Australia's leading visionary placemakers,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/walker-corporation">Walker&nbsp;Corporation</a>, has unveiled an exclusive collection of four dual-level penthouses at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sol-by-walker-maroochydore-first-avenue-maroochydore-qld-4558">SOL by Walker</a>, redefining luxury living within the heart of the vibrant Maroochydore City Centre.

Positioned atop the precinct’s tallest residential tower, The Penthouse Collection crowns SOL’s first stage and comprises four three and four-bedroom + MPR residences designed to capture uninterrupted views across the Coral Sea, Maroochy River, Point Cartwright and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

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Each penthouse is arranged across two levels, with upper-level multi-purpose spaces opening to expansive wraparound terraces and private rooftop plunge pools, a rare configuration in the local market that blends apartment convenience with the scale and privacy more typically associated with standalone homes. Private lift access and generous internal areas further reinforce the collection’s owner-occupier focus.

Interiors have been curated by Melbourne-based studio <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a>, with material palettes drawing directly from the Sunshine Coast’s coastal and hinterland landscapes. Founder Miriam Fanning said the design approach was grounded in a sense of place and longevity.

“Our approach aimed to capture the essence of the Sunshine Coast and the enviable ease of coastal life,” Fanning said. “The material palette draws from the changing tones of the landscape, layered with brushed metals, textured ceramic tiles and natural timber to create a sense of warmth and permanence.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=358858]

Across the residences, kitchens are appointed with Onde Rossa marble benchtops, Verde Atlantis marble accents and premium Miele and Sub-Zero appliances, while bathrooms are finished in limestone with mosaic detailing. Terracotta marble defines entry spaces and private wine cellars, underscoring the bespoke nature of the interiors.

Walker Corporation Group Executive of Development Peter Saba said the exclusive collection reflects shifting demand for high-quality, low-maintenance homes that do not compromise on space, privacy or outlook.

“Our Penthouse Collection perfectly captures the essence of Maroochydore’s coastal beauty and lifestyle, setting a new benchmark for luxury city living on the Sunshine Coast with panoramic views of the region,” Saba said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=3393]

“These residences cater to the growing mix of people choosing to live and invest on the Sunshine Coast, adding to the diversity of high-quality homes available at SOL by Walker. The strong waitlist and near sell-out of the first SOL tower reinforce confidence in the region’s transformation into a modern, connected coastal city.”

SOL by Walker forms part of the broader Maroochydore City Centre project, being delivered by Walker in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council and SunCentral. Once complete, the precinct will introduce new residential, commercial and retail offerings to the city centre, supported by major public investment ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.

Construction of SOL’s first tower is well underway, with completion targeted for late 2027, while Tower 2 is expected to follow in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147777]

Joel Robinson

Rare new Maroochydore penthouses revealed at SOL by Walker

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a> has been developing residential property across Australia for more than five decades. Over the past 10 years, the ASX-listed developer has placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, championed through its This Changes Everything initiative, while more recently diversifying its portfolio with an expansion into the build-to-rent sector.

Central to Mirvac’s approach in recent years has been a focus on how residents will not only enjoy their apartments, but how well each development supports day-to-day lifestyle needs. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trielle-at-yarra-s-edge-docklands-16-point-park-crescent-docklands-vic-3008">Trielle</a>, Mirvac’s latest instalment within its Yarra’s Edge precinct on the Docklands waterfront, is arguably the developer’s most amenity-rich project to date.

With extensive facilities designed for both work and leisure, residents could technically spend an entire day within the tower without needing to leave. Two dedicated spaces cater specifically to working from home: The Biblioteca and The Mills Place Work From Home Pods.

&nbsp;

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The Biblioteca, a library designed for quiet work and reading, occupies a peaceful corner of Trielle overlooking the Promenade Grove and Point Park. The Mills Place Work From Home Pods, located on the ground floor, offer bookable office spaces and work pods available for short sessions or full-day use.

With the working day covered, the building’s amenity extends seamlessly into leisure and downtime, just a lift ride away.

One of the most striking inclusions in Trielle’s extensive amenity offering is The Oasis Wellness Club, a verdant urban rainforest complete with a stream-inspired water feature, located seven storeys above the Yarra’s Edge promenade. Designed in collaboration with luxury spa expert Naomi Gregory, The Oasis delivers a Scandinavian-inspired wellness experience, offering residents a tranquil, resort-like setting designed to accommodate spa-style treatments and contrast hydrotherapy as part of daily rituals.

&nbsp;

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The wellness offering also includes a biophilic gym equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, along with a yoga and Pilates studio, sauna, hot magnesium pool, cold plunge, 25-metre indoor pool and a spa.

Trielle also places a strong emphasis on socialising. Among the most indulgent spaces is The Salone Piano Bar, an intimate lounge featuring richly textured interiors and north-facing river views. Positioned just 14 metres from the river’s edge, the space invites residents to unwind to the sounds of a self-playing piano.

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Adjacent to the piano bar is the Chef’s Table dining room, designed for private dinner parties and featuring a striking natural stone table and an impressive wine fridge. Residents can book the space via the building’s dedicated concierge service or through the integrated building app.

Additional amenities include a cinema room, games room with adjoining teppanyaki barbecue and alfresco space, golf simulator, sunken fire pit, and even a dedicated dog wash bay. Mirvac’s in-house construction arm is tracking toward a mid-2027 completion, delivering what is set to be one of Melbourne’s most comprehensive and impressive residential amenity offerings.

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The strong response from buyers to Trielle’s facilities has influenced Mirvac’s broader Melbourne pipeline. At its nearby development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-albertine-by-mirvac-melbourne-31-queens-lane-melbourne-vic-3004">The Albertine</a>, located just off St Kilda Road opposite Albert Park Lake, the Mirvac Design team has again placed a strong emphasis on lifestyle amenity, carefully scaled to suit the building’s density.

