impacting the surrounding Chadstone community.

Construction and management of the hotel will create more than 1,300 new jobs, including 1,250 jobs in construction and 120 ongoing roles in the operation of the hotel, boosting employment in the Monash area.

Heavy noise excavation works have already been completed on the site with the main hotel construction to begin next week. Hickory is targeting a 14 month construction schedule with the hotel due to open in the second half of 2019. 

Further works underway or about to commence at Chadstone Shopping Centre include:

<ul>
<li>The revamp of the East Mall which will see a new Victoria’s Secret flagship store opening in late 2018. </li>
	<li>The expansion of the Coles Car Park which will see the reconfiguration of two access points to ease traffic congestion, as well as a new pedestrian walkway.</li>
	<li>A new look Food Atrium which is currently being renovated on the Lower Ground.</li>
	<li>A new Visitor Lounge for visitors to enjoy which will provide spaces for VIP events, champagne on arrival for special groups and roving multilingual team members to answer questions.</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/east_mall.png" rel="gallery-all" title="A snapshot of some of the upcoming or underway developments at Chadstone. Images: https://www.chadstone.com.au/development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="201" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/east_mall.png?itok=aY-N65JQ" title="A snapshot of some of the upcoming or underway developments at Chadstone. Images: https://www.chadstone.com.au/development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A snapshot of some of the upcoming or underway developments at Chadstone. Images: https://www.chadstone.com.au/development</figcaption></figure>Both Federal and State Government's are also investing in stronger public transport links to the centre with options for both light and heavy rail being floated in respective budget announcements.
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Hickory appointed to build Chadstone's MGallery by Sofitel hotel 

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UEM Sunrise along with head contractor Hickory Group recently celebrated the ‘topping out’ of Conservatory at a ceremony marking the event.

The $330 million residential building designed by COX Architecture is located on MacKenzie Street and upon practical completion will become UEM Sunrise’s first completed project in Australia since its entry into the Melbourne market during 2013.

Conservatory will also include a display comprising 477 pieces of significant artefacts discovered during the archaeological excavation stage early in the project's life, which will be available for public viewing from late September 2018.

<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/conservatory_redden.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="UEM Sunrise's Conservatory recently topped out. Image: redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/conservatory_redden.jpg?itok=aHcrXXGG" title="UEM Sunrise's Conservatory recently topped out. Image: redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>UEM Sunrise's Conservatory recently topped out. Image: Forum member redden</figcaption></figure>The artefacts will be located in glass cases in the foyer of the building, which can be visible from Bell Place. UEM Sunrise has worked closely with Heritage Victoria and the appointed archaeological consultant to identify these artefacts, which include:

<ul>
<li>
Hidden Loot – a small revolver and bullets, together with a small leather wallet and beaded necklace, were found hidden in the Mistletoe Hotel cellar, signifying the colourful lifestyle of the hotel occupants.</li>
	<li>
Necessities – everyday items that were used by patrons at the Mistletoe Hotel to service the population boom, such as a clay pipe, ceramic egg cups, silverware, a clay pipe, fob watch, inkwells, bone handle carving knives and perfume bottles.</li>
	<li>
Gold – items from the Early Gold Rush era owned by wealthy patrons, such as a gold nugget pin.</li>
	<li>
Glasswares – a number of cognac and champagne bottles used at the hotel signify a time of extravagance.</li>
</ul>
The first stage of Conservatory apartments will be handed over to purchasers from late September 2018.

UEM Sunrise's other significant Melbourne project, Aurora Melbourne Central is racing along to its eventual height of 267m with Probuild at the helm. The core of the Elenberg Fraser designed goliath is currently sitting at level 68, just below the 200 metre mark with the first stage of apartments set to be handed over to their respective purchasers later this year.

Upon completion, Aurora will become the tallest tower within the bounds of the Hoddle Grid, eclipsed only by Southbank's Eureka Tower (297m), Australia 108 (317m) and Crown's One Queensbridge Street (323m).

<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/aurora_mc_adrian.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Aurora Melbourne Central is approaching 200m. Image: Forum member Adrian"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="785" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aurora_mc_adrian.png?itok=F2jfVY0x" title="Aurora Melbourne Central is approaching 200m. Image: Forum member Adrian" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aurora Melbourne Central is approaching 200 metres. Image: forum member Adrian</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Hickory is very proud to be delivering a high quality, landmark project in Melbourne such as Conservatory. It will no doubt be an amazing place to live and for the owners of these luxury apartments, Hickory will help maintain the quality for years to come, not unlike the servicing of a new luxury car.

As a first in the industry, we will be on hand to ensure that owners protect their most valuable asset and keep their apartments operating efficiently into the future.

