Joel Robinson

Sydney's top 15 new apartments developments set to launch in 2026

Developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dasco-australia">DASCO</a> has pushed beyond the now-standard inclusions of rooftop pools and landscaped podiums at its recently launched new Epping project, Senso.

It has laid out over 4,000 sqm of resident-only amenity in a move designed to compete directly with low-density housing on livability, not just density. The result is a development that supports genuine daily use through purposeful spaces distributed across its five-building, 479-apartment precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4396]

Two rooftop pools form the anchor of Senso. One is a 27-metre lap pool adjoining a heated spa, designed for everyday fitness rather than just summer leisure. The second sits on a lower podium, allowing different buildings to share in vertical access and reducing crowding during peak times.

It is the secondary spaces that start to distinguish Senso from other large-scale suburban projects. A rooftop cinema is integrated into a landscaped terrace, offering open-air screenings with natural ventilation and passive cooling.&nbsp;

The inclusion of a “sensory walk”, an elevated boardwalk that threads through the site, suggests a rare investment in non-commercial, non-essential amenity: space for quiet movement that doesn’t double as access or traffic circulation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4402]

The gym and wellness centre, often relegated to a small ground-floor room in many builds, takes on more substance here. Residents have access to a fully equipped gym, as well as outdoor yoga areas and meditative zones that integrate greenery and natural light.&nbsp;

The Club Lounge is similarly designed to support multiple use cases, with a private dining terrace, kitchenette, workspace, and lockable wine storage. These aren’t superficial additions; their scale and spatial allocation indicate serious intent for frequent resident use.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4391]

Importantly, Senso’s amenities are embedded within a site that spans more than 10,000 sqm, allowing for better separation between spaces and reduced noise spillover, a critical but often overlooked factor in high-density developments. This spatial generosity also enables multiple alfresco kitchens and communal terraces without compromising individual privacy or usable space.

While many developments make claims about lifestyle, few back it with this level of built infrastructure. Senso’s mix of dedicated fitness, wellness, social and passive green spaces suggests a conscious response to the post-pandemic shift in housing expectations, especially among owner-occupiers.&nbsp;

DASCO is one of several leading developers who have taken out Resilience Insurance's Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing buyers with a 10-year structural and waterproofing warranty, and giving them the ultimate peace of mind.

Senso is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134954]

Staff Writer

The outdoor amenities elevating life at Senso, Epping

Following the proposal by the Minns Labor Government to rezone Parramatta Road to create up to 8,000 new homes, prominent developer Ceerose has gone to the NSW Gov to increase the density of its new mixed-use residential building in Leichhardt.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/ceerose">Ceerose</a>, founded by Edward Doueihi nearly three decades ago, has filed plans for 154 apartments above ground-floor retail at 307-315 Parramatta Road, a key corner site near Norton Street, the main high street strip in Leichhardt.

It's an upsize from the previously approved scheme of 63 apartments across a seven-storey building.

<img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba1ae75b-5f08-43fb-b8d5-3de6d9f6ef71" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.39%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yA3hBBLPH4ev7MsAE0_hieXeqiFqBUb7" />

The project is being advanced through the State Significant Development (SSD) pathway, with concurrent rezoning sought to facilitate the proposal. The 10-storey development would rise over a four-level basement and deliver two retail tenancies, one a larger-format offering and the other a smaller “hole in the wall” space, addressing the Parramatta Road frontage. 21 of the apartments are dedicated as affordable housing.

According to the Urban Design Report by Architecture AND, the scheme includes a podium and tower configuration, with a fine-grain, two-storey parapet street wall that references the traditional shopfront rhythm along the corridor. “An elegant tower form is proposed, combined with a characterful two storey frontage... articulating it as two related buildings, providing consistency with the rhythm and grain of Parramatta Road,” the report notes.

The residential component is split across two slender towers set back from the street edge, a design move aimed at preserving solar access and reducing perceived bulk. This massing strategy also seeks to improve residential amenity by focusing scale toward the quieter northern interface, away from Parramatta Road’s noise and pollution.

<img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="347f2f8f-5d36-4388-b40a-2e77380b9c19" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.02%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=xvyUE2ujT1lzivXTo.mHBJFF4SmfgLtz" />

Architecture AND has worked with Ceerose on previous Inner West projects, and cites a deep familiarity with the local character. Their design draws heavily on context, heritage, and sunlight access considerations, and engages with the Inner West Council’s “Our Fairer Future” strategic planning framework.

The site spans 2,712 sqm and is located near key intersections with Catherine Street, Hay Street, and Redmond Street. It adjoins a public carpark to the north and is within walking distance of Stanmore and Petersham stations. It is also flagged in state and local planning strategies, including the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, as a suitable candidate for increased density.