At The Albertine, health and wellness take centre stage through The Circadian Club, a suite of well-being-focused facilities including a swimming pool, magnesium spa, sauna, cutting-edge gymnasium, and yoga studio, all designed to support residents’ physical and mental health.

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Residents of The Albertine are offered an elevated experience with The Elysian Room, a private dining room located on Level 10. Flowing seamlessly onto The Terrace, this outdoor retreat captures panoramic Melbourne views and is wrapped in lush, ASPECT Studios–designed landscaping of native plants and ferns, forming a serene garden oasis above the city.

Mirvac topped out The Albertine in late 2025 and is targeting completion of the 98-apartment development in mid-2026.

Mirvac’s amenity-first approach reshapes apartment living in Melbourne

The first tranche of residents has moved into <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/highett-common-37-graham-road-highett-vic-3190">Highett Common</a>, Victoria’s first medium-density, Net Zero-targeted masterplanned community in the heart of Bayside.

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunkin-property-group">Sunkin Property Group</a> has completed the first two buildings, North Lane and Park House, within the landmark 9.3-hectare precinct. Four hectares of the well-connected site have been reserved for public parkland, including one hectare dedicated to a children’s playground and social spaces, and a further three hectares retained as a conservation reserve to protect native species and enhance the local environment.

Sunkin’s construction arm, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/sk-construction">SK Construction</a>, is now progressing the next stage of residences as part of the Mews Collection, as the team prepares to launch the most boutique building within the neighbourhood. The latest release, Habitat, comprises just 57 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with pricing starting from under $600,000. Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/clarke-hopkins-clarke">Clarke Hopkins Clarke</a>, Habitat has been conceived as a refined expression of bayside living, placing nature, community and design longevity at its core.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=351719]

“Habitat at Highett Common is an exclusive offering meticulously designed to reflect the character of the local Bayside area,” said Scott Jessop, Head of Sales &amp; Marketing at Sunkin Property Group. “It’s a highly considered release within a precinct that continues to gain momentum on every front.”

Connection to nature has guided the architectural response, with apartments oriented to maximise natural light, outlooks and indoor–outdoor flow. Balconies and terraces extend living spaces into the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the project’s strong relationship with its parkland setting.

“Apartments have been designed to maximise this connection to nature from indoor to outdoor spaces through adjacent balconies and terraces, and proximity to public parks and open spaces,” said Clarke Hopkins Clarke Partner Toby Lachlan. “Highett Common as a whole was designed to maximise connection to nature and a Bayside lifestyle, and Habitat is really at the heart of that.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=331187]

Habitat also occupies a central social position within the precinct, directly connected to Highett Common’s new library and café. These community amenities have been designed to encourage daily interaction and foster a genuine neighbourhood feel.

Interiors continue the theme of warmth and longevity, with light-filled layouts, timber detailing and carefully selected materials. Buyers can personalise their homes through a range of customisation options, while kitchens act as the centrepiece of each apartment. Options include sculptural or freestanding island benches, paired with Bosch appliances and induction cooktops.

Clarke Hopkins Clarke Associate Interior Designer Michelle Cavicchiolo said the interiors were designed with a timeless sensibility. “The materials, fixtures and fittings have been selected for longevity,” she said. “All of these features, along with functional apartment layouts, contribute to a premium aesthetic.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=300055]

Beyond Habitat, residents will enjoy access to a growing suite of shared amenities across Highett Common, including indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, wellness areas, cinema and resident lounge. Highett Station is just two minutes away, providing easy access to Melbourne’s CBD, while the cafés, shops and dining along Highett Road add everyday convenience.

For prospective buyers, the timing is compelling. Off-the-plan purchasers may be eligible for stamp duty savings of up to $85,000, while changes to the First Home Owners Guarantee Scheme from October 2025, including higher price thresholds and the removal of income caps, are expected to broaden access to Bayside living.

“There’s never been a better time to take advantage of our newest stage,” Jessop said. “With a wealth of customisation available, buyers can truly create the home of their dreams in one of Melbourne’s most desirable middle-ring Bayside suburbs.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=300066]

The arrival of the first residents has been timed to coincide with the launch of the Highett Common Connect app, reinforcing the precinct’s strong focus on connection and community from day one. Designed to simplify daily life, the app brings building information, shared amenities and community activity into one easy-to-use platform. From booking facilities and receiving building updates to accessing move-in guides, safety procedures and appliance manuals, residents have everything they need at their fingertips.

The app also supports social connection, allowing residents to view and join community events, organise interest groups, and engage through a community hub and marketplace. Practical features such as maintenance reporting, real-time notifications and a shared calendar help streamline everyday living and support a more connected community.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108019]

Highett Common takes shape as first residents move in

Design-driven apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> has unveiled its most prestigious collection of residences at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, a new nature-led neighbourhood being delivered on an unrepeatable 11,700-square-metre site neighbouring the heritage-listed Rippon Lea Estate.

The latest and final release, The Garden Pavilion, is the jewel of the garden precinct. Comprising just 22 residences, and the largest apartments in the development, the collection is housed within its own low-rise building, one of six buildings across the precinct designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>. The architecture is defined by a tiered form wrapped in cascading greenery, reinforcing the project’s strong connection to its surrounding landscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288412]

Marking the next chapter in an ongoing collaboration with Milieu, award-winning design studio <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/flack-studio">Flack Studio</a> have delivered an interior design scheme rich in expressive materials with an intriguing use of colour and meticulous detailing, designed to compliment a considered selection of furnishings and art.&nbsp;

Three-bedroom residences, each with either two or three car spaces, start from $2,145,000 and feature terraces that wrap around the entire apartment. The two four-bedroom penthouses are the crowning jewel of both the Garden Pavilion collection and the wider Elsternwick Gardens neighbourhood.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=361035]

Priced at $6.75 million, the luxury penthouse includes six private and secure garage spaces, two-and-a-half bathrooms, separate sunrooms, and a feature fireplace in the living room, opening onto a private, landscaped terrace complete with an integrated outdoor kitchen, swimming pool, and sweeping views across the neighbouring Rippon Lea Estate gardens.

