Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

Piccolo Developments

Boutique Melbourne property developer Piccolo has spent around $35 million on an apartment development site in <a href="/developments/kew-vic-3101">affluent Kew</a>.

The 8,475 sqm site at 18 Barry Street, on the corner of A'Beckett Street, will offer view lines across Yarra Bend Park and Studley Park, as well as the <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne CBD skyline</a>.

Piccolo Managing Director Michael Piccolo said from the very beginning, they saw the AAA-rated site as a perfect fit.

"Its location, surrounded by the serenity of leafy streets and impressive vistas, combined with its scale, liveability, and character, ticks&nbsp;all the boxes for us," Piccolo says.

"This unique opportunity is a rare gem in the current market, where properties of such calibre are extremely scarce."&nbsp;

While designs are currently being drawn up by Woods Bagot, in yet another partnership between the two, the project, A Piccolo House - Barry Street, Kew, is expected to be worth around $180 million.

The newly acquired site is currently occupied by a former Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF), comprising a combination of single and two-story buildings.

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77ba6615-144d-4186-a23e-c25cd1373a69" href="/new-apartments/piccolo-house-barry-st-kew-barry-street-kew-18-barry-street-kew"><img alt="Piccolo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77ba6615-144d-4186-a23e-c25cd1373a69" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-08-14%20at%2010.41.33%20am.png?VersionId=Ys2gpCoTiIKYRZYXANxTmUt7rauWhtxT" /></a>

"At Piccolo, we are driven by the desire to create homes that come with the promise of longevity and also enhance the lives of our residents, and the surrounding community with timeless developments," Piccolo added.

"In addition to finding the right partners, the ability to find the perfect site for every Piccolo home is an important part of achieving this goal. A building should be about more than just the residents who occupy it – if it’s loved by the community, it will remain for generations."

Piccolo will also bring in fellow long-term partner Hecker Guthrie to transform the site into a connected community.

"We are excited to join hands once more with Woods Bagot to bring to life our vision for this exceptional development site. Their innovative approach to design, combined with our commitment to excellence, will once more result in remarkable living spaces that offer both luxury and functionality."

This site acquisition follows Piccolo’s sales success with 385 Gore Street, Fitzroy which is currently under construction after selling&nbsp;70% of the residences in less than 5 months.

Colliers Director for Development sites Hamish Burgess, who handled the transaction with colleagues Ian Sanders and Justin Hazell, said development propositions of this stature within one of Melbourne's most coveted residential locations are rarely offered to the market.

"Its corner location, potential for stunning view lines, proximity to Kew Junction shopping village, and unique scale provides the perfect foundation for a market-defining project.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Piccolo Managing Director Michael Piccolo said from the very beginning, they saw the AAA-rated site as a perfect fit

Piccolo buys $35 million Kew site for next development

Boutique property developer Piccolo has kicked off construction at their innovative Fitzroy apartment development, A Piccolo House – Gore Street.

The family-owned company has sold 70 per cent of the 49 apartments at 385 Gore Street since kicking off the campaign five months ago.

<div>The development is made up of 26 two-bedroom residences ranging from $1.5 million to $2.1 million, and 23 three-bedroom residences ranging from $2.5 million to $7 million.</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>Piccolo reunited with their long-term partners, architecture practice Woods Bagot and interior designer Hecker Guthrie, to create A Piccolo House - Gore Street, Fitzroy, which is complete with honest materials and timeless finishes that take cues from Fitzroy’s historic Victorian architecture.&nbsp;</div>

Piccolo Managing Director Michael Piccolo said the site at 385 Gore Street was impossible to overlook, knowing the large 1874 sqm&nbsp;block would accommodate a collection of generously sized homes catering to those wishing to downsize and live nearer the city without compromising on space.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134287 project_image_fid=211715]

The design was born from the local architecture on Gore Street. 
 
