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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

Madeline by Mosaic delivers penthouse-level living across every apartment

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

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

Sterling Global

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The recent approval of <a href="http://sterlingglobal.com.au/">Sterling Global</a>'s mixed-use tower at <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">383 La Trobe Street</a> adds to the influx of towers with international influence leaving their mark not only on Melbourne's skyline, but the city's streetscapes.

The $700 million mixed-use tower, a collaboration between French design architect Ateliers Jean Nouvel and local Australian executive architect <a href="/architects/architectus">Architectus</a>, has been designed with people at its core. One third of the site's footprint is earmarked for public space.

The colourful tower will feature an internal arcade wrapped in digital art installations, activated by galleries, a bar, restaurants, retail spaces and a public book exchange. Despite its 29:1 plot ratio exceeding the city’s planning controls, the building has been approved due to its public benefit and amenity.

<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/a0434-pedestrian_view-j.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Digital Art Arcade. Image courtesy Stirling Global"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/a0434-pedestrian_view-j.jpg?itok=rtYK0uMQ" title="Digital Art Arcade. Image courtesy Stirling Global" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Digital Art Arcade. Image courtesy Stirling Global</figcaption></figure>Designed to maximise connections to its neighbouring context, both visual and physical, via its internal public laneway and expressive facade, the 70-storey tower will also accommodate 488 one, two and three bedroom residences and a 196-room hotel. With planning approval in hand, Sterling Global will now engage with international hoteliers to operate the hotel component of the 242 metre tower.

The design team have conceived a tower which seeks to contribute to the city, its neighbours, residents and visitors, helping fill a lack of accommodation for tourists to the city, while providing new spaces to engage and socialise, including a rooftop bar. People are at the heart of the tower, and for its neighbours, the philosophy is to ensure every aspect will be beautiful, blanketed in landscaped vertical gardens and external finishes that complement the light as it shifts throughout the day.

<blockquote>
383 La Trobe Street offers one third of its land back to the public, creating a new laneway dotted with a gallery space, cafes, bars, art spaces and a huge digital art installation that covers the roof and walls of the arcade.

It’s a significant artistic contribution to Melbourne, and we’re thrilled to be working with Architectus and Ateliers Jean Nouvel on such an innovative project.
<cite>Brandon Yeoh, Development Director, Sterling Global</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/a0421-pedestrian_view-a_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The tower's distinct facades respond to its context and the environment. Image courtesy Stirling Global"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="733" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/a0421-pedestrian_view-a_1.jpg?itok=Q37d_X8b" title="The tower's distinct facades respond to its context and the environment. Image courtesy Stirling Global" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The tower's distinct facades respond to its context and the environment. Image courtesy Stirling Global</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au recently met with Matthew Smith, Managing Principal for Architectus Melbourne, and Mark van Miltenburg, Head of Investment and Development at Sterling Global to discuss the finer details of the project.

Urban.com.au: Recent media reports suggest the project was approved under the Amendment C270 planning controls (Plot Ratio 18:1) and not the interim C262 controls (24:1). Can you clarify this?

Matthew Smith: We lodged under C262 and so it was approved on the basis of those planning controls because up until (last week) C270 was just a draft set of guidelines.

Mark van Miltenburg: It was unofficially assessed under C270 as well and we were asked to use the tool to measure the floor area uplift and then the value of the public benefit and that was done under the context for both plot ratios and we were in the green for both.

MS: I think it's an interesting discussion. If you look at a number that says 18:1 or 29:1 you might ask "well how could you possibly allow that?" and I'm hoping that the more that's written about this project and others in the media, that there's some clarity given because it's not just about a number. This project was never really considered as a number, it's a contextual response that formed a building.

Obviously there were some mandatory components of the guidelines and we certainly mapped those out early on so we knew we had to sit within those but beyond that it was a contextual response to the site.

I think within a city, as long as you can do that then planning controls are okay but it will mean that some sites unfortunately simply can't be developed, where even a contextual response may not even cut it.

UM: There should be flexibility in the controls to allow sites to be considered on their individual merits and circumstances on a site to site basis, whilst still adhering to a set of requirements and it appears that may be the case moving forward.

