&nbsp;

A local Australian has spent a Lower North Shore record $15.1 million at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elevate-hume-place-crows-nest-25-hume-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Elevate Hume Place</a>, the new TOD above the recently opened Crows Nest Metro Station.

The buyer amalgamated a penthouse and sub-penthouse to create the triplex apartment that will have five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a private rooftop pool, expansive terrace, and panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and skyline. The building is being created by burgeoning developer Third.i, alongside joint venture partner Phoenix Property Investors.

The buyer was drawn to Elevate’s unrivalled connectivity, situated directly above the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a> Metro Station, and the vibrant lifestyle precinct that surrounds it. The Metro connects to the CBD in just seven minutes, and Chatswood in four.

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Designed by internationally acclaimed architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, Elevate draws inspiration from the ancient blue gum forests native to the area. The building is a Net Zero development, created in consultation with Indigenous communities and exceeding sustainability benchmarks. Interiors feature chevron-engineered timber flooring, natural stone benchtops, and premium Sub-Zero Wolf appliances, delivering timeless elegance and next-level comfort.

The exchange of the $15.1 million apartment, follows a recent $5 million sale, and over $30 million currently in expressions of interests. Interest in Elevate’s penthouse stock has surged, reflecting a strong appetite for ultra-luxury residences that combine design excellence with unmatched connectivity.

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“We’re seeing a significant uptick in interest from local and international buyers who are prioritising connectivity, sustainability, and lifestyle,” said Callum Billinghurst, Head of Sales at Third.i Group.&nbsp;

“These recent sales are a testament to the vision behind Elevate. It’s not just about luxury finishes or panoramic views, it’s about creating homes that are deeply connected to the city and the community. Buyers are responding to that. They want to live somewhere that offers more than just a postcode, they want culture, convenience, and long-term value. Elevate delivers all of that, and more.”

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As part of the Hume Place precinct, Elevate is transforming Crows Nest into Sydney’s most dynamic urban village. Elevate’s unique position directly above the metro, combined with its curated amenity offering, has made it a magnet for buyers seeking a future-proof investment and a vibrant urban lifestyle.

The next release at Elevate is expected later this year.

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“We’re seeing a significant uptick in interest from local and international buyers who are prioritising connectivity, sustainability, and lifestyle,” said Callum Billinghurst, Head of Sales at Third.i Group


Joel Robinson

Third.i & PPI set Lower North Shore apartment record with $15.1m sale at Elevate Hume Place penthouse amalgamation

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.

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;

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 officially open Showground Village, new retail and hospitality hub in Castle Hill

ASX-listed developer Cedar Woods is progressing its plans for its Southbank arts precinct site.&nbsp;

The developer has filed plans, which are now with the&nbsp;Department of Transport and Planning, for a new 20-level tower at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/141-151-sturt-street-southbank-vic-3006">141–151 Sturt Street</a>, a 2,718 sqm block opposite the Habitat Filter sculpture.

The proposal seeks to demolish the two-level&nbsp;commercial building, including a small supermarket and medical tenancies, and create a new building with 180 apartments and a focus on an&nbsp;active public realm and arts integration.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Southbank site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76a72db6-91ef-43ae-827d-a9cfa72893d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Site.png?VersionId=DZgtB4K6BswVh0QtCs3iLjXaLp0CbcEb" />

&nbsp;

There will be a full mix of apartment configurations, including 28 studio apartments, 16 one-bedroom, 104 two-bedroom, and 32 three-bedroom units.

Retail, creative arts, and residential amenity functions are integrated across the lower levels. A food and drink tenancy is planned to front Dodds Street, while a retail tenancy fronting Sturt Street will be accessed via an elevated walkway. The first floor includes a substantial 734 sqm creative arts space, envisioned to support Melbourne’s growing cultural and digital industries.

Architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has put together the plans. In their&nbsp;Urban Design Report they highlighted the project’s ambition to embed itself within Southbank’s evolving cultural fabric.

A central feature of the design is a through-block link connecting Sturt and Dodds Streets, landscaped with native plantings and embedded with universal access ramps.

“The ramp has been thoughtfully integrated as the primary access point, ensuring universal accessibility for all users,” the report noted, with the link offering “a direct response to the urban planning scheme of creating more green spaces within our communities”.