- Michael Argyrou, Managing Director of Hickory
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Conservatory marks an important piece of history for UEM Sunrise – it’s the next step for us in fulfilling our promise of delivering quality, luxury projects in Australia, with Aurora Melbourne Central set to be handed over to purchasers from Q3 2018 onwards and site works of <a href="/new-apartments/the-mayfair-412-st-kilda-road-melbourne">Mayfair</a> commencing this year.

Conservatory is an integral part of Melbourne’s history, too. Before construction began, we engaged an archaeological consultant for an archaeological excavation of the site. They uncovered over 250,000 artefacts, dating back to the early gold rush in the 1800s when the site was the Mistletoe Hotel.

Fittingly, these items reflect an opulent time when Melbourne’s population was bourgeoning, and settlement started to take shape.

Conservatory similarly represents a new era of population growth and will service Melbournians with luxury accommodation options, boasting views over the Carlton Gardens and lavish amenities such as a rooftop jacuzzi, private cinema and golf simulator

-  Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib, UEM Sunrise Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer
</blockquote>
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UEM Sunrise's Conservatory tops out; Aurora approaches the 200 metre mark

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Now complete, Parque is an upmarket residential development on St Kilda Road comprising two glazed towers accommodating 332 luxury apartments. Designed by Fender Katsalidis the towers are connected by a private outdoor area on Level 8, featuring a 25-metre infinity pool.

The level 11 clubhouse has a library, a function room, outdoor terraces and a private dining room and kitchen designed by Shannon Bennett, with expansive views of Melbourne.  

The client, SP Setia, presented the design team with an existing building approval that negotiated the area’s building height restrictions and envelope controls. However, Fender Katsalidis still saw this as a unique project that warranted careful consideration and could take its cues from its natural environmental context.

<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/fkmed_1145_5602.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Landscape was a major influence and driver for the design of Parque. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="414" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fkmed_1145_5602.jpg?itok=d57LswqV" title="Landscape was a major influence and driver for the design of Parque. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Landscape was a major influence and driver for the design of Parque. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>This led to a design conceived for placing a building ‘in the round’, with 360- degree views, that absorbed its park environment. The Western tower fronts St Kilda Rd and spans 11-storeys, stepping down to 8-storeys in the centre to preserve views of the Shrine of Remembrance and the city, before rising to 19-storeys at the Eastern tower.

Both towers feature highly articulate, curved glass curtain wall facades with recessed panels providing the facade with depth and capturing light and shadows. 

The neighbouring heritage listed grounds feature 150-year-old elms listed on the National Trust of Australia's register of significant trees, requiring careful site coordination to ensure trees were protected throughout construction. 

<blockquote>
It’s an incredible location, adjacent to a heritage park, which will always be protected and is in fact part of the development. A truly unique site along St Kilda Road.

The buildings' form is drawn from the contours of nature to create the two curvilinear tower volumes that define Parque. We are in this remarkable spot, so everything about the building is working from the inside out to maximise views for residents.

Literally reflecting the park location, we arrived at an expression that has 100 percent glazing around the two building volumes. The reflective glass facade let us create a beautiful pattern of recessed and flush glazed panels.

It's very different depending on what the environment of the day might be; it changes with the light and the seasons, just as the deciduous trees of the park do.

The entry experience is really quite remarkable. You have two entries into the building at ground level and it is very much a grand lobby experience. It's probably the largest residential lobby we've ever designed and is beautifully clad, wallpapered in travertine stone, so it's quite a stunning environment.

The residences are very luxurious, with a level of amenity and appointment that can be likened to a hotel experience. All of the apartments are terrifically sized.

When we began the development’s design, this was not necessarily what the Melbourne marketplace was generally demanding or offering, so we are very proud of setting an industry standard with Parque.

- Nicky Drobis, Director, Fender Katsalidis
</blockquote>

Urban.com.au: Fender Katsalidis (FK) had to work within an existing approved envelope. What was the brief from SP Setia for Parque? Who was the target market for the development and how did this ultimately inform the design of the apartments and resident areas?

Nicky Drobis: The brief from SP Setia was for FK to design a building worthy of its heritage listed location. They understood the importance of this site within the broader context of St Kilda Road and had the desire to develop a building that would of course succeed commercially but also genuinely contribute to and enrich Melbourne’s built environment.  

FK needed to stay within the restrictions of the Shrine Vista Controls which by their nature encourage buildings that are lower towards St Kilda Road and higher towards the Eastern end of the site which results in two volumes at different heights linked by a podium piece in the centre. However, a key factor in SP Setia’s brief that enabled FK to fully explore the design potentials for the site was their understanding of the value of good design could indeed provide more value to a development than necessarily maximising an allowable building volume.

The brief also responded to SP Setia’s understanding of the lack of supply at the time in Melbourne of apartments which would attract owner occupiers and investors alike. Hence the apartment mix is varied and the apartments were larger than those typically in the market place at the time.

