Brisbane-based <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co Developments</a> has officially launched its $250million COMO apartment development in Varsity Lakes, while simultaneously commencing construction.&nbsp;

Building work is now underway at COMO following the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/5point-projects">5Point Projects</a> as contractor to deliver the boutique development which will rise on a 2857 sqm site overlooking Lake Orr at 22 Lake Street.

When completed, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO</a> will comprise 156 apartments across 16 levels located in the heart of Varsity Lakes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363515]

The project, which will sit alongside Bond University, will deliver a diverse array of apartment designs comprising one-, two- and three-bedroom residences that have already attracted interest from local and interstate investors as well as an array of owner occupiers looking to gain a foothold in the precinct.

Red &amp; Co, which has largely focused on the Brisbane market in recent years where it has delivered more than 500 apartments and townhouses across 26 projects, has designed COMO to combine tranquil, lakeside living with the vibrant urban convenience of the vibrant Varsity Lakes village.

“We’re thrilled to announce a start to construction of COMO in conjunction with the official launch of the project, our first for the Gold Coast,” said Red &amp; Co Director and Co-Founder David Laverty.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363509]

“COMO is superbly positioned to capture the essence of the Varsity Lakes village lifestyle and its thriving café and dining precinct, while delivering a much-needed diverse supply of premium residences for the local market.

“Pre-launch inquiries have been strong among both local and interstate investors and owner-occupiers, including downsizers and upgraders who appreciate the value proposition that COMO represents.”

Prices at COMO start from $1,000,050.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363511]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, the COMO development incorporates an extensive range of amenities for residents including a 25-metre rooftop lap pool, sundeck, barbecue and dining areas, as well as multiple rooftop pickleball and paddleball courts, a wellness and activity centre, gym, sauna, plunge baths and landscaped gardens.

“COMO presents a rare opportunity to secure a stylish, lifestyle-focused home in one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after neighbourhoods,” added Laverty.

“The rooftop will be the epicentre of fun for residents with an array of amenities for residents that are quite unique for a boutique project such as this, all while offering spectacular vistas across the Gold Coast as far north as Southport and south to Burleigh.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363514]

&nbsp;

Red &amp; Co has chosen the Varsity Lakes site for its proximity to top-tier schools, major shopping hubs, such as Robina Town Centre and its CBD offering, as well as key Gold Coast transport links, including Varsity Lakes Train Station.

COMO will be located just a short walk to shops, cafes and restaurants in Varsity Lakes and just a 10-minute drive to the Burleigh Heads beachfront.

With construction currently underway, Red &amp; Co anticipates COMO will be completed in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135546]

Joel Robinson

Red & Co to launch debut Gold Coast development Como Varsity Lakes as construction commences

Longstanding Gold Coast developer Raptis has acquired a prime development site on Surf Parade for its next Broadbeach apartment project.

Progressing towards completion of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-sterling-broadbeach-6-8-george-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Sterling Broadbeach</a>, 90 apartments on nearby George Avenue, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a>, led by second-generation family man Evan Raptis, has picked up a block on the corner of Surf Parade and First Avenue.

The site had been earmarked for a luxury apartment project with 33 full-floor apartments across a 37-storey tower. Raptis will go back to the drawing board and create a building more appropriate for the site. The development application will be lodged later this month.

Evan Raptis told Apartments.com.au the site ticks all the boxes.

"Broadbeach is a suburb we've developed several buildings over the years. Surf Parade ticks all the boxes for the type of apartment development we want to deliver."

Raptis had several pre-lodgement meetings with council to ensure they are aligned in the development.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f0d58573-07a4-47a8-9f5e-fbf35fb03dc3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-05%20at%204.58.23%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=iczZEd_4_o4UL0PHMPJGfy_q3tv96J5i" />

Surf Parade has emerged in recent years as one of the most popular streets in Broadbeach for development.

South East Queensland developer Mosaic Property Group kicked it off with Marella by Mosaic. Bassar Group sold out Infinity on the street, while for its&nbsp;first Gold Coast development, Polycell grabbed a Surf Parade site for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-rochester-broadbeach-143-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Rochester</a>, which is nearly sold out.

Melbourne-based developer Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched its fourth Gold Coast project on the exclusive strip. The Eveleigh Broadbeach will have 100 apartments across a 31-storey building designed by Rothelowman.

GV Property Group site development specialists Antonio Mercuri and Luke Reaby, who both amalgamate sites and sell shovel-ready sites to developers up and down the Gold Coast, sold Surf Parade to Raptis.

Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development

Less than two years after breaking ground, Gardner Vaughan Group is celebrating the topping out of Bask, its second development in the exclusive coastal enclave of Bokarina on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.&nbsp;

Located only minutes from the beachfront, the two seven-storey luxury apartment towers, known individually as Mydas and Caretta, offer a selection of one-to-four-bedroom residences with views of Lake Kawana, the Glasshouse Mountains, and Bokarina Beach.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

Gardner Vaughan Group Commercial Director Sam Gardner said the milestone marks the home stretch for construction, with first residents expected to be able to move in from Spring 2026.&nbsp;

“This is a significant milestone in bringing this development to life and represents our confidence in this region’s long-term growth and appeal,” Gardner said.&nbsp;

“With 85 per cent of apartments already sold, buyers are joining an established, coastal village that offers the very best of the Sunshine Coast – seasonally patrolled surf beaches, renowned restaurants, and links to established health and retail.&nbsp;

“The final collection of three- and four- bedroom apartments range in size from 127sqm to 300sqm, each with two or three secure car parks and storage, and with construction fast approaching completion we don’t expect the last few apartments to remain on the market for long.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333362]

Local restaurateur Luke Stringer, who co-owns and manages the award-winning Bocca Italian and Playa Mexican restaurants in Bokarina, has lived in the beachside suburb for 18 months and worked there for more than three years, and said the beachside suburb was thriving.&nbsp;

“It’s fair to say Bokarina is finally stepping into the sun and there’s a lot to love about the place,"&nbsp;Stringer said.

"It’s such a great community, where you see the same smiling faces every morning and everything’s within easy reach – it’s the perfect hub in the middle of the Sunshine Coast.

“When we first opened Bocca Italian, we were the lone restaurant, but it’s been amazing to see how the area has grown. The more venues that open, the busier it gets for everyone. When Playa Mexican opened its first Saturday night, Bocca had a record night and Playa was packed too, which blew us away how everyone is thriving.&nbsp;

“There’s a great energy around the place now, and people are really embracing Bokarina as a food and lifestyle destination.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=363368]

Stringer joined other buyers at Bask Bokarina and the Gardner Vaughan Group team to celebrate the topping out at a special event in February.&nbsp;

Located in Kawana Waters, midway between Caloundra and Maroochydore, Bokarina locals enjoy scenic walking paths around Lake Kawana, playgrounds, beachfront boardwalk and parklands, alongside all the convenience of a masterplanned beachside community.&nbsp;

“You see people jogging or swimming in the morning, then grabbing coffee at the cafes, people are really embracing the area and all this growth is bringing more people to Bokarina,” Stringer added.&nbsp;

To take advantage of the vistas, each of the 135 apartments at Bask is designed with full size windows and high ceilings that provide an abundance of natural light.&nbsp;

Prices for the remaining three-bedroom apartments start at $1,599,000 and four-bedroom apartments start at $3,149,000.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=363369]

The mixed-use development also features ground-level retail space for cafés, dining options and boutiques, including the soon-to-be-opened ‘Corner Shop’, by the team behind Noosa’s well known ‘Organika’.

Sam Gardner said Gardner Vaughan Group’s 37-year history building and developing across South East Queensland has contributed to the success of its second development in Bokarina, which follows the recently completed Zinc Apartments.&nbsp;

“We care how people live and this is reflected in the way we approach the design and delivery of every development,” he said. “Furthermore, as a builder-developer we have full control over the construction program and our 100 per cent completion rate is something people can draw confidence from.”&nbsp;

Founded by civil engineers Guy Gardner and Darryl Vaughan in 1989, the family-owned business has evolved from a consultancy firm to an award-winning builder-developer, with projects across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141609]

Gardner Vaughan Group tops out Bask Bokarina apartments

Prolific Melbourne developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> has launched its fourth new Gold Coast development in as many years.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a>, led by Daniel Faigen and backed by Eddie Hirsch, co-founder of United Petroleum, has unveiled The Eveleigh, on a prime 1,100 sqm site at 7-9 Surf Parade in the heart of Broadbeach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a> will deliver 100 apartments across 31 levels, making it the company’s largest Gold Coast project to date. It builds on the success of its three earlier developments, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/hemingway-1267-1273-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach">The Hemingway in Palm Beach</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/emerson-kirra-100-musgrave-street-coolangatta">The Emerson at Kirra</a>, both completed, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yves-mermaid-beach-7-9-mermaid-avenue-mermaid-beach">Yves Mermaid Beach</a>, which is nearing completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

The announcement of The Eveleigh affirms the company’s sustained confidence in the Gold Coast market which continues to remain undersupplied. It also increases the value of Hirsch &amp; Fa​igen’s Gold Coast development portfolio to more than $700 million since the company first entered the market in 2021 with Hemingway.

The company has enlisted its preferred architecture firm Rothelowman to design The Eveleigh, which will offer a thoughtfully curated lifestyle, including a substantial wellness precinct, communal recreation areas, children’s play spaces, work-from-home facilities, and shared lounge and dining areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

Designed for the prime market demographic of downsizers and interstate lifestyle investors in mind, The Eveleigh has been crafted to offer an increasingly rare blend of affordable luxury in a tightly held market. Uniquely positioned in the heart of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after lifestyle suburb of Broadbeach, the project will also boast uninterrupted beach and hinterland views.

