A Moroccan-bathhouse residential tower has been unveiled for Budds Beach, with Australian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/homecorp">Homecorp</a> announcing plans for a $260 million resort-style project in one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held waterfront precincts.

A development application has been submitted to the Gold Coast City Council for a 27-storey tower at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue, Surfers Paradise, marking one of the few new large-scale residential projects proposed for the precinct in more than a decade.

The project will comprise 156 two- and three-bedroom residences, anchored by a residents-only Moroccan spa-inspired wellness sanctuary featuring private treatment rooms, a traditional Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools and a curated juice bar. There will also be a resort-style rooftop precinct, complete with a heated infinity pool and spa, a residents’ lounge with a private kitchen and bar, a contemporary fitness centre with a yoga and Pilates studio, and outdoor BBQ areas with entertaining lounges.

<img alt="8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue, Surfers Paradise" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="997f8dbb-4ed1-47e4-8780-d12a3d5cd0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_3.png?VersionId=IsDJXxE8.HG92i4dnbmmPQi.fVXjME7I" />

"At Homecorp, we are driven by the pursuit of better - challenging expectations, thinking bigger and shaping communities that leave a lasting legacy," said Ron Bakir, CEO and Founder of Homecorp.

"This project draws on our experience and expertise to take what the market has been craving to the next level - a home that nurtures wellness, calms the mind and lifts the everyday stresses away. A home is more than a place you live, it’s where you rest, reset and find balance."

&nbsp;

Bakir says what sets the location&nbsp;apart is its rare, tightly held nature within one of the Gold Coast’s most vibrant lifestyle and entertainment precincts, yet quietly tucked away in a peaceful, beachside enclave.

"Budds Beach has remained exceptionally limited in supply over the past decade and this site presented an unmatched opportunity to deliver something truly special to both Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast.”

Conveniently connected to major roads and the G:link, residents will enjoy easy access to Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads, while still being just minutes from the city’s most iconic beaches and the Broadwater’s ‘golden mile’.

The 2130 sqm site acquisition adds to Homecorp’s growing Gold Coast multi-storey portfolio on the Gold Coast, following the success of Eve Residences in Labrador upon its completion in November 2024. In 2025, Eve earned multiple national accolades and went on to win ‘Best Oceanview Condo Development’ in the Asia Pacific region at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, outperforming entries from more than 13 prestigious international markets.

The company also commenced construction last year on the highly anticipated $250 million second stage of Cienna Varsity Ridge, set to deliver 289 residences by 2027 in the heart of Varsity Lakes, and launched the $210 million Florence Residences along Surfers Paradise’s Monte Carlo Avenue to the market, with construction kicking off last month.

"The property market is constantly evolving, particularly here on the Gold Coast, which continues to outperform national trends thanks to its unmatched lifestyle, natural beauty and growing infrastructure, especially ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. We are proud to be adding more homes to the skyline, creating spaces that are not only designed for liveability but also nurture wellness within. They are homes that are built to last a lifetime and beyond," concluded Mr Bakir.

The project is set to launch to the market later this year.

Joel Robinson

Homecorp lodges plans for $260 million Moroccan bathhouse-inspired tower in Budds Beach

What began as a leap of faith in the 1970s has evolved into one of the Gold Co​ast's most enduring development success stories. Raptis, now led by second-generation developer Evan Raptis, continues to shape the region's skyline four decades after patriarch Jim Raptis first ventured north from Sy​dney.

Jim Raptis began developing in Sy​dney in his 20s under the guidance of a seasoned mentor. After several successful joint ventures, he sensed untapped potential on the Gold Coast and made the bold decision to relocate. That instinct proved prescient, the Raptis family has contributed thousands of apartments to what was once purely a tourist destination and is now recognised as Australia's lifestyle capital.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=101620 project_image_fid=361818]

With decades of experience navigating the complex Gold Coast development landscape, Raptis maintains fully vertical integration, from site acquisition and construction through to marketing and sales strategies. This comprehensive approach has allowed the company to weather multiple market cycles and emerge well-positioned for the region's continued growth.

"We've seen the region change drastically over the last two decades, with that change accelerating in the last five years," says Evan Raptis. "The Gold Coast is becoming unrecognisable. There are some exciting projects happening up and down the coast. The Spit is being talked about as Australia's version of Monaco, with billions in development underway."

Unlike the volatile pre-GFC years that rocked the Gold Coast market, Raptis believes the region has matured considerably. "Demand remains strong, but the market is now settled and stable."

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While the company recently completed Pearl Main Beach, an 84-apartment development just 53 steps from the sand, Broadbeach has truly been home for the Raptis family.

"There's nothing Broadbeach doesn't have," Raptis says. "There's always a new café or restaurant coming into the neighbourhood, and the redevelopment of the Niecon Plaza, bringing nearly 5,500 square metres of retail, dining and office space, will only elevate Broadbeach even further."