MS: You look back and obviously Republic Tower has featured quite prominently in and around this discussion and if memory serves me correctly, Republic Tower came to fruition at around the same time the previous set of plot ratio guidelines were being watered down. That process enabled Republic Tower to occur.

UM: There's also precedent for resident backlash occurring with the likes of Southbank Towers and Prima, Freshwater Place and 1 Queensbridge Street. No doubt at some stage in the future a tower of similar scale will be proposed in proximity to 383 La Trobe.

MS: It's an interesting block with a lot of development potential. I don't think there's many blocks in the city in their current state that have that embodied opportunity within them and that's something that we took quite seriously. The fact that the actions that are taken at 383 will have a significant impact on Victoria University, the Royal Mint and their relationship with the building, all of which are already established on that block.

MvM: And those that are coming too. That was one of the most exciting aspects about the opportunity of developing in the block is that in many respects it was a bit of a blank canvas, we could do what we wanted to do with our site and then try and integrate that with our neighbours.

UM: But to also provide opportunities for future development to then tie into your site?

MvM: Absolutely.

MS: That was given a lot of consideration in terms of how the public space was articulated. You're obviously aware that there's quite a generous public space offering here but there were a lot of discussions as to how that might manifest itself and part of that is the story about what comes after 383? We were in discussions with Victoria University throughout the process as well because some of the access, easements and other bits and pieces which will interact between the two sites needed to be sorted out.

<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/383l_ground_plane_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="383 La Trobe's network of public spaces sew the block together. Image courtesy: Sterling Global"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/383l_ground_plane_0.jpg?itok=aRVVF68I" title="383 La Trobe's network of public spaces sew the block together. Image courtesy: Sterling Global" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>383 La Trobe's network of public spaces sew the block together. Image courtesy: Sterling Global</figcaption></figure>MvM: And they've been terrific through this whole process and I think one of the nice things about engaging with them is that they absolutely bought into the aspirations of the project; their ideas are very complimentary to the ideas of our site and so they get more public space for the people using their building.

They get the through-site link which connects through to Flagstaff Gardens and the station and it helps us create that openness as well.

MS: And I think importantly, a formalisation of the link through to Queen Street because at the moment that's private land so it was the impetus for some sort of arrangement to be struck that enables an easement across it and while it doesn't physically link to Guildford Lane there's certainly a visual marker and reference. Obviously that Guildford Lane precinct is in a state of flux at the moment and there's a number of other initiatives that are going to occur in that area.

Urban.com.au's discussion with Matthew and Mark will continue in an upcoming article.
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Laurence Dragomir

Très Bien! Atelier Jean Nouvel/Architectus and Sterling Global on 383 La Trobe Street (part one)

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Following on from our piece on <a href="/news/sterling-globals-grand-plans-for-huntingdale">Sterling Global's plans for its Huntingdale site</a>, comes our chat with DKO Architecture's regarding the firm's work on the masterplanning of the project in addition to their experiences working on similar projects throughout Melbourne.

Quite often the simple solution is to deliver a gated, homogeneous housing estate with no connection with the greater community of which it should form a part. Projects such as Huntingdale and their work with <a href="http://www.cedarwoods.com.au/">Cedar Woods</a> on<a href="http://www.dko.com.au/cms_subcat_16/master3"> Banbury Village</a> in Footscray and <a href="http://www.jacksongreen.com.au/">Jackson Green</a> in Clayton South are a departure from the model of housing, featuring a mix of housing typologies aimed at a varied demographic on former brownfield sites within established suburbs.

<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/banbury_village.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Banbury Village. © DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/banbury_village.jpg?itok=69lv8ZKn" title="Banbury Village. © DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Banbury Village. © DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>Laurence Dragomir: DKO has built up a portfolio of masterplanned residential work in addition to the high rise projects of recent times. What do you enjoy about working on these less glitzy projects?

Koos De Keijzer: We're getting somewhat fatigued of doing projects like that (laughs). But seriously I believe from an architectural perspective the hardest challenge for architects out there is doing curated housing in the outer suburbs. Part of the real kind of issue with urbanity in Australia and a lot of the new world is the sense of our suburbs being incredibly similar and it's probably getting some higher density housing typologies in the suburbs that starts to make it kind of interesting.

