A wave of investment, renewal and precinct growth continues to shape the northern edge of Macquarie Park, where daily life is supported by a rare combination of university activity, corporate employment, major retail, and expansive green corridors. It’s this convergence of amenity and connectivity underpins the setting for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a>, which has now topped out and is tracking toward completion in mid-2026.

Within this pocket of the precinct, residents move easily between the area’s key anchors. Macquarie Centre, home to more than 360 retailers, fresh food offerings, dining and entertainment, sits at the heart of local convenience and functions as a major transport interchange. The Metro, T1 rail line and extensive bus network place much of Sydney within quick reach, while surrounding arterial links support direct access to neighbouring districts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=5829]

Green space remains a defining feature of the immediate environment. Lane Cove National Park stretches along the northern boundary of the precinct, offering bushland trails, cycling routes and quiet riverfront pockets. Shrimptons Creek and the campus grounds of Macquarie University extend these recreational networks, softening the urban setting and creating a daily connection to nature that informs the project’s architectural response.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> have shaped La Vera around these contrasts. The building’s northern elevation adopts an organic, curvilinear form that mirrors the natural topography of the national park. Three sculpted forms soften the tower’s profile and encourage a stronger transition between indoor living areas, balconies and the broader landscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=223737]

Cox Director Felipe Miranda says the building’s outlook played a central role in the design process.

“The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park… The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies,” Felipe Miranda of Cox Architecture said.

Toward the city-facing side, the design shifts to a more urban expression. A gridded facade and extensive glazing capture CBD views, creating a dual strategy that blends ecological outlooks with metropolitan orientation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=5827]

La Vera delivers 169 residences across one- to four-bedroom layouts, reflecting the needs of young families, downsizers, first-home buyers and investors seeking long-term certainty within a high-amenity location. From the project, residents can walk to Macquarie University, Macquarie Hospital and nearby corporate offices, reach national park trails within minutes, and enjoy retail and dining without relying on a car.

The project is delivered by Urban Property Group, a 4.5-star iCIRT-rated developer-builder with more than three decades of experience. The company has become a leader in adopting 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), first introduced on its Parq Bexley development and now embedded into its pipeline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=223727]

La Vera is the first development in Macquarie Park approved to offer this 10-year LDI policy, adding another layer of protection for purchasers and reinforcing the transparency of the construction process.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias says this assurance has become increasingly important for buyers navigating the off-the-plan market.

“Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been… Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share,” Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said.

Urban Property Group's in-house construction team is forecasting a mid-2026 completion, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/home789">HOME789</a> appointed as the project marketer.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

Staff Writer

La Vera delivers a nature-connected address within Macquarie Park’s core

<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]

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

Jackson Clements Burrows Architects

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Situated on the border of the vibrant inner city Melbourne suburbs of Carlton and Fitzroy, Found offers 65 apartments and four exclusive townhomes in one boutique residential building. Designed by award-winning Jackson Clements Burrows Architects, the architectural vision is inspired by the community and character of Carlton.

<figure><a href="/new-apartments/found-23-palmerston-crescent-carlton"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/found-23-palmerston-crescent-carlton-cf61496d9388e06ba1382e70fe2c2725.jpg?itok=C_yMyxat" style="width: 580px; height: 435px;"></a></figure>Offering contemporary one, one plus study, two and three bedroom apartments, as well as two and three bedroom townhouses, Found delivers unique, innovative layouts and extremely high quality finishes. Clever design principles and open plan layouts capture views and are awash with natural light filling living spaces. Many apartments feature second bathrooms and dedicated study areas, perfect for the location as Found is incredibly close to some of Melbourne's leading Universities and Tertiary institutions. The exclusive townhouses overlook tree-lined Palmerston street, containing a luxurious sense of space and outdoor terraces.

<figure><a href="/new-apartments/found-23-palmerston-crescent-carlton"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/found-23-palmerston-crescent-carlton-1e738e7bbcd12376480d01684d42a867.jpg?itok=Pdyj9ztl" style="width: 580px; height: 435px;"></a></figure>3km from the CBD, Found Carlton presents the latest project in an outstanding portfolio of quality residential developments, adding a new dimension to the diverse and dynamic Carlton community. With variations in depth and height, the building's clean geometric lines rise above the treetops.  This meeting of unique architecture and nature are what give Found its living identity. Planter boxes are designed to house climbing plants that wrap the building in a living green façade. 

