<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

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The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

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The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

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Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

Northcote

Construction firm Brady Group will kick off construction this month on MAB's sustainable Merri Northcote project.

Located on the banks of Merri Creek, the homes are surrounded by Australian bushland and neighbouring low-rise cottages, offering residents a serene setting while being within walking distance of the lively Westgarth area.

Designed to embody future-proofed living, each residence within Merri aims to achieve a 5 Star Green Star standard, with the apartments anticipated to boast an average NatHERS rating of 7 stars.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113174 project_image_fid=211309]

Residents of Merri can also look forward to a host of eco-friendly features that contribute to reducing their environmental impact.

The incorporation of rooftop solar panels, double glazing, passive solar design, LED lighting, and electric heat pump hot water systems underscores the developer's dedication to creating energy-efficient homes. These sustainable elements not only benefit the environment but also provide residents with long-term cost savings.

Collaborating with esteemed landscape architects TCL, each building within the development will be adorned with a dedicated rooftop garden.

Residents can revel in the beauty of their surroundings, with creek fronting buildings offering sweeping views of the adjacent waterway, tree tops, and the captivating cityscape beyond.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113174 project_image_fid=211314]

Merri residences are designed to maximise space, harness natural light, and adapt to individual needs. The flexible living spaces offer ample storage and can be furnished in various configurations, providing homeowners with the freedom to personalise their dwellings to their liking.

Accessibility is also a priority, as all buildings can be conveniently accessed from Walker Street without the need for climbing stairs. Furthermore, residents can rest easy knowing that their safety is assured through the implementation of video intercoms, keyless entry systems, and CCTV surveillance.

Each of the four interior schemes available at Merri exudes a distinct aesthetic, with the use of exposed concrete throughout ensuring a tactile quality that adds a touch of sophistication to each dwelling.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113174]

Designed to embody future-proofed living, each residence within Merri aims to achieve a 5 Star Green Star standard, with the apartments anticipated to boast an average NatHERS rating of 7 stars

alisonwarters@gmail.com

MAB appoints Brady Group to construct Merri Northcote

First home buyers will get an exclusive crack at three of the latest apartment projects by the Melbourne apartment developer, MAB Corporation.

A Victorian-first, MAB are offering what is essentially a pre-release of apartments just for those getting on the ladder for the first time, with an eight-week window before the apartments are available to everyone.

The three inner northern ring apartments,&nbsp;Academy North Melbourne, Merri Northcote and Preston Crossing, will see first home buyers get a chance to purchase with a three percent deposit, or less than $11,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109972 project_image_fid=185444]

For deposits greater than three per cent, purchasers will be entitled to a rebate that reduces the balance paid at settlement &ndash; an initiative designed to encourage saving while the homes are delivered.

Over 100 new apartments across the three projects will be available to first home buyers before launching to the broader public in 2022.

MAB General Manager Residential, David Allt-Graham said the initiative is&nbsp;a great opportunity for first home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109972 project_image_fid=185457]

&ldquo;MAB understands the challenges first home buyers face entering the inner-city property market and we believe that this initiative will help people in our city purchase their first home in tightly held inner-city locations,&quot; Allt-Graham said.

&ldquo;What&rsquo;s more, all three projects are being developed as sustainable, future-proofed homes with a minimum 7 Star NatHERS rating along with our commitment to deliver a 5 Star Green Star As-Built certification.

&quot;With a focus on sustainability, and operating fully electric, we&rsquo;re ensuring these future residents will have homes that are less expensive to operate and are better for the environment as we move towards a carbon-free future.

About MAB&rsquo;s Participating Projects 

Academy, North Melbourne 

The third collaboration between MAB and architect McBride Charles Ryan (MCR), Academy comprises 17 townhouses and 150 apartments and showcases an innovative, avant-garde design underpinned by flexible, welcoming homes that elevate the wellbeing of residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110214 project_image_fid=185969]

Merri, Northcote

Designed by Six Degrees to complement the natural beauty of Merri Creek, Merri Northcote will be home to 151 apartments upon its completion.

The new homes at the development aim to feel familiar and are immersed in their lush surroundings &ndash; encouraging a connection to nature through planned biophilic integrations and easy access to walking tracks.