SP Setia is also known internationally as a developer who invests heavily in providing a wonderful amenity offer to residents in their developments, and this is definitely the case at Parque.

UM: Parque is located within a historically and culturally significant pocket of St Kilda Road. What were some of the challenges involved in working in such a sensitive context?

ND: There is wonderful complexity in the immediate built environment surrounding the Parque site, including historically significant buildings such as the former Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, the Wesley College campus and the heritage listed park in which our building is sited. Our intention was to design a building which would not compete with its heritage neighbour to the south east and was responsive in form and material to its landscaped context.

In so doing the building forms are not directly referencing our context, but rather are a sculptural insertion which very much literally reflect the immediate surrounds in the glazed façade.

<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/fkmed_1145_5592.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Parque has been designed to be responsive in form and material to its landscaped context, says FK Director Nicky Drobis. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="578" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fkmed_1145_5592.jpg?itok=IICZl_o4" title="Parque has been designed to be responsive in form and material to its landscaped context, says FK Director Nicky Drobis. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Parque has been designed to be responsive in form and material to its landscaped context, says FK Director Nicky Drobis. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>UM: They say the ultimate test of any development is whether or not the developer or architect lives there. Are any members of the project team also residents in the development?

ND: There are indeed numerous members from the Development, Architectural and Construction team that own homes and live in Parque. The purchaser demand for the apartments was very strong and we never got to use the purpose built marketing suite to its full effect as the development sold out so quickly!

UM: SP Setia is obviously very happy with the finished product as FK has also been engaged to design 308 Exhibition Street. Can you tell us a bit about the working relationship with SP Setia?

ND: Our relationship with SP Setia has been an enriching and successful one. The Setia team bring with them a long history of quality developments centred in Malaysia that reaches globally, so there is the wisdom that comes with that.

They have astute local leadership supported by a strong team that work very cohesively. A fantastic part of our experience has been to learn from and enjoy SP Setia’s business culture which is embracing and supportive.

Close relationships across the entire consultant team and industry can be fostered in this environment.
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FK's Nicky Drobis on Parque's design credentials

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The construction contract for InterContinental Hotels Group's new Southbank Holiday Inn Express at 35-47 City Road has been awarded to Hickory; it becomes Hickory's fourth Melbourne high-rise project to utilise the construction method. An 18-month construction timeline is planned for the tower which is expected to be complete by September 2019.

Hickory have previously utilised the construction method on another hotel, that being Peppers Kings Square in Perth. This will be their first hotel project in Melbourne and their maiden project for developer Pro-invest Group.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hie2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="35-47 City Road, Southbank. Image: Hickory Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="838" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hie2.png?itok=KIJdAvUU" title="35-47 City Road, Southbank. Image: Hickory Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>35-47 City Road, Southbank. Image: Hickory Group</figcaption></figure>In addition to 345 hotel suites, 35-47 City Road will also include approximately 5,000sqm of high grade commercial office space across 3 podium levels. Rising to a height of 23 levels, the project's podium will be a traditional concrete structure, with prefabrication elements trucked in to form the tower component thereafter.

Upon completion, 35-47 City Road will include ground floor retail spaces and public laneway linking to Fawkner Street, plus separate hotel and commercial office lobbies. The Holiday Inn Express lobby on level 7 has been dubbed the “Great Room” and features a landscaped winter garden.

Spanning 17,400 square metres of built form and valued at $82 million, the development is aiming for a 5 star NABERS performance rating.

<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/tactical_group_pro_invest_group_ihg_holiday_inn_express_melbourne_little_collins_st_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pro-Invest Group's intended Little Collins Street tower. Image: Tactical Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tactical_group_pro_invest_group_ihg_holiday_inn_express_melbourne_little_collins_st_1.jpg?itok=Em1y5RgO" title="Pro-Invest Group's intended Little Collins Street tower. Image: Tactical Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pro-Invest Group's intended Little Collins Street tower. Image: Tactical Group</figcaption></figure>Not too far behind 35-47 City Road in the development timeline is Pro-Invest Group's second Holiday Inn Express planned at 595-599 Little Collins Street.

According to lead consultant Tactical Group "The project includes ground floor retail, separate hotel and commercial office lobbies, a podium that aligns to adjacent heritage assets, a multi-level basement car park, approximately 4,500sqm of high grade commercial office space, and a 4.5 star hotel comprising front and back of house facilities, and an accommodation tower of 313 quality rooms." 

<h2>Comment</h2>

Certain design elements of this tower are a throwback to decades gone by in terms of design sophistication, a throwback which is evident at other Southbank locations as the suburb has evolved over recent decades.