Woods Bagot Principal Peter Miglis says the project is&nbsp;surrounded by quite an eclectic combination of spaces – industrial buildings, Victorian terrace homes, local cafes and restaurants and stunning tree-lined streets

<div>“Within this&nbsp;particular pocket of Fitzroy, the traditional converses with the contemporary, and we see&nbsp;A Piccolo House - Gore Street, Fitzroy&nbsp;as an amalgamation of both elements.”&nbsp; 
&nbsp;</div>

<div>The build will mirror the rhythm and proportions of the neighbouring heritage architecture. The lower levels will be crafted from a combination of slimline masonry brick and pigmented red oxide concrete, while the upper levels will be setback in a natural concrete frame.</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>A north-south laneway splits the building into two volumes and provides a secondary connection to Gore Street. A lobby enveloped on all sides by a secluded secret garden, arriving at the building will mimic the experience of stepping into the private garden or courtyard.&nbsp;</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134287 project_image_fid=211713]</div>

Stacey Van Harn, Director at Hecker Guthrie said throughout the design process they leant towards honest materiality, selecting&nbsp;organic, high-quality&nbsp;materials that&nbsp;are practical, durable and develop a beautiful natural patina as they age.

“By incorporating the earthy natural tones of highly tactile materials, we can capture the gritty nature of Fitzroy whilst bringing an element of refinement and finesse that befits a luxury home.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div>The kitchens will feature top-of-the-range appliances from Gaggenau and Whispair and a butler’s pantry. The main living areas will include a study nook to accommodate working from home, and in the master ensuite will feature a bathroom with a deep shower and large undermount bathtub.</div>

Residents will also have access to a communal dining room, guest suite, and workshop space, which they will be able to book through the building’s lifestyle concierge service.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134287]

The family-owned company has sold 70 per cent of the 49 apartments at 385 Gore Street since kicking off the campaign five months ago

Piccolo kick off construction at A Piccolo House, Gore Street in Fitzroy following strong sales

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An iconic heritage building on the corner of Argyle and Fitzroy streets, once home to a boot-maker, is due for a major upgrade, as renowned developer <a href="/news/piccolo-gets-busy-in-fitzroy">Piccolo</a> gets the green light to commence construction. The boutique residence will feature 34 apartments and commercial spaces, and has been designed in collaboration with Hecker Guthrie and <a href="/architects/jackson-clements-burrows-architects">Jackson Clements Burrows</a>.

Urban.com.au asked director Michael Piccolo for a bit of background on ‘<a href="/new-apartments/fitzroy-house-71-75-argyle-street-fitzroy">Fitzroy House</a>’, the third build in <a href="/developers/piccolo">Piccolo's</a> 'House' series following the success of ‘<a href="/buildings/elwood-house-2-pine-avenue-elwood">Elwood House</a>’ and ‘Garden House’.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/305891685" width="640"></iframe>

Urban.com.au: Given Fitzroy House’s unique heritage as a 19th Century boot maker shop, how has the development been designed to preserve the historic character of the property? What was the inspiration behind the design? 

Michael Piccolo: The heritage element of this building was fundamental to how we approached the design. We wanted to retain the iconic façade, including the striking arched windows and bluestone sills and the faded paint signage. Knowing the heritage building would remain as ground floor commercial space, we then looked at how to incorporate the new residences in a way that was sensitive to the façade and the local streetscape. This inspired the idea of the ethereal lantern-like structure that sits above and set back from the heritage element so as not to overshadow it. The interiors and materials used are also reminiscent of <a href="/new-apartments/fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy’s</a> history with gritty, tinted elements that speak to the tenacity of this environment.

U: Have there been any obstacles to reach the approval stage of this project? 

MP: No, local council were very supportive of our proposal and we’re happy to be working with them to ensure the end result adds vibrancy and character to the local surrounds.

U: What fuelled your decision to appoint a builder ahead of the residential pre-sales? 

MP: I think in today’s market buyers want to have confidence in the development they’re buying into and they want to know as much information as possible. We always aim to approach things from the purchaser’s point of view, and if I were buying into a project I would want to know who the whole project team is before I buy. By appointing a builder upfront, we can give our buyers confidence that not only will the construction definitely be moving ahead, but they can know who will be working on it from the start and can have peace of mind knowing they’ve made an informed decision.

U: Are there any design or structural themes which connect all three projects (Fitzroy House, Elwood House and Garden House)? 