Preston Crossing, Preston

Spearheaded by renowned architects Hayball, Archier and Breathe Architecture, Preston Crossing will home a&nbsp;mix of apartments and townhouses totalling 147 dwellings, which will champion progressive design and a connected community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109972 project_image_fid=185447]

Over 100 new apartments across the three projects will be available to first home buyers before launching to the broader public in 2022

MAB Corporation to reserve first release of three Melbourne apartment developments for first home buyers

Renowned developer Beulah has recently announced that their boutique collection of 15 homes will soon become the first carbon-neutral detached housing development in inner Melbourne.

Architecturally designed by Edition Office Design, the Northcote development has been curated to prioritise health, wellbeing and sustainability.&nbsp;

In order to achieve this, the team employed environmentally sustainable design principles. All 15 homes are fossil fuel-free and 100% electric, with integrated solar panels and induction cooktops.

Passive solar design has been utilised for thermal comfort and to minimise energy use, with double glazed windows and doors, cross ventilation, slab insulation and external operable blinds to the west and south west.

<a href="/new-townhouses/the-wilds-northcote-2a-2b-cunningham-street-northcote"><img alt="" height="3000" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_wilds_exterior_2_0.jpg" width="2250" /></a>

<a href="/new-townhouses/the-wilds-northcote-2a-2b-cunningham-street-northcote"><img alt="" height="2222" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_wilds_exterior_0.jpg" width="3168" /></a>

The development also includes a 5,000-litre rainwater tank for residents to use for gardening and water sensitive landscape design. Environmentally conscious travel is also supported with ample bicycle parking, and electric car charging provisions are available as an upgrade option.&nbsp;

Beulah Executive Director Adelene Teh explains that the neighbourhood&#39;s surroundings played a pivotal role in influencing the design of The Wilds.&nbsp;

&quot;The Wilds is incredibly rare in that it is not only carbon neutral, but it consists of expansive detached houses, all located with direct frontage to the Merri Creek. 
Residents will have the privacy of their own garden, yet will reap the benefits of belonging to a boutique community. As a company, we wanted to explore a carbon-neutral offering and we felt it aligned strongly with the sustainably-minded suburb of Northcote, where we could integrate the project into the landscape and respect the surroundings as much as possible to reduce its carbon footprint.&quot;

<a href="/new-townhouses/the-wilds-northcote-2a-2b-cunningham-street-northcote"><img alt="" height="2594" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_wilds_exterior1_0.jpg" width="1463" /></a>

On offer is a range of 3, 4 and 5 bedroom configurations, with generous floorplans designed for flexible use. There is also an additional living space in each home that buyers can customise to suit their needs &ndash; to create a home office, exercise space or a creative studio.&nbsp;

Prior to The Wilds, Beulah delivered Paragon, which features the largest vertical installation of solar panels in Australia.&nbsp;

Read next:&nbsp;<a href="/news/vic/beulah-unveil-off-the-plan-northcote-housing-development-the-wilds" target="_blank">Beulah unveil off the plan Northcote housing development The Wilds</a>

Olivia Round

Beulah's The Wilds residences are set to become inner Melbourne's first carbon-neutral detached housing development

The Melbourne developer Beulah have unveiled The Wilds, a boutique collection of houses on Northcote&#39;s Merri Creek.

The 15 detached houses have been designed by architecture studio Edition Office, the same team who were behind the multi-award winning Hawthorn House.

The positioning of the townhomes to front Merri Creek was a conscious effort, backed by research fro the Beulah team.

They looked at a study by the Swedish lecturer and professor Terry Hartig. Hartig&nbsp;looked&nbsp;at nature&#39;s influence on the mental restorative benefits for individuals, namely the benefits of water landscapes in restorative mental benefits.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=101145 project_image_fid=162759]

Those who were exposed to views and murals of waterscapes, as opposed to other nature scenes, had significantly improved attention spans, the survey found.

That saw Beulah align the frontages of the three and four bedroom houses towards Merri Creek, with the kitchens oriented to allow residents to take in the scenic views while cooking.

Beulah&#39;s co-founder and executive director Adelene Teh&nbsp;said as the paradigm shifts towards an increase in home buyers seeking a tree change, The Wilds caters to this growing demand by offering large-scale residences immersed in nature, with the conveniences of inner-city life.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=101145 project_image_fid=162761]

&ldquo;In the current Melbourne market, there are no developments of a similar nature to The Wilds, both due to its extremely unique location on the creek&#39;s edge, its rare urban house and land offering, and its design elements of connecting occupants with nature at every turn.