<figure><a href="/new-apartments/found-23-palmerston-crescent-carlton"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/found-23-palmerston-crescent-carlton-faaf28c38042f316a0e3e1bcae73e29e.jpg?itok=FQE0nP37" style="width: 580px; height: 435px;"></a></figure>Carlton and Fitzroy are full of eclectic character and offbeat laneway surprises. Offering shopping, cafe's, restaurants and bars just a short walk away, find yourself immersed in all the local treasures nearby such as:

<ul>
<li>Melbourne CBD, only 2.6kms away.</li>
	<li>Smith Street, Brunswick Street and Gertrude Street shopping precincts.</li>
	<li>The University of Melbourne</li>
	<li>RMIT University</li>
	<li>The Royal Melbourne and Royal Children's Hospitals</li>
	<li>Melbourne Zoo</li>
	<li>Melbourne Museum with IMAX</li>
	<li>Queen Victoria Market</li>
	<li>Lygon Street, Melbourne's hub of Italian cafe's and restaurants.</li>
	<li>Capital City Bicycle Trail</li>
	<li>Numerous tram lines and train access within walking distance. 
	 </li>
</ul>
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urban.com.au

Carlton - High quality, sustainable apartments FOUND in Carlton

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Adept at creating high-end residential projects, Piccolo Developments are chasing another for their portfolio by way of the redevelopment of a historic building at 71-75 Argyle Street, Fitzroy.

On the intersection of Fitzroy and Argyle Streets, Piccolo has submitted plans for the late 19th century brick factory and adjoining at-grade car park. The developer's hope is a 7 storey residential building created by Jackson Clements Burrows that would effectively wrap around the existing building.

In order to gain the nod from Yarra City Council, the application is required to adequately interact with the onsite brick building whose facade is "considered to be 'Individually Significant', meaning it is aesthetically, historically, scientifically, and/or socially significant at the local level and contributory or complementary to the South Fitzroy Precinct."

<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/image26_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="71 - 75 Argyle Street, Fitzroy. Planning image: JCB Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26_7.jpg?itok=-v3D-upL" title="71 - 75 Argyle Street, Fitzroy. Planning image: JCB Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>71 - 75 Argyle Street, Fitzroy. Planning image: JCB Architects</figcaption></figure>The 1,038sqm site is slated for 41 dwellings including 12 x 3BR apartments, 59 car spaces, 57 bicycle spaces and a 129sqm restaurant at ground level.

Also called for is the "Demolition of parts of the existing factory building including the circa 1930s-40s addition, parts of the original north and east walls and the roof." The Victorian factory facades to Argyle and Fitzroy Streets will be maintained, as will be the front corner returns to the side wall, the chimney and the painted signage along the east elevation.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_7319.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elwood House is approaching completion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7319.jpg?itok=m5i9S6i-" title="Elwood House is approaching completion" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elwood House is approaching completion</figcaption></figure>Piccolo's Fitzroy pursuit joins an additional three residential projects in the works for the Carlton-based outfit.

Wood Marsh's spasmodic forays into higher density designs have resulted in 228-230 Dorcas Street. Piccolo describes the South Melbourne project as a "Landmark project designed by Wood Marsh incorporating luxury residential apartments and premium retail space."

Jackson Clements Burrows have a hand in the developer's remaining two projects. Construction is nearing completion on Elwood House; a bespoke residential project within Elwood Village that includes 31 apartments.

Also on the cards is 341-347 Queensberry Street North Melbourne, although a change to the application has been noted by City of Melbourne after initial plans called for a 13 storey building.
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silvermb

Piccolo gets busy in Fitzroy

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Melbourne based developer Goldfields has recently launched two premium apartment developments: Patch and 525 High Street..

Located at 243 Queens Parade in Fitzroy North, Patch is a 12-storey building comprises 83 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, a communal terrace on level eight and ground floor retail space. The communal terrace on level eight, includes a 300sqm tree-dotted deck, indoor and outdoor dining facilities, and a communal kitchen/cooking area with views towards the CBD.

525 High Street is a 7-storey building comprising 44 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and two Townhouses designed by JCB Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie. The development is located within Prahran East Village, and has earmarked an independent organic grocer to occupy the ground floor retail space.

After almost a decade as one of the founding partners of Asset1 which has been involved in a range of developments, Marco Gattino created Goldfields during 2010. The move came about from Gattino's desire to establish his own business with a strong focus on developing premium residential projects.

Urban.com.au recently spoke with Goldfields’ Managing Director Marco Gattino regarding the progress and interest in the company's two current projects.

<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/patch.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Patch, Queens Parade. Image courtesy of Fieldworks"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/patch.jpg?itok=zYjSo6R0" title="Patch, Queens Parade. Image courtesy of Fieldworks" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Patch, Queens Parade. Image courtesy of Fieldwork</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: Goldfields acquired Patch from previous owner Wulff Projects selling the site with a permit in place. What attracted you to that particular site and project?

Marco Gattino: One of the attractions for us was to acquire the site on the basis that it had a permit. We made a few adjustments and enhancements to the permitted scheme but certainly having a permit in place allowed us to get traction quite quickly in terms of launching the project. It's fair to say most of the planning risk was taken out of the process and we were overall quite happy with the design of the building and retaining Fieldwork as the architects, who apart from producing the original design, we feel are a good local firm (and were) based in Clifton Hill.

They understand the demographic, they understand the area and I believe they've done a very good job of delivering a very design-focused project that is in keeping with what the area demands.

UM: In addition to the permit for the site, did you identify North Fitzroy as an area with a great deal of investment potential and opportunity?