MP: All three projects are distinct in their design and character, which reflect their local environment. The connecting theme across all our projects is the attention to detail that we implement and our consideration for how we can improve the lives of our residents. For that reason all the projects have several things in common including private outdoor areas for each apartment, expansive living spaces and bedrooms and homes that have access to abundant natural light.

U: What’s in the pipeline for future projects? Can we expect to see a fourth “House” in years to come? 

MP: Absolutely, we will keep building these houses for many years to come. We have an excellent team of collaborators and industry partners that we work with consistently, and together we continue to learn from each project and evolve, so each house is better than the last. Good things take time and in order to create these houses successfully you need to find the right location, so when we do there will be another house on the horizon.

Want to find out more about Piccolo Developments? Read our previous interview with Michael Piccolo where we discuss Elwood House <a href="/news/michael-piccolo-on-the-design-virtues-of-elwood-house">here</a>.
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Olivia Round

Renowned developer Michael Piccolo discusses exciting new project 'Fitzroy House'

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Adept at creating high-end residential projects, Piccolo Developments are chasing another for their portfolio by way of the redevelopment of a historic building at 71-75 Argyle Street, Fitzroy.

On the intersection of Fitzroy and Argyle Streets, Piccolo has submitted plans for the late 19th century brick factory and adjoining at-grade car park. The developer's hope is a 7 storey residential building created by Jackson Clements Burrows that would effectively wrap around the existing building.

In order to gain the nod from Yarra City Council, the application is required to adequately interact with the onsite brick building whose facade is "considered to be 'Individually Significant', meaning it is aesthetically, historically, scientifically, and/or socially significant at the local level and contributory or complementary to the South Fitzroy Precinct."

<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/image26_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="71 - 75 Argyle Street, Fitzroy. Planning image: JCB Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26_7.jpg?itok=-v3D-upL" title="71 - 75 Argyle Street, Fitzroy. Planning image: JCB Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>71 - 75 Argyle Street, Fitzroy. Planning image: JCB Architects</figcaption></figure>The 1,038sqm site is slated for 41 dwellings including 12 x 3BR apartments, 59 car spaces, 57 bicycle spaces and a 129sqm restaurant at ground level.

Also called for is the "Demolition of parts of the existing factory building including the circa 1930s-40s addition, parts of the original north and east walls and the roof." The Victorian factory facades to Argyle and Fitzroy Streets will be maintained, as will be the front corner returns to the side wall, the chimney and the painted signage along the east elevation.

<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/img_7319.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elwood House is approaching completion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7319.jpg?itok=m5i9S6i-" title="Elwood House is approaching completion" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elwood House is approaching completion</figcaption></figure>Piccolo's Fitzroy pursuit joins an additional three residential projects in the works for the Carlton-based outfit.

Wood Marsh's spasmodic forays into higher density designs have resulted in 228-230 Dorcas Street. Piccolo describes the South Melbourne project as a "Landmark project designed by Wood Marsh incorporating luxury residential apartments and premium retail space."

Jackson Clements Burrows have a hand in the developer's remaining two projects. Construction is nearing completion on Elwood House; a bespoke residential project within Elwood Village that includes 31 apartments.

Also on the cards is 341-347 Queensberry Street North Melbourne, although a change to the application has been noted by City of Melbourne after initial plans called for a 13 storey building.
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silvermb

Piccolo gets busy in Fitzroy

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Melbourne developer Piccolo's latest boutique apartment project, the aptly titled Elwood House, looks to build on the previous success of their Garden House in Carlton. Located at 2 Pine Avenue on the corner with Ormond Road, the 4-storey development will feature 31 luxury apartments and ground level retail to Ormond Road. Underpinning the intended quality of the development are apartment sizes, with two bedroom dwellings beginning at approximately 100sqm in size and beyond the $1 million barrier.

The display suite is highly impressive in itself - a shame that it will eventually be demolished to make way for the building - but it gives an excellent indication of what residents can expect. Interiors feature bespoke custom joinery and one colour palette - neutral - with a consistent tile finish to living areas, kitchens and bathrooms that also extends to the outdoor balconies. Carpets will be limited to bedrooms only.