&ldquo;Residents will feel as though they are immersed in nature, yet the hustle and bustle of city life is only 3-kilometres away, easily accessible by train or via the Capital City Trail bike path.

Teh said they felt it was important to create a product that caters to this shift in lifestyle demands, for those who seek&nbsp;a tree change but want to be close to the city.

The houses are priced from $1.9 million.

The positioning of the townhomes to front Merri Creek was a conscious effort, backed by research fro the Beulah team

Beulah unveil off the plan Northcote housing development The Wilds

The Ruber Group has listed a nine storey apartment development site in the heart of Northcote.

The 1436 sqm corner site is at 387-393 High Street.

https://www.realcommercial.com.au/for-sale/property-387-393-high-street-northcote-vic-3070-503812834

It is on the corner of Separation Street, opposite Northcote Central and Plaza shopping centres.

It comes with a permit for 77 apartments across nine levels plus two retail spaces.

The design was by Hayball.

The project comes with an $7.5 million to $8 million price guide with offers due May 27.

Colliers' agents Jozef Dickinson, Hamish Burgess and Joe Kairouz have the listing of the Commercial 1 zoned site which is currently a large showroom leased to Sportsmart.

It is the only 'ready to go' development site of scale along the High Street strip.

The site was bought for $5 million in 2014.

The nearby Northcote Central and the Plaza are undergoing redevelopment.

 CRS agent Lou Montalti is auctioning a nearby smaller 560 sq m development site at 463-467 High Street on May 27.

It is permit approved for a six level residential development with basement car parking, two ground floor shops and 17 apartments 

Colliers advise there were no other 'ready to go' development sites of scale along the High Street strip

jchancellor

Ruber Group lists nine storey Northcote apartment development site

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Darebin Council, comprising Melbourne’s inner-northern region, has released the city’s first good design guides, devised to help lift the standard of design by developers working in Darebin.

The council endorsed the guides in early September as the first local government to do so outside of the City of Melbourne.

City designer Munir Vahanvati led the development of the documents which clarify the Council’s expected outcomes for design in planning application, and assist planners in pre-application meetings and assessments.

“Planning schemes by necessity are broad and there are various ways to meet the requirements. Our Good Design Guides clarify how Council expects applicants to meet those requirements in Darebin,” he said.

The guides form part of the Council’s design excellence program, aimed to lift the standard of design in multiple ways and help create quality neighbourhoods.

“We know ensuring high quality design will create more resilient and liveable neighbourhoods. It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about how things work and how the developments interact with their environment”, Vahanvati said.

Darebin is expected to see population growth of 40 per cent over the next 20 years and ensuring good design outcomes for the community is important, said Council CEO Sue Wilkinson.

We want our Darebin of the future to deliver on the ideals so important to us and our community. Our city needs to be sustainable, accessible and liveable, while supporting our diverse population,” she said.

Future guides are planned to set the standards for landscape, streetscape and environmentally sustainable design.

<h2>New developments in the City of Darebin </h2>

1. Northcote Place, Northcote 
Two-bedroom townhouses from $895,000 
Address: 198 Beavers Road, Northcote VIC 3070

<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/beavers.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/beavers.jpg?itok=PXvwJwsK" width="580"></a>

Northcote Place is located in the City of Darebin in a green location beside Merri Creek. Offering two-, three- and four-bedroom townhomes, the development is a “habitat for community-focused living”, the marketing reads.

Designed by ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects and Akas Landscape Architecture, the project offers native greenery, front porches and landscaped pedestrian streets to draw residents out of their homes. The homes also include a communal garden area with alfresco entertaining space.

2. MERRIPARK3070, Northcote 
Two-bedroom townhouses from $995,000 
Address: 7/2C Summer Avenue, Northcote VIC 3070

<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/merripark3070-7-2c-sumner-avenue-northcote-07eb6edd5b5d506eb872daa2fb67d6e0.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/merripark3070-7-2c-sumner-avenue-northcote-07eb6edd5b5d506eb872daa2fb67d6e0.jpg?itok=ITnX-MLf" width="580"></a>

Designed by Cera Stribley, MERRIPARK3070 comprises eight two-, three- and four-bedroom townhomes across three floors. Situated within the heritage-protected Sumner Estate, the development is in close proximity to Merri Creek and cycling trails.