MG: The whole North Fitzroy/Clifton Hill area was very attractive to us because of its transport linkages, with Patch well-serviced by tram, but also within walking distance of Rushall and Clifton Hill stations. If you look at the local demographics, a quarter of the population in Fitzroy is aged between 25 and 34.

Public transport becomes very important to that demographic. as is itsproximity to the city.

UM: Is it fair to say there's still a degree of resistance to higher density development in areas such as Fitzroy North and Clifton Hill, and did this factor into your decision to acquire the site with a permit already in place?

MG: No doubt. A developer would always welcome a site that has town planning approval in place, for those reasons. Patch sits within a location that's essentially an island site made up of multiple properties.

So Patch is just one part of a larger regeneration of that particular area along Queens Parade, where there will be higher densities which I think will end up creating its own brand and positioning within the market place. I believe over time, as the area evolves, it will be a go to destination and a desirable place for people looking to live in North Fitzroy.

We're one of the first developments to kick off in the area and anyone that buys into Patch is part of a greater, grander evolution of that particular area of North Fitzroy, and that will ultimately help enhance capital values.

UM: When did you go to market with Patch and how have sales progressing thus far? And when are you hoping to commence construction?

MG: At launch weekend we achieved close to 30% in sales and that was just over three weeks ago, and we are now sitting at just a tick over 40%. We had our initial run where it was well promoted and well positioned and now the sales are ticking along. With that in mind we're looking at commencing construction in February next year, with a 14 month build.

<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/image30_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="525 High Street. Image courtesy of Goldfields"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_10.jpg?itok=Yiyb462W" title="525 High Street. Image courtesy of Goldfields" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>525 High Street. Image courtesy of Goldfields</figcaption></figure>UM: Moving onto 525 High Street in Prahran, Goldfieds has engaged another quality multi-residential architect in Jackson Clements Burrows. Can you talk a bit about that?

MG: What happened there Laurence is we identified the site over a year ago, and we quickly realised that it was a trophy site that most of the significant players in this space had kept their eyes. We were fortunate enough to acquire the site and so we knew we had to do the site justice which immediately meant using top grade consultants.

So if you think about the demographic and the fact we've been overwhelmed with owner-occupier demand, the spec had to be right. Interiors had to be designed right so Hecker Guthrie came to mind very quickly, as did JCB because we knew the building had to be striking and commensurate to the area.

It's going to be one of the few larger scale 7-storey buildings in that location. We had to do it justice and I believe JCB have done the site justice, so this to us is one of our most exciting built form projects.

One of the challenges with the site was dealing with... there are two real faces to the building being to the north and the south. The northern face is a unique opportunity so far as it's an elevated site which sits above a heritage protected area, so we're talking about unencumbered views to the north and for those who want to be part of the vibrant activity there's the southern face.

But being able to have those views over Prahran and South Yarra towards the city really makes it 525 High unique.

UM: With the shift in the market towards more owner-occupier stock it would seem that projects such as Patch and 525 have been quick to respond to that shift?

MG: I think Patch appeals to both: it offers something for the investor, but also the owner occupier.

Whilst 525 may attract the odd investor it has been primarily set up, positioned and priced for the owner occupier, and it is the perfect location for those living in a home in Armadale, Toorak and Malvern. They're still close to the areas they're familiar with but at the same time 525 High gives them the opportunity to live in something fresh for the next phase of their life.

UM: So is 525 High primarily targeted at downsizers and empty nesters?

MG: Correct. We all know the amount of equity that a lot of these empty nesters now have in their home and the ability to trade down in terms of value, but still live in something they're proud to call home while at the same time generating a cash surpluses.

UM: It is widely reported in the media that there is an oversupply of apartments in the market, but it would appear that there is still very much an appetite for owner occupier product. As a result the quality of the apartment buildings and the apartments themselves seems to have improved from where they were even a couple of years ago. Would that be a fair assessment?

MG: I would say so. The bar is constantly being raised and we are all pushing each other in terms of our outputs to the market, so the level of quality naturally goes up. Equally as important, buyers are becoming a lot more discerning, so in order to achieve the sales rates required to make the projects feasible, you need to deliver certain outcomes.

In response to the notion of "are we in a bubble?" and "is there an oversupply?" there's never an oversupply of well located, well designed and well executed product and that's what 525 High is.

525 High was launched a week ago (at time of interview) and is already 50% sold which is an overwhelming response. In particular there has been huge demand for three bedroom apartments so we've very well placed and very satisfied with the sales, which have exceeded our own expectations even though we knew the site would attract a lot of interest.

We look forward to commencing works early next year.
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Laurence Dragomir

Goldfields looks to strike gold with two marquee projects

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A trio of apartment projects are before City of Melbourne, all seeking the right to add to the inner north's apartment stock. Lodged during September, the trio are also looking to bring a heightened design perspective to their surrounds.

First up and Piccolo Developments are seeking another statement project, with 341-347 Queensberry Street subject to a 13 storey application encompassing 59 apartments. On the back of their award-winning Upper House project, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects have been utilised once more with a similar design outcome.

<blockquote>
The composition of the building mass was conceived through a series of urban design gestures. The first conceptual gesture was based on the acknowledgement of the prominent corner position of the site. 

