Sun Property Group (SPG) has taken a major step to reinforce its commitment to consumer trust by securing Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) from Resilience Insurance for its nearly completed Willoughby development on Sydney’s Lower North Shore.

The boutique project, Aurora, comprising 12 apartments and a ground-floor commercial space, is one of few in the region to adopt the forward-thinking insurance model—offering a point of difference in a competitive market.

For Cameron Johnson, General Manager at Sun Property Group, the decision to adopt LDI was rooted in the company’s long-standing philosophy of maintaining a highly personalised relationship with its end users.

“We’ve always taken ownership over our product,” Johnson said. “Introducing LDI is not just about peace of mind for the buyer—it’s about raising the internal bar. It becomes the baseline for how we do things going forward.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109919 project_image_fid=205006]

While hundreds of developers and builders have taken out an LDI policy from Resilience Insurance, the insurance is still relatively new to Australia. Johnson says he sees significant future potential with LDI nationwide, with both&nbsp;regulatory and market frameworks starting to evolve to support its wider use in class two buildings.

“When we started the Willoughby project, LDI was still just a concept being floated by the Building Commissioner’s office," Johnson says.

"Delays in the construction timeline gave us the unique opportunity to adopt it as the product became more available in late 2023."

That timing aligned with a shift in construction contractors on the project, which opened the door for a more collaborative and considered implementation of the insurance. According to Johnson, Resilience Insurance was proactive and solution-oriented.

“It wasn’t just about us buying a product off the shelf. It was a dialogue—how can we work together to deliver something that meets both of our needs?” he added.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109919 project_image_fid=5717]

LDI covers major structural defects for up to 10 years post-completion and offers an alternative to the traditional developer bond held under the Department of Fair Trading’s scheme. SPG prudently factor in a two per cent cost profile for such measures into its feasibility, treating it as “business as usual.”

“What LDI does is show the consumer that we’re front-ending our responsibilities—design, delivery, documentation, execution. That whole chain of custody is assessed and independently reviewed throughout construction. It’s a rubber stamp on quality,” Johnson said.

In a region where no other nearby developments currently carry LDI, the move also creates a market differentiator. While some projects may carry an iCIRT rating, few offer the depth of protection and oversight that LDI provides, especially outside of publicly listed organisations.

Aurora is being brought to market by Henry Burke of McGrath Projects. With the recent cut in interest rates Burke expects that many first home buyers and investors will jump at the chance to buy in Aurora due to its convenient location, fantastic retail amenity, picturesque parks with leafy walks, and excellent transport connections with only one stop to Sydney CBD. He expects a local owner-occupier to secure the standout penthouse which offers 175 sqm of internal space and further 200 sqm of outdoor space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109919 project_image_fid=205010]

Johnson says Aurora residents will not only benefit from the first right insurance policy, which means action is taken immediately rather than often long and complicated battles as developers and builders point fingers at each other as to who created the issue, but from how it can benefit the strata communities of the building.

Many buyers, especially first-time apartment owners, have limited understanding of shared infrastructure or the responsibilities of Owners Corporations. LDI adds an important layer of education, structure, and protection.

“People want to move in and enjoy what they’ve bought. But when things go wrong, that’s when emotions and stress levels rise. The insurance policy gives owners a clearer path to resolution—an assured, regulated compensation process. It also helps equip owners and managers with the knowledge they need to maintain the building properly.”

The insurance includes tools such as service penetration matrices and access documentation—going far beyond standard build drawings. Johnson says it’s about delivering not just a home, but a sustainable, manageable asset.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109919 project_image_fid=343670]

Sun Property Group continues to build on its strong track record across Sydney’s Lower North Shore, with an upcoming major development of its Bowen Street, Chatswood landholdings and additional projects underway in Melbourne. The team recently completed its debut Melbourne apartment project, The Brookville in Toorak, showcasing their commitment to delivering high-quality, design-led communities.

In a region where no other nearby developments currently carry LDI, the move also creates a market differentiator

Joel Robinson

Sun Property Group approaches completion of Willoughby's first apartment development with 10-year Latent Defects Insurance

Renowned developer-builder DASCO has unveiled its much-anticipated new development in the heart of Epping.

The architectural brief for Turner Studio was to “create a community where residents are completely immersed in a paradise for the senses.”

The result is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/senso-epping-242-244-beecroft-road-epping-nsw-2121">Senso</a>, a series of buildings that have been oriented around an unrepeatable 10,000 sqm-plus site to create a facility-laden, landscape-first precinct, something of which Epping and its surrounds have not seen before.

There are 479 apartments available in a variety of floorplans across the five buildings, a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in addition to a curated penthouse collection.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4553]

The apartments have been designed to appeal to the owner-occupier market, with generous floorplans, premium materials, and optional upgrades including integrated refrigeration, bespoke joinery, and motorised blinds.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dasco-australia">DASCO</a>, who builds its own developments, is once again bringing peace of mind to its clients by taking the 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy offered by Resilience Insurance, which protects buyers against any structural or waterproofing issues for 10 years post completion of the building. This insurance can only be taken out by the builder or developer and not by individual apartment owners.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4552]

DASCO is known for creating more than just apartments — they create places where people connect. Senso will have over 4,000 sqm of resort-inspired communal amenity in the form of two rooftop pools, a celestial outdoor cinema, wellness club, sensory walk, and an observation deck, in addition to multiple BBQ and outdoor communal areas on multiple levels, intended to deliver a complete lifestyle offering within the residential environment.

There will be over 800 sqm of retail space on street level, which will likely be run as hospitality venues.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4396]

Located adjacent to the new Epping Town Centre masterplan, and just a five-minute walk from Epping Metro Station, Senso offers seamless access to Macquarie Park, Chatswood and the Sydney CBD. Families who are interested in the large two- and three-bedroom apartments are within proximity to several regarded educational institutions including Macquarie University, James Ruse Agricultural High, and Cheltenham Girls School.

The project also leverages Epping’s growing dining and retail precinct, proximity to Macquarie Centre, and access to natural assets including Terrys Creek walking trails and Boronia Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4399]

With a 33-year track record and over 7,000 dwellings delivered, DASCO continues to develop and build; a business model that enables integrated delivery and peace of mind, especially when Senso is backed by Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), providing 10 years of protection for buyers at no additional cost.

The launch of Senso Epping reinforces DASCO’s active pipeline of Sydney-based developments at a time when the market is increasingly focused on owner-occupier appeal, delivery confidence, and long-term quality.

DASCO is partnering on Senso Epping with leading Australian alternative asset management firm Metrics, which has more than $30 billion in assets under management.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134954]

DASCO reveals Senso, Epping’s first resort-style apartment development

Preliminary data by research giant Charter Keck Cramer reveals a 54 per cent decline in Build to Sell apartments across Australia's capital cities, while the Build to Rent boom continues with a 378 per cent increase over the last five years.

Charter Keck Cramer's upcoming National State of the Market Report - Key Metropolitan Areas, scheduled for release in September, will reveal&nbsp;a dramatic transformation in apartment supply patterns across Australia's capital cities between FY2016-2020 and FY2021-2025.

The Build to Sell (BTS) apartment sector has experienced a substantial contraction, with total supply falling by 54 per cent compared to the previous five-year period. The decline represents a reduction of 149,200 apartments across all capital cities.

<img alt="BTS Charter Keck Cramer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3db2ddf3-e7c0-481f-b8b9-63efb365cb80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-20%20at%2011.26.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bsQl8inhZA7FeiPamnGvw1tse0obBdSd" />

Sydney led the downturn with a decrease of 73,600 apartments, followed by Melbourne (-42,800) and Brisbane (-26,800). Perth and Adelaide also recorded significant declines of 6,400 and 2,400 apartments respectively. Only Gold Coast and Canberra bucked the trend, with modest increases of 500 and 2,300 apartments.

In stark contrast, the Build to Rent (BTR) sector has emerged as a major force in the apartment market, recording a remarkable 378% increase in supply. This growth added 8,590 apartments across the capital cities during FY2021-2025. Melbourne dominated BTR growth with 6,160 additional apartments, while Sydney contributed 2,100 units. Brisbane and Canberra also recorded growth of 800 and 330 apartments respectively. Gold Coast and Perth recorded minor declines, while Adelaide maintained steady levels.

