South East Queensland developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a>’s entry into the Gold Coast apartment market has progressed from pipeline to market, with its Chevron Island project Bronze on Chevron now formally available to purchase ahead of a planned 2029 completion.

The 119-apartment development on Mawarra Street marks the Brisbane-headquartered builder-developer’s first residential play in the Gold Coast, following its expansion south from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> comprises a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom residences, with pricing starting from just over $1.5 million. The project is being delivered under Gardner Vaughan’s fully integrated model, with the group acting as both developer and builder, a structure it has consistently applied across its South East Queensland portfolio.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367182]

Architecture has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jeremy-ferrier-landscape-design">Jeremy Ferrier</a>. The building presents as a single-tower scheme, with a focus on maximising outlook across both the Surfers Paradise skyline and the Nerang River.

Apartments have been planned with open-plan living zones extending to generous balconies, a response to the site’s dual-aspect positioning between river and ocean. Interiors follow a restrained coastal palette, with two colour schemes offered, and an emphasis on natural light and cross-ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367181]

Resident amenity is concentrated across more than 1,250 sqm and includes a resort-style pool, gym, yoga lawn and rooftop entertaining areas. A function space with catering facilities forms part of the upper-level offering, alongside north- and south-facing outdoor areas.

Ground level will incorporate two retail tenancies, intended to extend the existing village character of the surrounding streets.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367200]

The project sits within walking distance of Thomas Drive’s established dining strip, while maintaining proximity to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a> beach and broader Gold Coast amenity. The location, positioned on Chevron Island between the river and coastline, has increasingly attracted mid- to high-density development in recent years as the precinct evolves beyond its low-rise origins.

Gardner Vaughan’s move into the Gold Coast was first signalled in 2025, with the group identifying the region as a natural extension of its operations. Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge described the expansion as both “strategic and natural”, citing demand for well-designed apartments in lifestyle-driven markets.

Construction is expected to complete in early 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

Joel Robinson

Gardner Vaughan brings Bronze on Chevron to market as Gold Coast debut

One of the penthouses at Lily Lane, the latest stage of Carrington Place by Ellipse Property, has set a new local apartment price record.

The four-bedroom residence, purchased by a local downsizer, sold for $5.75 million—around 75 per cent higher than the previous record of $3.3 million.

Over 40 per cent of the first release of apartments at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lily-lane-at-carrington-place-castle-hill-32-carrington-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Lily Lane</a> have already been snapped up just six weeks since it launched to the market.

&nbsp;

Located at 32 Carrington Road, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a> and designed by award-winning architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ptw">PTW</a>, Lily Lane is directly opposite the Hills Showground Metro station. It offers a total 213 units over two 12-storey towers - a mix of 67 one-bedroom, 100 two-bedroom and 46 three-bedroom apartments - with a ground-floor retail offering.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=368352]

Blake Schulze, National Director – Residential at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a>, says around 44 per cent of buyers are&nbsp;owner occupiers, with 35 per cent being investors and 21 per cent first homebuyers.

“Developments of this calibre are very rare in the Hills District, and Lily Lane’s sales success demonstrates the depth of demand for over-sized apartments that genuinely compete with freestanding homes," Schulze says.

"We are seeing particular demand from downsizers who want to remain in the area but transition into spacious, high-quality apartment living."

On the penthouse sale, it says it shows buyers&nbsp;are prepared to pay a premium for scale, quality, and direct access to the Metro.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=368351]

One-bedroom apartments are sized from 50-72 sqm with prices starting at $745,000, while two-bedrooms are priced from $990,000 with sizes from 75 to 132 square metres. Three-bedroom floorplans are sized between 97 and 182 sqm,, with prices starting at $1,395,000.&nbsp;

The three remaining penthouses, spanning up to 262 sqm, are priced from $2.9 million.

Over 75 per cent of apartments include dedicated studies, multipurpose rooms or family rooms, with select layouts offering walk-in pantries and laundries. Apartments are appointed with premium Miele appliances including ovens, washing machines, dryers, gas cooktops and dishwashers, while larger residences also incorporate integrated Miele microwaves, Fisher &amp; Paykel integrated refrigerators and five-burner Miele cooktops.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360285]

Lily Lane will be constructed by award-winning iCIRT-rated builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode Group</a>, with construction to commence in mid-2026 and expected to complete early 2029.