The treatment of the original 1930s City Road facade and its glazed terracotta faience tiles presents as little more than tacking a heritage facade onto a brand new edifice, which in this instance looks cheap and completely swamps any heritage value in retaining the exiting facade. That aside the podium has merit but the tower section is once more cheap and nasty based on every render generated to date.

There is a total lack design nous across the tower element.

35-47 City Road looks to be Sydney firm Reid Campbell's first Melbourne project; the architecture firm "has developed the Australian design for the Holiday Inn Express; which is the fastest growing brand of limited service corporate hotels in the world."

Put simply and succinctly on the Apartments.com.au forum, "The '90s called, they want their tower back."
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silvermb

City Road scores an altogether questionable design

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It's a very definitive time in the apartment cycle across Melbourne where major planning applications and completions are diametrically opposed.

Major planning applications over the course of 2017 have been rare as hen's teeth, but the number of apartment project reaching completion is spiking as the stock sold over recent years becomes reality. Three such major projects have moved past practical completion and are now accepting residents.

Beyond their intended purpose, these three have also taken their place in Melbourne's design landscape; each has a distinct design identity and are positioned to make the most of imposing views across Melbourne.

<h2>Gravity Tower</h2>

Fishermans Bend's first high-rise project, and any project of note within the urban renewal area for that matter, is now complete. Gravity Tower consists of 144 apartments for prolific developer Blue Earth. 

Urban.com.au covered the <a href="/news/planning-application-91-montague-street-south-melbourne">initial planning application</a> during August 2013, and the tower's <a href="/news/fishermans-bends-first-project-breaks-ground">move to construction</a> during late 2015, anointing it as the urban renewal area's first project to reach construction.

Gravity Tower's strong vertical there is clear for all to see, given the project has no high-rise competitors in sight. Its northern facade is dominated by offset fins alternating between one and three floors in height, which band together to create a chevron pattern.

Critical to the Plus Architecture-designed tower's expressive facade, the fins also serve a more practical purpose in that they're angled in such a fashion to allow for maximum shading. Little more that finishing touches to Gravity Tower's ground floor will see it fully complete.

<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/gravity1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Gravity's facade and ground level"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gravity1.jpg?itok=RySHMRTv" title="Gravity's facade and ground level" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Gravity's facade and ground level</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Location: 89 Gladstone St, South Melbourne</li>
	<li>Developer: Blue Earth</li>
	<li>Architect: Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Builder: Hamilton Marino</li>
	<li>Construction value: $35-40 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Lakeside Apartments</h2>

Designed by Fender Katsalidis, the 12 level Lakeside Apartments is defined by a very angular architecture expression. 

Situated opposite Albert Park Lake, the building's design is such that it maximises views of the picturesque vista to its west whilst also providing adequate privacy relative to neighbouring developments. Lakeside Apartments includes 159 dwellings above a three level basement, plus communal facilities such as a library, gymnasium, landscaped areas, pool and lounge.

Pre-fabricated precast sections that double as both horizontal and vertical facade components provide Lakeside Apartments with its raw, angular look. Exposed concrete finishes joined by dark spandrels, clear balustrades and light blue glazing could also see the tower draw parallels to fellow residential tower <a href="http://www.buchan.com.au/projects/83-queens-road">83 Queens Road</a> nearby.

<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/image2_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Queens Road has a new addition"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="286" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2_15.jpg?itok=2HuyJPJD" title="Queens Road has a new addition" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Queens Road has a new addition</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Location: 77 Queens Road, Melbourne</li>
	<li>Developer: Southlink Developments</li>
	<li>Design: Fender Katsalidis</li>
	<li>Builder: Hickory</li>
	<li>Construction timeframe: 21 months</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Arthur</h2>

Another Queens Road addition is slightly unusual in that it has been converted from a former commercial block into a mixed-use tower.

Developer Hallmarc has overseen the creation of 86 apartments and 85 serviced apartments which will be operated under the developer's Tyrian brand. Named after Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathern, the development is of course adjacent to Arthur Street.

Builder Icon Co. was tasked with the transformation of 14 Queens Road which has also seen conference areas, a retail space, open rooftop, gym and various other amenities added.

Stripped back to its concrete shell, The Arthur's exterior now includes precast panels, black glazing and a considerable amount of metallic bronze detailing over its facade. These bronze Alucobond PLUS panels are a stand out across the building.

<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/image3_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="14 Queens Road's conversion is complete"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="275" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3_7.jpg?itok=PiEZeBlF" title="14 Queens Road's conversion is complete" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>14 Queens Road's conversion is complete</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Location: 14 Queens Road, Melbourne</li>
	<li>Developer: Hallmarc</li>
	<li>Builder: Icon Co</li>
	<li>Construction timeframe: 16 months</li>
	<li>Construction value: $50 million</li>
</ul>
Expand the images below to see all three projects in further detail.
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