<img alt="BTR CKC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca13ffd4-ab93-4828-afd2-4c3dccbd2b51" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-20%20at%2011.28.54%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=SXNnpcJuFD36ViWOwF6izBBqcQc3NWao" />

“These preliminary findings indicate a fundamental shift in Australia's apartment development landscape, with traditional Build to Sell models giving way to institutional Build to Rent developments,” said Richard Temlett, Charter Keck Cramer’s National Executive Director of Research.

"This transition reflects changing investor preferences, regulatory environments and housing affordability challenges across major metropolitan areas.”

The complete Charter Keck Cramer National State of the Market Report – Key Metropolitan Areas will provide comprehensive analysis of these trends, their underlying drivers and implications for developers, investors and policymakers when released in September.

Build to Sell apartment supply drops 54% in five years across Australian capital cities

Verso Development Group is seeking to bring over 1,100 apartments to the heart of Brisbane's Toowong, with plans filed for a $1 billion, triple tower development known as Toowong Central.

The landmark urban regeneration project "aims to reshape the core of Brisbane’s inner-west riverside suburb."

Covering over 1.4-hectares across&nbsp;Sherwood Road, High Street, and Jephson Street, Toowong Central has been designed by KHA and will comprise three towers rising 49, 55, and 58 levels.

<img alt="Toowong Central" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="48611e3d-7123-4b99-b2cb-bfa4bc98024f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenities.png?VersionId=yKBexB.BgCkq4OET8fHDkWs0d3DjxOKJ" />

According to the Urban Context Report prepared by Urbis, Toowong Central is positioned as a “city-defining precinct reclaiming Toowong as ‘the best destination in the west’,” with a vision to deliver density differently, strengthen Toowong’s identity, and lead subtropical urban design.

There will be a wide range of apartment configurations, from one-bedrooms to five-bedroom penthouses, as well as short-term accomodation offerings. The design prioritises pedestrian permeability, with an activated public realm featuring a central civic plaza, laneways, and street-level retail and dining.

“The central square’s structure, programming, scale and location creates a social anchor - shaped by its edges, flexible for use, and animated by a diversity of experiences throughout the day and into the evening,” the Urban Context Report noted, reinforcing the project's ambition to become a vibrant community destination.

Design excellence was pursued through an international design competition, attracting entries from renowned practices such as UNStudio and BIG. KHA’s winning design distinguished itself with a ceremonial approach to the public realm, integrating terraces, tiered seating, and green infrastructure to promote social interaction and resilience.

The development builds upon two existing approvals: the 25- and 20-storey towers of the Aviary Toowong proposal, and a separate 25- and 24-storey approval at 88 Jephson Street. Consolidation of these fragmented landholdings under a precinct-wide approach allows for increased community value and cohesive urban integration.

Urbis Director Nicholas Stevenson said Toowong Central will bridge the gap in Toowong's current experience, unlocking the potential of the wider precinct.

"Overcoming experiential constraints and leveraging contextual advantages – Toowong Central will redefine Brisbane's inner west.”

<img alt="Toowong Central" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73f7a702-625d-452d-9df2-30a0863ac1e8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/master.png?VersionId=TZdh6wxGC_8IIroXpdkZfuhlS8mFZnea" />

Toowong Central’s ambition extends beyond residential and commercial outcomes. Uses under consideration include a world-class hotel, university facilities, a museum, and health and wellness services, reflecting its role as a western gateway to Brisbane’s growing innovation corridor between the CBD and the University of Queensland.

Urbis Managing Partner James Tuma said Brisbane has no greater opportunity to showcase the future of urban living than Toowong – a sustainable, economically vibrant, and people-centric place that embodies the best of Brisbane.

[The plans] gives us a glimpse into our future as a globally relevant, youthful, entrepreneurial, and distinctly subtropical city.”

$1 billion Toowong Central to deliver 1,100 apartments to undersupplied Brisbane market

In <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/runaway-bay-qld-4216">Runaway Bay</a>, new townhouse-scale waterfront residences are rare - but ones built to the standards found on Sovereign Island are almost unheard of.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/ocean-suites-on-jennifer-10-12-jennifer-avenue-runaway-bay-qld-4216">Ocean Suites on Jennifer</a>&nbsp;changes that, delivering a calibre of construction and detailing that places its seven villas well above the typical market offering in this northern Gold Coast pocket.

Ocean Suites on Jennifer will be move-in ready before Christmas this year, giving buyers the chance to spend the summer on the water in one of Runaway Bay’s rare new waterfront residences.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138718 project_image_fid=214444]

The development is a collaboration between <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/stuart-osman">Stuart Osman Design</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sand-side-developments">Sand Side Developments</a>, with construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/alroe-constructions">Alroe Constructions</a>.

Architect Stuart Osman says the intent from the outset was to create a home people would be drawn to. “When you build anything, the design is to make you want to go hang out in this house,” he says.&nbsp;

Ocean Suites on Jennifer’s design features a front façade softened with planter boxes, rear pool areas, and rooftop decks looking over the water.&nbsp;

Inside, voids and high skylights bring daylight deep into the centre of each home, while ceiling heights of 2.85 metres maintain a strong sense of volume.

Each four-level residence spans 345 to 388 sqm, with layouts accommodating multi-generational living - a ground-floor bedroom suite for older family members and upper levels for the rest of the household. A lift connects all floors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138718 project_image_fid=214435]

For Andrew Erwin, Director at NPA, the project’s appeal lies in both its location and the detail in execution.&nbsp;

"At Ocean Suites, you’ve got a canal-front setting with direct Broadwater access and a level of finish you’d normally only see in the city’s most prestigious addresses. The four-level layouts, the glass-framed living areas, the private pools, even the extended kitchens, every part of it has been designed with the buyer in mind,” he says.

Those buyers have so far been a mix of Gold Coast locals and interstate purchasers, many seeking a lock-up-and-leave holiday home or a downsized residence without sacrificing space for visiting family.&nbsp;

Older households with teenage children are a recurring profile, drawn to layouts that support multi-generational living and the ability to host extended stays.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138718 project_image_fid=214432]

Material selection reinforces the project’s quality-first ethos, with every home appointed to a premium standard. Kitchens and ensuites feature engineered stone surfaces, complemented by prestige oak engineered timber floors, Victorian ash hardwood staircases, and soft loop-pile carpet.

Premium lighting, statement pendants, ceiling fans, and Fujitsu ducted air conditioning elevate both comfort and design. Each residence also includes a suite of high-end appliances as standard - Fisher &amp; Paykel integrated fridges, Bosch ovens, induction cooktops and dishwashers, Vintec wine fridges, and Franke sinks.

Beyond the interiors, residents enjoy an enviable lifestyle with rooftop terraces, private plunge pools, fire pit areas, outdoor showers, smart home automation, laundry chutes, and private pontoons.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138718 project_image_fid=214452]

With no additional upgrade costs, Sand Side Developments underscores its no-shortcuts approach, delivering homes where luxury and amenity come as standard.

Osman adds that the kitchen has been designed as “the main hub of the house” with six metres high skylights above a galley-style layout that “makes it feel bigger, brighter, whiter” and “brings light into the centre of the home.”

Both architect and builder emphasise a shared commitment to delivering the intended design without compromise. “Working with Alroe’s structural team and their construction team, it’s been great to make sure that the look and feel that was originally intended is the result achieved at the end of the project,” Osman says.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138718 project_image_fid=214453]

Outdoor living has been given equal consideration, with rooftop terraces designed for entertaining with a fire pit and bar, and spacious undercover patios featuring private plunge pools.

The marine access is as carefully executed as the homes themselves. An eight-metre gangway leads to a six-metre private pontoon capable of mooring vessels up to 30 feet, just 300 metres by water from the Broadwater.&nbsp;

Even the orientation of each villa has been optimised to capture long views down the canal, across the Broadwater, and south to Main Beach.

With construction in its final stages, just three of the seven villas remain, priced from $3.365 million to $3.695 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138718]

Sovereign Island standards come to Runaway Bay with Ocean Suites on Jennifer

Technè

<html><body>
A round up of some key appointments across the industry, as firms look ahead to a busy 2019.