Punching through the facade are a series of projecting balconies that graduate in depth and width as they travel up the building.
<cite>Town Planning Report: Jackson Clements Burrows Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

On the corner of Queensberry and Peel Streets in North Melbourne, the design has taken inspiration from a handful of existing forms such as Milan's Bosco Verticale and The Bauhaus Building; a 1925 design-based building in the German city of Dessau.

Piccolo Developments intends to split the dwelling numbers between 36 single bedroom and 23 dual bedroom apartments.

<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/image1pic.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Piccolo's next landmark development. Planning image: JCB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="430" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1pic.jpg?itok=ithvqwve" title="Piccolo's next landmark development. Planning image: JCB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Piccolo's next landmark development. Planning image: JCB</figcaption></figure>Plus Architecture are on the radar once more with an angular design effort for 419-421 Spencer Street, West Melbourne. Located within an emerging high-rise precinct, the proposal is of a larger nature and seeks approval for 181 apartments, with internals ranging from 48sqm to 111sqm.

On the corner of Spencer Street and Batman Street, and created for Yarrabank Developments Pty Ltd, the 22 level tower's design is described as follows: 

<blockquote>
The building is split into three to create building separation from the heritage component thus distinguishing it from the tower beside and above. The towers peel away from the heritage building increasing separation, and celebrates the bakery chimneys that line the lobby entrance. This also gives the apartments above the heritage a better view beyond the parapets. 

The two parts of the tower are differentiated in size, form and material. One side facing west, is smaller, angular and brick, which reflects the smaller scale of west Melbourne and its industrial lineage. The other, larger smooth and glazed faces towards the city. This site is therefore a culmination of contradictory relationships between fast and slow, active and inactive, big and small, old and new.

The design response seeks to make best use of and contribute to these context features and fit respectfully within the urban fabric. 
<cite>Plus Architecture : Design Response</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image9_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Spencer Street will see additional development. Planning image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="332" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_10.jpg?itok=SPmNdNVK" title="Spencer Street will see additional development. Planning image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Spencer Street will see additional development. Planning image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Finally an existing approved development scheme has gone back to planning as Fridcorp seeks to increase the yield of its development site at 3-15 Shiel Street, North Melbourne.

Total apartments within the scheme have essentially doubled to 124, with a mix of one and two bedroom options planned. Consequently, the overall size of the project has increased, with Elenberg Fraser conceiving a 12 storey building which is similar is size to a number of surrounding projects which have been approved.

<blockquote>
The building has also been designed with reference to ‘Artemis’ - the goddess of the hunt and wilderness. Artemis’ character and fables form the basis of a holistic design narrative which is carried through the architecture, lighting installations and landscape architecture.

The bronze colouring and earthy tones contained in the depictions of Artemis in the design concept inspire the materiality of the architectural expression, and also references the red brick and industrial elements commonly found in the area. 
<cite>Meinhardt: Town Planning Submission</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image15_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new look for Shiel Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15_7.jpg?itok=gnCc4jO1" title="A new look for Shiel Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new look for Shiel Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>
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City of Melbourne field three high quality development applications

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Integrated residential property funds management and real estate services organisation Oliver Hume is seeking to develop another slice of industrial West Melbourne, becoming the group's third Melbourne apartment project behind <a href="/new-apartments/cheltenham-vic-3192">Ilixir</a> in Cheltenham and The Principal which fronts Flemington Road.

Jackson Clements Burrows are behind the design for 164-184 Roden Street which if approved, will retain the exterior of the substantial heritage building onsite, along with a portion of the interior floor plate set back to the inner columns. This is done so in order to provide legitimacy to a healthy number of warehouse shells intended within the development.

Works for the existing onsite building began during 1889, with subsequent additions through to 1937 for then expanding hardware merchants Briscoe &amp; Co. According to heritage consultants Bryce Raworth,164-184 Roden Street and the associated street addresses the existing building holds fall under a D grade heritage listing.

City of Melbourne have received 12 objections to the development.

A <a href="http://www.cbremelbourne.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/164-172_Roden_bro_v9_redslash-IN-dd.pdf">sales campaign</a> for the site was conducted by CBRE during late 2014, with Oliver Hume's plans for the project lodged with City of Melbourne during June of this year.

<h2>164-172 Roden Street application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image19_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The project's interior courtyard. Planning image: JCB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_11.jpg?itok=XC4M9DRz" title="The project's interior courtyard. Planning image: JCB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The project's interior courtyard. Planning image: JCB</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site offered for sale during late 2014</li>
	<li>3,637sqm site containing dual industrial warehouse buildings and three street frontages</li>
	<li>Proposed partial demolition and construction of an 8 level, 28.8m buildings</li>
	<li>206 dwellings: 21 x warehouse shells, 2 x duplex, 30 x loft, 101 x 1BR, 52 x 2BR</li>
	<li>Provision for 120 vehicle and 150 bicycle bays over two basement levels</li>
	<li>Jack Merlo designed landscaped internal courtyard</li>
</ul>
206 dwellings are included within the project's eight levels, despite a planning overlay expecting a preferred building height of four storeys. From a prospective apartment buyer's point of view, 164-184 Roden Street may be an attractive prospect as the development team has gone to lengths to create diversity of living options within the development.