<img alt="Southbank podium" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4d24b1b2-d69c-4a11-a11d-ec6df432221c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium.png?VersionId=geWoJyZDmPSLODZ_.PNJ0LvpOmyyCdpo" />

The building’s podium form responds to the mandatory height limits along Dodds Street and maintains a fine-grain interface to adjoining developments. Above the podium, the tower is articulated with recessed balconies and a focus on views toward the CBD and surrounding arts institutions. A communal rooftop recreation deck and indoor lounge are positioned on level four, adjoining seven apartments and providing over 900 sqm of resident amenity space.

Vehicle access and loading will be provided via Dodds Street, with 155 resident car spaces located across two basement levels and the first three above-ground floors. Bicycle storage is more generous, with 226 spaces distributed across resident, staff and visitor needs.

Rothelowman describes the architecture as “humanist,” with ground-level interfaces designed to encourage social interaction and provide a dignified entry for both residents and passers-by. “All street interfaces are crafted to invite and nurture human connections,” the design report states. “The façade transitions to a human scale, providing an approachable and engaging streetscape”.

Cedar Woods, while well-known for its large communities it develops outside of Australia's capital cities, they have recently developed in Melbourne's inner-ring before. They are approaching completion at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/88-leveson-north-melbourne-88-leveson-street-north-melbourne-vic-3051">88 Leveson</a>, just 15 townhouses in the heart of North Melbourne.

Cedar Woods progresses with new apartment plans in Southbank arts precinct

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.

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BANKSII sales launch in booming East Brisbane apartment market

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

Jack Merlo

Dahua Group recently completed their $300 million Hawthorn East apartment development Hawthorn Park, their biggest apartment development in Melbourne.

They had architecture firm Rothelowman, one of Australia&rsquo;s leading architecture practices, collaborate with the landscape architect Jack Merlo on the Camberwell Road development of 330 residences.

Now the development is complete, Urban has taken a look at five of the key selling points of Hawthorn Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=158928]

<h2>The Developer</h2>

Dahua Group was established in 1988 in Shanghai and was established in Victoria in 2014, a year before they entered New South Wales. In 2017 they completed their first apartment development in Melbourne, the 91 apartment block Noir in South Yarra.

Led by managing director William Huang, Dahua has currently a number of master planned communities across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.&nbsp;

<h2>The Architect</h2>

The Melbourne-based, but very much internationally renowned architecture firm Rothelowman handled the unique design of Hawthorn Park.

&ldquo;Dahua Group wanted a sense of community and tranquillity in a common garden setting as a transition from the hustle/bustle of Camberwell road&rdquo; Rothelowman senior associate Frances Hall told Urban.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=158934]

&ldquo;All of the colours inside and outside were influenced by tones found in nature.&nbsp; Hence the name Hawthorn Park.&rdquo;

<a href="/expert-insights/buying/rothelowman-discuss-the-design-principles-of-dahua-groups-hawthorn-park-apartment-project">Read more: Urban spoke with Rothelowman about the design of Hawthorn Park</a>

<h2>The Amenities</h2>

Hawthorn Park&rsquo;s striking 25 metre floating lap pool with glass bottom immediately catches the eye, acting as a bridge between two of the four buildings.

Rothelowman said it was the feature of the development they were most looking forward to seeing.

&ldquo;We were most excited about delivering the pool bridge as it is testament to our collaboration with the contractor Hickory Group and the consultant team, to realise a design which resolves many complex requirements,&rdquo; Rothelowman&rsquo;s Frances Hall said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=158931]

As well as the pool, Hawthorn Park features a fully-equipped gym with a yoga and meditation studio and massage suites, a sky lounge, hammock lounge, an indoor residents lounge and a garden pavilion.

<h2>The Landscaping</h2>

One of Australia&rsquo;s leading landscape architects Jack Merlo created the central park and a series of garden spaces through Hawthorn Park, with the plan to soften and complement the built form.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Our brief was also to find a balance between providing a level of privacy in communal spaces while also providing spaces for residents to enjoy with friends,&rdquo; Merlo told Urban. &ldquo;We have achieved this with a design that caters for larger groups and smaller so it can be used by everyone for any occasion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=158940]

&ldquo;Dahua wanted to use landscaping wherever possible, so we also have spaces like the Eastern Courtyard that provides light, greenery and a view for residents.&rdquo;

<a href="/news/jack-merlo-sheds-light-on-the-landscape-design-for-hawthorn-park">Read more: Jack Merlo sheds light on the landscape design for Hawthorn Park</a>

<h2>The Location</h2>

Located in one of Melbourne&rsquo;s most blue chip suburbs, the Hawthorn East development is surrounded by heritage homes and buildings, cafes, boutiques and bars, as well as a well connected public transport system.

The major train and tram lines that provide services into the Melbourne CBD only six kilometres away.