<h2>Technē expands workplace division, promotes Dana Hutchins</h2>

<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/dana_hutchins.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="425" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dana_hutchins.jpg?itok=aBHRk-QC" width="580"></a></figure><a href="/architects/techne-architecture-interior-design">Technē Architecture + Interior Design</a> in Australia has recently promoted Dana Hutchins to Senior Associate, who will now be spearheading the practice’s workplace division with colleague Gabriella Gulacsi.

With almost 15 years’ experience as an interior designer, Hutchins’ portfolio of projects at Technē include the MRC Medallion Bar, a workplace for Deka and the highly anticipated Hotel Esplanade (The Espy) opening in November 2018. With her experience as an interior designer evenly divided in the workplace and hospitality sectors, Hutchins has spent her recent years working within the latter. 

She believes her hospitality experience will give her a new perspective that can be brought into upcoming workplace projects. Hutchins has seen the trend in workplace design moving away from clean-cut, 
corporate offices and believes good workplace design is best centred on flexibility and bringing people together.

Founding partner and director Nick Travers is delighted to bolster the practice’s workplace offering with Hutchins’ promotion.

<blockquote>
“Dana has already made significant contributions to projects at Technē and we are thrilled for her to continue to apply her professionalism and expertise in our workplace division.” 

- Nick Travers, Founding partner and director
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“The Espy is the most deign intense, complex and highly involved project I have ever worked on but I enjoyed the opportunity to work on a heritage project of this scale. I have always been interested in using interior design to intersect everyday life with experiences that are memorable. I appreciate and have missed the process and strategy often underpinning workplace design along with the logic and order of workplace planning.

A good workplace brings people together, organically allowing for collaboration and socialisation between team members. As workplace design has shown an increasing shift towards hospitality and social spaces, it is an exciting time to bring the work and expertise of Technē into the domain of workplace.

Technē is best known for creating cafés, restaurants and pubs which are social hubs and this experience can be translated into the design of workplaces as companies are moving towards agile work practices. Our ambition is that as a team we can create socially rich and memorable workplaces.

I am very excited to do that with Gabi who I have worked with for most of my career. We both have different roles and interests on a project but our complementary skillset makes for a strong combination.”

-  Dana Hutchins, Senior Associate
</blockquote>

<h2>Bates Smart Appoints a Strategic Advisory Board and Announces Director Promotions</h2>

<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/bates_smart_advisory_board.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="L-R: Cian Davis, Kellie Payne, Rachael McCarthy, Simon Swaney"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="212" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bates_smart_advisory_board.jpg?itok=vFuNyshc" title="L-R: Cian Davis, Kellie Payne, Rachael McCarthy, Simon Swaney" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>New Directors L-R: Cian Davis, Kellie Payne, Rachael McCarthy, Simon Swaney</figcaption></figure><a href="/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> has appointed a dedicated Advisory Board, formed in August this year, comprising five prominent Australian business leaders with diverse experience spanning sectors including property, legal services, finance and corporate business management.

The board members are: John O’Neill AO, Chair of the Advisory Board and Chairman of The Star Entertainment Group; Fiona Hindmarsh, Non-executive Director of Hindmarsh; Julie Levis, Partner of Clayton Utz; Greg Paramor AO, Non-Executive Director of Charter Hall Group and former Managing Director of Folkestone; and Colin Smith, Managing Director of Phoenix Consulting.

Bates Smart Managing Director, Simon Swaney said the Advisory Board will establish a clear strategy for the future and ensure the practice is well equipped to respond to opportunities while maintaining exceptional design quality. 
2018 has been a year of significant progress for the practice with the studio announcing the promotion of Kellie Payne (Sydney) and Cian Davis (Melbourne) as Directors, with Rachael McCarthy (Melbourne) advanced to Studio Director. 
These new appointments are in addition to further staff promotions across the Melbourne and Sydney studios with a total of 21 Associate Directors and Associates named, two thirds being women.

Swaney notes that the restructure, which commenced in 2013, has been vital in supporting the strong and valued client base while maintaining design excellence. The practice has experienced significant growth over the last five years to service clients’ needs and the expansion in the leadership team reflects

<blockquote>
“We welcome our newly appointed Advisory Board and their strategic guidance that draws on their diverse skills to strengthen the practice. Our Directors are delighted to have their experience spanning various sectors, regions and genders available to them as well as their immense capabilities to support the cultural and fiscal success of our practice.

“We congratulate Kellie and Cian, who now join our directorship, for their dedication and achievement in delivering excellence over a number of years, and Rachael who will skillfully continue to develop our Melbourne workplace strategy and design capabilities. We value their expertise and leadership enormously in not only offering exceptional client service but in nurturing the growth of new and existing talent.

“Our business has undergone a significant generational change and the new appointments to the leadership group continue this change and will be supported by our talented teams in their respective architecture and interior design fields.” 

- Simon Swaney, Bates Smart Managing Director
</blockquote>

<h2>Architectus welcomes new Principal to the leadership team</h2>

<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/sophie_cleland_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="612" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sophie_cleland_01.jpg?itok=RFrjcc2e" width="580"></a></figure><a href="/architects/architectus">Architectus</a> has appointed Sophie Cleland as Principal to the leadership team.

An architect with over 15 years of experience, Sophie joins Architectus from ARM Architecture where she developed substantial expertise working on public projects, including the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Athlete’s Village Community and Retail Precinct, the National Museum of Australia and Wanangkura regional sports centre.

Sophie is a member of the NSW State Design Review Panel and the Office for Design and Architecture South Australia (ODASA) for the SA Government.

Sophie’s appointment as Principal follows a year of continued growth at Architectus with recent significant project wins including the Western Sydney Airport Business Park Master Plan.

<blockquote>
“Sophie brings a clear strategic approach to the design process and strong client and stakeholder relationships, including extensive experience working with high levels of government, Government Architects and other State and Territory agencies. We are delighted to have Sophie join our Melbourne studio.”

- Ray Brown, Architectus Managing Director 
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“I am excited to be joining the Architectus leadership team and have the opportunity to drive design strategy in the delivery of high quality public architecture. In my new role, I want to inspire a sense of narrative within the work, to create high quality and forward-thinking spaces that connect people, cultures and their ideas.”

- Sophie Cleland 
</blockquote>

Lead image: <a href="http://www.kerstinthompson.com/">Kerstin Thompson Architects</a> 
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

A number of Architecture firms make key leadership appointments ahead of 2019

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St Kilda's landmark Esplanade Hotel or "The Espy" - as it is affectionately known - is reopening its doors following an extensive two year refurbishment undertaken by owners Sandhill Road and long time collaborators, Technē Architecture + Interior Design. The 140 year-old icon has been reborn via a design strategy which celebrates the story of the landmark venue and its rich layers of history.

First built in 1878, The Espy has experienced a number of alterations and additions over the years - namely in the 1920's and 1970's - before being acquired by Carlton and United Breweries in 1995 and then by Becton Corporation in 1997.  Becton sought to develop a 35-storey residential tower on the site, which was eventually scaled back to a more modest seven-storeys following strong community opposition. 

<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/espy201801-010.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Technē's design uncovers and celebrates the Espy's layers of history. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/espy201801-010.jpg?itok=99TyVLpR" title="Technē's design uncovers and celebrates the Espy's layers of history. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a></figure>The Espy, represents Technē’s largest and most complex hospitality undertaking to date, and is 50 per cent larger than <a href="/news/garden-state-hotel-previously-known-as-rosati">Garden State Hotel</a>, which Technē also worked on with Sand Hill Road. Technē's design strategy reflects Sand Hill Road’s vision for the venue; highlighting the different eras across 12 bars, two restaurants and a variety of discrete spaces totalling 3,000 sqm which can accommodate up to 1,780 patrons.

Since day one, The Espy has been a Victorian-era seaside resort and the hotel home to notable personalities such as entrepreneur, art collector and philanthropist Alfred Felton. It’s been a jazz-era ballroom and a rock and roll mainstay from the 1990s until 2015 when it closed for renovation.

Technē's design features three different spaces capable of accommodating a range of performances from intimate jazz or stand-up comedy to rock bands drawing big crowds in the Gershwin Room - a space which Technē has left largely untouched. 
The Espy further celebrates its musical heritage with vintage rock posters on display throughout the building, sourced from the venue’s archives. The renovations have also opened up and activated the Espy's second level, expanding the public offering from two levels to four. An operable glass roof has been provided over the famous terrace entrance and highlights the grand stairway that connects the building’s different levels.

