Design-led developer-builder Lowe Living has unveiled its latest residential development, Jardin House, marking its first foray into Melbourne's blue-chip City of Boroondara.

Located a short walk from Camberwell Junction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House</a> has been designed to appeal to affluent local downsizers and established families seeking a low-maintenance alternative to the large homes that have long defined Camberwell and surrounding suburbs.

The project will comprise a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 92 sqm to 280 sqm, alongside a limited number of penthouse residences featuring rooftop terraces spanning more than 100 sqm, with optional private pools.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372212]

Lowe Living Co-Founder and Managing Director Tim Lowe said Camberwell represented a natural next step for the developer as it expands into some of Melbourne's most tightly held residential markets.

"Jardin House is an important project for our team as it marks the next evolution of our portfolio into different well-established blue-chip pockets of Melbourne," Lowe said.

"Camberwell, with its incredible walkability, family-led neighbourhood feel and superb access to education and transport, makes it a natural choice for us."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372227]

Designed by Tristan Wong Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie and landscaping by Acre, the development takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture that remains a defining feature of many of Camberwell's established streets.

A curved facade, arched openings, textured brickwork and sculpted forms reference the suburb's architectural heritage, while extensive landscaping softens the building's presence and creates a strong connection to the surrounding tree-lined streetscape.

The project will be set behind a secure gated entrance, with residents arriving through landscaped gardens designed to create a transition between the public realm and private residences.

Inside, the residences feature natural stone and timber finishes, full-height glazing, Miele appliances and generous open-plan living areas designed for long-term owner occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372225]

While the apartments themselves have been designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers, it is the amenity offering that sets Jardin House apart from many other boutique projects currently launching across Melbourne.

The centrepiece is a 350 sqm private bathhouse curated in partnership with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse founder Lyndall Mitchell.

The wellness precinct includes mineral pools, hydrotherapy experiences, a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pools and dedicated relaxation spaces, creating what Lowe Living describes as a private wellness retreat exclusively for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372222]

The collaboration follows Lowe Living's recent partnership with Aurora at Maison Savoy in Brighton, although Jardin House is the first project to incorporate both indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said wellness was becoming an increasingly important consideration for apartment buyers.

"Collaborating with Lyndall Mitchell from Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse for a second time is an intentional nod to creating residences that are more than just homes, but a way to enrich the lives of our residents through wellness and longevity," Lowe said.

The amenity offering is complemented by a Technogym fitness studio, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and concierge services.

The launch comes as developers increasingly target Melbourne's established eastern suburbs, where rising land values, ageing housing stock and growing downsizer demand are creating opportunities for boutique apartment projects.

Lowe said the company expects significant generational wealth transfer across suburbs such as Camberwell in coming years, creating further demand for luxury apartment living.

"Camberwell is a blue-chip suburb where homes regularly transact for multiple millions of dollars," he said.

"The generational change of wealth in these locations expected in the coming years is significant, so we see an opportunity to create exclusive residences that appeal to older families and downsizers in order to meet this demand."

Apartments at Jardin house start from $1,195,000. The project forms part of Lowe Living's near-$1 billion portfolio of new developments across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146717]

Joel Robinson

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

As <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> continues its transition from a commercial centre into a more layered residential and lifestyle precinct, a new generation of apartment developments is reshaping expectations around scale, amenity, and long-term liveability.

Improved transport connections through the Victoria Cross Metro, continued investment in dining and public spaces, and a constrained supply of new luxury apartments have sharpened demand for homes that combine proximity to the CBD with the privacy and outlook traditionally associated with harbourside houses.

At 177 Walker Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a>’s new apartment development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> enters the market with a distinctly residential approach to high-rise living. The 30-level tower will deliver 161 residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to sub-penthouses and a full-floor penthouse, all oriented to capture uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and out toward the Pacific Ocean.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6395]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project takes advantage of the site’s natural topography and elevated position above the harbour. Rather than relying on density alone, the architecture focuses on outlook, orientation, and spatial flow, with every apartment occupying a corner position to maximise natural light and cross ventilation.

Rothelowman says the site itself shaped much of the architectural response.