Dual level warehouse shells, duplexes and loft options add to the ubiquitous one and two bedroom apartments within the development. Single bedroom apartments span the 48sqm-62sqm range, with living options expanding in size thereafter.

The warehouse and loft formats presumably seek to set the project apart from its West Melbourne contemporaries, with advertised plans indicating that both loft and warehouse options are proportionately large. Two storey, two bedroom lofts sit between 97-98sqm with ample exterior areas in tow.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_8350.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="420 Spencer Street is moving on up"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_8350.jpg?itok=ZdwYblCJ" title="420 Spencer Street is moving on up" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>420 Spencer Street is moving on up</figcaption></figure>News of Oliver Hume's Roden Street endeavour comes as another prominent site in West Melbourne went to planning last week. 405-417 Spencer Street is now subject to a 22 level application which seeks retail and commercial uses in addition to 181 apartments.

405-417 Spencer Street aside, the entry of 164-184 Roden Street to the Apartments.com.au Project Database sees 25 separate residential projects listed within West Melbourne, with total apartment numbers for these projects in excess of 3,300.

Largest of all these projects is 355-371 Spencer Street which carries approval for 700 plus apartments, while West Melbourne's tallest building is currently heading skyward. Set to reach 131 metres, The Spencer as seen above has picked up its construction pace considerably now that the build is beyond the podium levels.

<h2>164-184 Roden Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Oliver Hume</li>
	<li>Architect and Urban Context Report: Jackson Clements Burrows</li>
	<li>Planning: Contour Consultants Australia</li>
	<li>Heritage Consultants: Bryce Raworth</li>
	<li>Traffic: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Landscape Architect: Jack Merlo Design</li>
	<li>ESD: ECM Group</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
</ul>
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Oliver Hume and JCB add to the West Melbourne dynamic

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Pace Development Group's The Icon (6 St Kilda Road, St Kilda) celebrated its completion with an event on the level 5 residents lounge. The avant-garde Jackson Clements Burrows-designed building in collaboration with local artist Matthew Johnson spans 17 floors, accommodating 119 apartments and featuring a unique expanded mesh screen façade comprising 40 different colours.

The building is conceived as "an assemblage of irregularly stacked boxes, of varied heights, which aims to provide a connection between the surrounding built form and landscape, within this highly urbanised environment". Apartments within are treated to views directly over Port Phillip Bay, Albert Park Lake, the Melbourne and emerging South Yarra skylines and all the way to Arthurs Seat and the Dandenongs.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_0906.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="View of South Yarra skyline."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0906.jpg?itok=UoSjZSky" title="View of South Yarra skyline." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>View of South Yarra skyline.</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The main influence for this building was: how do you distinguish a building in the skyline?

I think most apartment buildings are just a singular extrusion - and we saw this as an opportunity to change the idea of that - by seeing it as a series of stacked elements or stacked boxes, so that the silhouette of the building would read very differently to a singular extrusion, with each box representing a different neighbourhood within the building and then each box has its own coloured representation, which we collaborated with the artist Matthew Johnson on and that's really about giving identity to what we imagine could be different communities within the building, so it was a way of thinking about a building as a collection of communities rather than a singular entity.

The apartment layouts have different variations between different one, two and three bedroom types so the good thing is that people who may have specific requirements can search through all the different layouts to find something that's specific to their needs, and I think that's quite unique as an offering.
<cite>Tim Jackson, Jackson Clements Burrows</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_6188_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="View looking up at the stacked boxes and overhangs."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6188_0.jpg?itok=Wk5uTCD3" title="View looking up at the stacked boxes and overhangs." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>View looking up at the stacked boxes and overhangs.</figcaption></figure>The Icon is an exemplar of good design that provides affordable accommodation with significant shared facilities and amenities, such as the Level 5 residents lounge that features an expansive outdoor terrace area overlooking St Kilda Road and Albert Park, dining room and gym.

With recent discussion around the introduction of minimum apartment sizes and the potential impact that may have on developers' ability to deliver affordable accommodation, guests were invited to inspect five apartments as part of the opening, four of which Pace identified to be the smallest affordable apartments:

<ul>
<li>A one bedroom apartment (with borrowed light) on Level 7: 42sqm plus balcony priced in the mid/high $300,000 to low $400,000 range.</li>
	<li>A three bedroom apartment on Level 7: 88sqm plus balcony priced in the high $600,000 range.</li>
	<li>A one bedroom apartment on Level 9: 42sqm plus balcony priced in the mid/high $300,000 to low $400,000 range.</li>
	<li>A two bedroom apartment on Level 9: 57sqm plus balcony priced in the low-mid $500,000 range.</li>
</ul>
Additionally there was a Penthouse-style three bedroom apartment, custom built on level 15 priced at $1,000,000, with a number of balconies including an extremely long balcony along the south.