Carrington Place comprises more than 800 apartments and is being delivered across multiple stages, with completion expected in 2032. Integrated with neighbouring bushland, the project will feature over 20,000 sq, of outdoor recreational area, including a one-kilometre boardwalk to Fred Caterson Reserve.&nbsp;

The Hills Showground Metro Station is just a two-minute walk away, offering fast connectivity to Sydney’s CBD, North Sydney, Chatswood, Macquarie Park and Norwest Business Park.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151821]

Ellipse sets Castle Hill apartment record with $5.75 million Lily Lane penthouse sale

Fresh off completing its Delano Crows Nest development, Lindsay Bennelong has lodged plans for its next project, this time turning its attention back to the beach.

The developer, started 20 years ago by Clarendon Homes founder Peter Campbell, is proposing a 37-apartment scheme at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-25-ashburner-street-manly-nsw-2095">17-25 Ashburner Street</a>, Manly, positioned between the southern end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/manly-nsw-2095">Manly</a> Beach and East Manly Cove.

Lindsay Bennelong called on local architecture firm Platform Architects to design the new building, given their success at Finn, Lindsay Bennelong's current luxury apartment project on North Steyne.&nbsp;

According to the Design Verification Statement by Bridie Gough of Platform Architects, the proposal “relates to the current context but also the desired future character of taller buildings suitable to the new planning controls.”

The site has been identified as a Low to Mid-Rise Housing (LMR) location, given its position within 400 metres of the Manly Town Centre E1 Business Zone. The LMR controls are intended to unlock additional housing supply in well-located areas close to public transport, allowing developers to seek increased height limits to support greater density.

“The proposal seeks to provide this increased level of housing whilst being respectful of some of the smaller scale buildings also nearby,” the statement reads.

Lindsay Bennelong Development Director Leigh Manser said the project has been carefully aligned with the intent of the LMR controls. The proposal will significantly increase housing yield on the site, replacing four houses and 10 apartments, comprising 25 bedrooms, with 37 new apartments delivering a total of 94 bedrooms, whilst remaining compliant with the LMR controls.

“Sydney is in a severe undersupply, and delivering more dwellings and more bedrooms than what currently exists is exactly what the LMR policy is designed to activate,” Manser said, noting that nine of the apartments will be allocated as affordable housing for frontline workers.

“We have already commenced discussions with our community housing provider to determine the rental levels that frontline workers can realistically afford in this location,” he said. “These will need to sit well below the standard affordable housing benchmark of 20 per cent below market rent, and that has been factored into our feasibility and pricing.”

<img alt="Manly" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad03000f-19f9-48b4-b27d-e85ca800a1da" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%208.41.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=a.txHwCZgbCInlQ6QXbIrI.umvW1T.r8" />

The design of the building incorporates a wave-like indentation running through the façade, referencing the nearby coastline and anchoring the building within its local context.

The&nbsp;Design Verification Statement says careful consideration has been given to the articulation of the building, ensuring the bulk is broken down to a more human scale through a defined four-storey podium."

The scheme includes a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a full-time building manager's office and wellness facilities including a sauna and a gym.

“The design ensures a high level of amenity, with apartments offering generous private open space, many with expansive views, and all with comfortable proportions."

<img alt="Bennelong" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6a7f2812-72a1-4959-84b0-997e8cd88aed" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%2010.15.50%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6iMxU3MkXmHVHAoNhYBjnqgka8CUZNbk" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lindsay-bennelong-developments">Lindsay Bennelong</a>&nbsp;is currently developing Finn Manly, just four full-floor luxury apartments on North Steyne. They recently welcomed residents to its 81-unit Delano Crows Nest development, a&nbsp;carefully scaled infill project designed to bridge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a>’s lively village centre with its surrounding heritage streets.

Designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ajc-architects">AJC Architects</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/delano-crows-nest-27-57-falcon-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Delano</a>&nbsp;is arranged across three low-rise buildings, incorporating a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments alongside a limited number of townhomes addressing Hayberry Lane. The architectural approach drew on the area’s Art Deco lineage, reinterpreted through contemporary detailing and framed by landscaped communal gardens.

The developer also has a development site in Maroubra.