<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/elwood_house_living_areas.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elwood House typical open plan living area. © Piccolo"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="252" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/elwood_house_living_areas.jpg?itok=RPU1yyAF" title="Elwood House typical open plan living area. © Piccolo" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An Elwood House typical open plan living area. Image courtesy Piccolo Developments</figcaption></figure>Company founder Michael Piccolo described it best when he said, the project was all about "bringing the band back together" with the development team that delivered Garden House; Piccolo, Woods Bagot and Hecker Guthrie conspiring once more. This came about largely as a result of timing with Nick Karalis of Woods Bagot returning from an overseas sojourn just as Piccolo had settled on the site.

The building's exterior is best described as rich and textured, employing a variety of robust materials not unlike The Garden House, such as off form weathered concrete panels and hand-made Pedersen bricks from Denmark. The selected materials will extend the life of the building’s exterior and ensure little maintenance is required on the part of the residents.

Greenery is draped over balconies for a natural softer counterpoint to the harder surfaces of the facade. This common language and aesthetic reinforces the concept of Elwood House as the sister building to Garden House, and unlike traditional roofs which are typically constructed of metal sheeting on multi-unit developments, Elwood House will have a concrete roof for improved water proofing.

<blockquote>
The façade of Elwood House will be brick, concrete, metal and glass, without a painted surface, which will increase its longevity. The only thing you’ll need to do is clean the windows! Every apartment facing Pine Avenue and Ormond Road will have a planter terrace that will receive rainwater collected from rainwater tanks stored in the basement. A circular reticulation system will pump the water through the development and water all of the planters.
<cite>Michael Piccolo</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/elwood_house_close_up.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Composition of materials which make up the facade. © Piccolo"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="252" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/elwood_house_close_up.jpg?itok=7eiI3U3u" title="Composition of materials which make up the facade. © Piccolo" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Composition of materials which make up the facade. Image courtesy Piccolo Developments</figcaption></figure>The project features a number of built-in initiatives that will ensure future residents are able to move with, and embrace technology as it evolves, while also affording the building a 6-star green star rating. When founder Michael Piccolo test-drove a Tesla electric car recently, he began wondering just how soon electric vehicles will be embraced by Australians.

<blockquote>
When I drove the Tesla last year I thought, these are definitely coming to Australia. I believe that in 10 years, we will all be driving electric cars. This lead to the question, what can we do to prepare for that?
<cite>Michael Piccolo</cite>
</blockquote>

Consequently every car park in Elwood House's basement features its own 30-amp power point, which is designed to accommodate an electric vehicle. Each socket is connected back to the apartment's power metre to ensure that individuals are billed according to their electricity use. Requiring capital outlay from the developer's perspective, the move is considered a necessary step towards future-proofing the building for residents.

Further trends being incorporated into Elwood House include:

<ul>
<li>Rooftop solar panels that contribute electricity to supplement residents’ gas hot water systems</li>
	<li>Vast double-glazed windows to allow natural light in as well as provide thermal and acoustic insulation</li>
	<li>Study desks built into cabinets, with a laptop shelf and power point with two electric sockets and a built-in USB charger (these are also installed in each of the bedrooms and the USB chargers are 2.1 amps – suitable for tablets)</li>
	<li>Installation of infrastructure for optic fibre – all conduits are in place waiting for cables to be run in</li>
	<li>Set up of NBN box, ready for its arrival in Elwood</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/elwood_house_courtyard.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Common courtyard. © Piccolo"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="561" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/elwood_house_courtyard.jpg?itok=TSPZIX_V" title="Common courtyard. © Piccolo" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Common courtyard. Image courtesy Piccolo Developments</figcaption></figure>Michael Piccolo believes potential buyers will be drawn to the location due to its proximity to the beach while also being attracted to Elwood Village and the sense of community within the area. The quality of finishes and size of apartments is targeted largely towards the owner-occupier market. Asked of the potential for another 'House' project, Michael replied only if both the site and timing are right.

Elwood House is scheduled for construction commencement during July 2015 with completion expected by the end of 2016.
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