Milieu is creating a garden-focused project designed to feel like an extension of the Rippon Lea Gardens, which date back to the early 19th century. Residents will enjoy private, direct access to the gardens via a gated entryway, accessible only by key fob, ensuring the precinct does not become a public thoroughfare. This level of private access is a point of difference unmatched by any other residential project in Melbourne.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=361034]

The gardens at Elsternwick Gardens have been curated by multi-disciplinary design studio, OCULUS with over 40% of the site dedicated to landscaping and green space.&nbsp; Once completed, the gardens will be maintained by the gardeners of the National Trust, the team responsible for the exquisite adjoining gardens of Rippon Lea Estate. Future residents will also enjoy private access to the neighbouring gardens during their opening hours.&nbsp;

Residents will also have private access to an extensive suite of wellness amenities, including a gym, Pilates and yoga studios, infrared saunas, mineral pools, and a golf simulator. Shared resident lounges, workshops and pet care facilities further enhance the sense of community within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288420]

Consistent with the broader development, Garden Pavilion is entirely fossil-fuel-free and shaped around passive design principles. Cross-flow ventilation, high levels of insulation, heat pump hot water systems and thermally broken double glazing aim to reduce energy consumption, while electric vehicle infrastructure and a carbon-neutral energy supply reflect Milieu’s commitment to future-focused living. Rainwater harvesting, waste-stream separation and significant planting further reinforce the project’s sustainability credentials.

The Garden Pavilion release follows the success of the first two offerings, Ripponlea Terrace and Gordon Place, where apartments were secured predominantly by local owner-occupiers and downsizers.

Milieu Founder and Managing Director Michael McCormack describes Elsternwick Gardens as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build something truly special,” pointing to the project’s extensive community engagement and its landscape-led response to the site’s historic character.

Construction commenced last year, with Brady Constructions targeting completion in early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136535]

Milieu launches The Garden Pavilion, Elsternwick Gardens’ most prestigious release

Plans have been revealed for the new city centre at Bradfield,&nbsp;offering the first detailed look at how one of the key development sites around the new Western Sydney Aerotropolis could take shape as the city centre evolves.

Project management and construction management firm&nbsp;Creative Vision&nbsp;filed the plans for development on behalf of Bradfield Corporation.

The 20,000 sqm site at 135 Badgerys Creek Road will home a new large-scale residential, commercial and civic precinct designed to anchor early growth in the Bradfield City Centre.

<img alt="First look: Mixed-use development proposed for Bradfield’s future city centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6716793f-94eb-4897-994f-c7d7c56b87a2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bradfield%20da%201.png?VersionId=UvOngnIxqXO1Q3vtTn5UjB.JKRkZ.Gcd" />

The concept application seeks approval for a mixed-use residential and commercial development comprising multiple buildings arranged around new public spaces, pedestrian connections and internal streets. According to the submitted design documentation, the proposal is intended to establish a "high-density urban core that supports both employment and housing outcomes within the Western Sydney Aerotropolis."

The development includes a substantial residential component, around 400 apartments, alongside commercial uses such as offices, retail and services, with buildings ranging in height to form a defined skyline and a strong street presence along key movement corridors. Full-scale architectural renders included in the design report illustrate a cluster of mid- to high-rise forms with articulated facades, deep setbacks and landscaped podiums.

<img alt="First look: Mixed-use development proposed for Bradfield’s future city centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1e097164-71ac-406f-87a6-cf49538c31f0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bradfield%20da%202.png?VersionId=lFTgCjE2Q9BRewayz4_ksufCPSPjCmM." />

In outlining the urban design intent, the Architectural Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> notes that the proposal “has been structured to create a connected, walkable precinct that prioritises public domain, legibility and long-term flexibility as Bradfield grows.” The report adds that the arrangement of buildings and open spaces is intended to “support a mix of residential and employment uses while allowing future stages to respond to evolving market and infrastructure conditions.”

Public open space forms a central part of the concept, with landscaped plazas, green links and pedestrian routes designed to integrate with the broader Bradfield City Centre masterplan. The design report states that the open space network is conceived as “a civic framework for the precinct, providing places for gathering, movement and everyday activity rather than residual space between buildings.”

<img alt="First look: Mixed-use development proposed for Bradfield’s future city centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="de475ae8-9856-436c-9003-115c40110c71" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bradfield%20da%203.png?VersionId=RjCNTGInRYsgN.8jKaKjvpZJ.V6ZcWTL" />

The application has been lodged as a State Significant Development, reflecting both the scale of the proposal and its strategic importance within the Aerotropolis. As a concept SSDA, the submission focuses on overall land use, building envelopes, heights and public domain outcomes, with detailed design to be resolved through future stages.

Bradfield’s future city centre revealed ahead of Western Sydney International Airport's 2026 opening 

Technology

The state’s second CBD is now home to the first robotic car park system in the southern hemisphere.&nbsp;

Taking Aoyuan International's luxury Parramatta high-rise The Lennox to another level,&nbsp; Lödige Industries have delivered a fully autonomous car park utilising their Cubile technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With a total of 46 floors and 6,300 sqm of space, The Lennox is home to 414 apartments, curated from a collaboration between Aoyuan, building contractors EQ Construction, and leading architects, Marchese Partners.&nbsp;

President of Aoyuan International and Head of Development Australia, Adrian Liaw said Sydney is one of the world’s most desirable place to live, with the group notching up a rather impressive portfolio here, including One30 Hyde Park, Esplanade Norwest, Woolooware Bay and now The Lennox Parramatta.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=82402]

“World leading architecture, innovative design and superior finishes are important in all our projects,” Liaw said.