On the ground floor, the foyer’s grand arch windows provide a visual connection through to the Main Bar and to a cellar door-inspired dining area, complete with wine barrels filling the walls, and kitchen beyond. The former Espy kitchen has been re-imagined as a public bar featuring traditional curved oak detailing.

<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/espy201801-003.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/espy201801-003.jpg?itok=MgDHIAnj" width="580"></a></figure>Cantonese restaurant Mya Tiger is located on the first floor and draws inspiration from the famous Raffles Hotel in Singapore, providing patrons with views of Port Phillip Bay in addition to the activity on the terrace below. Felton’s spirit of art collecting and as a host of salons for the creative community informs the Technē design response on the second floor. 
Other areas include a small mezzanine-level function room and the 1950s inspired Studio Bar on the ground floor, a space that patrons can book to record podcasts, providing what Technē term “a slightly more modern character” compared to some of the venue’s other restored spaces, with diner-style booths and ’50s-style wood panelling. (As an aside, Apartments.com.au is looking at recording an episode of our <a href="/guides">podcast</a> with Technē in the space.)

A series of hand-painted, period-style murals by Perth artist Desmond Sweeney (8 Foot Walls) provide a unique design feature, with one occupying an entire eight metre wall in the the Green Room.

Technē worked closely with Sand Hill Road stylist Eleisha Gray on conceiving the interior design and decor of the reborn Espy, curating a selection of imported furniture and decorative objects in keeping with the overall narrative. A tribute to The Espy’s heyday, Technē and Sandhill Road's transformation will ensure the St Kilda landmark remains one of the oldest, largest and most prominent 19th-century hotel resorts still operating in Victoria. 

<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/espy201801-006.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/espy201801-006.jpg?itok=FIkHqeiE" width="580"></a></figure>In addition to The Espy redevelopment, a host of other projects such as the recently completed Gatwick Hotel redevelopment as part of The Block TV series, and the <a href="/developments/st-kilda-vic-3182">Victorian Pride Centre</a> are breathing new life into <a href="/developments/st-kilda-vic-3182">St Kilda</a>. A snapshot of the the area's development pipeline is captured below.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/st-kilda-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
There’s something about this Hotel that captures the imagination like no other.

These are the things we determined to keep at the forefront of our minds as we conceived the look, feel and spaces of the new Espy – age, grandeur, history, arts – and respect for what it took to keep her alive all these years.

- Matt Mullins, Sand Hill Road director 
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
There is no other hotel or food and beverage project in the city that is as big and complex as The Espy. Working with a building with such an interesting history has extended our entire working process.

The design is unique because it focuses entirely on historical layering. Different eras and styles call to each other across the spaces – making for an eclectic customer exploration – and this is united throughout by exposing the good bones of the original building.

In a design sense, the glass roof allows the old building to be viewed as it was before the art deco bay window extension was added to it. There's that element of Victorian grandeur that is coming back into the ground level foyer and elsewhere.

Alfred Felton’s ghost benevolently haunts the rooms on the second level. His story is more clearly explained than it has ever been and the renovation opens up spaces to the public that have not been seen since the early 20th century when they became boarding rooms.

We imagined this level as a Victorian parlour with small rooms, small bars filled with curios and little art works. There is a library and a salon – one of the spaces is called The Pharmacy because Alfred Felton made his money in part as a manufacturing chemist.

- Justin Northrop, Technē Director
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
People have a real connection to the Gershwin Room. We’ve refreshed the bar but wanted to make sure the whole space still feels recognisable. Our design concentrates on the building’s heritage and does not aim for a contemporary makeover.

We hope it will be hard to tell which sections are original details and which things have been recreated. This approach is new for us and also it’s also largely new in Melbourne; it’s more familiar in Europe where this architectural tradition is much older.

- Nick Travers, Technē Director 
</blockquote>

All images supplied by Technē.
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The Espy - A St Kilda landmark is reborn

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The Village Belle Hotel, one of <a href="/new-apartments/st-kilda-vic-3182">St Kilda's</a> enduring landmarks, reopened its doors late last year following extensive renovations with the aim of becoming St Kilda’s destination pub. Beginning as a humble pub in 1895, the historic pub was restored and expanded by <a href="/architects/techne-architecture-interior-design">Technē Architecture + Interior Design</a> and <a href="/builders/schiavello-constructions">Schiavello Construction</a> to bring the <a href="/buildings/village-belle-202-barkly-street-st-kilda">'Belle'</a> into the 21st Century, while maintaining a sense of history. The synergy between old and new balances the Victorian-era heritage fabric with contemporary elements of concrete and glass.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/technevillagebelle_highres-10-lr.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The indoor/outdoor Bee Garden woth its retractable roof. Images: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="430" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/technevillagebelle_highres-10-lr.jpg?itok=BHAj6kmT" title="The indoor/outdoor Bee Garden woth its retractable roof. Images: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The contemporary indoor/outdoor Beer Garden with its retractable roof. Images: Supplied</figcaption></figure>The centrepiece of the revamp is the indoor/outdoor contemporary beer garden which sits between the original structure and Acland Street, enclosed in fully operable glazing and robust steel framing, providing patrons with a comfortable drinking environment across summer and winter. TILT Industrial Design collaborated with Technē Architecture + Design to produce the custom 200 sqm glass operable roof. The huge operable roof draws ample natural light into the beer garden, while enabling climate control throughout changing weather and seasons.

TILT’s design greatly increased the headroom clearance possible in large, open areas of the garden. This could only be achieved through custom design, by decreasing the roof’s pitch below that of an off-the-shelf product. The TILT team also worked closely with acoustic consultants to develop specific design features that would provide adequate noise reduction for the surrounding residential area. TILT and Technē have retained the heritage building’s character, meanwhile creating a contemporary addition with climatic control that ensures the comfort of patrons.

<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/technevillagebelle_highres-7-lr_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The retractable roof allows ample light into the Beer Garden. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/technevillagebelle_highres-7-lr_2.jpg?itok=uvYjyfVn" title="The retractable roof allows ample light into the Beer Garden. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The retractable roof allows ample light into the Beer Garden. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>The Village Belle Hotel also includes 12 boutique apartments, though they are separate to and not connected to the pub, providing acoustic separation between the activities within the pub and the apartment residents.
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TILT and Technē shed some light on  the Village Belle Hotel revamp

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In keeping with Apartments.com.au's continued focus over the last few months on the proliferation of co-working spaces across Melbourne, today we take a look at The Hub - an exclusive recreational building comprising a dedicated co-working space and high-end entertainment facilities across three levels with a rooftop terrace, located within Glenvill's YarraBend master planned development on the banks of the Yarra in Alphington. 

The development of a co-working 'hub' at YarraBend is in response to an increasing number of entrepreneurs seeking collaborative workspaces that foster creativity and networking, along with anyone working flexible hours or from home.

<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/glen2004_hub_interiors_v04_roof_top.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Hub's rooftop terrace. Image: Glenvill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="414" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/glen2004_hub_interiors_v04_roof_top.jpg?itok=FKG33SWY" title="The Hub's rooftop terrace. Image: Glenvill" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Hub's rooftop terrace. Image: Glenvill</figcaption></figure>The provision of co-working space at YarraBend also reinforces the increasing demand for this type of office environment, and the strength of the Melbourne co-working sector which currently accounts for 50% of all co-working space in Australia. The Hub would join the likes of The Commons in Collingwood and South Melbourne, Dream Factory in Footscray, and the recently profiled <a href="/news/clik-collective-brings-co-warehousing-to-moorabbins-morris-moor">CLIK Collective Moorabbin</a> and Hub Australia's <a href="/news/hub-australia-launches-2nd-melbourne-coworking-space-on-collins-street">Hub Collins Street</a>.

CLIK Collective Moorabbin represents 6,000 sqm of co-warehousing and co-working space within Up Property's Morris Moor development in Moorabbin, while Hub Collins Street has a variety of workspaces to cater for up to 600 members including bespoke offices, private offices and open plan dedicated and flexible desks within The Georges Building  at 162 Collins Street.

Located within The Artisan Precinct, The Hub embodies YarraBend's six visionary pillars including health &amp; wellness, technology, food &amp; entertainment, sustainability, art &amp; design, and knowledge. Technē Architecture + Interior Design have designed The Hub around sound design principles of placemaking and user experience, with its multi-dimensional nature requiring a unique design approach that focused on creating versatility and functionality.