What's been really interesting about the Huntingdale project is the site all up is 18.8ha and we've got about 1,000 dwellings, half of which are low-rise apartments and half of which are terraces, detached houses and attached houses. So straightaway it's nice that we've been able to provide a 50/50 mix.

Certainly up on Huntingdale Road we thought a mixture of 4-5 storeys was appropriate, poking above tree tops with views over the golf course towards the east. What we normally do is orientate these 'superlots' north-south so from a solar point of view, from an amenity point of view it becomes quite attractive.

We've also got a little commercial centre planned for the entrance as part of the superlot so it's a separate planning application with the intent of becoming a foca lpoint that will have a supermarket and further retail.

LD: What was the main overarching theme or design driver for the project?

KK: Our kind of big picture story, Laurence was about linking Davies Reserve which sits to the north and Talbot Park to the south-east of the site with a green band. I like the idea that if I lived here I could send my kids to an attractive recreational space and they'd only need to cross two roads at most to get there.

LD: I suppose the other added benefit of introducing additional green open space and then designing apartments with an outlook towards them is the opportunity it provides for passive surveillance of these public areas.

KK: Certainly, and the plan features a couple of east-west blocks which we normally place a couple of cores so we always get through-apartments. Part of our story that's really strong is the whole concept of practical sustainability and not having south facing apartments, which I think is criminal and should be outlawed.

Also it's not just sustainability but also also the fact that we've broken the site up into four precincts comprising two wetland precincts - a boulevard precinct and an urban precinct - which forms part of the story of taking a whole and breaking it into sections.

What we're always keen to push, Laurence, is a whole series of different typologies and what we don't want to do is have these 13m wide by 13m deep single storey monotonous dwellings. The other nice thing about the client group and Brandon and Neil from <a href="http://sterlingglobal.com.au/">Sterling Global</a> is that they were really keen to embrace contemporary architecture, and for us as contemporary architects it was about what a contemporary housing community might look like.

Put very simply we work the corners hard and if you get the corner right the remaineder tends to take care of itself. As we have higher densities some dwellings have underground car parks, some have laneways while others are just front loaded. The otherfactor that keeps us interested is how the built form addresses the public realm.

LD: I think one of the things that stands out most for me is the way materials have been employed.The use of timber and brick while nothing new, appears to have been given plenty of thought in how it is employed creating more rich and diverse streetscapes.

<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/dko_hunt_v01_finale_v4_sml.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Huntingdale. © DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dko_hunt_v01_finale_v4_sml.jpg?itok=MiLEO5tD" title="Huntingdale. © DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Huntingdale. © DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>KK: I guess it's sometimes tough because housing is so personal but what we're always keen to do is find this new contemporary authenticity. We have this beautiful building in Brighton that was loosely based upon an old Schindler house that I saw in LA; it's got elements of timber and has this notion of trying to weave nature in through natural materials which is what makes it interesting.

LD: How far advanced are you with the designs of the buildings? Speaking with Brandon previously he indicated that the two-storey townhouses along the perimeter were the most advanced.

KK: Yes they were the most advanced largely by way of being neighbour driven as they're at the interface with existing dwellings. They present as courtyard homes with a two-storey portion at the front and single storey portion at the rear. We're big on zero lotting, Laurence, so we like to zero lot the southern boundary so that you maximise the northern space on those east-west dwellings.

Ultimately we really enjoy these kinds of jobs and there are few architects that work in the suburban setting, most prefer to work in more urban environs with the taller stuff. Here it's architectural tinkering. It's about trying to manage diversity and curating streets but not wanting them to look the same. We're very much creating an architecturally interesting setting with a sense of individuality.

LD: Thank you again for your time Koos, always a pleasure.
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DKO's Koos de Keijzer talks Huntingdale

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CBD-based <a href="http://sterlingglobal.com.au/">Sterling Global</a> is pushing ahead with its plans for an 'urban village' at 1221-1249 Centre Road, Oakleigh; the site of a former quarry and located directly opposite Huntingdale Golf Course. With an expected end value in excess of $600 million, the <a href="http://www.dko.com.au/">DKO Architecture</a> master planned development will accommodate approximately 2,500 residents as it is developed over the next 5-8 years.