“For The Lennox we wanted both a modern functionality and timeless aesthetic combined with our customary meticulous quality and craftsmanship. The automated parking technology from Lödige Industries offers both the innovative functionality and luxurious user experience we were keen to create and the performance we needed to see.”

Lödige started work on the site back in 2020, the completion of the carpark comes at a welcomed time as the gentrification and development of Parramatta only continues.&nbsp;

During planning and construction, the global specialist was able to draw on the experience of numerous projects worldwide, including Europe’s largest automated parking system with close to one thousand spaces.

The building's nine-level basement combines three levels of conventional parking with six additional levels for the automated parking system, with capacity for 327 vehicles. Thanks to efficient use of space, the automated parking levels required less than 15 metres of excavation, which, given the sedimentary rock in the area, allowed for significant cost savings in the excavation and reduced building impact.&nbsp;

EQ Constructions Bill Farrell said building anywhere in the Sydney market comes with its own challenges in terms of rock excavation and space limitations.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=82401]

“For ‘The Lennox’ we wanted to offer residents the very best in terms of comfort and space as well as luxury living experience in the heart of Parramatta. To do that we needed an experienced partner that could deliver the ultimate user experience we wanted, with the space-saving solution that we needed,” Farrell said.&nbsp;

“In Lödige Industries we found that partner. Their experience with close to 2 million vehicles parked in Europe’s largest automated parking system made us want to bring this technology to Sydney as well.”

In addition to the reduced footprint below the surface, the facility relieves pressure on the urban living space of its popular neighbouring shopping and restaurant district by ensuring residents can make use of a sufficient number of parking spaces inside the building at all times.

Completed in November 2021, the 149-metre building is one of Australia's most modern Skyscrapers, with residents now set to use a modern and intuitive smartphone app developed by Lödige Industries to retrieve their cars.&nbsp;

With a payload of up to 2.5 tonnes per vehicle, the system can handle all common cars and SUVs, with users only needing to drop off their vehicle at one of a total of five transfer cabins.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=82407]

From this point everything is automatic. The transfer cabin’s gate closes, and the car is transported to the parking level, where it is moved by flat robots, the 'Lödige Shifter' onto a horizontal transfer vehicle and delivered to a free parking space. Up to 60 percent more cars can be placed in the same space in comparison to conventional parking structures, with approximately 90 vehicles parked or retrieved per hour.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

With a total of 46 floors and 6,300 sqm of space, The Lennox is home to 414 apartments, curated from a collaboration between Aoyuan, building contractors EQ Construction, and leading architects, Marchese Partners. 



alisonwarters@gmail.com

First robotic car park in the Southern Hemisphere completed in Parramatta high-rise, The Lennox 

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<h2>Australian tech matters</h2>

Tech and innovation represents so much more than internet search engines, live streaming, and handheld electronic devices, spanning widely across manufacturing, energy, resources, agriculture, and much more besides.

For decades Australia has lagged far behind the U.S. and elsewhere in terms of its risk-taking, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship, but it’s crucial that Aussies now look to seize the initiative to move forward with confidence.

The sheer scale of the opportunities lying ahead in the sector shouldn’t be underestimated.

With tech employment growth comfortably outpacing that of the wider economy the number of technology workers in Australia looks set to increase from around 750,000 to more than 1 million by 2027, while the contribution to the Aussie economy has the potential to grow from a pre-COVID $122 billion (about 6½% of GDP) to more than $200 billion over the course of this critical decade.

<h2>Strawberry Hills, forever…</h2>

While tech centres could theoretically be located anywhere (I co-founded a PropTech startup wherefrom all three of the founders are now based at Gold Coast, for example), Sydney is forging ahead to become the beating heart of tech and innovation in Australia.

Although Google has taken up substantial commercial space at Pyrmont – and adjacent Ultimo also serves as a home for budding tech entrepreneurs – lately Surry Hills has become the base of many key players, from Blackbird Ventures and Startmate, to tech unicorns Canva and SafetyCulture, as well as Dovetail and numerous others.

There are more than 160,000 STEM graduates in New South Wales, and being a location both attractive to new migrant talent and in close proximity to several of Australia’s eminent Universities, Sydney’s Strawberry Hills district will continue to be a strong drawcard.

The NSW government’s announcement of the $2.5 billion ‘Tech Central’ in the Central Precinct at the southern end of Sydney’s CBD has effectively cemented the trend, at a stroke aiming to add 250,000 square metres of net lettable floor space and an estimated 25,000 tech, STEM, and innovation jobs, including across a hundred new scaleup companies.

Sydney’s tech giant Atlassian has been announced as an anchor tenant and will be headquartered at an environmentally friendly giant timber tower to be constructed at a Railway Square site, creating sustainable space for up to 4,000 employees.

<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/atlassian.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="World’s tallest hybrid timber tower design (Atlassian)"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/atlassian.jpg?itok=RcjMXULi" title="World’s tallest hybrid timber tower design (Atlassian)" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>World’s tallest hybrid timber tower design (Atlassian)</figcaption></figure><h2>Busting the bros club</h2>

The original Silicon Valley long held the reputation of being a ‘bros club’, but for Sydney’s tech centre cultural vibrancy, diversity, and inclusion will each be stated government benchmarks.

The consummate tech superstar Melanie Perkins, founder of the design unicorn Canva, has already amply demonstrated with her personable Perthite flair that the future for Sydney’s tech community needn’t be a male-dominated affair.

If Australia is to triumph in the forthcoming global war for talent, Sydney’s nascent tech precinct ideally needs an internationally recognisable moniker.