The Hub is composed of a selection of natural materials and exposed concrete, which draw on the site’s industrial heritage as a working paper mill. This palette is restrained and considered, responding to adjacent apartment building facades, with profiled vertical fins wrapping the glazed exterior, while internally exposed fittings, fixtures and elements create visual interest within the interiors, with a strong focus on tactility and craftsmanship.

<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/glen2004_hub_interiors_v02_work_lab.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Hub interiors have a strong focus on tactility and craftsmanship with internally exposed fittings, fixtures and elements. Image: Glenvill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/glen2004_hub_interiors_v02_work_lab.jpg?itok=rCJ3s3Qx" title="The Hub interiors have a strong focus on tactility and craftsmanship with internally exposed fittings, fixtures and elements. Image: Glenvill" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Hub interiors have a strong focus on tactility and craftsmanship with internally exposed fittings, fixtures and elements. Image: Glenvill</figcaption></figure>According to Director of Sales and Marketing at Glenvill, Ashley Bramich, the 400 sqm building blends together premium recreational facilities with a contemporary work environment complete with all of the mod cons and is a reflection of YarraBend’s commitment to integrating technology, entertainment and considered design throughout the development. 

<blockquote>
The big question we asked ourselves at the beginning of the process was - how do we elevate this unique site? We had to ensure we designed the right product and provided the development with a diversity of product and architecture, while remaining at the forefront of sustainability. 

The design of The Hub is unique and timeless and aligns strongly with the YarraBend master plan which was developed with a strong focus on placemaking, sustainability and liveability. The Hub responds to growing trends such as working from home and the disruption occurring within the technology space, so it was important to provide a strong level of amenity within the development for residents.

- Ashley Bramich, Director of Sales and Marketing, Glenvill
</blockquote>

A chef-quality kitchen and two expansive dining areas are located on the ground floor, providing residents with the ability and space to host or entertain larger groups of friends and family. The Hub's WorkLab occupies an entire floor and includes a meeting room, desk-spaces and a lounge area complete with all the latest technology.

The Hub Lounge is located on the top floor and features a games room, pool table, TV and a bar, providing residents with a comfortable environment within walking distance of their homes. This is supported by the rooftop terrace which includes a barbeque and fire pit. There’s also an indoor cinema encased in glass which along with the dining room and rooftop terrace, will be available to book via a smart phone app which is exclusive to YarraBend residents.
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The Hub at YarraBend adds to Melbourne's growing co-working market

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Following our coverage of Up Property's <a href="/news/up-property-pushes-ahead-with-morris-moor-master-plan">Morris Moor development</a> in Moorabbin earlier this year, Apartments.com.au caught up with Up Property Founder and Managing Director Adam Davidson to discuss his interest in property investment, site acquisition, progress on Morris Moor and Up Property's future ambitions.

With more than 18 years of property investment experience, he transitioned from his dentistry practice to follow his passion for investing full-time. As Founder and Managing Director, Adam leads the Up Property team, business operations and strategy. He is responsible for all aspects of acquisitions, and investor and stakeholder involvement.

According to Davidson, his vision was to create an integrated property development and investment business renowned for quality landmark projects.

<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/2.-gent9345_moorabbin-hq_e02_building-1_hero-corner_a1cmykr.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Morris Moor will see the adaptive re-use of the existing buildings on site. Image: Up Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="292" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2.-gent9345_moorabbin-hq_e02_building-1_hero-corner_a1cmykr.jpg?itok=mcFmmmd5" title="Morris Moor will see the adaptive re-use of the existing buildings on site. Image: Up Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Morris Moor will see the adaptive re-use of the existing buildings on site. Image: Up Property</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au: Making the switch from dental practice to property investment and development is a big shift - What brought this change about?

Adam Davidson: The change was brought about simply because of a drive to wake up each day and do something that I was truly passionate about. I worked the dental industry in a very successful private practice for over eight years and while I enjoyed what I was doing, especially the people I was working with, I was always searching for something else that I had greater passion for.

Over the years as a dentist I bought and sold a number of residential properties and slowly but surely  came to realise that my true passion was in property.

In the early days my weekends were spent almost exclusively at open houses and I found myself constantly researching new properties. Once I had acquired a number of commercial and residential properties I decided, with great enthusiasm but to be honest no real plan, to quit dentistry and focus full time on property investment and development.

Up Property was formally founded in 2008 and has since completed 36 projects combining a broad mix of residential and commercial developments, with in excess of 250 proposed dwellings in the pipeline as well as various commercial developments underway.

U: Up Property has developed and is developing a range of projects not only in Melbourne but also in Geelong. What is your strategy for site identification and acquisition?

AD: As a team, we are very opportunistic and approach each site on a case by case basis. We focus on properties that we feel we can add significant value to.  The properties we tend to acquire may seem too hard or less desirable to some due to issues with the sites, but have greater potential that can be unlocked through experience and problem solving.

We ultimately look to have a broad range of projects for our portfolio, ideally across a range of asset classes that can be developed and transformed into projects that provide greater amenity and have positive impact for the community in which the sites are located. A perfect example of this is the two latest acquisitions for Up Property, a standard residential block set to become architecturally designed townhomes and a 3,300 sqm approximate net lettable area (NLA) main road showroom facility, with surplus developable land.

We were attracted to Geelong because the local market was experiencing a downturn due to the well documented announcements in 2013 around Ford ceasing production in Geelong and the likely ramifications. We felt the underlying fundamentals of the property market were solid and saw investing in Geelong as a unique opportunity.  Over the past decade we have gained a great knowledge of the local market and forged valued relationships within Geelong that, despite the rapid growth Geelong has recently experienced, continues to make it an attractive market for us to invest.

Our strategy to unlock a site’s hidden potential is also evident at our Morris Moor development in Moorabbin. Many developers saw the property as purely land value and would have likely demolished the site, however by retaining and re-purposing the eight buildings we have been able to preserve and pay homage to the rich history and, in turn, transform the former Phillip Morris manufacturing facility into a dynamic urban destination for the local community, a new neighbourhood, an exciting place to work, play, eat and drink.

U: The Morris Moor development is, in many ways, very unique in that we very rarely see the adaptive re-use and re-purposing of office-warehouse structures in suburban Melbourne particularly the more modernist era. What influenced Up Property to work within the framework of the existing structures and not take a completely fresh approach.

AD: To us it was apparent from the first inspection. We saw great potential and value in retaining the original buildings of the former Phillip Morris site, each building has great structure and unique individual character. For that reason, rather than rebuilding and starting fresh, we made the decision to re-imagine the existing site and create a unique community focused development.

Despite this resulting in a more challenging pathway towards transforming the original buildings into the contemporary, industrially-inspired facade of Morris Moor, we feel we’ve been able to use the site’s existing features to create a new, unique master plan.

<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/morris_moor_-_fb_artist_impression_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Morris Moor's hospitality precinct. Image: Up Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="288" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/morris_moor_-_fb_artist_impression_0.jpg?itok=XIUUzzd6" title="Morris Moor's hospitality precinct. Image: Up Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Morris Moor's hospitality precinct. Image: Up Property</figcaption></figure>U: What were some of the challenges and opportunities of working within existing structures?

AD: Bringing older buildings up to comply with modern day standards and regulations can often add substantial costs and complexities to a project. This can only be mitigated by having an experienced, engaged and pro-active project team to quickly and effectively respond to any unforeseen circumstances. Regardless of these challenges, which were known to us upon committing to the project, our design aims to work with and celebrate the existing industrial architecture as much as possible, to create a location that is unique and distinct from typical suburban office environments.

Fundamentally, it is always a far simpler process to develop new buildings from the ground up as opposed to retrofitting existing buildings.

In retrofitting old buildings, you are dealing with areas and structures that were designed originally for a use that is completely different to what we’re looking to achieve now. For example, the change from primarily warehousing and manufacturing use to a broad mix of uses including office, childcare, retail and hospitality to name a few.

Further to this, all new buildings must be made safe and compliant to current day regulations. Not to say the buildings were not safe and compliant previously, they simply need to achieve a different standard in today’s terms. These items can add up and add to the complexity of the overall design.