Residents will be surrounded by nature by being within walking distance of Fritsch Holzer Park, and a cycle to the trail that lines the Yarra River.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=158938]

There&rsquo;s a number of educational institutions nearby, ranging from primary school to university campuses.

<a href="/news/vic/walking-tour-whats-within-walking-distance-from-hawthorn-park">Read more: Urban gave a full walking tour of what is around Hawthorn Park</a>

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Dahua Group recently completed their $300 million Hawthorn East apartment development Hawthorn Park, their biggest apartment development in Melbourne

Five key selling points of Dahua’s Hawthorn East apartment development, Hawthorn Park

The Melbourne developer Lowe Living has sold nearly two thirds of its&nbsp;seaside Parkdale apartment development, Topaz Parkdale.

The developer, led by managing director Tim Lowe, has seen a diverse buyer profile for the premium apartments, which have been designed by Chamberlain Architects in collaboration with the landscape architect Jack Merlo.

First home buyers and downsizers have both been prominent in the purchasing in the 22 apartment block.

Lowe&nbsp;said that the meticulous craftsmanship and unparalleled attention to detail of Topaz Parkdale, combined with the prized bayside location, will present a sought-after opportunity for several buyer types looking to leverage government incentives.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29852 project_image_fid=89861]

&ldquo;Topaz Parkdale is inspired by its desirable location,&rdquo;&nbsp;Lowe said.

&ldquo;With the beauty of Port Phillip Bay only a short walk away, along with the enviable amenities of the much-loved Parkdale Village and neighbouring bayside suburbs. Topaz Parkdale will give a variety of buyer types the rare opportunity to enjoy a sea change while not compromising on locale or quality.&quot;

One, two and three bedroom apartments are still available. The one bedders start from $524,000, the two bedroom apartments from $889,000 and the bigger three bedroom apartments from $1,069,000.

There are also a small selection of three bedroom townhouses, which are priced from $1,395,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29852 project_image_fid=89866]

Construction is underway at Topaz, with completion slated for late 2022.

Lowe says that one of the most unique aspects of Topaz Parkdale is the relationship between architecture, landscaping and surrounds.

Lush planting design by Jack Merlo, spilling over private courtyards and balconies, match the low maintenance, textural palette of contrasting brickwork, toned renders and metal cladding.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29852 project_image_fid=89863]

&ldquo;These elements have all been carefully considered to create a sense of sanctuary, synonymous with a relaxed beachside lifestyle,&quot; Lowe says.

&ldquo;Carefully crafted floorplans promote light-filled rooms with spacious interiors that seamlessly transition for complete outdoor connection.&quot;

About the developer

Lowe Living&nbsp;was developed in 2015 due to market opportunity and to continue the Lowe name&rsquo;s strong legacy of delivering high-quality projects, particularly specialising in multi-level residential apartments in Melbourne.

Through the combination of Lowe Living and Lowe Create, Lowe Living offers end-to-end services in land acquisition, design and building services, development management, preparation for launch including sales and marketing support, and post purchase support.

The developer, led by managing director Tim Lowe, has seen a diverse buyer profile for the premium apartments



Lowe Living secure 60 per cent of apartment sales at Topaz Parkdale

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The luxury Camberwell apartment development Victoria &amp; Burke is slated to start its construction this month.

Figurehead Construction will begin building the development of just 16 apartments at 993 Burke Road in April, to plans drawn up by Carr Design.

Victoria &amp; Burke has a walk score of 94, located on the top of Camberwell hill on the corner of Burke and Victoria Road.

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The 7.3 Star Energy Rated apartments are priced from $1,395,000 for the two bedroom apartments and $2.25 million for the three bedroom apartments, with Carr Design working with buyers to amend plans if necessary.

The penthouses are priced between $4.5 million to $5.5 million - with two of the penthouses selling for $5.5 million each late last year which broke the suburb apartment price record.

Landscape architect Jack Merlo designed the 420 sqm garden around its centrepiece, a 200-year-old blue gum. It is being marketed as reminiscent of the locked gardens in London.

<a href="/buildings/victoria-burke-993-burke-road-camberwell"><img alt="" height="1041" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/victoria_and_burke_3.jpg" width="1400"></a>

Carr Design director Chris McCue says the site wrapping around the huge tree created a great opportunity to get a horizontality to the building form.

"It also means there is a large percentage of garden area, something that is quite rare and offers something completely unique to the project,” McCue added.

There are five ground level apartments each with their own outdoor courtyards, eight first-floor apartments with landscaped terraces looking out across Melbourne.