<h2>Comment</h2>

It must be said that despite their size and the occasionally odd nuance here and there, the one bedroom apartments were quite comfortable in terms of their spacial and internal planning, affording more than adequate natural light. The Icon is impressive in how true it has managed to maintain and express the architectural integrity and design intent of JCB's vision, highlighted by the additional level of rigour and detail undertaken during the construction phase by Pace, in consulting with Matthew Johnson in ensuring the right colours were picked; not just for the mesh screens, but the backing walls behind.

The application of the coloured mesh panels to the soffits of the stacked boxes reinforces the dedication to seeing the vision realised, and that the completed building remained true to that vision, providing the pedestrian at street looking skyward with an appreciation of the stacked boxes in all dimensions. It would have been quite easy to reduce the distance which the elements cantilever from a constructability point of view and employing an alternative (say, villaboard) in lieu of the mesh undersides to save costs.

The decision to put design at the forefront is both commendable and admirable particularly when it has resulted in a brilliant and playful addition to the St Kilda skyline that has no boring elevations.

Please enjoy an assortment of accompanying photos taken from the opening event in the slideshow below.
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An Icon complete

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One of Melbourne's longest running planning applications has found resolution after four years. Stymied by planning authorities owing to its poorly resolved design, 212-222 La Trobe Street's owners scored a win at VCAT during March, with the tribunal granting approval following the commission of Melbourne-based Jackson Clement Borrows to redesign the twin-towered scheme.

It seems now that four years of time and expense on the proponents behalf may result in a serious windfall as the freshly approved scheme has been listed for sale weeks after approval. Billed as one of Melbourne's premier development proposals, the timing of both approval and site sale could not be better, given the record prices currently being paid for CBD development sites by developers.

<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/image159.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The failed proposal. Image © Simon Greenwood Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image159.jpg?itok=SjDcifH5" title="The failed proposal. Image © Simon Greenwood Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The failed proposal. Image © Simon Greenwood Architects</figcaption></figure>The initial scheme conceived by Simon Greenwood Architects and submitted during 2011 would have seen two towers containing 296 apartments, 100 car spaces, ground floor retail and in excess of 1,800sqm of commercial office space. At 142 metres in height the tower was considered excessive but in today's context that would not necessarily be the case.

<blockquote>
The building would appear as an extremely prominent structure, being much taller than development around it. A particularly high quality design may potentially be warranted however this is not demonstrated in the current proposal.
<cite>Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee Report, 2013</cite>
</blockquote>

City of Melbourne were less than enthusiastic about the proposal during 2012, citing concerns over height and lack of setbacks, overdevelopment, poor on-site amenity and lack of activation of the street. It was eventually rejected by the State Government in its then form.

<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_1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="212-222 La Trobe Street from the State Library. Image courtesy Savills"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3_1_0.jpg?itok=mWR5MHQ1" title="212-222 La Trobe Street from the State Library. Image courtesy Savills" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>212-222 La Trobe Street from the State Library. Image courtesy Savills</figcaption></figure>Fast forward and Savills are currently spruiking the site which has hit the market for the first time in over 30 years. 212-222 La Trobe Street and 17-25 Little La Trobe Street form part of the site's five street frontages, with total site area at 942sqm.

The revised scheme by Jackson Clement Borrows features 400 apartments within two towers of 39 and 54 storeys which can be delivered simultaneously or in a staged manner. All dwellings within the proposal will achieve a minimum net floor area of 50sqm (inclusive of balconies) according to the restrictions imposed upon the project.

Externally the two towers feature what looks to be fritted curtain wall glazing to all aspects, with a skybridge linking both.

<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/image157_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="New to the area. Images courtesy MGS &amp; EF"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="401" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image157_0.jpg?itok=3iEp9ykv" title="New to the area. Images courtesy MGS &amp; EF" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>New to the area. Images courtesy MGS &amp; EF</figcaption></figure>Working on the likelihood that 212-222 La Trobe Street will find a buyer willing to proceed with the approved scheme, it will find itself with new neighbours in the immediate vicinity in the not too distant future.

<a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Aurora Melbourne Central</a> is due to have its site cleared next month in order for Probuild to commence construction works, while 377-391 Swanston Street looms as another large-scale residential development on the radar. Situated on the corner of La Trobe and Swanston, the MGS-designed 33 level tower would see hundreds of new student apartments delivered. Developer Far East has yet to proceed with the scheme which was approved during 2014.
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212-222 La Trobe Street: a story of chocolates and boiled lollies

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As the scaffold progressively disappears, a new Melbourne icon will take its place in a highly prominent position perched above St Kilda Junction. Derided by detractors during the approvals process as a 'Lego Tower' due to its unique shape and multicoloured exterior, the term has now stuck in an endearing sense.

Officially called The Icon, the residential tower looks akin to a stack of irregularly sized building blocks placed atop one another. And it's The Icon's peculiar shape which represented a unique set of challenges for developer and builder Pace Development Group. Apartments.com.au visited the construction site to gain an understanding of the complexities represented by the irregular shaped tower, with Pace's Project Manager Ian Hastie providing a top to bottom guide of the 18 level complex.