The Surf Parade site is just a short walk to the bustling Broadbeach dining and retail precinct, Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and convention centre, and an easy stroll to Kurrawa Beach and the recreational amenity of Pratten Park on the Broadbeach foreshore.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360975]

“We’re excited to be proceeding with our fourth project on the Gold Coast in what is certain to become the new luxury precinct in Broadbeach,” says Anthony Bueti, the CFO of Hirsch &amp;a​mp; Faigen and a shareholder of the group.

“With the likes of Mosa​ic and Abedian &amp;a​mp; Co also launching quality projects in the area, the transformation will cement Broadbeach as the premier lifestyle and amenity suburb on the Gold Coast.

"After four years in the Gold Coast market, and with three successful projects completed, The Eveleigh is the product of everything we have learned to love about the Gold Coast and it will be an incredible addition to our growing portfolio in one of the most vibrant property markets in the country. We continue to remain very confident in the high-end Gold Coast property market.”

Urban Activation Director Matt George is handling sales for The Eveleigh, having sold out The Emerson, The Hemingway, and Yves, all before construction was completed.

Melbourne builder MAXCON has already commenced construction on The Eveleigh. They are forecasting a mid-2028 completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Hirsch & Faigen unveils The Eveleigh in Broadbeach

Two years after securing development approval for the final stage of its award-winning Thornton Precinct on the doorstep of Penrith Station, Urban Property Group is set to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/mayfair-on-penrith-172-lord-sheffield-circuit-penrith-nsw-2750">Mayfair on Penrith</a>, around 400 apartments designed to reflect two of Sydney’s most iconic structures.

The builder-developer has continued refining the design plans for the two-building development on a significant 8,280 sqm site on Sheffield Circuit, recognising the importance of the prime parcel as one of the closest developable sites to the station.

UPG enlisted architecture firm SJB to design the project. The team said they drew inspiration from both the General Post Office in Martin Place and East Circular Quay to help shape the design. The two-level colonnade, in particular, reflects the famous GPO building, which dates back to the 1860s.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136726 project_image_fid=362014]

There will be one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments on offer, with interiors by Cox Architecture. Residences will sit above a retail podium featuring hospitality and lifestyle operators such as One Playground and Volcano’s Steakhouse, contributing to an activated ground plane within the broader Thornton precinct.

A communal rooftop with a pool and views towards the Blue Mountains will provide shared open space for residents. The development is positioned between Ron Mulock Oval and Westfield Penrith, with the Nepean River and Great River Walk also nearby, placing daily amenity and green space within walking distance.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136726 project_image_fid=362015]

Mayfair is being delivered by Urban Property Group, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly 40 years’ experience across Sydney. The project will be the first in Penrith to be offered with Resilience Insurance’s 10-year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) policy, which Urban Property Group has adopted across a number of its recent developments. The developer also has a 4.5-star iCIRT rating, one of the best ratings in market providing further confidence to buyers.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said providing additional assurance to off-the-plan buyers has become increasingly important.

“Anything we can do to give confidence in our product is a plus,” Elias told Apartments.com.au.

“Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. They’re making their single large investment, which is their home, and providing confidence is something that we feel is paramount.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136726 project_image_fid=362020]

The LDI policy provides a 10-year warranty covering structural defects, with independent inspections carried out during construction and protection for owners if defects arise post-completion.

Mayfair represents Urban Property Group’s sixth and final development within Thornton, consolidating the masterplanned precinct immediately east of the station.

The developer, which builds its own projects, has already commenced construction. SRM Residential is handling the sales campaign.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136726]

Urban Property Group to close the curtain on award-winning Thornton precinct with Mayfair on Penrith release

Landscape Architecture

<html><body>
The world is heating up more quickly than we're aware of – it's not until you look at the facts, that it is evident we need to act fast. Australia has experienced its <a href="https://theconversation.com/weather-bureau-says-hottest-driest-year-on-record-led-to-extreme-bushfire-season-129447">warmest and driest year</a> to date (<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/dec/19/419c-australia-records-hottest-ever-day-one-day-after-previous-record">reaching 49.9C in December</a>), while the world has recently recorded the <a href="https://public.wmo.int/en/media/press-release/wmo-confirms-2019-second-hottest-year-record">second warmest year on record</a>. Climate change is happening, and it's forcing us to save the liveability of our cities.

<a href="https://www.greenerspacesbetterplaces.com.au">Greener Spaces Better Places</a> is an initiative which gives a voice to advocates looking to make changes for the better in our urban environments. The goal is to increase and diversify the tree canopy cover to <a href="/news/future-focus-australian-institute-of-landscape-architects-call-for-new-living-infrastructure-strategy">alleviate the impacts of the heat island effect</a> and other climate change-related impacts, from both a council and <a href="/news/5-of-australias-top-apartment-gardens">house-hold level</a>.