The homes offer clever storage, floor-to-ceiling windows, courtyard balconies and split-level interiors. Two-bedroom homes are listed from $995,000, and three-bedroom homes from $1.225 million.
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The City of Darebin launch the Darebin Good Design Guide to improve the quality of development and create sustainable and liveable neighbourhoods

max.kwok_55688

City of Darebin sets new standard for developments

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A development site at 43-47 Simpson Street, Northcote, has sold after an Expressions of Interest campaign.
The 783 square metre site was listed by real estate agents Gray Johnson.
The property was sold for over $3.3 Million, according to Gray Johnson director Matt Hoath.
It was purchased by an established apartment developer who has specialised in the eastern and southern suburbs.
There are street frontages of 22.57 metres to Simpson Street and 34.65 metres to Robert Street.
The current permit from the City of Darebin allows a development of eighteen apartments, and three retail positions with space for a café (STPA) on the street frontage.
It is roughly seven kilometres from the CBD.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Northcote development site sold for $3.3 million

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The General, a pioneering residential building in Northcote designed by emerging Melbourne architecture practice C.Kairouz Architects has been recently completed.

Located on the corner of High Street and Bent Street, the development's moniker is derived from the nickname of Kairouz’s late father.

Built at the former site of the family’s butcher business, the project has been designed to honour his journey as a migrant to successful Australian business owner, while also employing strong sustainability measures on the way to a 7.5 start NatHERS energy rating.

The development is also the first ever residential building in Australia to use Onyx Solar photovoltaic glazing - as both a balustrade and power source - providing high quality and sustainable architecture. Working closely with engineers, the firm looked to ensure the energy produced by the glass offset the cost of light, power and mechanical equipment in common areas.

Design highlights include a curved glass facade and oak floors, while other sustainable features include:

<ul>
<li>A 25,000 litre rainwater tank used to flush toilets</li>
	<li>137 bicycle parks</li>
	<li>Multiple green spaces including a rooftop terrace</li>
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Urban.com.au asked Managing Director of C.Kairouz Architects, Chahid Kairouz about the sustainable design measures within the project and how they went about becoming the first Australian design firm to use photovoltaic glass.

<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/the_general_highst_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Onyx Solar photovoltaic glass has been used for the balustrades. Image: Peter Clarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_general_highst_1.jpg?itok=g9objmq8" title="Onyx Solar photovoltaic glass has been used for the balustrades. Image: Peter Clarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Onyx Solar photovoltaic glass has been used for the balustrades. Image: Peter Clarke</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: What was the catalyst for incorporating the Onyx photovoltaic glass on The General? And at what stage of the design process did the decision to include this in the design occur?

Chahid Kairouz: The General was inspired by the desire to honour my late father’s legacy and pioneer a new technology with a sustainability focus. Onyx Solar photovoltaic glass was adopted due to its appeal of being both a building fabric and a power generating element.

We worked with many consultants to review different technologies and really pushed to champion this product in Australia and start the take-up of this technology and notion of innovative ways to clad the building.  

U: Sometimes design features such as solar harnessing capabilities are poorly integrated into the design. How important was this in providing a quality design response for The General?

CK: We worked closely with ETS, Energy Efficient Choices and Inhabit in order to develop the product specifically for The General. This was a project in itself, coordinating with steel fabricators, structural engineers, fire engineers and the facade engineer to produce detailed shop drawings. 

Special engineering of the product was needed to ensure that it would be strong enough to withstand the practical use of acting as a balustrade, as well as yield the potential to generate solar power. Additionally, the Onyx Solar product is very aesthetically beautiful, so works perfectly as a sleek, black building fabric on the northern facade.

The Onyx Solar glass, coupled with other sustainable initiatives meant that we sought a minimum 7.5 natHERS rating.

U: The idea of legacy is often spoken about in terms of new apartment developments and what they contribute to their immediate context. The site was formerly home to your family's butcher business, how much did the idea of legacy influence the design and the development of the site both in terms of environmental and social sustainability?