It could do worse than playfully channelling Jose Antonio Samaranch’s announcement of “Syddie” as the winning host of the 2000 Olympics, being one of the Emerald city’s most memorable modern moments.

‘Sydicon Valley’ – or perhaps a wittier variation thereof! – can be Australia’s major, world-class innovation hub, and should aim to position the harbour city as one of the world’s leading technology metropolises.

<h2>A vision for Sydney’s Silicon Valley</h2>

The NSW Government has already mapped out the State Significant Precinct (SSP) area running from Pitt Street at its north end, past Central Station, and down to Cleveland Street on the edge of Surry Hills and Redfern.

<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/ssp-area.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Central Precinct SSP Area (Planning NSW)"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="583" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ssp-area.jpg?itok=BXLJhlAH" title="Central Precinct SSP Area (Planning NSW)" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Central Precinct SSP Area (Planning NSW)</figcaption></figure>For years it’s been debated how best to regenerate the tired tramsheds and redundant railyards of Central Sydney.

Behold, the birth of Sydney’s very own Silicon Valley!

<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/urban-growth-nsw-artists-impression.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist’s impression (Urban Growth NSW)"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="378" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/urban-growth-nsw-artists-impression.jpg?itok=5m60CXJ4" title="Artist’s impression (Urban Growth NSW)" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist’s impression (Urban Growth NSW)</figcaption></figure>Suburbs set to directly benefit from this mega-project will include Chippendale and Camperdown to the inner west, Surry Hills and Redfern to the east, and Erskineville and Alexandria to the south.
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Behold, the birth of Sydney’s very own Silicon Valley!

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The road to ‘Syd-icon Valley’: Pete Wargent 

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We are moving away from 9-5 and Monday to Friday work to a "work when, where and how is appropriate model" according to Morris Miselowski of Business Futurist.
In this new world, he says many of us will have 6 careers and 14 jobs, work into our 80's and have a "work portfolio" rather than a "job".
The work portfolio means we can gain income from a range of activities as well as mix in a more cash flow stable 'salary' job. 
I totally agree with the idea of a work portfolio. Technology gives us the freedom to work anywhere, at any time. You no longer have to be tied to a desk working for one business to earn your money. 
In fact, you could be working several jobs at once to meet your needs. For instance, you may want to sell on the global market those unique items you make on Etsy, manage your various property investments and superannuation fund, do the odd task for money and also perhaps hold down a 2-3 day a week salary job.  
It's the hay day for entrepreneurs as crowd funding has become the norm and new businesses can be "incubated". This means being nurtured and supported in free office space with access to all the services required to get started on your new business journey. Wow, I wish this was around when I started out! 
File sharing systems like Dropbox allow us to access cloud based storage systems again from anywhere at any time and share information easily. 
I feel like a bit of an accidental pioneer as without knowing it, I've created a business working in this way. 
Even when I had my last "salary job" which was regional marketing manager for a major USA cosmetic brand, I worked from home and in the hours I needed to get my work done. My office was in New York but I lived in Sydney's beachside suburb of North Curl Curl. 
Property Bloom offers staff a flexible work environment where they can project manage our developments in their own time. This often means some after hours work but also gives them time out with their family, for sports and also importantly, other income producing activities. One of my project managers also owns a palates studio, another runs installations for outdoor signage in his spare time. My admin assistant has two small children to care for. So all their work for me is done in their own time. 
This way of working is flexible and puts less stress on us, so maybe we will continue working into our 80's, although I do hope I'll be at least semi retired by then!  There are health benefits for this flexible working arrangement, keeping our minds active and giving us a sense of contributing.
In all our customs designs for our property developments we are including home offices where tenants have a dedicated work space in case they also want to do enjoy a flexible 'work portfolio'.
Jo Chivers is Chief Executive Officer of property development project managers <a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/about" target="_blank">Property Bloom</a>.
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jochivers-wq5Bp59R5a

Create your own flexible 'work portfolio': Jo Chivers

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Real estate processes tend to be heavily paper-based. From financing and loan applications to sales contracts, most agents are used to swimming in paperwork and documentation.

Regulatory and legislative requirements are partially responsible for this, but it’s also an issue of mindset. Real estate attracts people of all ages and backgrounds, resulting in varying levels of comfort with technology and digital tools. An old adage instantly comes to mind: “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” Why should we change something that’s working perfectly? But is it? That philosophy probably seemed tenable until real estate – an industry driven by relationships and in-person interactions – came head-to-head with COVID-19.

Facing government-enforced social distancing restrictions, not to mention serious health risks, real estate professionals had little choice but to leverage digital tools and options. Online virtual tours, digital auctions and e-signing contracts kept real estate transactions ticking along, as many States eased red tape around the electronic execution of contracts. 

Real estate professionals who revert to paper-based processes after COVID-19 will be at a growing disadvantage.

<h2>The most significant risk of ignoring digital tools and approaches: missing out on data</h2>

Both now and in the future, real estate professionals who ignore digitisation face a variety of disadvantages. 

For starters, <a href="http://www.globalwebindex.com/hubfs/1.%20Coronavirus%20Research%20PDFs/GWI%20coronavirus%20findings%20July%202020%20-%20Multi-Market%20Research%20(Release%2011).pdf">research indicates</a> that many digital habits will persist after COVID-19, which means consumers will almost certainly have growing appetites for digital options and experiences. Extensive paperwork or a lack of virtual options might turn off potential customers and give your more digitally mature competitors a leg up. 

Digitisation can also offer major time and cost efficiencies. The more time you spend on paperwork, the less you have for higher-value tasks like relationship building. Working with digital partners, like DocuSign, simplifies the contract and agreements processes, allowing us to focus on more important tasks - like serving our customers.