Daniel Bennett, SA President Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) says dark surfaces in our cities contribute,

<blockquote>
“The direct sun hitting black bitumen (the most common form of surface treatment on our streets) is like a heat sink - absorbing up all that heat which is retained and effectively heats up the surrounding environment, making on-the-ground temperatures as high as 55 degrees in the sun - on a hot day you could fry an egg!

Trees reduce direct heat absorption and are helpful to be under on a hot day and when this is multiplied across a city, has enormous benefits in reducing a city’s ambient temperature. Trees are effectively nature’s free air conditioners!” 
</blockquote>

By reducing the urban heat island effect, studies show that this could be an integral way to increase biodiversity in our cities – and not only will it create a more harmonious place for wildlife, but humans are likely to experience more positive physical, social and mental wellbeing too.

Dr Tony Matthews also commented on the issues, explaining that reducing surface temperatures play a significant role in slowing the effects of climate change and a government-funded incentivisation scheme would be a great way to get the city's residents on board.

<blockquote>
“We know a tried and tested strategy is the introduction of more trees and green roofs in urban spaces, reducing surface temperatures by <a href="https://www.epa.gov/heat-islands/using-trees-and-vegetation-reduce-heat-islands">up to 40%</a>.

At the street level, a huge amount of urban land is privately owned, so it would be great to see residents doing their part to green their properties, and supported by the government, via an incentivisation scheme, to do so in ensuring that our urban landscapes, and in turn our urban communities, remain resilient to climate change, it’s crucial that our councils play a key role.”
</blockquote>

Dr Tony Matthews, Griffith University Urban Environmental Planner and Greener Spaces Better Places advocate

Another Greener Spacer Better Places advocate Leigh Staas explains that urban greening is the <a href="/news/high-yield-produce-gardens-with-next-to-no-maintenance-are-set-to-transform-australias-apartment-gardens">cheapest and most effective way</a> to protect our cities from heat.

<blockquote>
"Research tells us that if we can retain enough trees and green space in our backyards and neighbourhoods we can reduce temperatures by up to 12 degrees."
</blockquote>

For tree-planting to be effective, the right species of plants need to be identified first as there are many trees that will not be able to withstand the 'new normal' temperatures.

<blockquote>
"Further, increasing the diversity of tree species in our cities is crucial in ensuring that our urban landscapes remain resilient to the many challenges of climate change, particularly drought, pest and disease. Some councils are well ahead of the game in this space, but others need to pick up the pace and plan for the future.”
</blockquote>

Leigh Staas, Project Manager for The '<a href="https://www.whichplantwhere.com.au/">Which Plant Where</a>' project

<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/screen_shot_2020-03-26_at_6.16.43_pm.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="375" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-03-26_at_6.16.43_pm.png?itok=P68dWweE" width="580"></a></figure>Hort Innovation chief executive, Matt Brand said the program’s continued priority is to construct more and better urban green spaces across the country.

<blockquote>
“The program will work to ensure that as cities grow, so do green spaces; and that they are grown with quality, best practice and address key challenges cities face. To promote health and wellbeing in individuals, build resilient communities and support a sustainable society, the program will work holistically to champion the benefits of green space in relation to urban liveability - not just for the fortunate few, but for everyone.”
</blockquote>

Professor Tonia Gray reiterates this sentiment, agreeing that there needs to be a greater emphasis on green infrastructure and the inclusion of nature from a city planning level.

<blockquote>
“We are hardwired to be connected to nature - this isn’t anything new, it’s just newly important, in our increasingly urban lives. Greener Spaces Better Places, alongside the network, has an integral role to play in upscaling the importance of nature and reinforcing the message that green is good. We know when done right, urban greening leads to vibrant, creative, beautiful and desirable ­places to live.”
</blockquote>

Tonia Gray, Professor at Western Sydney University and Greener Spaces Better Places advocate

Since launching in 2013, the program has created Australia’s first benchmark measurement of urban green space by measuring green space in all 139 of Australian urban and peri-urban LGAs (in partnership with UTS), trained over 600 people from 140 councils in implementing an urban forestry growth strategy, and brought together 7000+ individuals and organisations to form the country’s largest network of green space advocates.
</body></html>

Olivia Round

Experts comment on a strategy to green our cities before it's too late

<html><body>
<a href="http://aila.org.au/">The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects</a> (AILA) has announced the winners of the 2018 National Landscape Architecture Awards, recognising and celebrating the contributions of the 38 winners across 14 categories,to Australia’s regional and metropolitan landscapes. 

The annual awards program acknowledges the ability of landscape architects to shape cities and towns to tackle the major challenges facing Australian cities and their residents, including an ageing population, climbing obesity and diabetes rates, transport challenges and the increasing importance of positive mental health. 

The awards reflect the broad scale of projects designed by landscape architects with projects such as the Sunshine Coast’s Palmwoods Town Square awarded, through to smaller projects like the Ian Potter Children’s WILDPLAY Garden and the Darebin Yarra Trail Link.

