National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

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Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

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Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Joel Robinson

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 52-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 52-storey tower, which has just shy of 250 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Thornbury

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Investors and owner occupiers continue to seek retail properties in Melbourne’s inner north in big numbers, with another High Street shop and dwelling in Thornbury changing hands under the hammer.
Fitzroys agents Chris Kombi, Ervin Niyaz and Terence Yeh sold 917 High Street for $1.255 million, on behalf of a family that had held the asset for more than 50 years.
An owner occupier purchased the two-storey building of 240sqm, which has a ground floor shop with a short-term lease and first-floor, two-bedroom apartment, on a 224sqm site.
Kombi said the campaign, which attracted more than 120 enquiries, and fierce competition between five bidders at the auction reflected the ongoing demand for assets in the area.
“The building was offered in its original condition, presenting prospective buyers the chance to make their mark on one of inner Melbourne’s fastest-growing retail and lifestyle precincts, or refurbish and capitalise on rental uplifts.”
Shop and dwelling properties on High Street have been trading at healthy numbers. Kombi, Niyaz and Yeh recently sold the 785 High Street corner site for $1.805 million at a 2.4% yield at auction, following a campaign that saw 150 enquiries; as well as 740 High Street for $1.385 million at a 2.9% yield, which netted more than 100 enquiries.
Yeh said ongoing gentrification of Melbourne’s inner north had brought multiple medium and high-density developments, bringing excellent rental growth potential as the immediate residential catchment grows, as well as creating heightened demand for retail services.
“Growth of the immediate catchment has also accentuated the extended trading cycles of these centres, adding to their vibrancy, and Thornbury has enhanced its reputation as a trendy and popular destination for eateries and bars.”
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Fitzroys say blooming prospects for roses among Thornbury

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The recently completed Clyde Mews is an environmentally focused community comprising six family-centric townhouses and two apartments. Designed by Six Degrees Architects for Excelon Group the project sets a new benchmark for inner city, medium density development. 

Located at 80 Clyde Street in Thornbury, the project is at the forefront of sustainable design and construction, with Excelon and its design team working alongside the independent Moreland Energy Foundation Limited (MEFL) to improve its sustainability credentials and minimize waste where possible.

<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/clydemews_ahutchison_stitched.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Clyde Mews employs recycled materials where possible. Images: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="429" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/clydemews_ahutchison_stitched.jpg?itok=XuKwbWlj" title="Clyde Mews employs recycled materials where possible. Images: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Clyde Mews employs recycled materials where possible. Images: Alice Hutchison</figcaption></figure>The development repurposes materials from the previous dwellings which occupied the site, complemented by recycled timber, and locally sourced recycled bricks which were carefully selected. Each residence is equipped with energy and water efficient V-ZUG or Miele appliances, and living areas carpeted with durable 100% New Zealand wool carpet from Cavalier Bremworth.

Designed to foster a car-free lifestyle, Clyde Mews is located in close proximity to public transport, walking and cycling tracks, and within walking distance to local eateries, cafes, and boutiques, as well as amenity such as hospitals, childcare, playgrounds, markets, and sporting facilities.

<blockquote>
The project is a development of two traditional Thornbury housing blocks into medium density housing, and provides an alternative model to the usual car centric development of this type.

Instead a model of medium density living is delivered that that prioritises the development of community, shared amenity, sustainability and landscape.

The dwellings have been designed to maximise the site's orientation to provide energy and water efficient residences that are sustainable, comfortable and affordable.

- Six Degrees
</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/clydemews_ahutchison_-17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Clyde Mews' communal gardens. 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/clydemews_ahutchison_-17.jpg?itok=Kkper-AQ" title="Clyde Mews' communal gardens. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Clyde Mews' communal gardens. Image: Alice Hutchison</figcaption></figure>The project is designed to allow residents to live easily without a car and each dwelling includes two wall mounted bike racks, however at least one on-site car space is offered per dwelling. Car spaces are situated around the perimeter of the project to maximize internal space within the site for pedestrian access and public and private open space positioned around a a central shared space. 

The communal garden has been designed to act as a shared backyard that contains seating and large planter boxes for communal gardening, including fresh fruit and vegetables for residents to enjoy. Extensive pergolas provide the framework for vines to form a lush canopy that will provide shade in summer, and will lose its leaves in winter allowing sun through to each residence.