“The site has a long history in terms of its inevitable transformation and when we came in, we took inspiration from the idea of reestablishing a sense of the site’s natural terrain and fall. Our scheme aims to integrate with the terrain and the landscape, using the undulating site to slowly reveal glimpses and views of the harbour. The rotation of the tower off grid means every apartment has a view and is naturally cross ventilated. The building's colour palette is quintessentially Sydney, with bronze and sandstone and a luminescent green colour in the glass, making it very earthy and grounded in its location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]

Inside the residences, the emphasis moves toward larger-format living typically associated with standalone homes. Kitchens sit at the centre of the apartments, connecting directly to open-plan dining and living areas before extending outward into expansive winter gardens and balconies. Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, and custom metal detailing are used throughout, while three distinct interior palettes, Terrace, Opera, and Harbour, allow buyers to personalise the spaces without compromising the architectural consistency of the project.

The larger residences place particular attention on separation between entertaining and private zones. In many apartments, master suites occupy the outer corners of the floorplates, allowing bedrooms to benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and harbour outlooks independent of the living spaces. Dressing rooms and ensuites continue the material palette through fluted detailing, freestanding baths, and layered stone finishes.

Rothelowman says the design intent centred on creating homes that feel enduring rather than transient.

“Our philosophy is all about the way people live in these spaces, and we wanted to create homes that reflect the quality of life in this unique Sydney location. The apartments showcase expansive living spaces that are generous, sophisticated, and bold, with the ability to connect with views throughout each apartment.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=353235]

A separate four-storey amenity building known as The Pavilion expands the residential offering beyond the apartments themselves. Positioned alongside the tower, the building consolidates wellness, recreation, and social spaces into a dedicated resident retreat. Facilities include a 20-metre rooftop pool and sundeck, sauna, spa, ice bath, wellness studio, gymnasium, concierge service, wine cellar, residents’ lounge, private dining spaces, and dedicated co-working areas with meeting rooms and boardroom facilities.

The amenity mix reflects the buyer profile emerging in North Sydney, where owner-occupiers and downsizers are increasingly prioritising convenience, apartment scale, and long-term usability over purely investment-driven decisions.

The Walden also represents a significant milestone for ALAND, marking the company’s first major move into Sydney’s inner-city luxury apartment market after more than two decades delivering large-scale residential communities across Greater Sydney. Founder Andrew Hrsto says the Walker Street site stood apart because of both its positioning and its rarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6390]

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic.”

At launch, The Walden recorded more than $103 million in sales, with buyers drawn to the project’s harbour positioning, apartment scale, and proximity to the Metro, which now connects North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five.

ALAND has commenced construction, and is expecting a completion date in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

The Walden pairs house-scale living with North Sydney connectivity

The ACT will become the first jurisdiction in Australia to abolish stamp duty for all first home buyers, with no income caps and no property price thresholds from 1 July.

The move, announced as part of the ACT Budget, completes a key election commitment from the Barr Government and removes what Chief Minister Andrew Barr described as one of the biggest barriers to entering the housing market. The reform forms part of the ACT's long-running transition away from transaction taxes and towards a broader-based property tax system.

"This budget marks a major milestone in our long-term tax reform program," Barr said, adding that the government had maintained a sustained focus on removing barriers to home ownership. He said stamp duty had long been one of the largest upfront hurdles facing buyers and that from July, "that barrier is gone" for first home buyers in the Territory.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=350986]

The changes come alongside a range of measures designed to encourage new housing supply, including support for the delivery of so-called "missing middle" housing such as terraces, townhouses and low-rise multi-unit developments.

The announcement has renewed debate around whether the ACT's approach could provide a blueprint for improving housing affordability nationally.

New research from OurTop10.com.au, conducted by Primara Research, suggests the Territory's decade-long reform agenda has produced outcomes unmatched elsewhere in Australia.

While stamp duty costs have increased by an average 67 per cent nationally over the past decade, the ACT has recorded growth of just 15 per cent, the lowest increase of any jurisdiction.

The Territory has also emerged as one of the strongest performers on housing delivery. Based on population-weighted housing targets, the ACT is sitting less than one per cent behind its target. Victoria is the next closest at seven per cent behind, while the national average sits 25 per cent below target. New South Wales is tracking 39 per cent behind.