<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/03-darebin-yarra-trail-link-emmacross.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Darebin Yarra Trail link by VicRoads. Image: Emma Cross"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/03-darebin-yarra-trail-link-emmacross.jpg?itok=B16sGtLb" title="Darebin Yarra Trail link by VicRoads. Image: Emma Cross" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Darebin Yarra Trail link by VicRoads. Image: Emma Cross</figcaption></figure>According to the Awards Jury, landscape architects are fundamental to the health and wellbeing of our communities, expanding their skillset to help the world deal with critical issues.

<blockquote>
The awarded projects are sensitive, thoughtful and ambitious responses to repairing and improving our Australian landscapes. This is of critical importance at a time of increasing urbanisation and climate change.

- Sara Kjaersgaard, AILA National Awards Jury Chair
</blockquote>

The awards coincided with the 2018 AILA International Festival of Landscape Architecture: The Expanding Field, which celebrates the great diversity within Landscape Architecture practice, promoting the critical role the profession has in confronting and contributing to the social and economic challenges of the coming century.

The Expanding Field Creative Directors, Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL), say the social and environmental challenges we face are large-scale and systemic, from climate change to growing wealth inequality and a politically volatile climate worldwide.

<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/01_optusstadium_peterbennetts.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Optus Stadium. Image: Peter Bennetts"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="370" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/01_optusstadium_peterbennetts.jpg?itok=9FO7yMub" title="Optus Stadium. Image: Peter Bennetts" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Optus Stadium HASSELL. Image: Peter Bennetts</figcaption></figure><h2>Winners are Grinners</h2>

Civic Landscape category

Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>
	Newman Town Centre (WA) | UDLA
	</li>
</ul>
Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>
	Palmwoods New Town Square (QLD) | Sunshine Coast Council
	</li>
	<li>
	Railway Square (WA) | Place Laboratory
	</li>
	<li>
	Earth Sciences Garden (VIC) | Rush Wright Associates
	</li>
</ul>
Parks and Open Space category

Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>Bungarribee at Doonside (NSW) | JMD Design</li>
</ul>
Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>Rockhampton Riverside (QLD) | Urbis</li>
	<li>
	Oaklands Park and Wetland (SA) | TCL
	</li>
	<li>
	Alpine Better Places Porepunkah (VIC) | MDG LAs
	</li>
</ul>
Play Spaces category

Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>
	Optus Stadium Park (WA) | HASSELL
	</li>
</ul>
Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>
	Mukanthi Nature Playspace (SA) | PSLA Playspaces
	</li>
	<li>
	BallamBumps (VIC)| Playce
	</li>
	<li>
	Ian Potter Children’s WILDPLAY Garden (NSW) | Aspect
	</li>
</ul>
Infrastructure category

Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>
	Darebin Yarra Trail Link (VIC) | Vic Roads
	</li>
</ul>
Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>Skeleton Creek Bridges (VIC) | Site Office</li>
</ul>
Cultural Heritage category

Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>
	Plantbank (NSW) | 360 degrees LA
	</li>
</ul>
Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>
	Point Nepean National Park MP (VIC) | TCL
	</li>
	<li>
	Railway Square (WA) | Place Laboratory
	</li>
</ul>
Land Management category

Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>The Living Knowledge Stream for Curtin University (WA) | Syrinx Environmental</li>
</ul>
Tourism category

Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>
	HOTA Outdoor Stage (QLD) | CUSP
	</li>
	<li>
	Maravista (QLD) | CUSP
	</li>
</ul>
Urban Design category

Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>
	Optus Stadium Park (WA) | HASSELL
	</li>
</ul>
Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>
	Fish Lane (QLD) | RPS
	</li>
	<li>
	Victoria Square Kerang (VIC) | Hansen Partnership
	</li>
</ul>
Landscape Planning category

Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>
	Chain of Ponds (VIC) | Site Office
	</li>
</ul>
Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>Southern Parklands Vision 2036 (NSW) | Turf Design and TDEP</li>
</ul>
Research, Policy and Communications category

Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>
	Green Infrastructure Planning a National Green Network (WA) | Simon Kilbane
	</li>
</ul>
Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>
	Greener Places (NSW) | GANSW
	</li>
	<li>
	Monash University Civil Engineering Hydraulics Living Lab (VIC) | ASPECT Studios
	</li>
	<li>
	Interpretive Wonderings (NSW) | Interpretive Wonderings Landscape Architecture
	</li>
</ul>
Community Contribution category

Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>
	Place of Healing (WA) | UDLA
	</li>
</ul>
Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>Palmwoods New Town Square (QLD) | Sunshine Coast Council</li>
</ul>
Small Projects category

Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>
	Immigration Museum Activation Project (VIC) | Rush Wright Associates
	</li>
	<li>
	Valley Lake (VIC) | McGregor Coxall
	</li>
</ul>
Gardens category

Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>
	Eve Apartments (NSW) | 360 degrees LA
	</li>
	<li>
	Vic Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VIC) | Rush Wright Associates
	</li>
</ul>
International category

Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>
	Temaiku Land and Urban Planning, Kiribati | Jacobs
	</li>
</ul>
Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>
	Lingang Bird Airport | McGregor Coxall
	</li>
	<li>
	DaNang Railway Connectivity Improvement and Urban Redevelopment Study | Hansen Partnership
	</li>
</ul>
 

 
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

Winners of the 2018 National Landscape Architecture Awards announced

<html><body>
Continuing with the theme of the 2018 Victorian Landscape Architecture Awards, Urban.com.au caught up with Steve Schutt, Director of Landscape Architecture at Hansen Partnership, who works on a variety of landscape projects both in Australia and overseas. 