Adhering to Sterling Global's criteria when assessing site acquisition opportunities, the site is well serviced by surrounding amenity, transport links, retail, education and parkland aspects.

<blockquote>
Huntingdale is a flagship development, one of the biggest residential infills in the inner south eastern suburbs, and definitely one of the most significant developments in the City of Monash.
<cite>Brandon Yeoh, Development Director, Sterling Global</cite>
</blockquote>

The masterplan features a mix of townhouses, SOHO living, apartments and the potential for serviced apartments/student accommodation to take advantage of the site's strong connections and proximity to both campuses of Monash University. Currently the plans allow for a 2-storey buffer of townhouses to existing surrounding dwellings.

Apartment buildings will be limited to the eight 'superlots', three of which are sited along Huntingdale Road and are intended to accommodate buildings up to 6-storeys with views over the adjoining golf course. The remaining superlots will feature buildings of 4 to 6-storeys with all apartments taking advantage of views to existing parks.

<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/huntingdale_aerial.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site and Amenity aerial. © Sterling Global"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="407" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/huntingdale_aerial.jpg?itok=mMlkIrDa" title="Site and Amenity aerial. © Sterling Global" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site and Amenity aerial. © Sterling Global</figcaption></figure>The project team consulted heavily with the Metropolitan Planning Authority, City of Monash and the EPA to establish the best outcome for the site, even being encouraged to go denser as the site sits within the Monash Employment Cluster that is well serviced by public transport infrastructure.

It was DKO's previous work on masterplanning projects such as Banbury Village in Footscray and Kew Cottages that led to their engagement on Huntingdale, according to Brandon Yeoh.

<blockquote>
The Huntingdale masterplan provides a series of villages that relate to the landscape and adjacent green spaces. In providing separate villages, a greater sense of dwelling diversity is achieved that in part facilitates a true community.

Communal facilities are strategically provided an become the heart of the new neighbourhoods.

The architecture has been carefully crafted to maximise orientation and outlook, we have designed bespoke, sustainable homes, which take care of the environment, but also enhances the quality of life for future residents.
<cite>Koos de Keijzer, Principal, DKO Architecture</cite>
</blockquote>

Drawing inspiration from the native parklands which flank it, the development will incorporate walkways, cycling tracks, playgrounds and communal facilities such as club houses, barbeque areas and activity pavilions. Additionally, landscaping by REALM has been designed to include wetlands and native gardens while street frontages are set to be activated with cafes and the like with the expectation that the greater community will be drawn into the area and not just residents.

A critical aspect of the master plan is that it is not seen as a gated community rather a part of the greater community at large.

The site currently harvests ground and grey water for irrigation throughout the Huntingdale parklands in an environmental initiative between Sterling Global and Huntingdale Golf Course. Further ESD initiatives being investigated include grey, black and stormwater harvesting for the development, in addition to the potential for solar panels being provided as standard for all dwellings.

Sterling Global intends to begin a formal registration process in October-November with the display suite to launch on site in April 2016. The project will be marketed towards the local Oakleigh community with a target mix of investors, young couples, students, downsizers and retirees in mind. Prices are expected to start at around $550,000 through to $1 million.

<blockquote>
I believe that there is significant demand for quality and well priced homes in the local market. We are aiming to deliver Huntingdale to local and surrounding residents who have grown up in the area and are now thinking of downsizing or establishing young families.
<cite>Brandon Yeoh, Development Director, Sterling Global</cite>
</blockquote>

The development follows hot off the heels of the success of Sterling Global's <a href="/buildings/ralston-22-toorak-road-south-yarra">The Ralston</a> in South Yarra which sold out and commenced construction just six months after settlement. The $65 million project consists of 53 luxury apartments and three townhouses and is due for completion late next year.

Keep an eye out for Apartments.com.au's more in depth interview about the Huntingdale project with DKO Architecture's Koos de Keijzer in the coming weeks.
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