The latest reform removes one of the final barriers facing first home buyers in Canberra.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=359152]

The average Australian home buyer currently pays $61,714 in stamp duty. In the ACT, that figure is $38,399 despite the Territory having the third-highest median house price in the country.

Until now, the ACT's first home buyer concession scheme only applied to purchases up to $1.02 million, around $51,000 below Canberra's median house price of $1.071 million. In practical terms, many first home buyers were unable to access the median-priced home without losing the concession.

From July, those restrictions disappear.

Every first home buyer in the ACT will pay no stamp duty, regardless of income or purchase price.

Canberra remains one of Australia's most expensive housing markets, with dwelling values increasing 82 per cent over the past decade. However, that growth ranks only 11th among Australia's 15 major housing markets, suggesting affordability pressures have been less severe than in many other parts of the country.

Simon Ma, CEO of OurTop10.com.au, said the latest reforms recognise that many first home buyers have simply outgrown thresholds set years ago.

"Many first home buyers aren't just looking for a way onto the ladder, they want a home their family can actually live in," Ma said.

"In a market where the median house price is over a million dollars, a concession scheme that cuts out at $1.02 million was never going to get them there.

"Removing the ceiling entirely means ACT first home buyers can now pursue the home they actually want, rather than limiting themselves to a price point designed for a very different market."

Whether other states follow remains to be seen. But at a time when most jurisdictions are struggling to improve affordability while also increasing housing supply, the ACT has quietly become the national test case for both.

15% stamp duty growth. Just 1% off the national housing target. Zero stamp duty for FHBs. Is the ACT the blueprint for the great Australian dream?

ACT abolishes stamp duty for first home buyers

A rooftop pool and spa overlooking the Brisbane CBD, private dining spaces, expansive landscaped gardens and a residents' lounge are set to crown <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/callista-on-park-west-end-49-mollison-street-west-end-qld-4101">Callista on Park</a>, the final residential building within Brisbane's West Village precinct.

The rooftop amenity collection has been designed as an extension of the lifestyle already established throughout West Village, providing residents with a series of indoor and outdoor spaces that capitalise on the building's elevated position above West End.

A swimming pool and heated spa form the centrepiece of the rooftop offering, surrounded by landscaped gardens developed through a collaboration between developer Sekisui House and ASPECT Studios. The design incorporates expansive lawn areas surrounded by English garden-inspired planting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=370648]

Residents will also have access to two barbecue and outdoor dining areas positioned to take advantage of views across Brisbane's skyline, neighbouring Mollison Park, and the surrounding inner-city landscape.

For larger gatherings, the rooftop includes a private dining room centred around a substantial stone island bench, complete with a full kitchen and a 10-seat dining table set beneath four-metre-high ceilings. The space has been designed to overlook both the rooftop gardens and the Brisbane CBD skyline.

A separate residents' lounge provides an additional indoor retreat connected to the broader rooftop amenity offering, creating another space for residents to work, relax or entertain guests.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=370647]

The attention to detail extends beyond the rooftop.

Upon arrival, residents will enter through a lobby featuring a bespoke ceiling light installation developed in collaboration between Sekisui House and Alcorn Middleton Architecture. The arrival experience is complemented by private resident mailboxes and carefully considered interior finishes designed to reflect the premium positioning of the building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=372541]

The amenity offering forms part of Callista on Park, the final residential release within the decade-long transformation of the former Peters Ice Cream Factory site into West Village, one of Brisbane's most established mixed-use communities.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a>, Callista represents the most premium residential offering within the masterplanned precinct.

Construction is now entering its final stages, with scaffolding beginning to come down and completion expected in the first quarter of 2027.

Prices for the three-bedroom plus MPR apartments start from just over $2.6 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=351535]

Callista will mark the final opportunity to purchase within West Village, where residents have direct access to more than 35 retail, dining, wellness and medical operators including Harris Farm Markets, Woolworths, Function Well and Goodlife Health Clubs, Metro Arts, and a growing collection of restaurants and cafés.