Water efficiencies at Clyde Mews include a 30,000 litre underground water tank for toilet flushing and laundry. Other sustainable amenities include solar power, and passive heating and cooling systems have been incorporated throughout the design as well as the building oriented to maximize natural light with north-facing windows, and awnings in the living and dining areas to reduce heat gain from summer sun exposure.

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
Excelon are excited to have completed Clyde Mews, a project with incredibly strong sustainability credentials. We are committed to the Melbourne market and look forward to working alongside our industry friends to create a strong portfolio of sustainable, community-driven projects.

-  Kelvin Taing, Excelon Group Managing Director
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We were thrilled to be involved with Clyde Mews. The project was conceived and designed to encourage a sense of community, and offer a new model for sustainable medium density housing. It’s a project at the vanguard of modern sustainable living in Melbourne.

- James Legge, Six Degrees Director
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Laurence Dragomir

Six Degrees and Excelon combine for Clyde Mews

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Buyer advocate Greville Pabst, of the WBP Group noted a new suburb price record in Thornbury was set at weekend auction.
It was when the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-thornbury-122000234" target="_blank">renovated four-bedroom period residence</a> at 13 Shaftesbury Parade sold for $1,945,000 through Nelson Alexander.
Quite some renovation as above was how it appeared before when sold in 2011 at almost a third of the price at $685,000.
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The previous house price record was an Edwardian home sold at $1.75 million last year on Streetle Street.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

New Thornbury house price record

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The recent <a href="/news/2015-architeam-winners-announced">2015 Architeam Awards</a> resulted in a string of projects receiving commendations, with one project in particular appealing to Apartments.com.au. Designed as a 9-star apartment complex in Thornbury, Steffen Welsch Architects received a Commendation for Sustainability for their Wohnen Morgen project.

Translated as Living Tomorrow, the small scale design would transform a standard suburban block with a single dwelling into ten highly environmentally credentialed apartments and townhouses above ground floor commercial tenancies.

<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/image2wm.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="9-star apartments: Wohnen Morgen (Living Tomorrow)"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="402" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2wm.jpg?itok=JsSI4gmB" title="9-star apartments: Wohnen Morgen (Living Tomorrow)" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>9-star apartments: Wohnen Morgen (Living Tomorrow)</figcaption></figure>Located at 409 St Georges Road, the project has yet to advance past the schematic design stage. Currently within a General Residential Zone, the site and surrounds are to be re-zoned into Commercial 1 Zone which will facilitate the delivery of higher density living in the area.

The development team held pre-application meetings with City of Darebin staff with the developer awaiting re-zoning prior to proceeding with a planning application. In the meantime the design found favour with the Architeam Awards judging panel during November.

Asked by Apartments.com.au if Wohnen Morgen is a site-specific design response from Steffen Welsch Architects, or would they look to implement these sustainability ideals across all their projects, the simple answer was both.

<blockquote>
The design response is site-specific as it takes into consideration the east-west orientation of the block, access from St Georges Road, links to neighbourhood, amenity impacts onto adjoining lots and likely future development of adjoining lots.

However, the underlying principles we do plan to implement across our projects, that is value adding through focus on identity and community, keeping community facilities at a manageable scale, creating comfort through energy efficient design and managing cost through space efficiency.
<cite>Steffen Welsch, Principal, Steffen Welsch Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Wohnen Morgen design highlights</h2>

LID Consulting's Craig Harris worked with Steffen Welsch Architects on the project in an advisory capacity, providing advice throughout the initial design process which allowed the project to gradually build up to the nominated 9-star rating.