With the basis of the structure designed by CBD-based Jackson Clement Burrows, the intricacies of the design documentation process were handled by Pace's internal team, aiding in the streamlining of the build process. Ian Hastie explained that when design to construction and everything that lies in between is handled internally, it provides a higher level of certainty for both the developer and apartment purchaser.

Whether it be a choice of material for a particular finish or a customer seeking to merge two apartments into a larger dwelling, the internalising of as many design and decision-making matters as possible allows for a streamlined process.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_6950_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Icon prior to yesterday's initial unveiling"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="848" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6950_0.jpg?itok=DLHXq2d5" title="The Icon prior to yesterday's initial unveiling" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Icon prior to yesterday's initial unveiling</figcaption></figure>Of course the above doesn't necessarily aid with the delivery of an irregularly shaped form. No perimeter safety screens could be employed during the build, resulting in the need for scaffolding to precede the form and pour of every level. A feat of engineering in itself, the scaffolding 'shroud' will be disassembled over a three month period as external finishes are progressively completed.

Posing a serious challenge were the cantilevered tower sections, the most prominent of which fronts St Kilda Road. Temporary steel girders set outwards at regular intervals were fixed to the slab below in order to support the formwork and platforms/scaffolding which have enabled the tower to jut out markedly, with nothing below the girders but the street level some 15 storeys below.

Ian Hastie conceded it's certainly not the most efficient method of delivering a residential tower, but is in line with Pace Development Group's aim to keep pushing boundaries, both in a design and building technologies perspective.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_6970.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="First look at The Icon's mid tower exterior"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6970.jpg?itok=wL0Zi7n9" title="First look at The Icon's mid tower exterior" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>First look at The Icon's mid tower exterior</figcaption></figure>It goes without saying that the the exterior is The Icon's highlight, with artist Matthew Johnson brought on board to aid in the final colour selections and patterns that will define Pace's tallest and most recognisable project to date. Cognisant that the developer will be associated with The Icon for years to come, Ian Hastie emphasised that much thought and effort went into achieving the desired finish to the tower's exterior.

Violet, indigo blue, moss green and luminous yellow are a handful of the chosen colours that will adorn the exterior by way of hundreds of individual perforated mesh screens. Pace’s care to detail is highlighted by the heads of all bolt fixings which are colour matched to their respective screens, also extending to the tracks which the screens are ultimately fixed to.

Double powder coated and holding a 20 year product warranty, the mesh screens will extend to the undersides of all the stacked volumes, thus providing The Icon with a complete exterior wrap. This is best demonstrated by the render below depicting the communal area with a more than unique ceiling.

Backing the screening will be precast panels or Kingspan composite panels which between them form the exterior wall. Lightweight yet impact resistant, the Kingspan panels provide excellent acoustic and thermal properties owing to their polyisocyanurate foam core - with the colours naturally changing to compliment the screening.

<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/image138.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Icon's communal area; current and intended"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="582" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image138.jpg?itok=XQxEtHi-" title="The Icon's communal area; current and intended" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Icon's communal area; current and intended</figcaption></figure>The first apartment interior has been completed (see slide show below) whilst work has begun in earnest of the podium-top communal area which will feature an indoor entertaining area and outdoor terrace. Sections of an above ground parking level has been commandeered to create what is essentially a production line churning out elements for The Icon's exterior.

Yesterday saw the unveiling of level 18 of The Icon, revealing the first layer of the structures multicoloured and intricate exterior. Looking ahead scaffolding will be pared back at roughly one level per week, with The Icon due to be seen in its entirety by the beginning of August.

Apartments.com.au will be present when The Icon is completed to provide readers with a overview of what is destined to become one of Melbourne's stand out residential projects. In the meantime, listen to relevant project members speak on The Icon at its <a href="http://theiconstkilda.com.au/">official website</a>.

Additional images of Apartments.com.au's site tour are below.
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Constructing an icon: no ordinary build for a new St Kilda landmark

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As <a href="/expert-insights/buying/what-to-do-about-the-stokehouse">previously reported</a>, the much loved Melbourne restaurant The Stokehouse on the St Kilda foreshore was burnt to the ground in a fire in January. Since then a new temporary ‘pop up’ structure has been assembled to continue the service of fine food. The speed with which this temporary structure was installed reflects the urgency that the owners have also put on the ongoing task of seeking a permanent replacement.

<dl>
<dt><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_2134.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Michael Smith"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="278" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2134.jpg?itok=jcZ3R7rM" title="Image © Michael Smith" width="580"></a></dt>
	<dd>The temporary Stokehouse ‘Pop Up’ Restaurant</dd>
</dl>
After substantial commentary surrounding this replacement building, including both calls for a replacement replica structure and others for a contemporary design via architectural competition, there has been some resolution as to the who, what and how of the replacement building.

Firstly it has been decided that the new Stokehouse will have a contemporary look, ruling out the idea of building a replica. This is a very good decision which is respectful of our existing heritage by not further muddying the waters of what is old and what is new. It has also been decided that a competition of sorts will be run for the design of the site.