Located just 800 metres from the Brisbane CBD, the precinct also places residents within walking distance of South Bank, West End's dining scene, riverfront parklands and major public transport connections.

For Sekisui House, which has delivered more than two million homes globally, Callista serves as the concluding piece of the West Village masterplan, bringing together the precinct's heritage character, parkland setting and emphasis on walkability in a final collection of larger-format residences.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134800]

Rooftop pool, private dining and skyline gardens to crown West Village's final apartment release, Callista on Park

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/wahroonga-nsw-2076">Wahroonga</a>’s enduring appeal has long been tied to its balance of bushland, established amenity, and access to some of Sydney’s most respected education and healthcare institutions.

Along Fox Valley Road, that combination is becoming increasingly sought after by buyers looking to remain connected to the Upper North Shore lifestyle while prioritising walkability, wellbeing, and convenience.

Developer Capital Corporation's initial vision of a 62-hectare site on Fox Valley Road was that they could create their own walkable community, bordered by&nbsp;more than 25 hectares of bushland and adjoining Coups Creek.

<img alt="Wahroonga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b84917a1-0d75-49b9-888c-ddf7ebfd6692" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/NEW2026_Wahroonga_Walkway.gif?VersionId=Gk3_xi5ssYfalmwuQQ5umQakddceC31j" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-residences-at-wahroonga-estate-169-fox-valley-road-wahroonga-nsw-2076">The Residences at Wahroonga Estate</a> draws directly on the area’s natural landscape, with walking trails and green corridors linking into sections of Lane Cove National Park. The surrounding network of bushwalks, cycling tracks, and reserves reinforces the suburb’s long-standing reputation as one of Sydney’s most nature-oriented residential pockets, while still maintaining close ties to village retail and transport infrastructure.

The address places residents within minutes of Wahroonga and Turramurra villages, where cafés, local grocers, boutiques, and everyday services support a highly localised lifestyle. Popular nearby venues including The Fox Café and Breeze Valley Café provide easy options for morning coffee or casual dining, while longstanding retailers such as IGA Wahroonga Fresh and Novella Fine Books continue to anchor the area’s village character.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Wahroonga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4a950f7-4f05-4370-b360-b106359788e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/2026_Wahroonga_Entry_Gates.gif?VersionId=7n5kh9ymu.azYEYDemJkPgiIAfSw44oj" />

Healthcare access remains one of the defining locational advantages of the estate. Sydney Adventist Hospital, known locally as The San, sits directly adjacent and is one of the largest and most respected private hospitals in New South Wales. The hospital precinct incorporates specialist medical services, radiology, physiotherapy, and outpatient care, contributing to growing buyer demand from downsizers and owner-occupiers seeking long-term convenience and peace of mind.

Research commissioned by Capital Corporation found that health and wellbeing considerations are increasingly influencing downsizing decisions, particularly among buyers wanting to remain within familiar neighbourhoods while accessing medical infrastructure more easily.

Education has also historically underpinned demand across Wahroonga and the broader Upper North Shore. The estate sits close to several of Sydney’s leading private and independent schools, including Knox Grammar, Abbotsleigh, Barker College, Pymble Ladies’ College, Ravenswood School for Girls, and Loreto Normanhurst. Co-educational options including Wahroonga Adventist School and Sydney Adventist School further strengthen the area’s appeal to established families looking for long-term schooling pathways within a tightly held catchment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=262183]

Transport connectivity supports the suburb’s liveability without compromising its quieter residential character. Wahroonga and Turramurra train stations provide direct rail access into the Sydney CBD, while the nearby Pacific Highway and M1 motorway strengthen links across the North Shore and broader metropolitan area. At the same time, the heavily treed streetscape and low-density character continue to distinguish the precinct from more urbanised parts of Sydney.

The Residences at Wahroonga Estate forms the first stage of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/capital-corporation">Capital Corporation</a>’s broader masterplanned vision for the precinct, delivered alongside the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=364995]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/group-gsa">GroupGSA</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/coco-republic-interior-design">Coco Republic</a>, the development integrates landscaped communal spaces including a pet-friendly Green Spine, resident lounge, BBQ pavilion, and direct bushland access, reinforcing the project’s focus on outdoor connection and community-based living.