U: There has also generally been a preference to redevelop these types of sites - the former Sigma site in Clayton South is an example of this - into residential. 

AD: Morris Moor sits within the Moorabbin Business and Industrial precinct. Even though it borders the existing residential neighbourhood, the current zoning and planning controls over the property do not allow for residential development meaning this was not a consideration in our strategy. Council have been extremely supportive to date in our master plan as it exists today and support the commercial re-development of this iconic site as a key driver to support the regeneration of the Moorabbin Business and Industrial precinct.

This said, the fact that this project sits adjacent to a large residential catchment of the bayside suburbs greatly influenced our master plan to develop Morris Moor into a multi-use community to work, play, eat and drink. The existing layout of the site inspired our plan to unify the individual buildings and connect the spaces within to create a modern commercial and social campus.

U: Did you identify a commercial and co-working suburban hub as a gap in the market with the residential market being somewhat over saturated at this point?

AD: Instinctively we felt that the middle ring suburbs held an underlying demand for satellite co-working spaces which is currently under-serviced. There are so many operators fighting for space in traditional office locations, such as the Melbourne CBD and city fringe however, business owners and employees are continuously looking to live and work in close proximity and trade the time spent in the car or on the train with time at home with the family. Young businesses wanting the flexibility to work closer to home and avoid the commute to the city. These local business operators were seeking a more flexible arrangement as opposed to within a traditional office on a long-term lease agreement. We noted the rise of such spaces within other suburban business parks (e.g. Caribbean Park and Chadstone).

Through the support of Kingston council, we have been connected to several local community groups, small businesses and individuals who are very keen to see professional, well-coordinated and managed co-working spaces within the precinct. This provides us with further confidence that demand is there.

Upon taking ownership of the site in May last year, we continued to receive overwhelming interest from different businesses looking for opportunities beyond that of a typical office precinct – from gymnasiums and coffee roasters to recreational facilities and childcare centres.

These conversations, whether through council or the local community, have helped shape what Morris Moor is today - a unique business campus that offers a range of uses to support the office workers on-site as well as, provide the local residential catchment with a convenient place to eat and drink.

U: Up Property has engaged Genton and Techne as architects on the project, focusing on the working spaces and lifestyle hubs respectively. What influenced Up Property to engage these two practices?

AD: Both Genton and Techne are dynamic and fresh architecture teams with experience that aligns with our design led principles. Genton helped to design the visionary masterplan behind Morris Moor that interprets the existing buildings and landscaping, while Techne have assisted with the development of the hospitality precinct by introducing a proposed tenancy mix of different uses for the three central buildings including restaurant, coffee roastery and cafe, brewery, distillery, wine bar, convenience store, florist, event function spaces and more.  

U: How is the Morris Moor project progressing and when is the expected completion date?

AD: The project is progressing really well. We have already leased over 12,000 sqm of space, with our first two tenants having commenced their leases on-site and secured our first office tenancy, a child care operator and we’re in substantial negotiations with some key anchor tenants for the hospitality precinct such as a brewery, coffee roaster and health and wellness offerings, who are interested in coming on board to create an urban destination that will be a catalyst for the inevitable gentrification of the area.

We currently have our permits in place with construction having started on the office building due to be completed Q1, 2019.  

Our next phase of construction began this month, in which the 5,000 sqm corner office building is being revitalised with a new facade, lobby and complete internal refurbishment, creating premium office spaces for new exciting businesses to occupy. The surrounding common areas, landscaping and car parks will undergo full re-development.

<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/building01_-_lobby_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image of the new lobby for the soon to be revamped corner building. Image: Up Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/building01_-_lobby_0.jpg?itok=dYkNbbbt" title="Image of the new lobby for the soon to be revamped corner building. Image: Up Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image of the new lobby for the soon to be revamped corner building. Image: Up Property</figcaption></figure>U: And finally, what is coming up on the horizon for Up Property?

AD: Some may say that for a team of our size, Morris Moor should be more than enough to occupy us for the immediate term! To the contrary, we’re always on the lookout for new and different opportunities that align with our style and speciality. Our team love being challenged and relish in solving difficult and interesting problems.

We have already acquired several strategic residential and commercial properties over the last few years that we are planning on, or currently in the midst of developing in a similar way to that of Morris Moor.

Recently we acquired a number of unique and unconventional commercial sites within Geelong CBD that require significant re-positioning in the market. This includes our development on Little Malop Street which is currently being converted from a dis-used retail operation into a modern office building which has been 100% pre-leased to tenant’s the Geelong Advertiser &amp; Barwon Health.

We also acquired the former CSIRO site off the Australian Federal Government, a 6.2ha site destined to become a new community within the heart of an established neighbourhood within Geelong. This will be re-zoned and transformed into a large master-planned community, likely to yield in excess of 250 dwellings.

While the market has been quite difficult in recent times to acquire new sites on attractive terms, we continue to be ready should a new opportunity present itself.
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Q&A with Up Property's Adam Davidson

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Up Property has unveiled plans for the $100 million transformation of Moorabbin’s Philip Morris manufacturing site into a new urban destination, that will introduce opportunities for increased amenity and employment for the area.

Named ‘Morris Moor’ – a reference to the site’s location, history and significance within the community - the development has been designed to inject an element of inner-city urbanism to Moorabbin.

Through a working partnership with Connect Plus Property Solutions, Up Property plans to re-purpose the existing eight buildings, which collectively represent over 50,000 sqm of leasable space.

The significant heritage site has been re-imagined to become a multi-use community precinct, which according to Up Property "will cultivate experiences and create opportunities that breathe life into the local neighbourhood through the diversity of its tenants."

<blockquote>
Our vision is for Morris Moor to become an iconic destination for Melbourne and the local residential and business community to work, play, eat and drink.

Upon taking ownerships of the site in May last year, we received overwhelming interest from businesses looking for opportunities beyond that of a typical office precinct – from gymnasiums and coffee roasters to indoor golf simulators and cinemas.

This helped shape our Master Plan for Morris Moor as we wanted to be responsive to the market and develop a location that the community would embrace. Morris Moor will forge exciting new opportunities and experiences for Moorabbin and broader Bayside, upgrading an area predominantly known for being an industrial precinct.

- Adam Davidson, Up Property Managing Director
</blockquote>

The 6.27-hectare site, already has a permit in place which will allow it to deliver in excess of 1,600 new jobs for Moorabbin, double the amount that were employed at the site in its previous life.

 Genton Architecture was engaged to design and collaborate on a Master Plan that re-interprets and adapts the existing collection of buildings and landscape into a location that will deliver on Up Property's vision to "bring the best of Melbourne to Moorabbin."

<blockquote>
The design will transform a collection of existing warehouses and commercial buildings into premium office spaces, modern eateries and contemporary amenities. Genton’s concept for Morris Moor maximises the heritage character of the buildings by enhancing the facades of each structure. The design maximises the overall impression while remaining cost effective.

- Genton Arcihitects
</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/morris_moor_-_fb_artist_impression.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of Morris Moor's hospitality precinct. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="288" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/morris_moor_-_fb_artist_impression.jpg?itok=NYhFyd12" title="Artist's impression of Morris Moor's hospitality precinct. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of Morris Moor's hospitality precinct. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>The manufacturing history of the site is being celebrated via a ‘makers theme’, with Up Property seeking future occupants that have an element of on-site production rather than just providing traditional retail tenancies. The focus is on finding place makers not space takers to create a vibrant, engaging community that will collectively form a local destination in its own right. An example of this would be a coffee roaster rather than just a cafe or a brewery instead of just another bar.

Upon completion, Morris Moor will also include approximately 2,879 sqm of hospitality space, designed in consultation with architecture and interior design firm Technē. The precinct will offer ample opportunities for a mix of restaurants, cafes, a brewery, distillery, wine bar, convenience store, florist, event function space in order to create an urban destination that will be a catalyst for further gentrification of the area.

Up Property is currently seeking occupiers for the office space with an impending expressions of interest campaign to commence mid-year for Morris Moor’s carefully master-planned hospitality precinct.