 CK: The butcher business my father started with his five brothers still runs today, and is one of the most recognised and demanded product brands in the small stock industry (Cedar Meats). The whole business is run on the values of environmental and social sustainability, from our commitment to animal welfare to employing over 400 staff, many of them ethnic migrants, just like my father.

As a result, the business was the winner of the National Ethnic Business of the Year in 2015. 

It was extremely important to reflect my father’s values in the design of The General; not only for sentimental value but to stand the test of time in its design and its use of cutting-edge sustainable technology on the facade; a combination makes the building and the apartments be relevant for longer. Similarly, the original design for The General started at 114 apartments but was reduced to 87 to make way for greater mixed-use spaces so the building could be more multidisciplinary.

U: Being the first Australian project to incorporate photovoltaic glass did you have to research projects abroad and what did you learn?

CK: Pioneering the product on a facade in Australia for the first time came with inherent challenges and naturally, there was a big degree of experimentation involved. 

Technically speaking, it displays a solar factor of 10%, making it an ideal candidate to achieve control over the interior temperature. The product has been proven to yield low-emissivity properties, provide a UV and IR filter, promote natural light, and generate power.

Statistically translated, this allows The General to generate 2,075 kWh per year and prevents the release of 1.95 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere.

Pioneering the product encourages future development and refinement to make it more commercial and increase the public awareness and philosophy for it to be adopted in the future.

U: Do you expect more developers and architects to follow suit and will you be looking at incorporating photovoltaic glass in future projects?

CK: Yes - we feel that industry recognition and support of our initiative is important in spreading the message.

<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/the_general_foyer_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The General's foyer. Image: Peter Clarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_general_foyer_2.jpg?itok=EoybN271" title="The General's foyer. Image: Peter Clarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The General's foyer. Image: Peter Clarke</figcaption></figure>Lead Image: Peter Clarke
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Laurence Dragomir

Chahid Kairouz provides insight on The General's Australian-first photovoltaic glass 

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The General, a multi-residential project in Melbourne's Northcote, is taking sustainable architecture to a new level.
The Cedar Group development, designed by emerging Melbourne architecture practice C.Kairouz Architects, is the first residential building in Australia to use Onyx Solar photovoltaic glass on a facade, providing high-quality and sustainable architecture.
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Acting as both a balustrade and power source on the building’s north facing exterior, The General also boasts a 7.5 star NatHERS energy rating.
C.Kairouz Architects director Chahid Kairouz said the glass supplied by Environmental Technology Solutions allows the ingress of daylight, while also offering significant thermal protection.
Working closely with engineers, the firm looked to ensure the energy produced by the glass offset the cost of light, power and mechanical equipment in common areas.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/8/22/general2.jpg" alt="">
 
Located on the prominent corner of High Street and Bent Street, the development is affectionately labelled ​The General,​ the nickname of Kairouz’s late father. Built at the former site of the family’s butcher business, the project honours his journey as a migrant to successful Australian business owner. 
“On the building’s east facing exterior, a curved glass facade features a reference to my father, with a subtle image of a General on a horse across all panels. This patterned glass is also able to be illuminated into a beacon-like effect,” Kairouz said.
The curved exterior carries through to the foyer with the main entrance featuring rounded glass doors mirrored by a curved grey tiled sculpture-like divider.
The development comprises one, two and three bedroom apartments. There are gas fireplaces in 14 apartments.
With sustainability the main focus for C.Kairouz, green spaces enhance the building’s 7.5 star energy rating with a rooftop terrace, green wall in the entrance, and planter boxes on each apartment balcony also a feature.
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Elsewhere in the building’s basement, a 25,000 litre rainwater tank which collects water from the rooftops is used to flush 50 toilets. 
Encouraging green-centric transport the building contains 137 bicycle parks.
A mixed-use building, ​The General ​is also home to street-frontage restaurants, retail stores and offices.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

The General in Northcote takes sustainability to new levels

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An Austin Maynard Architects designed home at Northcote has been listed for December auction.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-northcote-126852778" target="_blank">The 7 Walker Street four bedroom home</a> comes with $3.2 million to $3.4 million expectations.
It is set in the patch of the suburb known as Westgarth.
The Austin Maynard Architects work is set behind its Gothic Revival facade.
The December 2 auction is through Nelson Alexander agent Peter Stephens.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/11/19/f2100d54007b40ab8ffc6b78ef671a4f.jpg" alt="">
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