Now under construction by Gold Star iCIRT-rated builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/dasco-australia">DASCO</a>, The Residences at Wahroonga Estate will deliver a collection of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments priced from $990,000, with completion anticipated in 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135247]

Capital Corporation to cater to Upper North Shore downsizers by creating walkable community at The Residences at Wahroonga Estate

Passivhaus

<html><body>
<div>
Following the launch of Australia’s first Passivhaus apartment <a href="/new-apartments/the-fern-7-wyndham-street-alexandria">The Fern</a>, Apartments.com.au caught up with the man behind the design – Oliver Steele, founder of Sydney based architecture and building practice Steele Associates.

Oliver discusses code compliance, building loopholes, <a href="/news/no-dust-no-noise-no-bills-australias-first-passivhaus-apartments-are-almost-here">Passivhaus design</a> and what buyers should be looking out for.

Apartments.com.au: What do you believe are the safest materials to install in a home for the health of its occupants? (Flooring, walls, insulation, etc.)

Oliver Steele: Look for low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) products. The pungent smell of some paints and varnishes, and even that ‘new car smell’ are VOCs ‘off-gassing’ as the product dries or slowly cures. These VOCs can be emitted for extended periods by some products, including plastics. Some of the newer water-based polyurethane floor coatings are very low in VOCs and quite hard-wearing, The technology has improved a lot in the past few years. Natural oils on timber veneer joinery give a soft, warm glow, and doesn’t scratch like polyurethane finishes. Interior paints have also improved a lot in the past decade, and low VOC paints and even water-based enamels are improving in their ease of application and durability. Knauf Earthwool is a good insulation product. It's not as itchy as the old fashioned glass-wool batts.

U: What iterations do you feel need to be made to the Australian Building Code to ensure buildings are constructed to the highest quality and safety for their inhabitants?

OS: The codes are pretty thorough in terms of quality and safety. The main issues are with compliance. The area that the code most needs improvement is in environmental standards. There’s a push to include minimum standards of airtightness in the code, but a lot of resistance from industry. Insulation and glazing standards for energy efficiency should also be improved, especially in apartments.

U: Have you discovered any loopholes in the Australian Building Code where developers and builders can potentially cut corners, compromising the quality of the build?

OS: Compliance with BASIX (the environmental compliance minimums) in NSW is self-certified by builders. That leaves a lot of room for cutting corners. Poor insulation, draughty buildings, and ‘sick building syndrome’ can result.

U: How has being a qualified builder as well as an architect influenced your design methods and processes?

OS: I’ve learnt a lot about building from designing, and a lot about designing from building. Knowing the building constraints of costs and materials helps me design and detail buildings that will be affordable, durable, and hopefully uplifting for occupants. Having the design background helps me resolve construction issues in a way that won’t impinge on the architectural integrity of buildings, and gives me a deep-seated appreciation for maximising the functionality and beauty of buildings throughout the building process.

U: Which areas of a home do you think require the greatest financial investment for long term benefits?

OS: Insulation and draught-proofing are the best value for money in building. External shading is another great value investment. Stopping the summer sun before it hits glazed doors and windows is always more effective than mitigating summer heat after its made its way into your home. Energy-efficient doors and windows cost more upfront, but will help keep you cool in summer and warm in winter for a lifetime. 

U: Passivhaus design appears to have fantastic long-term rewards – such as significantly decrease power bills even heat distribution and airflow etc. – how does the upfront building cost of a Passivhaus home compare to a standard build of the same size and configuration?

OS: It depends on many factors including specific climate location, site orientation, and building design. I’d estimate the cost premium at 10-15% over a code-compliant building for Sydney, but these estimates will become clearer in the coming years as more Passivhaus buildings are completed. Hopefully, the cost premium will reduce as this better way of building becomes more popular as well. 

U: What changes would need to be made to the Australian building code to reflect the attributes of Passivhaus design?

OS: More than will happen in the foreseeable future! Australia, and especially NSW lag far behind in this area, sadly. One achievement we’re particularly proud of at The Fern is that we had Heat Recovery Ventilation accepted as an alternative solution under the BCA, so it’s now available for all apartment projects to use.