As Steffen Welsch explained an apartment building has an advantage over single houses since each unit has less external surface area and therefore less heat exchange between inside and outside. The measures to increase the rating are relatively simple, and in the case of Wohnen Morgen included:

<ul>
<li>Each unit has direct sunlight access into living areas for passive heating.</li>
	<li>Windows are located to optimize cross ventilation in summer.</li>
	<li>The floor above is slightly cantilevered to provide fixed sunshading from mid-spring to mid-autumn but allow winter sun access.</li>
	<li>Glazed areas are not excessive and double glazed high performance glazed units.</li>
	<li>Highly insulated external floors, walls and roofs.</li>
	<li>Thermal mass in floors that can receive direct sunlight.</li>
	<li>Installation of suitable mechanical, hydraulic and electric systems like louvre vents to exhausts, water and energy saving devices, rainwater collection in the basement, PV collectors and solar hot water on the roof.</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/image9_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground and first floor layouts"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="188" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_3.jpg?itok=uNgJoqvn" title="Ground and first floor layouts" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground and first floor layouts</figcaption></figure><h2>A blueprint for the future</h2>

<blockquote>
This is a very important project to us as it is an attractive, high density residential development on a regular size suburban block.

With the right mix of units, yield and outdoor space it can be a very manageable model in terms of planning, cost and community development once it is occupied.

We are very proud to have received this award as a recognition that this can be a sustainable model for the future.
<cite>Steffen Welsch, Principal, Steffen Welsch Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image4_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Solar penetration is limited to Winter months"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="237" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_4.jpg?itok=TnMgI9AS" title="Solar penetration is limited to Winter months" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Solar penetration is limited to Winter months</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Wohnen Morgen: setting a benchmark with 9-star higher density living

<html><body>
The junction marking Thornbury and Preston is set to light up this evening, celebrating a significant development set to happen in the area. A joint partnership between Creative Suburbs and the Darebin City Council, the festival is aimed to light up the area and switch on the minds of residents and visitors alike.

<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/victorholder3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Light projection by Victor Holder at Rainbow Serpent Festival 2015."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/victorholder3.jpg?itok=Fcmck0f_" title="Light projection by Victor Holder at Rainbow Serpent Festival 2015." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Light projection by Victor Holder at Rainbow Serpent Festival 2015.</figcaption></figure>On Friday 26th and Saturday 27th June from 6-11pm, the Thornbury and Preston intersection will be curated and lit up by four artists across five locations. The Darebin Projection Festival is part of an initiative with the Darebin City Council to activate the Junction of Preston and Thornbury and celebrate with community the new development(s) and lifestyle opportunities that are set to happen in the area.

Hosted by Creative Suburbs, the event is set to change resident’s perceptions of the once industrial area. The online platform encourages people in local areas to brainstorm and communicate ideas to improve the community. These ideas are steered by Creative Suburbs in the necessary direction needed be taken to have the idea realized, such is the case with the projection festival.

One of the new developments in the area is <a href="http://ninehighapartments.com.au/">NINE HIGH</a>, a new residential building being developed by <a href="http://kincaidprojects.com.au/">Kincaid Projects</a> and <a href="http://optimusdevelopments.com.au/">Optimus Developments</a>. On the night, NINE HIGH will be hosting work from artist Victor Holder that will have a focus on inspiring environmental and social awareness through a practice that is grounded in ways that benefits the community. Originally from Venezuela, Victor has worked all over the world but has called Melbourne his home for the past 15 years.

<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/ninehigh_exteriorps.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Nine High Exterior. © Kincaid Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="453" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ninehigh_exteriorps.jpg?itok=nevuiPjW" title="Nine High Exterior. © Kincaid Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nine High Exterior. © Kincaid Projects</figcaption></figure>The NINE HIGH building will have a projected light show on architectonic 3D drawing mix with geometric abstracts forms, animated motion graphic, magical and flowing visuals.

<blockquote>
We are extremely excited to be a part of the Projection Festival. The change and new vision for this area of Thornbury and Preston is fantastic and we appreciate how active the local community are in stimulating the local economy.
<cite>Kris Burt, Kincaid Director</cite>
</blockquote>

Over the two nights there will also be food trucks, a hot chocolate cart and a silent disco for attendees to enjoy. The first of its kind in the area, the Darebin Projection Festival is set to encourage attendees to have a light bulb moment about the exciting improvements that are set to come.

<h2>Darebin Projection Festival</h2>

<dl>
<dt>Dates:</dt>
	<dd>Friday 26th and Saturday 27th June, 2015</dd>
	<dt>Time:</dt>
	<dd>6pm-11pm</dd>
	<dt>Locations:</dt>
	<dd>Thornbury/Preston: 9 High Street, 84 High Street, 188 Plenty Road, 212 Plenty Road, 623 Plenty Road</dd>
</dl>
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