Ceerose recently completed The Alex Collective on McEvoy Street in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay.

The Parramatta Road corridor is coming to life with the proposed rezoning which is serviced by a significant number of bus, light rail and train routes.

Deicorp is progressing with its $1.8 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> precinct on Parramatta Road in Five Dock, as is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/toga-to-push-on-with-five-dock-mixed-use-masterplan">TOGA further down the street</a>. Those two projects alone will bring nearly 2,000 new homes to Parramatta Road.

First look: Ceerose plots mixed-use Leichhardt development on Parramatta Road

North Sydney's landmark 'SBS Building' on Alfred Street is set to be demolished to make way for a new mixed-use residential tower in the booming North Sydney.

Commercial property group FiveX is behind the plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/275-alfred-street-north-north-sydney-nsw-2060">39-storey tower</a>, the latest project to advance under the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

They are proposing 184 apartments above retail spaces, which will replace the existing 20-storey commercial building. FiveX was set up more than five decades ago by Joshua and Marko Berger. It is currently led by Joshua's son Lesli.&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower at 275 Alfred Street, North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2efa0980-53fa-4cca-9f9e-9c3c845d4746" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29%20%281%29_0.png?VersionId=y_YyPMq3NQLfYRs84pP4os9UgWiMLp75" />

According to the Architectural Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">FJC Studio</a>, the slender tower form has been deliberately designed to respect the site's transitional setting at the southern gateway to the North Sydney CBD, where high-rise towers give way to lower-scale residential precincts.

"The slender tower form and articulated podium establish a respectful relationship with nearby heritage and low rise buildings, including the Whaling Road Heritage Conservation Area,” the architecture firm noted, adding that the tower “completes a missing link in the urban fabric” while enhancing the Alfred Street streetscape.

The proposed building will include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with 15 percent of the gross residential floor area allocated as affordable housing. There is an agreement already in place that those apartments will be managed by Evolve Housing.

The project aligns with broader state housing objectives, including the National Housing Accord target of delivering 1.2 million new homes by 2029. The Scoping Report filed with the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) suggests the site "presents no impediments to rapid delivery,” with construction able to commence within 12 months of receiving consent.

North Sydney has been one of the most popular suburbs in Sydney for new and off the plan apartment development, but hasn't had the supply to keep up with demand, until recently.

AURA by Aqualand was, for a long time, the only off the plan apartment building on the market. That completed last year, and has sold the majority of its 386 luxury apartments. Recently ALAND launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> on the same street, selling over $100 million within just a few hours of its launch, while developer CASA also launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-mclaren-north-sydney-45-mclaren-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The McLaren</a>&nbsp;in the same precinct.

First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower in booming North Sydney

Kokoda Property Group has announced the Sydney-based Versatile Construction as the builder for its landmark $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> precinct.

Construction of the 17,612 sqm site is scheduled to commence in December 2025 and is expected to be delivered in stages from 2028. Once complete, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> will comprise 212 residences across four architecturally distinct buildings, alongside Brisbane’s first Kimpton Hotel, extensive retail, hospitality, and wellness amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=295098]

Kokoda Property Group Founder and Managing Director, Mark Stevens, said appointing Versatile Construction marks a significant milestone for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>.

“Partnering with Versatile Construction gives us confidence in delivering a precinct that sets a new benchmark for luxury living, curated experiences and vibrant riverfront activation," Stevens said.

"Together, we will bring the vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> to life, creating a destination that residents and visitors will enjoy for generations."

Throughout the construction phase, more than 2,000 jobs will be created, supporting hundreds of local contractors and suppliers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=352274]

Marco Fahd, Chairman &amp; CEO at Versatile Group, said the company is looking forward to&nbsp;expanding their footprint in the state, taking on their inaugural project in Brisbane.

"We are proud of the unwavering commitment our team of experts have to quality and certainty in delivery and are excited to work with Kokoda to bring their vision for this unique project to life," Fahd says.

Sales reached $285 million on the launch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>, with sales momentum continuing to "exceed all expectations."

Stevens says the overwhelming response from buyers validated the group’s vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>.

“The demand for a luxury product in this enclave has been extraordinary, we’ve never seen anything like it before. It reinforces everything we’re doing around quality, design, and creating genuine lifestyle precincts. Buyers are recognising the enduring value of Brisbane’s riverfront and are responding to the opportunity to live within a world-class destination that celebrates both place and lifestyle.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139896]

Kokoda appoints builder for $1.5 billion Teneriffe Banks waterfront precinct

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>
 

 
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Laurence Dragomir

Winners of the 2018 National Landscape Architecture Awards announced

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

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

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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
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