But the biggest disadvantage of all may be the forfeiture of the data and insights that provide a competitive edge. As they say, without data, you’re just another person with an opinion – but this has new urgency as Australia looks toward a steep economic recovery. <a href="http://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-australia-s-housing-market">Experts are forecasting major impacts on housing markets for years to come</a>, which puts increased competitive pressure on real estate agencies. Those without data will no doubt have a harder time adapting to new circumstances and making evidence-based decisions.

<h2>Why is data so important in real estate and how can it be used?</h2>

As a member of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, real estate professionals have access to a wide range of high-quality data to aid them in their roles. But forward-thinking agents are always on the lookout for new data sources and new opportunities to drill into as many insights as possible. 

This is because property metrics are constantly in high-demand, and the ability to analyse data is a constantly moving target. For example, rental vacancy rates were once a monthly national figure, with a state and territory breakdown. However, today’s metrics allow us to investigate targeted regions and local government areas right through to individual suburbs and postcodes. 

In addition to leveraging property metrics, customer insights have also proved to be an invaluable tool. We’ve been able to leverage valuable customer data in a flexible, agile way, which in turn has empowered us to tailor solutions for the customer and keep us competitive during this unique economic period. One great example is a digital solution like DocuSign which provides real estate agents with the ability to complete contracts, approvals, and other agreements in minutes rather than days when generating contracts via our DocuSign enabled RealWorks platform. 

<h2>How digital is the future of real estate?</h2>

This isn’t to say old-school practices are gone for good. Real estate is very much about making connections with people during what’s likely to be the largest purchase of their lives. There’s no replacement for face-to-face rapport and relationship-building, meaning a post-COVID-19 setting will probably see a mix of digital and in-person practices.

This mix should be symbiotic. Greater digital adoption and data analytics support relationships and elevate the advice you offer each party during each step of a transaction. Rather than replacing many of real estate’s most fundamental tenants, technology will help you off-load the manual work, build deeper relationships, enhance your success rate and strengthen your consultative skill set through more data-informed recommendations.

But this happy marriage between new and old won’t be possible if agents see digital practices as little more than interim fixes during the COVID-19 crisis. Successful real estate professionals will be weighing what works and what doesn’t, then incorporating the most valuable technology into their toolboxes for good. 

And the more successful your digital adoption, the easier it will be to access the insights that are increasingly necessary for navigating a new world of uncertainty.
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In a post-COVID 19 future, data insights will be agents’ biggest competitive edge

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<h2>OPINION:</h2>

Real Estate isn’t an industry renowned for its propensity for embracing new technologies and innovation. In fact, the industry has evolved very little in Australia and internationally over the last half a decade.

Now, however, the rumblings of change are being felt in real estate offices around the world, and Australia is no exception. With investment in real estate technology in 2017 reaching $7.65 billion — 36 times higher than it was five years previously — we’re seeing a seismic shift in attitudes towards progression in the sector.

In any other field, companies are having to learn to swim in the sea of new tech available on the market, because without learning fast, drowning is inevitable for any organisation. This is finally becoming the case for real estate agencies.

Research from Unissu explains that since 2013 there has been a huge 428% growth in the number of PropTech companies in existence in Australia, illustrating just how vastly intense the progression of this national industry upswell has been. Although it may be easy to claim causation of such a spurt to be the direct result of successful research and an international drive towards tech-focussed business models, the rising implementation these initiatives could also be a result of Australia’s positive residential property market growth, which has witnessed a price inflation of around 47% since 2012.

There are, however, numerous reasons for the industry’s history of hiccups when it comes to the adoption of new technology. For one, agents can resist adapting to the evolution of change and innovation within the industry. Often the needs of the agency are poorly understood and assessed, so the technologies are inadequately matched. This consistently results in programmes that are single purpose, siloed and lacking in cohesion — ultimately challenging the value of the intended results.

There are a few misconceptions standing in the way of the implementation of new technologies in the sector. Agents and managerial staff often believe that much of it is too hard to learn and use, discounting the huge upside of the use of digital software and innovative tech before trying it. There is also a misconstruction of cost, which is hugely outweighed by ROI. Some agents — used to a more traditional approach to real estate — also struggle with moving on from hard copy documents and writing things down, claiming reliance on ‘tried and tested’ methods, which are ultimately outdated and destined to prove costly for the sector in the long run.

Although change has been slow, many factors have necessitated its catalysation. The ubiquity of smartphones in modern life has meant that ease of access and speed of interaction are paramount for keeping clients engaged. The expectation of ‘now’ means that people don’t want to wait to see the layout of their <a href="/new-apartments">off-the-plan home</a>, they don’t want to wait for the inspection date to have a tour inside an open home, and they don’t want to be told to wait to have a sneak peek at the carefully curated fixtures of their dream kitchen.

Technology has and will continue to revolutionise the way people buy homes; we need to invest, pressure test and apply innovative technologies consistently. Innovation is progression, and it’s the only way forward in the new world, we must adapt or get left behind.

Overall, most people are sceptical of change and innovation, like with anything new, it takes time. The old adage of ‘if it ain't broke, don’t fix it’ holds true with many agencies, but with the pace of technology catching up with us all, there’s just no avoiding the inevitable. There is, however, a lot of noise in the tech space, with ‘innovative tech solutions’ cropping up in every direction. It really pays to be smart with all this competition, be open-minded and do your research — to stand out from all this noise you’ve got to be the loudest and boldest voice in the room.

I have always found off-the-plan developments a tricky one, you’re quite literally buying airspace. However, with the recent shift in technology, you get a feel for the design elements of the internal spaces; the views, height, aspect and you really get a solid idea of what you are buying even before it’s built. Elements such as display suite technology, signage prototypes, <a href="/guides/introducing-bvn-real-off-the-plan-virtual-reality-house-viewings-are-here">virtual reality</a> and custom projections allow for buyers to actually be placed in relevant rooms and spaces, which ultimately seals the deal for them.
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Olivia Round

How is digital tech disrupting real estate?