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The suburb has reached what Raptis describes as a "settled phase" of its evolution, with owner-occupiers and repeat visitors increasingly shaping demand rather than traditional investors.

The company's latest Broadbeach project, Sterling, is now constructed to level 22 and scheduled for handover in June 2026. With approximately 70 per cent of apartments already sold ahead of completion, the development has attracted a distinct buyer profile.

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"We're seeing significant interest from lock-up-and-leave buyers and downsizers," Raptis explains. "Some use the apartments over Easter or Christmas, while others come down from Brisbane on weekends. They aren't your typical 'investors' who will put the apartments up for permanent rental."

Sterling offers prospective buyers a rare advantage: fully completed display apartments showcasing several two- and three-bedroom configurations, something few off-the-plan developments can provide.

With another Broadbeach project in the pipeline, Raptis emphasises that the next chapter is about maintaining standards rather than pursuing growth at any cost.

"We've been building for over four decades, and our track record matters. Our focus remains the same: deliver what we build, stay close to the details, and delivering a finished product that hopefully exceeds our clients' expectations."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=101620]

It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline

JWLand has completed the final residential stage of its Lyneham precinct, Northbourne Village, with De Burgh now welcoming residents who have begun settling into their new homes.

A selection of the 350 studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments remains available within the two-building <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/de-burgh-at-northbourne-village-40-de-burgh-street-lyneham-act-2602">De Burgh</a>, which occupies a prominent position along Northbourne Avenue.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=359152]

The apartments at De Burgh have been configured to prioritise natural light, privacy, and usable outdoor space, with ground-floor homes featuring private courtyards and upper-level apartments opening to generous balconies. Double-glazed windows are standard across the development, supporting acoustic comfort and improved energy performance.

Kitchens are fitted with Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, while all residences include ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning integrated with app-based controls, allowing residents to manage lighting and climate remotely. These inclusions reflect a broader focus on durability, efficiency, and everyday functionality rather than short-term finishes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=356280]

Shared amenity is delivered through a resident gym, rooftop garden, lounge spaces, parcel lockers, and landscaped communal areas that connect De Burgh to the wider Northbourne Village environment.

Nick Babic, Marketing Project Manager at JWLand, said the completion of De Burgh gives buyers a level of certainty that off-the-plan purchases cannot always provide.

“There’s no need to wait or play guessing games. You can come and see the spaces firsthand, and genuinely picture yourself living there today. That includes not only the apartments, but the amenities as well. It’s easy to imagine enjoying a coffee in the central courtyard or spending time with other residents in the lounge.”

The completed status of the project aligns with strong buyer demand for finished stock, particularly among first home buyers, young professionals, and downsizers seeking certainty around timing and cost.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=356282]

With pricing ranging from $463,000 to $1.588 million, much of the offering sits within reach of buyers looking to enter the Inner North apartment market.

De Burgh’s location underpins its buyer appeal, positioned approximately 600 metres from the light rail and three kilometres from Canberra’s CBD, with direct access to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/lyneham-act-2602">Lyneham</a> wetlands, Sullivan’s Creek parkland, and the established hospitality and retail precincts of Lyneham and Dickson.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139989]

Canberra's newest apartment building: JWLand completes De Burgh at Northbourne Village

One of Victoria’s largest private developers, Central Equity, has commenced construction on Palmera, its $1 billion luxury residential development at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast, appointing Tier 1 builder Multiplex to deliver the project.

The fast-track to construction is being undertaken ahead of Central Equity officially launching the project to market.

The company says the move reflects its confidence in both the calibre of its offering and the Gold Coast’s long-term fundamentals, underpinned by one of Australia’s strongest growing economies, continued population growth and sustained infrastructure investment.

A diversifying employment base across health, education, professional services and tourism has helped insulate the local economy from volatility, while limited new supply in established coastal locations continues to support demand from owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking long-term lifestyle value.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera</a> is being constructed in the prestigious Northcliffe residential neighbourhood on an expansive 3,239 sqm site. It is located at 18 Garfield Terrace near the Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club and the patrolled Northcliffe surf beach, situated between Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=361249]

Offering a mix of spacious three-bedroom apartments over 52 levels, Palmera is designed to deliver a full suite of premium residences to buyers looking for the ultimate coastal lifestyle that the Gold Coast has to offer.

The project’s premium apartments will deliver northern views across the Surfers Paradise beachfront and extending all the way around to Burleigh Heads and beyond.

Palmera will be crowned by its top four levels, being a limited collection of penthouses and skyhomes that further elevate the residential offering through generous proportions and uninterrupted panoramic views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=361246]

The appointment of Multiplex as the builder represents a major milestone for Palmera and cements Central Equity’s commitment to the Gold Coast after delivering more than 85 residential projects over the past four decades. It will be the 20th project collaboration between Central Equity and Multiplex.