Three tenants have already been secured for the site including:

<ul>
<li>Little Learning School: a 140-place childcare centre set to transform and breathe life into one of the site’s oldest warehouses fronting Chesterville Road</li>
	<li>Clik Collective: a co-warehousing facility in excess of 6,000 sqm from the operators of the well-known Kensington Collective</li>
	<li>Schotts Home Emporium: Melbourne’s much-loved furniture retailer who has already commenced the fit-out of their new 4,140 sqm showroom facility within one of Morris Moor’s far east buildings.</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/building01_-_lobby.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The lobby area of the currently under construction Building 01. Image: Up Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/building01_-_lobby.jpg?itok=97VKhlEn" title="The lobby area of the currently under construction Building 01. Image: Up Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The lobby area of the currently under construction Building 01. Image: Up Property</figcaption></figure>Construction commenced this month on Morris Moor’s 5,257 sqm office building, which frames the site on the corner of Chesterville and Cochranes Road. The building has the potential to house up to six tenants ranging from approximately 250 sqm to the whole building.

The building will receive a full refurbishment, providing the brick facade with a face lift that will include new glazed elements and introduce a re-imagined CBD style lobby which will be ready for tenant occupation in the first quarter of 2019.
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Up Property pushes ahead with Morris Moor Master Plan

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Monash City Council has provided Salta's latest pursuit within their Nexus Corporate mixed-use precinct a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit, with final approval little more than a formality. Last month Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/salta-pursues-mulgraves-first-hotel">outlined</a> the mixed-use proposal at 12 Nexus Court, which now stands to become Mulgrave's tallest building.

Indicative renders suggest that Tribe Hotel Group may have earmarked Salta Properties' intended Mulgrave mixed-use development as their second Melbourne port of call.

<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/image92_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="12 Nexus Court in full. Planning image: Gray Puksand / Technē"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="684" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image92_3.jpg?itok=68C163kW" title="12 Nexus Court in full. Planning image: Gray Puksand / Technē" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>12 Nexus Court in full. Planning image: Gray Puksand / Technē</figcaption></figure>139 residential hotel rooms are expected within the 'pod' aspect of the building designed jointly between Gray Puksand and Technē.

The application documents presented for approval sees the building sporting Tribe signage on the distinctive bronze hotel component, although no agreement between either developer or hotel operator has been publicly announced.

<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/image93_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="12 Nexus Court rendered in place alongside the Monash. Planning image: Gray Puksand / Technē"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image93_5.jpg?itok=_Z5_pknh" title="12 Nexus Court rendered in place alongside the Monash. Planning image: Gray Puksand / Technē" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>12 Nexus Court rendered in place alongside the Monash. Planning image: Gray Puksand / Technē</figcaption></figure>What isn't in doubt is Tribe Hotel Group nominating Collingwood as their first Melbourne location.

Earlier this year the relatively new yet bullish hotel operator entered into a joint partnership with Salta Properties and Victor Smorgon Group, with an eye toward <a href="https://www.traveldailynews.asia/tribe-hotel-group-acquires-property-site-from-peregrine-pro">developing 60 Langridge Street</a>. Fellow developer Peregrine Projects divested itself of the 1,056 square metre Collingwood site late last year, which formed part of a larger land holding.

Colliers agent Guy Wells said the following of the Tribe Collingwood project:

<blockquote>
Given the surrounding lifestyle amenity of Smith and Gertrude Streets and the ongoing office development in the area, with over 30,000m2 of office to be developed in the short to medium term, Collingwood has been sought after by numerous hotel developers and operators.

A Tribe hotel will work seamlessly with the growing corporate and existing leisure market in the Collingwood area.
</blockquote>

The Collingwood, and potentially Mulgrave Tribe Hotel locations follow on from the operator's first Australian property in Perth which opened during June last year, and includes 126 hotel rooms across 7 levels. Tribe Hotel Group's expansion plans have reportedly seen the operator acquire sites in Hobart and Adelaide as well.

<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/a20170817121120.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="60 Langridge Street has been hived off a larger development site. Image: CRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/a20170817121120.jpg?itok=k-V_d00X" title="60 Langridge Street has been hived off a larger development site. Image: CRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>60 Langridge Street has been hived off a larger development site. Image: CRE</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Nexus Court's hotel receives the nod

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Should Salta Properties gain approval, it will have the right to deliver Mulgrave's first hotel of any note.

Late last year the developer initiated a planning application for a mixed-use building at its Nexus Corporate office park that abuts the Monash Freeway. Under its 12 Nexus Unit Trust entity, Salta Properties is seeking to add the substantial 14 level tower for the purposes of serving the current and future predominantly commercial buildings in the immediate precinct.

Dominated by low-rise campus-style office buildings, 12 Nexus Court would be comfortably taller than any surrounding buildings at 48 metres in height. 

To that end, project architects Technè and Gray Puksand have pushed the project to a heightened degree of design prowess relative to its neighbours; 12 Nexus Court is effectively expected to become Nexus Corporate's showpiece building. 

<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/image314.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="12 Nexus Court. Planning image: Technè - Gray Puksand"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="289" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image314.jpg?itok=fOcGNl4u" title="12 Nexus Court. Planning image: Technè - Gray Puksand" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>12 Nexus Court. Planning image: Technè - Gray Puksand</figcaption></figure>The 139 residential hotel rooms span levels 8 to 14, with the 'pod' aspect of the design defined by distinctive overhangs and a serrated or modular-like facade.

According to Hollerich Town Planning "the residential hotel component has specifically been designed so as to present as a built form element with a different appearance, using clearly different materials and colours and a rectangular form against the curved nature of the podium and office elements."

It's the curved podium that holds the balance of 12 Nexus Court's uses. A porte-cochere, lobby, bar, lounge, end of trip facilities and bicycle parking are present at ground level. Thereafter the bulk of the structure accommodates 387 car parking spaces and 1,821 square metres of office space across levels 8 to 10.

A gym and substantial ASPECT Studios-designed landscaped area atop the podium accounts for the area between the office and residential hotel.

<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_8090.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="10 Nexus Court is approaching completion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="373" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_8090.jpg?itok=3uKkoTvq" title="10 Nexus Court is approaching completion" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>10 Nexus Court is approaching completion</figcaption></figure>12 Nexus Court is seemingly in stark design contrast to the adjoining office building. The latest project approaching completion for Salta Properties at their Mulgrave corporate park is 10 Nexus Court, which is in the hands of builder Hacer.

The purely commercial office building spans 5 levels or 8,370 square metres and maintains an almost regimented aspect to Springvale Road and the Monash Freeway. 10 Nexus Court's strong vertical lines will contrast against the finer horizontal lines that stand out as one of 12 Nexus Court's stronger visual features.

10 Nexus Court is also the design of Gray Puksand.
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Salta pursues Mulgrave's first hotel

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Technē Architecture and Interior Design's move into larger premises on Rathdowne Street in Carlton has also coincided with the appointment of a new director to assist managing the office's growth. Steve McKeag joins founders Justin Northrop and Nick Travers, as the third director at the tightly knit studio, whose name and philosophy means ‘to make, poetically’.

McKeag’s promotion from senior associate reflects strong growth at Technē, which has recently <a href="/news/garden-state-hotel-previously-known-as-rosati">Garden State Hotel</a>, <a href="/news/raising-the-bar-techne-revamps-rooftop-bar-and-cinema">Rooftop Bar and Cinema</a>, and Brunetti Flinders Lane. The practice has also been recently announced as the architect for The Esplanade Hotel, St.Kilda; Tribe Hotels in Adelaide, Hobart and Melbourne; and several projects at Glenvill’s YarraBend development in Alphington.

<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/garden-state-07.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Garden State Hotel opened in late 2016. Image: Technē"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/garden-state-07.jpg?itok=flEnzEk_" title="Garden State Hotel opened in late 2016. Image: Technē" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Garden State Hotel opened in late 2016. Image: Technē</figcaption></figure>McKeag has demonstrated his ability across a range of project sectors, from hospitality to commercial developments. A registered architect, he has almost 20 years’ experience, including three years working in the UK for Richard Rogers Partnership (now known as Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners) and Reid Architects. For Technē,

Apartments.com.au asked Steve to provide a bit of background on his appointment, in addition to some of the joys of working in the hospitality sector within Technē - he has previously worked as lead architect on major projects including Richmond Club Hotel and the Prahran Hotel.

Apartments.com.au: Your appointment to director has also coincided with Technē's recent move into a new office space on Rathdowne Street in Carlton North. Were both moves as a result of the office's growth? And what are the office's plans for the future in terms of expansion in both staff numbers and other sectors?