Hansen Partnership received the Urban Design Award of Excellence for Victoria Square in Kerang and the Parks and Open Space Landscape Architecture Award for Williams Reserve in Richmond.

<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/02_-_victoria_square_kerang_-_andrew_lloyd.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Square in Kerang took home the Urban Design Award of Excellence. Image: Andrew lloyd"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/02_-_victoria_square_kerang_-_andrew_lloyd.jpg?itok=wXI252ll" title="Victoria Square in Kerang took home the Urban Design Award of Excellence. Image: Andrew lloyd" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoria Square in Kerang took home the Urban Design Award of Excellence. Image: Andrew lloyd</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: Tell us about Hansen Partnership and its design philosophy.

Steve Schutt: Hansen Partnership is a multidisciplinary planning and design practice based in Melbourne and working on projects throughout Victoria, Tasmania and internationally through our office in Vietnam. Our landscape architecture team aims to deliver creative, functional and attractive places for people. We take a site-responsive approach, with a strong focus on achieving environmentally sustainable outcomes, combining creativity and precision to ensure a smooth delivery into built reality.

We work collaboratively with clients to design places and spaces that incorporate the use, occupation and enjoyment of external environments. We design solutions that create, improve or rejuvenate external spaces, with a focus on considering the needs of the individuals, groups or communities who will occupy and enjoy those spaces.

U: Hansen Partnership works on metropolitan projects such as Williams Reserve and Windsor Village as well as projects in regional Victoria. How do these differences affect the landscape design? 
SS: Every project requires a tailored approach to design, as every site is unique. Our work is strongly influenced by context, and that cuts across physical context, environmental context and social context. We approach every new project with an open mind and we consciously avoid pre-prescribed outcomes for 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/03-williamsreserve-andrewlloyd_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Richmond's Williams Reserve won the Parks and Open Space Landscape Architecture Award. Image: Andrew Lloyd "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/03-williamsreserve-andrewlloyd_0.jpg?itok=kj8bKQj_" title="Richmond's Williams Reserve won the Parks and Open Space Landscape Architecture Award. Image: Andrew Lloyd " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Richmond's Williams Reserve won the Parks and Open Space Landscape Architecture Award. Image: Andrew Lloyd</figcaption></figure>U: Is there a feature or theme that you keep consistent or try to include across all of your projects? 

SS: As per the previous question, we try to avoid any sort of predetermined design themes or features which might be interpreted as being “the Hansen style”. Rather, given that many of projects involve existing urban environments, we employ a site-responsive approach and tend to utilise the physical characteristics of a place and the ideas and aspirations of the communities who use that space as our primary sources of design inspiration.

U: Can you give us an insight into any projects you are currently working on?

SS: We have a number of really exciting project within the office at present, including a street in Abbotsford which is in the process of being transformed into a local park, a new town Square in Croydon, a streetscape improvement project in Port Campbell and a number of major infrastructure projects across Melbourne, for which we are applying our expertise in landscape architecture, urban design and visual impact assessment.

U: Are there any landscape trends you have noticed rising in popularity at the moment, in Victoria or more broadly?

SS: As a lot of our projects involve existing urban environments, and in particular activity centres and transport hubs, we are seeing a move towards the design of ‘streets for people’, whereby pedestrians are being considered as the highest priority users of a street, with private motor vehicles being given a much lower priority. As the population density of our major cities continues to increase, we expect to see this realignment of priorities to continue to be a major influence in the way we design urban environments, and we are firmly of the view that such an approach will improve the quality, amenity, functionality and attractiveness of our towns and cities.
</body></html>

AILA Victorian Landscape Architecture Awards 2018: Q&A with Hansen Partnership's Steve Schutt

<html><body>
Following last Friday night's announcement of the <a href="/news/aila-victorian-chapter-awards-2018-winners-announced">2018 Victorian Landscape Architecture Award winners</a>, Urban.com.au chats to Adrian Gray, State President for the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA). Adrian is an urban planner with experience in both the public and private sectors.

Urban.com.au: How is the landscape architecture industry changing for the better?

Adrian Gray: There are now more landscape architects than ever working in both public and private sectors with over 3,500 members of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.

Landscape architects are influential in delivering quality public and private spaces and policy development within Local, State and Federal governments that ensure the liveability and well-being of people.