<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/thefern8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Fern. Credit: Steele Associates"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="332" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/thefern8.jpg?itok=qgUOegOW" title="The Fern. Credit: Steele Associates" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Fern. Credit: Steele Associates</figcaption></figure><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/thefern6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Fern. Credit: Steele Associates"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/thefern6.jpg?itok=882vhhpM" title="The Fern. Credit: Steele Associates" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Fern. Credit: Steele Associates</figcaption></figure>U: What do you believe Australian apartment buyers are seeking from a home in today’s market, and do you think Australia is fulfilling this demand?

OS: With the cost of housing so high, most buyers are just looking for something they can afford that’s large enough and well-located enough to be suitable. Unfortunately, this means the ongoing running costs of power bills and the qualitative wellbeing elements of a healthy, thermally comfortable space are often overlooked. Hopefully projects like the Fern will be part of a wider push towards quality over quantity, but cost pressures will remain a big factor.

U: What are your favourite modern apartment design techniques and why?

OS: On the practical side, minimising circulation space to maximise usable living space. Lots of built-in storage well-placed so the joinery keeps your stuff out of the way without getting in your way. On the lifestyle side, open plan kitchens connected to dining and living areas so cooking and eating are shared daily rituals. And sheltered balconies that work as extensions of your living space when the weather is good. And building in high environmental performance for occupant and planetary wellbeing, of course!

U: What would your ideal mixed-use precinct community look like?
</div>

<div>
OS: Net-zero energy use, plenty of green space and shade trees to help keep the precinct cool in summer. Stormwater used to create mini-wetlands integrated into parks, attracting native birds and insects. Human-scale buildings with organic forms designed to capture the winter sun and shade summer sun. Degrees of public and private space to encourage community connections whilst allowing people to feel secure and serene when they need to. Solar and wind power integrated into the architecture seamlessly. Can’t wait for this project. What’s our budget?
</div>
</body></html>

Olivia Round

Oliver Steele of Steele Associates discusses Australian building codes and apartment design

<html><body>
When you think about the principles of Passivhaus building certification, it seems like an obvious choice – high quality, healthy, efficient builds with optimum thermal insulation and airtight construction. Yet despite access to cutting edge building design techniques and modern technology, we are still experiencing the repercussions of faulty, poorly constructed homes.

Architecture Construction firm <a href="/architects/steele-associates">Steele Associates</a> are setting a new benchmark for sustainable, 21st century living with the launch of Australia’s first Passivhaus apartment building <a href="/new-apartments/the-fern-7-wyndham-street-alexandria">The Fern</a>.

<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/_o2a8855a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image supplied."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="842" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/_o2a8855a.jpg?itok=e7S_Hcux" title="Image supplied." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image supplied.</figcaption></figure><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/1_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image supplied."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1_13.jpg?itok=MnoxVR-v" title="Image supplied." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image supplied.</figcaption></figure><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/dji_0018.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image supplied."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dji_0018.jpg?itok=kqjzlirh" title="Image supplied." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image supplied.</figcaption></figure><a href="/new-apartments/the-fern-7-wyndham-street-alexandria">The Fern</a> has been a labour of love for award-winning architect and registered builder Oliver Steele, who has spent the past four years working with his Steele Associates team to research suitable materials and refine the design. A selection of carefully-engineered design features will see each of the 11 one-bedroom apartments gain significant wellness benefits and little-to-no utility bills.

Operating off of a 21kW monitored solar power system, conducted via rooftop photovoltaic panels – coupled with highly efficient triple glazing, thermal insulation and airtightness mean no electricity or hot water bills are anticipated. As Steele puts it, "you have a healthy cocoon for living in at goldilocks temperatures, all year round." 

Each apartment will also contain a Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system which will effectively retain heat in winter months while eliminating hot air in summer. The HRV system will also purify the air with a high-quality filtration system, and provide natural air-flow year-round, as an alternative to air conditioning.