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Imagine being able to explore your new apartment, move your furniture around, and change the entire design palette at the click of a button. Thanks to the innovative technology of Virtual Reality (VR) and the talented team behind BVN REAL, apartment floorplans are being brought to life, with several buyers already trialing the product.

The cutting-edge new VR production studio named BVN REAL is a subsidiary business of <a href="/architects/bvn-architecture">award-winning architectural design firm BVN</a> and is led by creative director Barry Dineen and a team of highly skilled Game Developer Designers, 3D Visualisation Artists, VR Experience Developers, and Experience Designers. The product took four years to build and has already won the coveted 'Unreal Award' in 2018 (prior to the public launch) as well as receiving two other nominations in The AEC Excellence Awards.

<blockquote>
“Right now, people need to interpret, imagine, and visualise their future home using architectural drawings, plans, and 3D renders of the space. With VR they can actually step into their future for themselves and feel what it is like to be there. 

Our VR experiences give people the confidence to know that what they are seeing is exactly what they are going to get. It’s building trust and reducing the risk involved in one of the biggest purchases of buyers lives.”
</blockquote>

Barry Dineen, Creative Director at BVN REAL 

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BVN REAL creative director Barry Dineen humbly acknowledged that although previous iterations of the technology were not taken to immediately, perseverance and user research led the team to focus in on how people authentically engage with VR.

<blockquote>
“The result is a powerfully immersive experience designed expressly for human interaction. A lot of developers and sales teams have dismissed VR because they tried a VR experience that was not designed with human behaviour at its core. When they try BVN REAL’s experiences there is an “ah-ha” moment where they see the true potential for VR for themselves.”
</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/bvn_real_immersive.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Users experiencing VR in the studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bvn_real_immersive.jpg?itok=1y6l8TwQ" title="Users experiencing VR in the studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Users experiencing VR in the studio</figcaption></figure>INTUITIVE FEATURES INTEGRATED WITHIN BVN REAL

<ol>
<li>Users can instantly move between different apartment configurations and floorplans to compare options on offer</li>
	<li>Users have the ability to configure the space in real-time
	<blockquote>
	“Our experiences allow them to try out different materials and finishes options, change out furniture and fittings to their taste, or even strip it back to the empty shell so that they can get a better feeling for the space itself.”
	</blockquote>

	Barry Dineen, Creative Director at BVN REAL
	</li>
	<li>A realistic sunlight system enables users to experience the property at all times of the day</li>
	<li>All elements of the apartments virtually function the way they would in real life
	<blockquote>
	“A major goal of any VR experience is presence – feeling like you are actually in that place. When a user tries to turn on a tap and the tap does nothing, they are reminded that they are in a virtual environment. 

	We want the technology to disappear so that they can truly appreciate the design of a space. At first adding running taps felt like a novelty but over time we have grown to realise the importance of reacting to people’s input.”
	</blockquote>

	Barry Dineen, Creative Director at BVN REAL

	<ol></ol>
</li>
	<li>BVN REAL experiences are often ‘multiplayer’ because people feel more relaxed and comfortable when sharing the virtual experience with another real person. Currently, an avatar is used to represent those in the VR simulation with you
	<blockquote>
	“Realistically not many people are buying apartments on their own so we are trying to replicate what would happen if the apartment already existed. People walk around together a discuss the features and amenities. What really amazes us in our VR experiences is how many important conversations happen in the bathroom - even when the VR is situated on the 83rd floor of Sydney’s highest residential building with amazing views over the city.”
	</blockquote>

	Barry Dineen, Creative Director at BVN REAL

	<ol></ol>
</li>
	<li>Sales agents can join in at any stage to answer any questions live from within the VR simulation</li>
</ol>
HOW VR CAN PROVIDE TRANSPARENCY IN THE OFF-THE-PLAN MARKET

In concurrence with Barry Dineen’s sentiment about VR giving buyers the ability to see a home before they buy it, BVN Co-CEO Neil Logan explains that it also helps provide more transparency and helps advocate for better built outcomes.

<blockquote>
“VR has radically changed the way we communicate design. What was once opaque to many is now transparent and easily digestible. It has facilitated better understanding of design intent and has provided the opportunity for better built outcomes. 

We are proud to make this service available to broader markets. In doing this we believe that we are contributing to the design of a better future”.
</blockquote>

BVN co-CEO Neil Logan

<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/penthouse_hero.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Penthouse apart VR "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="426" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/penthouse_hero.jpg?itok=GpWjXi6N" title="Penthouse apart VR " width="680"></a>

<figcaption>Penthouse apart VR</figcaption></figure>WHAT’S INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION OF A VIRTUAL WALKTHROUGH

A typical 3-bedroom apartment takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks to develop. Often architects will use BIM to build their designs in 3D, making it easier to prepare each design component for the gaming software used to create the virtual reality experience (BVN REAL use Unreal Engine from Epic Games).

Designers will also supply the BVN REAL team with imagery of the fixtures, finishes, and furniture, which will be used to populate the VR design.

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WHAT DOES THE FUTURE OF BVN REAL LOOK LIKE?

Virtual Reality’s capabilities extend far beyond unbuilt architecture. Not only is BVN REAL exploring VR within our current reality, but also within purely virtual worlds that will never exist in our own. In the past, the team has created Makerspaces which allow school students to build and launch full-size rockets.

<div class="intrinsic">
<iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1573710534038_74" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/343358323?app_id=122963&amp;wmode=opaque" title="MakerspaceX" width="736"></iframe>
</div>

Creative Director Barry has grand ideas for the future of BVN REAL, such as developing the world’s largest museum/gallery.