Landscape Architects are committed to designing and creating a better Australia by creating resilient social infrastructure that shapes the world around us. They conceive, reimagine and transform the outside world from streetscapes to parks and playgrounds, transport solutions, new suburbs and cities and are leading the importance of integrated green infrastructure that will sustain 21st century liveability, health and well-being.

<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/contact_sheet_aila_winners.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A selection of the winning projects from the 2018 Vic Landscape Architecture Awards."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/contact_sheet_aila_winners.jpg?itok=8oGGRuTt" title="A selection of the winning projects from the 2018 Vic Landscape Architecture Awards." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A selection of the winning projects from the 2018 Vic Landscape Architecture Awards.</figcaption></figure>U: What do you consider to be the biggest issue affecting landscape architects and the industry at the moment?

AG: The following quote from a World Health Organisation document tilted ‘Urban Green Spaces: a brief for action’, sums up what is required in the coming decades of this century;

<blockquote>
“Green spaces and other nature-based solutions offer innovative approaches to increase the quality of urban settings, enhance local resilience and promote sustainable lifestyles, improving both the health and the well-being of urban residents. Parks, playgrounds or vegetation in public and private places are a central component of these approaches….”
</blockquote>

AILA has been very active in recent years in creating position papers used for advocacy that supports the above such as Green Infrastructure, Living Cities Alliance and the Liveable Cities Series that address Cooler Cities, Active Transport and Healthy Communities.

Landscape Architects are the key to ensuing that public and private spaces are designed to create a resilient city for the 21st century through nature based solutions.

U: The Victorian Chapter of AILA has the largest member base - what do you enjoy most about your role working with so many landscape architects?

AG: I feel very honoured to advocate and represent all Victorian AILA members in promoting the role that landscape architecture has with the myriad issues facing Melbourne and regional Victoria. I am very active in partnerships that ensure that landscape architecture is part of the discussion in shaping public realm outcomes in Victoria. I enjoy:

<ul>
<li>Engaging with AILA’s sponsors;</li>
	<li>Working with academic think tanks such as the Clean Air and Urban Landscape from UoM/RMIT;</li>
	<li>Collaborating with AIA/PIA on built form advocacy in the lead up to the State election;</li>
	<li>Representing landscape architecture within important projects such as Greening The West and the development of the Melbourne Metropolitan Urban Forest Strategy by the Melbourne’s Chief Resilient Officer.</li>
	<li>Presenting where ever I can on how landscape architects make our cities great places to live. </li>
</ul>
U: How can landscape architecture form a greater part of the built environment?

AG: AILA has recently adopted a national Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan that will enable members to begin to form a deeper understand that Traditional Custodians have with the Australian landscape. Through a greater understanding of the intrinsic values and spirituality that connects Traditional Custodians to the landscape,  we hope that landscape architects can improve their understanding and care for the Australian landscape in both urban and in rural settings.

U: You work in urban design yourself, what do you think makes an enduring design when it comes to landscape architecture?

AG: Design needs to create connections between people, nature and place. I have seen from practicing in the public sector in Brimbank for the last ten years where there has been a significant commitment to designing quality, accessible places in streets and parks that when people feel great about where they live, they become more active physically and are connected to the urban landscape. People being connected to where they live means a happier and healthier community.
</body></html>

AILA Victorian Landscape Architecture Awards 2018:  Q&A with Adrian Gray

<html><body>
The best landscape architecture projects in Victoria have been recognised at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects’ (AILA) 2018 Victorian Landscape Architecture Awards.

The jury <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">reviewed projects from across Melbourne</a> and regional Victoria across 13 categories, with a total of 29 projects gaining recognition. The award winners were announced at an event hosted by AILA’s Victorian Chapter on earlier this evening.

Metropolitan local Government Councils dominated as clients of the winning projects, showing the importance of rejuvenating public spaces and setting a high standard of design. These include projects initiated by Brimbank City Council, City of Wyndham, City of Yarra, Frankston City Council, Glen Eira City Council, Hume City Council and Moonee Valley City Council.

Other notable projects taking home accolades include the Darebin Yarra Trail Link due to its excellent response to a complex location and the Point Nepean National Park Master Plan for its leading strategic thinking, community consultation and cultural focus.

<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/07-darebin_yarra_trail_link-emmacross.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Darebin Yarra Trail link by VicRoads. Image: Emma Cross"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/07-darebin_yarra_trail_link-emmacross.jpg?itok=3ioostNg" title="Darebin Yarra Trail link by VicRoads. Image: Emma Cross" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Darebin Yarra Trail link by VicRoads. Image: Emma Cross</figcaption></figure>According to the AILA, this year saw a record number of entries, reinforcing the important role of landscape architecture in the state. 
Projects given Awards of Excellence and Landscape Architecture Awards will proceed to the National Awards with winners announced on Thursday 11 October as part of this year’s International Festival of Landscape Architecture.