<a href="/buildings/victoria-burke-993-burke-road-camberwell"><img alt="" height="1040" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/victoria_burke_2.jpg" width="1400"></a>

Three penthouses crown the top level with never to be built out 270-degree views of the skyline. The penthouses have their own walk-in wine cellars.

Each apartment features an entertainer's kitchen at the hub, complete with a natural monolithic stone island bench, splashback and rangehood dressed in limestone. The kitchens are fitted with Gaggenau appliances and an integrated Liebherr fridge and wine fridge.

CBRE Residential are marketing the development.

 

 
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Victoria & Burke has a walk score of 94, located on the top of Camberwell hill on the corner of Burke and Victoria Road.

Construction set to begin on Camberwell's Victoria & Burke luxury apartment development

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A collaboration between some of Australia's leading names in design – Plus Architecture, Mim Design and Jack Merlo – has seen the realisation of McLaren Developments and Pomeroy Pacific's latest residential project, Royal Ascot. Recently we caught up with Dug Pomeroy to learn more about the recently completed development, and some of its stand-out selling points. 

<figure><a href="/buildings/royal-ascot-residences-2-mascoma-street-ascot-vale"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="384" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-08-14_at_5.55.40_pm.png?itok=e4XKHYUb" width="580"></a></figure>Urban.com.au: Where did you draw inspiration for Royal Ascot from?

Dug Pomeroy: Inspired by the traditions of their milieu, these apartments are underscored by a playful, bold originality that while motivated by innovative design, are foremost utterly liveable. As Melbourne continues to evolve and move to the helm as a global lifestyle and culture leader, city fringe suburbs like Ascot Vale find their own communities, becoming microcosms of this gentrification. Therefore, as the city itself continues to blossom, so too does the urban fringe, witnessed in the unprecedented lifestyle hubs communities are now burgeoning.

<figure><a href="/buildings/royal-ascot-residences-2-mascoma-street-ascot-vale"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="387" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/imgco-001_0.jpg?itok=yoX7r5cv" width="580"></a></figure>U: What is the price range of the apartments and are the floorplans flexible?

DP: Boutique 38 residence development, with limited remaining completed 2 bedrooms from $665,000. 3 bedroom from $926,250. 

<figure><a href="/buildings/royal-ascot-residences-2-mascoma-street-ascot-vale"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="387" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/imgco-010_0.jpg?itok=JKKNGxFm" width="580"></a></figure>U: What were the top 5 features you decided had to be included in the development and why?

DP:

Sophisticated exterior architectural design, to complement the tailored Mim Design interiors. 

High-quality finishes, fixtures and fittings – including natural stone and Miele appliances.

Jack Merlo designed communal courtyard with integrated BBQ and gas fireplace – the perfect place to entertain guests. 

Elegant bedrooms with large integrated wardrobes and 100% wool carpets. 

Well thought and considered floor plans to maximise liveability. 

<figure><a href="/buildings/royal-ascot-residences-2-mascoma-street-ascot-vale"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="387" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/imgco-020_0.jpg?itok=_YbPItRo" width="580"></a></figure>U: What do you think buyers love most about Royal Ascot?

DP: Boutique, high end living – delivered by some of the best names in luxury property including Plus Architecture, Mim Design &amp; Jack Merlo landscape design. 

<figure><a href="/buildings/royal-ascot-residences-2-mascoma-street-ascot-vale"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="410" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/imgco-036_0.jpg?itok=CO4iX8zR" width="580"></a></figure>U: If you had to choose your favourite aspect of the building, what would it be?

DP: The communal courtyard. With integrated BBQ and cosy fireplace, in an elegant landscape surround – this is very much the place to enjoy an early evening glass of wine.

<figure><a href="/buildings/royal-ascot-residences-2-mascoma-street-ascot-vale"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="465" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-08-14_at_3.33.09_pm_0.png?itok=K81IbFg1" width="580"></a></figure>U: What makes your project stand out from other properties on the market?

DP: Quality. Design. Finish. This brand new boutique development will suit the very discerning owner-occupier. 

Inspired by the traditions of their milieu, these apartments are underscored by a playful, bold originality that while motivated by innovative design, are foremost utterly liveable. As Melbourne continues to evolve and move to the helm as a global lifestyle and culture leader, city fringe suburbs like Ascot Vale find their own communities, becoming microcosms of this gentrification. Therefore, as the city itself continues to blossom, so too does the urban fringe, witnessed in the unprecedented lifestyle hubs communities are now burgeoning.