The competition is by invitation only which limits the field of entrants to four. As reported on RRR the Architects, there was a nominal fee for the work done by the various architects to get the designs for the competition. The remuneration of the architects in the selective competition is a substantial positive over an open design competition, which leaves practices to undertake substantial volumes of work for free.

The Architects selected for the Stokehouse competition were:

<ul>
<li><a href="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-australia/a672e0c88513f8a56588fca4e32882f2e4185d2b/documents/attachments/000/010/139/original/Sketch_design_1_-_Denton_Corker_Marshall.pdf?1396855630" target="_blank">Denton Corker Marshall</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-australia/6767aca88c6bf71509eabaf73fe5ee1da4bf0f84/documents/attachments/000/010/138/original/Sketch_design_2_-_JacksonsClementsBurrows.pdf?1396855600" target="_blank">Jackson Clements Burrows</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-australia/d512c71914d02efc39a813dee4c738f54eed9174/documents/attachments/000/010/137/original/Sketch_design_3_-_Robert_Simeoni.pdf?1396855576" target="_blank">Robert Simeoni</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-australia/0178cd08f5ae5406f5f596f4fff2e683cacb30b4/documents/attachments/000/010/135/original/Sketch_design_4_-_Sean_Godsell_Architects.pdf?1396854957" target="_blank">Sean Godsell Architects</a></li>
</ul>
Notably all of these architects are of a similar calibre in terms of quality of design and level of profile within the local architectural community. I have no doubt that any of these four practices could produce an excellent architectural result, however a downside to this selection is the lack of diversity in the practice types shortlisted. In terms of their influence, their level of experience and the gender balance of the directing architects, it is somewhat homogenous.

<dl>
<dt><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_2140.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Michael Smith"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2140.jpg?itok=MAixW6Zx" title="Image © Michael Smith" width="580"></a></dt>
	<dd>The temporary Stokehouse in the landscape</dd>
</dl>
As argued by John Doyle of Index Architecture in his letter to The Age Newpaper this process could have been an opportunity for smaller and emerging practices to step up to the plate and challenge the well-established design masters. Doyle highlights in particular a lack of opportunity afforded to small and emerging designers within the public realm. It is incumbent on the architecture community to foster these emerging architects as much as possible for the long term benefit of our built environment.

The four architectural practices engaged in this exercise have now completed their competition entries which are now open for public viewing and comment. To view the schemes and participate in the process, follow this link.

For those wanting to know my thoughts on the schemes, here are my comments.

<h2>Denton Corker Marshall</h2>

<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/image14_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="241" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_5.jpg?itok=QQwNHp-q" width="580"></a>

This project for me is the least resolved of the proposals. Whilst the romantic perspective sketches are art in their own right, the elevation for me is less engaging. The rectilinear form appears to be less site specific and more utilitarian. The use of imagery on the building seems to give the building a more commercial feel without adding the more substantial connection with place.

7/10

<h2>Jackson Clements Burrows</h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image7_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_0.jpg?itok=aOATEIRN" width="580"></a>

This project is a clear crowd favorite due to its comprehensive presentation and semi-realistic montages. It is the easiest to understand and is beautiful in appearance. The use of over-sized text on the front of the building is a good way to quickly build an individual sense of place. This is an interesting contrast to the DCM imagery which seems less successful. On the down side it seems like the design could leave the building with a very serious and almost sombre feel.

It will not be surprising if this is the project which is given the green light

8.5/10

<h2>Robert Simeoni</h2>

<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/image16_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="276" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_3.jpg?itok=aXbD8FkT" width="580"></a>

Clearly the connection with the site was a driving factor in this project which presented substantial analysis to better its case. Consequently this could be quite an architectural gem if it was developed and given the go ahead. Central to this design is the formation of an earth mound on the Jacka Boulevard approach. One would enter via a slice in this landscape to reveal a spectacular dining room with waterfront view beyond.

Unfortunately I don’t think the massing model does this presentation justice as it dominates visually and may well read as an extreme and un-articulated façade to an unsuspecting public.

8.5/10

<h2>Sean Godsell Architects</h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image15_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="379" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15_5.jpg?itok=a76L8Jtz" width="580"></a>

The greatest strength and weakness of this scheme is the way it extends the brief and the site either side along the foreshore. Sean Godsell Architects have integrated a new surf life-saving club building within the proposed structure which is defined through a series of matchstick style columns and beams. This decision is both brilliant and a substantial risk of resulting in the scheme being ruled out if this is not a commercial possibility.

This scheme takes a while to digest but is worth the effort. The suggested weathered materials, matchstick layering and big picture thinking makes this project my favorite of the four.

9/10

For more information and to have your say visit <a href="http://haveyoursayatportphillip.net.au/stokehouse" target="_blank">http://haveyoursayatportphillip.net.au/stokehouse</a>.

Architecture is for Everyone.

To see the original article, visit the <a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Red and Black Architect's blog</a>.
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Jackson Clements Burrows Architects

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