A free exhibition showcasing all award-winning projects will be on display at RMIT Design Hub from 20 August 2018.

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
The rejuvenation of public and private spaces and a move towards integrated green infrastructure demonstrates the role that landscape architecture has in sustaining human health and well-being and the 
liveability of Melbourne.

The awards are a great way to recognise the outstanding projects in our state and their contribution to the public and respective communities.

-  Adrian Gray, AILA Victorian Chapter President
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
This year, the entries demonstrated not only the maturity of the profession but also investment in high-quality strategic and landscape design-led projects. We are fortunate to recognise an array of projects that enhance public spaces, engage with the community and exemplify enduring design.

- Bronwen Hamilton Jury Chair / Office of Victorian Government Architect.
</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/03-williamsreserve-andrewlloyd.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Williams Reserve by Hansen Partnership. Image: Andrew Lloyd"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/03-williamsreserve-andrewlloyd.jpg?itok=tA5HokLu" title="Williams Reserve by Hansen Partnership. Image: Andrew Lloyd" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Williams Reserve by Hansen Partnership. Image: Andrew Lloyd</figcaption></figure><h2>The Winners</h2>

Civic Landscape category (Sponsored by Glascott Landscape &amp; Civil) 

Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>MADA West Courtyard | Glas Landscape Architects</li>
	<li>Pride of Melton | Outlines Landscape Architecture Pty. Ltd.</li>
	<li>Dawson Street Precinct Sunshine | Fitzgerald Frisby Landscape Architecture</li>
</ul>
Community Contribution category

Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>Livvi's Place Craigieburn | ASPECT Studios</li>
</ul>
Cultural Heritage category

Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>Point Nepean National Park Master Plan | TCL (Taylor Cullity Lethlean) and Parks Victoria</li>
</ul>
Gardens category (Sponsored by Lawn Solutions Australia)

Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>Earth Sciences Garden, Monash University | Rush Wright Associates</li>
</ul>
Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>MPavilion 2017 | Tract Consultants</li>
	<li>Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre | Rush Wright Associates</li>
</ul>
Infrastructure category (Sponsored by ACO Australia)

 Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>Project: Darebin Yarra Trail Link | VicRoads Urban Design Team and VicRoads Structural Design Team</li>
</ul>
Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>Project: Skeleton Creek Bridges | Site Office</li>
</ul>
Land Management category 

Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>The System Garden Masterplan | Glas Landscape Architects</li>
</ul>
Landscape Planning category (Sponsored by Austral)

Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>Chain of Ponds - An Action Plan for Moonee Ponds Creek | Site Office</li>
</ul>
Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>Project: Puffing Billy Master Plan | Tract Consultants</li>
</ul>
Play Spaces category  (Sponsored by Street Furniture)

Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>Project: Ballam Bumps Regional Playspace | Playce Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Booran Reserve Playspace | ACLA Consultants</li>
	<li> Mirambeena Park, Warralily, Armstrong Creek | GbLA</li>
</ul>
Parks and Open Space category 

Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>Project: Alpine Better Places: Porepunkah | MDG Landscape Architects</li>
</ul>
Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>Project: Williams Reserve, Richmond | Hansen Partnership</li>
</ul>
Research Policy and Communications category (Sponsored by WE-EF Lighting)

Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>Urban Choreography: Central Melbourne 1985–, by Kim Dovey, Rob Adams and Ronald Jones (Melbourne University Press, 2018) | Jones &amp; Whitehead Pty Ltd, with City of Melbourne and University of Melbourne</li>
</ul>
Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>Project: Monash University - Civil Engineering Hydraulics 'Living Lab' | ASPECT Studios</li>
	<li>Embracing the Asian Century, Landscape Architecture Australia | Jillian Walliss, Heike Rahmann, Ricky Ray Ricardo</li>
</ul>
Small Projects category (Sponsored by City of Melbourne)

Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>Immigration Museum Activation Project | Rush Wright Associates</li>
</ul>
Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>Project: Tarrawarra Abbey | ASPECT Studios</li>
	<li>Valley Lake Lookout | MCGREGOR COXALL</li>
</ul>
Tourism category  
Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>Project: Carnivores Trail (Predators Precinct) | Urban Initiatives</li>
</ul>
Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>Project: Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing Master Plan | MCGREGOR COXALL</li>
</ul>
Urban Design category

Award of Excellence

<ul>
<li>Victoria Square, Kerang | Hansen Partnership</li>
</ul>
Landscape Architecture Award

<ul>
<li>Project: Geelong Laneways Precinct | Outlines Landscape Architecture Pty. Ltd.</li>
</ul>
Future Leader category

Commendation

<ul>
<li>Timothy D’Agostino, ASPECT Studios</li>
</ul>
President’s Award

<ul>
<li>Anne-Marie Pisani</li>
</ul>
Lead image: VCCC  by Rush Wright Associates, taken by Michael Wright
</body></html>

Landscape Architecture

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Landscape Architecture

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News