<blockquote>
“I really want to develop the worlds biggest museum/gallery as a virtual place that people can visit that allows us to do things and see things that we could never do or see in the real world – and it would be accessible to everyone.”
</blockquote>

Barry Dineen, Creative Director at BVN REAL 

We look forward to following the progress of BVN REAL’s exciting future developments with the VR architecture space.

 

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Introducing BVN REAL: Off-the-plan virtual reality house viewings are here

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Today's Atlassian CEO Scott Farquhar and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the NSW Government will partner with the software company to create a major new technology and innovation precinct in the Central-Eveleigh Corridor running through inner southern Sydney.

The Premier’s announcement refocuses attention on development plans for government-owned railway land between Central and Eveleigh, and marks a strategic play to cement Sydney as Australia’s tech capital.  

In recent times technology firms have faced hurdles in securing new or additional space in Sydney. Atlassian’s 2015 bid to expand lost out to property developers whilst Google also shied away from plans to use the Rozelle Power Station as a new work space.

The announcement comes off the back of last year’s report by the Committee for Sydney and KPMG titled <a href="https://home.kpmg.com/au/en/home/insights/2017/08/scaling-fintech-opportunity-sydney-australia">Scaling the fintech opportunity for Sydney and Australia</a> which noted the number of FinTech firms in Australia had scaled from 100 in 2014 to more than 500 today, with 10,000 people directly employed.

Almost two thirds of those firms are based in Sydney.

This is a competitive strength in Sydney’s digital innovation economy and today’s announcement marks a step forward in the government’s commitment to back the growth of this vibrant economic sector. Essentially, government and industry together will deliver a new precinct as a focal point for the various tech ecosystems in Sydney and the wider Australian sector.

Up to 10,000 jobs will be located in the precinct and together with co-located firms, coworking spaces, and the Sydney University-UTS education cluster, there is potential for a globally significant tech cluster.

As outgoing Committee for Sydney CEO Tim Williams noted at the release of last year’s report, “Modern knowledge economies thrive on agglomeration, collaborative diversity and convergence and the innovation they collectively promote.”

<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/image176.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Indication of the urban environment in the area earmarked for transformation"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="278" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image176.jpg?itok=lIUi41ej" title="Indication of the urban environment in the area earmarked for transformation" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indication of the urban environment in the area earmarked for transformation</figcaption></figure>Furthermore, the urban environment in this corridor is earmarked to be transformed. The railway corridor around Eveleigh, Redfern and Central essentially a neglected and piecemeal space which constitutes a forgettable entrance to the southern CBD.

The precinct is closely located to other large-scale urban renewal precincts at Waterloo, Green Square and Zetland. It’s possible this government-tech industry partnership will build off innovative renewal precedents in Sydney and overseas like the Toronto Smart City co-developed by Google and Sidewalk Labs.

Overall this is a promising announcement about the reinvigoration of a neglected part of Sydney’s urban environment and a potentially visionary step forward for our city’s economic vibrancy and competitiveness.

Jobs for NSW chair David Thodey will lead a design and development taskforce to guide the direction of the new precinct.
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ModernBradfield

Sydney's Central to Eveleigh set to become Australia’s Silicon Valley

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GUEST OBSERVER
Mega-trends such as urbanisation and technology are set to have a profound effect on our basic living habits and homes.
In this instalment of our ‘Homes of the Future’ series, we look into how our living rooms will need to adapt for the future. 
The look and feel of the space
With increasing urban populations, the spaces that we live in may become increasingly smaller. 
The design of the space may change, shifting to designs with less clutter and visual noise. Theo Richardson, an industrial designer and co-founder of Rich Brilliant Willing, believes we will see simpler lines, bold forms and bold solid colours.
Business Leader at IKEA Eja Tuominen explains that people want to slow down and relax, and therefore are focusing on living areas around the themes of growing, creation, harmony and compact living, ensuring calm spaces are present as part of the design. 
Multi-functionalism
Other changes we expect to see will be furniture that is more transformable and multi-functional. Future furniture should have integrated technology to make it more responsive both ergonomically and via bio-feedback. For example, a couch may adjust configuration depending on whether there are guests present or if you are relaxing by yourself.
Technology and entertainment
Looking at the future of living rooms, whilst the basic functions will remain the same, the increasing role of technology will change our traditional modes of communication and entertainment. For example, instead of sitting and chatting with friends in person or over the phone, you may instead be speaking to them via hologram. Instead of watching television or playing console games, you may be involved in virtual reality experiences.
Imagine a living room with complete integration between appliances and architecture. At the Consumer Electronics Show, Sony explored a conceptual living room where a mirror became a touchscreen panel, syncing to the wall which transformed into a giant screen, with overhead lighting that projected films. 
Immersive entertainment experiences are already being investigated by many brands, including Microsoft Research’s IllumiRoom video which brings to life the potential of film and game projections coming out of the TV, and Xbox One’s enhanced Kinnect sensor allowing participatory fitness and leisure products with personalised coaching in the home.
Another enhancement we may see in the near future is adding a fourth dimension (motion) to home entertainment – allowing our furniture to move and vibrate in conjunction with our entertainment to allow for a more immersive experience.
Ged Rockliff is the Head of Residential, Savills, and can be contacted <a href="https://www.savills.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

How will urbanisation and technology affect living rooms of the future? Ged Rockliff 

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Australian real estate agents prefer not to dazzle vendors with the latest and greatest technology and instead rely on paper as the primary information communication tool.
According to a recent report conducted by CoreLogic RP Data "<a href="/expert-insights/some-differences-between-the-sexes-corelogic-rp-data-estate-agent-satisfaction-survey-results">The 2015 Consumer Perceptions of Real Estate Agents</a>", the average agent is slow to embrace technology even when it can help demonstrate their own personal market knowledge.
The report found only 17% used an iPad or video to share market information, and 12% received market information in an email.  
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