<blockquote>
 “Australian building codes didn’t recognise HRV as a ventilation solution because it works with constant low volumes of air instead of a 2-minute high-volume fan blast. So the Australian Passive House Association commissioned Computational Fluid Dynamics Modelling which found that HRV is a superior solution, now approved for the Fern. This alternative solution can be used in apartments across the country, sparking positive change for the way we build and live in the future.”
</blockquote>

Oliver Steele, Steele Associates Director

The interiors have been elegantly designed and feature hand-finished concrete walls; timber and marble finishes; and sun-filled living areas. The apartments also offer excellent indoor-outdoor living with expansive stacker-slider doors which open out onto spacious balconies and terrace gardens. 

<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/gib_0649_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image supplied."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gib_0649_0.jpg?itok=Pq014Tzw" title="Image supplied." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image supplied.</figcaption></figure><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/_o2a8829a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image supplied."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/_o2a8829a.jpg?itok=xbbu6m1m" title="Image supplied." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image supplied.</figcaption></figure><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/6-7_wyndham_st_alexandria_high_3_of_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image supplied."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/6-7_wyndham_st_alexandria_high_3_of_17.jpg?itok=5d1fnlU9" title="Image supplied." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image supplied.</figcaption></figure><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/6-7_wyndham_st_alexandria_high_9_of_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image supplied."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/6-7_wyndham_st_alexandria_high_9_of_17.jpg?itok=bFRPmzOT" title="Image supplied." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image supplied.</figcaption></figure><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/7-7_wyndham_st_alexandria_high_5_of_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image supplied."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/7-7_wyndham_st_alexandria_high_5_of_13.jpg?itok=fOyixrXm" title="Image supplied." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image supplied.</figcaption></figure>Lord Mayor Clover Moore will be launching The Fern on the 17th of September at a celebratory event marking the completion of Australia’s first Passivhaus apartment. The Fern which will also be awarded a 9.3-10 star NatHERS energy rating – the best ever apartment sustainability rating to be achieved in Australia.

<blockquote>
“Passivhaus takes sustainable development to the next level, using proven building physics to create healthy living spaces that stay cool in summer and warm in winter with ultra-low energy use.”
</blockquote>

Oliver Steele, Steele Associates Director

<h2>Key aspects of Passivhaus design:</h2>

<ul>
<li>Reduced drafts: Passivhaus strives to achieve significantly less ‘air leakage area’</li>
	<li>Insulation
	<ul style="list-style-type:circle;">
<li>Passivhaus standards are R1 underfloor, R3.5 walls, R6 ceiling</li>
		<li>Sydney code-compliant requires no underfloor, R1.5 walls, R3 ceiling</li>
	</ul>
</li>
	<li>Airtightness: Greater control of the inflow and outflow of air results in fewer air changes per hour. This will also reduce pest entry.</li>
	<li>Thermal Bridging: When the insulation layer is broken by a conductive material, this results in a thermal break, creating two relatively separate thermal environments (reducing the risk of Sick Building Syndrome)</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-09-05_at_10.47.20_am.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Source: Steele Associates"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="413" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-09-05_at_10.47.20_am.png?itok=2z0UTApd" title="Source: Steele Associates" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Thermal Bridging example. Source: Steele Associates</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Window ‘U Value’: The lower the U Value, the lower level of heat conducted by windows
	<ul style="list-style-type:circle;">
<li>Passivhaus regulation U1:4</li>
		<li>Sydney average U6.7</li>
	</ul>
</li>
	<li>Heat Recovery Ventilation (also known as HRV): HRV systems work by pumping fresh air into living areas while extracting air from kitchens and bathrooms. This ensures that the air circulation around the home is clean and fresh. It also keeps the heat in during the winter, and the heat out during the summer. HRV also maintains a filtration grade of F7
	<ul style="list-style-type:circle;">
<li>Passivhaus average 85% heat recovery</li>
		<li>Sydney average 0% heat recovery</li>
	</ul>
</li>
	<li>Acoustics: Given the general construction of Passivhaus design, the well-sealed buildings are generally a lot quieter than the average house</li>
</ul>
As a result of all these contributing factors, Passivhaus uses around 10% of the heating and cooling energy of the average house and creates a healthier, safer environment.

Lead image credit: The Fern render by Steele Associates
</body></html>

Passivhaus

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Passivhaus

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News