First look: Lindsay Bennelong's new Manly apartment development revealed

Fifty-nine residences across 37 levels. No more than two per floor. With 80 per cent now sold, what remains at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/madeline-by-mosaic-broadbeach-22-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">Madeline by Mosaic</a> is a short list.

Madeline was always conceived at a scale that sits outside the normal register of Gold Coast apartment living. The residences are half- and full-floor configurations, with the largest spanning more than 400 sqm, dimensions that place them closer to the penthouse end of the market regardless of where they sit in the building.

That scale is the organising principle of everything else: how the floorplans are laid out, how the materials read, how the connection between inside and outside works.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150135 project_image_fid=355941]

The interiors were developed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser &amp; Partners</a>, the architecture practice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic</a> brought in as design partner for the first time on this project. The palette runs to natural stone, textured timbers, and soft metallics, materials chosen as much for their tactile quality as their appearance.

Light cleverly shifts across surfaces through the day, and the design is explicit about wanting that to be noticed. Full-height glazing runs across the primary living areas, and where the building faces east toward the ocean, those walls of glass are doing real work: framing a view corridor that the site's position directly opposite Broadbeach State School's playing fields keeps permanently open.

That outlook is the site's most consequential asset. In a suburb where new towers continue to rise, a protected view line is genuinely rare, and the Mary Avenue address secures it. Residents at Madeline will look out over open parkland rather than the rear of another building, a distinction that becomes more meaningful with each new development approved nearby.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150135 project_image_fid=355939]

The private outdoor spaces are sized to match the residences themselves. Terraces on the upper levels frame uninterrupted ocean panoramas, and the planning ensures that living areas extend into those outdoor zones rather than treating them as separate attachments. The flow between the two is part of the design intent, not an afterthought.

Inside, the finish specification reflects the same approach. Rich stone benchtops, warm timber joinery, bespoke hardware, each element specified to hold up over time rather than read as a moment in a particular trend cycle.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150135 project_image_fid=3409]

Beyond the residences, the amenity offering extends that register. A lap pool and sun deck anchor the outdoor space, alongside a magnesium pool, cold plunge, steam room, and sauna.

A commercial-grade gymnasium, residents' lounge, library, and boardroom round out a programme that functions more like a private members club than a standard building amenity floor.

Construction has commenced under Mosaic's in-house building arm, with completion scheduled for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150135]

Madeline by Mosaic delivers penthouse-level living across every apartment

Developer Fortezza Group is the latest to take its new apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-belvedere-5-7-church-street-nelson-bay-nsw-2315">The Belvedere in Nelson Bay</a>, to the NSW Government.

Fortezza, predominantly a South East Queensland developer, is the latest to apply for State Significant Development&nbsp; status through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority, a pathway becoming favoured by developers to speed up the approval process.

They are planning 57 two- and three-bedroom apartments across 5-7 Church Street and 42 Donald Street, near d'Albora Nelson Bay Marina. The diverse apartment mix has sizes from just over 80 sqm to the largest three-bedroom penthouses that reach nearly 200 sqm.

<img alt="Fortezza" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="090360e1-66d7-43ad-b686-aba81f173bf2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2010.22.40%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=DMqF96eBZolqSAAAcugX0l66ueWng66m" />

Fortezza calls the project a "piece of Istria in Nelson Bay,"&nbsp;referring to the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, shared by Croatia (90%), Slovenia, and Italy, which is known for its Roman history, Venetian-style coastal towns and inland hilltop villages.

They say the The Belvedere is strategically positioned at the apex of Nelson Bay, offering unrivalled views of the ocean, the bay and captivating topography of the area.

"Our commitment to maintaining the integrity of every view and sight line has been relentless," Fortezza Group says.

"Through extensive modelling and analysis, we ensure that each apartment enjoys the natural beauty of Nelson Bay, regardless of future developments. Each design element is carefully curated to harmonise with our European heritage, drawing profound inspiration from the Roman architectural marvels in Istria. The arches, the cascades of greenery and the stonework that define our project pay homage to the structures that once exemplified Roman grandeur."

Residents will have access to a pool, communal green spaces, an office and a coffee shop.

First look: Fortezza Group takes The Belvedere, Nelson Bay apartment development, to NSW Government

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

<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.
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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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