“The commencement of construction at Palmera marks a major milestone for the project, with Tier 1 builder Multiplex appointed to deliver the development in the highly sought-after Northcliffe residential precinct on the Gold Coast,” said Central Equity Executive Director Karl Kutner.

“Our commitment to commence immediate construction is in line with our resounding confidence in the Gold Coast over the long term. The city has evolved and proven to be one of Australia’s most dynamic and resilient property markets in recent years.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=361250]

Multiplex, one of Australia’s largest builders, has been shaping skylines and delivering iconic projects around the world since 1962. In that time, the Tier 1 global contractor has delivered projects with a combined value of more than US$130 billion.

“Having worked with Multiplex on many previous developments, we are pleased to be extending our relationship further with Palmera,” Kutner added.

“Multiplex brings an unparalleled depth of experience to ensure that Palmera fulfils the vision we have laid out for this strategic location and is delivered to the highest standards,” he said.

Multiplex Regional Managing Director Michael Sinclair said Multiplex was delighted to be aligning with Central Equity yet again.

“Central Equity is creating a stunning new addition to the Gold Coast skyline, and we look forward to bringing their vision to life with a world-class construction team and program. We are proud to be working alongside Central Equity on our 20th project together.”

Palmera has been designed by Marchese Partners, with interiors by DBI.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=361247]

Residents will have private access to extensive, state-of-the-art amenities, featuring two large pools including a generously scaled, family-friendly pool with safe shallow zones, and a 25-metre lap pool facing the western side, ensuring maximum sunlight all day.

Also available exclusively to residents is a sauna, magnesium pool, yoga studio, expansive gym, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ and dining areas. Residents will also be welcomed by concierge and luxurious entry foyer.

Located on Garfield Terrace in Northcliffe, Palmera enjoys a prime coastal position just moments from the patrolled Northcliffe beach and the G:link light rail, providing effortless connectivity along the Gold Coast’s beachfront suburbs, linking the Gold Coast University Hospital in the north with Nobby beach and Burleigh Heads to the south once the extension completes later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Central Equity unveils Palmera on Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise

The idea of a low-maintenance forever home located close to the city were the two driving factors behind a recent purchaser’s journey at Murcia, the under-construction East Brisbane apartment development by Sarazin.

Last year, Lois and her husband purchased a two-bedroom plus multi-purpose room (MPR) apartment in the new building, which is being constructed by Hutchinson Builders and is on track for completion in late-2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=341638]

The couple’s number one priority was to remain within easy commuting distance of the city for work. Murcia is positioned alongside the new Cross River Rail, with Woolloongabba Station just 300 metres from the front door.

They are currently living in their Annerley unit, which they have owned for several years, after recently moving out of their inner-city apartment, located on the very same street as Murcia.

“We had watched the development for a long time, and when construction activity began, that’s when we felt confident to buy,” Lois said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=356540]

The timing also made sense. By moving back into their Annerley unit, they are able to save money ahead of settlement, while looking forward to returning closer to the city once Murcia is complete.

“We see Murcia as a forever home, as opposed to an investment, or something we need to appreciate massively in value and move on from in a few years,” Lois said.

“We secured an apartment large enough to grow a family, so we’re expecting to call Murcia home for a very long time.”

The couple plan to grow their family, but without the added maintenance demands of owning a standalone house further from the city. Working with Sarazin and architect HAL, they were able to slightly tweak the floorplan, converting the two-bedroom plus MPR layout into a functional three-bedroom apartment.

An added bonus was the recently revised communal space plans, which now incorporate a dedicated working-from-home area, complete with work pods, and shared desks.

“It means the third bedroom doesn’t have to become a part-time office and part-time bedroom,” Lois said, adding that residents have the benefit of working from home without actually being inside their apartment.

The rooftop wellness amenity was another standout compared to living in an established complex or a house. A signature feature of Sarazin developments, the rooftop will include a full gym, hot and cold plunge pools, a steam room and sauna, and a hotel-style pool with cabanas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=214682]

Buyer journeys can vary significantly, from purchasing in the established market to buying new, or choosing between houses and apartments. Lois said they knew immediately that buying off the plan was right for them.

“We wanted something new, with less maintenance, and we weren’t quite ready to make the full financial leap straight away. The timing and deposit structure gave us the flexibility we needed.”

Designed by HAL Architects and inspired by the Spanish city of Murcia, the development takes a Mediterranean-influenced approach to architecture and landscaping, with a strong emphasis on shared spaces.

“The design feels considered, the amenities support how we actually live, and the location keeps us connected to the city without feeling right in the middle of it.”

Murcia is Sarazin’s second development in the area, following the completion of Silk One just up the road in 2022. They have several more projects coming to market in Woolloongabba ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Summer Olympics.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135094]

Close to the city, built for the future: Inside a growing family’s move to Murcia in East Brisbane

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

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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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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:

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<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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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.
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