Photography credit: Michael Gazzola
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Olivia Round

Melbourne apartment of the week: Royal Ascot

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Jack Merlo, one of Australia’s leading landscape architects has collaborated with RotheLowman on Dahua Group's $300m Hawthorn Park development in Hawthorn East. Jack Merlo has created the central park and a series of garden spaces to soften and complement the built form.

Merlo recently spoke to Apartments.com.au about his involvement on the project and the collaborative approach working with Dahua and Rothelowman.

<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/_170508_hawthorn_park_v13_central_garden_final_8k.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hawthorn Park is set in a verdant landscape setting designed by Jack Merlo. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="319" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/_170508_hawthorn_park_v13_central_garden_final_8k.jpg?itok=Zn9rMO9I" title="Hawthorn Park is set in a verdant landscape setting designed by Jack Merlo. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hawthorn Park is set in a verdant landscape setting designed by Jack Merlo. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au : What was Dahua's brief for the design of the landscaped areas?

Jack Merlo: Hawthorn Park is a diverse project on a large scale. It delivers a lot by way of amenities both privately to residents, and also to the wider community, so we were asked to provide landscaping for a range of different spaces, and each area was required to perform a different function.

We’ve got the central courtyard and park space with a primary purpose to give residents a vista. Value is added for purchasers, many of whom are downsizing from a home with a garden. Residents can use the space as a back yard, but they don’t have the burden of having to care for it.

From the brief, we wanted to encourage passive activity in the central park, as well as providing access to walk through. The design does this with a meandering path that gives a sense of flow and connectivity between Burwood Road and Camberwell Road.

Dahua wanted to use landscaping wherever possible, so we also have spaces like the Eastern Courtyard that provides light, greenery and a view for residents.

The 25m lap pool on the rooftop is landscaped to utilise the sunlight. Dahua wanted to beautify the space for obvious reasons so people can enjoy it and make full use of the BBQs, sun lounges and pool area.

Our brief was also to find a balance between providing a level of privacy in communal spaces while also providing spaces for residents to enjoy with friends. We have achieved this with a design that caters for larger groups and smaller so it can be used by everyone for any occasion.

UM: How do you design for a space that is part of a private development but open to the public?

JM: The park area being open to the public was a requirement of the council for the project. It makes an interesting brief that does need to be carefully considered. We needed to make it both welcoming in terms of open presentation, and also provide vistas for residents. Because it’s a thoroughfare, we had to use materials that will withstand daily use.

Of course, we also needed to be mindful of both security and privacy, and strike a balance between all of these elements. From dawn to dusk gates are open, but they’re locked at night for security reasons.

<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/170802_hawthorn_park_v23_garden_skypool_final.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The design for the landscape was a collaborative approach according to Merlo. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="829" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/170802_hawthorn_park_v23_garden_skypool_final.jpg?itok=jZC9XKZp" title="The design for the landscape was a collaborative approach according to Merlo. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The design for the landscape was a collaborative approach according to Merlo. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>UM: How much influence did the building's architecture have on the design of the landscape and vice-versa?

JM: There was a huge amount of influence between the three parties who worked on the project from inception.  Being involved at an early stage working with Rothelowman and Dahua has meant we have been able to create a design that is cohesive on all fronts.

The landscaping is over a building: the basement level car parking is underneath the entire site including the central park. Therefore we needed to ensure adequate soil volumes, especially for the significant trees in the central park.

There’s between 1-1.5m in depth of soil in the central park space, which was required to create the park area and include the trees that fitted the brief. This depth of soil wouldn’t have been possible if we were brought onto the project at a late stage, which would have made it much harder to fit the brief to create a sense of tranquillity.

UM: What were some of the inspirations for the project?

JM: As with many projects, the architecture plays a huge role in informing the landscaping. Singaporean architecture was heavily referenced in the architecture with the suspended sky-pool, and we too have drawn from Eastern influences through unstructured, asymmetrical design with fine detailing (as apposed to hard lines of European landscape design).

We have a different climate to that of South East Asia of course, so while we’ve referenced South East Asian landscaping in the design, we have used much hardier plant species.

UM: What were some of the challenges and opportunities the project provided?

JM: There were some inherent challenges with the project. One example was in creating a garden over a structure which not only brings challenges with soil volumes as I mentioned earlier, but also with weight loading on the below structure that needs to be worked through alongside both the architects and engineers.

Opportunities we capitalised on were things such as utilising landscaping wherever possible across the development: one example would of course be the rooftop where we have created a garden and courtyard space that makes the most of all the sunlight.
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