Steve McKeag: Yes absolutely. We’ve had the good fortune of an amazing amount of growth since I started at Technē – evolving from 12 people in the Hardware Lane office to 35 in a very short amount of time.

As you can imagine, the amount of desk space has almost halved in that period so the move to Rathdowne Street heralds the chance for us to spread our wings in more ways than one.

The new office signifies a new era for Technē Architecture and Interior Design, acting as a line in the sand that we’re looking at as a catalyst for change as we look towards future growth. UM: Part of your role involves bringing in new projects to the office - are there particular projects you're targeting or areas you would like to further develop experience in?

SM: I do pride myself on my ability to grow and maintain client relationships. Bringing in new clients, as well as servicing and assisting existing clients is a highlight of my role.

In terms of particular projects, I think that hotels are a natural progression from hospitality projects, plus I would like to continue to build upon our growing portfolio of workplace design work. UM: <a href="/news/getting-to-know-techne-profiling-the-dynamic-design-practice"> In an interview with Urban.com.au</a> Nick previously cited the office's pub work as some of his most enjoyable projects in particular the fact that unlike other projects the pubs can be enjoyed by the design team socially and they present a unique opportunity to see first hand how people are making use of the spaces they have designed. What are your most enjoyable projects within the office?

SM: The Espy has been an incredibly exciting project to work on. The location combined with its status as a Melbourne icon has made it particularly rewarding and we’re all thrilled to be involved with its reinvigoration.

I have great memories of visiting the venue in my 20’s so returning the Espy to its former glory in order for a new generation to create fresh memories continues to be an honour.

<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/steve_mckeag_photo.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Steve McKeag was recently appointed as director at Technē. Image: Supplied "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/steve_mckeag_photo.jpg?itok=GRCvGqoj" title="Steve McKeag was recently appointed as director at Technē. Image: Supplied " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Steve McKeag was recently appointed as director at Technē. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>UM: On the topic of pubs do you have a favourite pub? (Doesn't have to necessarily be a new or Technē designed pub?

SM: I think we’re really spoilt for choice in Melbourne for pubs as pub culture is a big part of our city, so it’s very hard to decide. In the city it would have to be a tie between The Gem and Fox Hotel in Collingwood because both are old school favourites. The Gem has a really cool and authentic Americana aesthetic, and the Fox Hotel has a welcoming, quintessentially Melbourne vibe. Both always seems to strike the right tone for a good night.

When I have the chance to get out of the city I can’t go past visiting the Dinner Plain Hotel. Summer or winter, it’s definitely the mountains best pub and you can’t go past the views. Keeping with the alpine theme, the Cardrona Hotel in New Zealand after a day on the slopes is spectacular.

Rumoured to be the most photographed building in the country, the combination of its incredible beer garden and sense of history make it a go-to destination.

UM: Justin previously talked about how the Directors are able to delegate to senior team members, allowing them to take the lead on projects, entrusting them with a level of responsibility to represent the office in meetings. Did you find this approach assisted your development and progression to Director?

SM: Nick and Justin give a lot of autonomy and this creates a supportive and nurturing workplace. Together, they’ve fostered an environment in which team members are able to share experiences and learn from one another.

By asking questions as simple as ‘how would you approach that?’, the leadership team is able to encourage an open dialogue between employees at all levels and create a space where resources and knowledge can be easily shared. Contributing to this open forum type discussions has definitely helped my development and progression to director. UM: How important do you believe mentoring is within architectural practice and how does Technē foster and nurture talent to give staff the confidence to tackle projects of any size and budget?

SM: Mentoring is critical within any architectural practice. The creative side of architecture can be very time exorbitant, so communicating with staff in a way that gets them to lift their heads up and identify the critical task at hand is very important.

At Techne, team leaders will often ask younger staff to identify goals and key tasks early on, so that the confidence to takes projects of any size and budget can be built upon early on. UM: Lastly, UM asked both Nick and Justin this so I'll ask you as well - is there a project either here in Melbourne or globally that you'd like to work on? What would your dream project be?

SM: My dream project would definitely my own house. If the sky’s the limit then extend the fantasy to include a coastal location and a limitless budget. That would be perfect!
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Technē's Steve McKeag discusses his appointment as Director (and his favourite pubs)

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Melbourne’s Rooftop Bar &amp; Cinema has been relaunched following a major revamp by Technē Architecture + Interior Design, which has given the space a more permanent feel and a consistent architectural language.

Technē's brief for the popular CBD venue was to raise the design standard, including the quality of materials and finishes to attract a "more discerning, sophisticated audience" via an architectural response which delivered a consistent and cohesive summit to Curtin House.

When it first opened in 2006, Rooftop Bar &amp; Cinema was the first of its kind in Melbourne, with its location along Swanston Street offering movie-goers and bar flys 360-degree views of the city skyline.

Following the success of its first decade, Technē set to work redesigning the venue with a view towards the next decade and beyond. They started by looking at how the Rooftop audience had matured and effectively outgrown what had, in its original state been a somewhat provisional design so they sought to provide a degree of permanence to the design of the refit.

The practice’s design response for the space features a series of overlapping ‘halo’ roofs that unite the service zones with each other and with the historic external form of Curtin House, providing a cohesive visual identity across the hospitality and cinema areas.

<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/rooftop-6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The curved forms draw on the Art Deco Curtin House. Image: Image: Tom Blachford"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rooftop-6.jpg?itok=ulYpsolx" title="The curved forms draw on the Art Deco Curtin House. Image: Image: Tom Blachford" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The curved forms draw on the Art Deco Curtin House. Image: Image: Tom Blachford</figcaption></figure>The ‘halos’ have been designed as down-lit curvilinear planes that provide both operable and fixed roofing, and appear to float above the various areas of the rooftop bar. The halos’ curves draw on elements of the Art Deco Curtin House in addition to classic American drive-in cinemas.

Part of the rationale behind the halos was to allow the Rooftop Bar and Cinema to operate as an all-season venue, while also providing a visual marker from surrounding buildings and passersby on Swanston Street.

Across the rooftop itself, Technē has enlarged the bar and changed its orientation to maximise the space. Further a revamped cinema grandstand made of hardwood bleachers has been included, while the cinema screen area's design has been improved to accommodate an expanded burger shack and ice cream concession.

<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/rooftop-16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Technē's revamp of the Rooftop Bar &amp; Cinema builds on the venue's success. Image: Tom Blachford"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rooftop-16.jpg?itok=sgUUJ4Gx" title="Technē's revamp of the Rooftop Bar &amp; Cinema builds on the venue's success. Image: Tom Blachford" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Technē's revamp of the Rooftop Bar &amp; Cinema builds on the venue's success. Image: Tom Blachford</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
We’ve reimagined the whole design experience so the bar and cinema can stand as a first-rate attraction for many years to come.

We wanted to create a stand-out design worthy of crowning Curtin House and its vertical laneway of creative, cultural and hospitality tenants.

It is a complete reinvigoration but, in our choice of materiality, we haven’t turned our backs on the humble, grassroots hospitality culture that the original bar championed. We’ve honoured that history by choosing materials such as hardwood timber, galvanized metals, and synthetic grass.

Melbourne’s hospitality culture has undergone a complete transformation over the same period Rooftop has been open. It was important to retain the 
soul of the original bar and cinema but look to the future, with a more sophisticated offering worthy of this incredible skyline location,.

We believe the redevelopment will allow for a varied clientele to enjoy the iconic location and views for many years to come.

- Steve McKeag, Technē Director
</blockquote>

The relaunch of Rooftop Bar and Cinema comes at a time when, according to Technē, Melbourne’s bar culture is undergoing a period of maturation, transitioning away from the temporal ‘milk-crate’ styling of recent years towards a more sophisticated design approach that seeks to ensure the city’s laneway bars have a sense of permanence and resilience.

<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/rooftop-13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The next stage in Rooftop Bar and Cinema's evolution. Image: Tom Blachford"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rooftop-13.jpg?itok=1FoqgBQs" title="The next stage in Rooftop Bar and Cinema's evolution. Image: Tom Blachford" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rooftop Bar and Cinema's evolution has seen a re-imagining of the spaces. Image: Tom Blachford</figcaption></figure>
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