<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/coronation-property">Coronation Property</a> has received development approval for Archer &amp; Albert, a 32-storey, mixed-use residential development in the heart of Chatswood.

Located at 57–61 Archer Street and 34 Albert Avenue, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/archer-albert-chatswood-57-61-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Archer &amp; Albert</a> will deliver 150 new homes, including affordable housing, alongside ground-floor and podium retail, commercial space, a heritage house activated as a café, additional ground-level activation, and a landscaped publicly accessible park designed for community use.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/archer-albert-chatswood-57-61-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Archer &amp; Albert</a> is one of the few large-scale residential developments in the heart of Chatswood City to progress through a council-led architectural design competition and secure development approval, positioning it at the forefront of design led housing.&nbsp;

<img alt="Archer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33cb754a-1493-4203-bd16-096d320597f6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A%2BA_C03_EXT_StreetScape_ID1.jpg?VersionId=oLUPFVAMxuRUTH1Bwki16R48cEo.vLeB" />

Designed by global architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, long-term collaborators of the Coronation team, the project draws inspiration from the Sydney Blue Gum High Forest and the leafy character of the South Chatswood Heritage Conservation Area. The design integrates a restored heritage-listed home and establishes a landscaped connection between Chatswood’s urban centre and its surrounding residential neighbourhoods.&nbsp;

“This is an important project for us and our first entry into the North Shore,” said Joe Nahas, Managing Director of &nbsp;Coronation Property.&nbsp;

“We are deliberate about where we invest and build, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chatswood-nsw-2067">Chatswood</a> stands out because the fundamentals are already strong. Transport, employment, education, retail and health are all in place. Archer &amp; Albert is about adding new housing into a centre that already works and building on what exists.”&nbsp;

<img alt="Chatswood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="620fcd78-00be-489b-823a-ca353387b91b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A%2BA_C04_EXT_PARK_HA_ID2.jpg?VersionId=NxSl04Zl1rzt94xlXNA6CNzSR9XMyLgP" />

Aras Labutis, Head of Urban Transformation at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/coronation-property">Coronation Property</a>, said the project reflects a disciplined, collaborative approach to city shaping.&nbsp;

“Chatswood sits at an important junction between high-density commercial activity and established residential &nbsp;neighbourhoods," Labutis said.

"Our focus for Archer &amp; Albert was to manage that transition carefully, respecting what’s already there &nbsp;while contributing something new that feels deliberate and enduring."

The approved scheme delivers:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>A 32-storey mixed-use tower comprising 150 homes, including 41 affordable housing dwellings • 530sqm of ground-floor retail, dining and commercial offerings&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A 760sqm wellness tenancy integrated within the podium&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A restored heritage building, thoughtfully reimagined as a café overlooking the park&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A landscaped public park, designed as a calm green retreat in the heart of Chatswood&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Resident amenities include a premium gym, golf simulator, mahjong room, dedicated wellness areas, private &nbsp;dining facilities and a curated wine room&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Deep private balconies designed to capture outlooks and northern light&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A refined material palette of natural stone, timber and terracotta&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=29796]

Joel Robinson

Coronation receives green light for Archer & Albert apartments in Chatswood

Leading Sydney developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a>, in partnership with Metrics Credit Partners, has officially broken ground on its landmark $1.8 billion Kings Bay Village project in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/five-dock-nsw-2046">Five Dock</a>, marking the beginning of construction on one of the most significant urban renewal precincts within the Parramatta Road Corridor.

A sod-turning ceremony was held at the project site on Parramatta Road, with NSW Premier Chris Minns and NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully joining Deicorp Chairman Fouad Deiri OAM and Metrics CEO and Managing Partner Andrew Lockhart, to mark the significant milestone.

Located at 129-154 Parramatta Road, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> will transform more than three hectares of underutilised land into a highly connected new neighbourhood comprising 1,185 homes, including 218 affordable dwellings for essential workers, alongside new retail, commercial, and community spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146120 project_image_fid=356895]

Designed by award-winning architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/turner-studio">TURNER</a>, the precinct blends crafted brick architecture with a pedestrian-focused urban layout across six buildings of varying scale. The project will deliver 14,700sqm of retail and commercial space, 6,500sqm of public open space, and a new 2,290sqm landscaped park and civic plaza that will form the social heart of the community.

Kings Bay Village is positioned minutes from the future Five Dock Metro Station, supporting the NSW Government and City of Canada Bay Council’s shared ambition for a more connected, liveable and revitalised Parramatta Road Corridor. Deicorp will also contribute more than $80 million towards new and upgraded local infrastructure, including pedestrian laneways, an activated streetscape and significant public domain works.

Fouad Deiri OAM, Chairman of Deicorp, said Kings Bay Village represents a defining opportunity for Sydney’s Inner West.

&nbsp;“Today marks the beginning of a precinct that will deliver lasting benefits for the Five Dock community - new homes, new open spaces, and a vibrant mixed-use environment that brings people closer to transport, services and amenities,"&nbsp;Deiri says.

“We are proud to be delivering much-needed housing, including affordable homes for essential workers, in partnership with the NSW Government and the City of Canada Bay. Kings Bay Village is urban renewal at its best - thoughtful, connected and community-focused.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146120 project_image_fid=356894]

Metrics CEO and Managing Partner Andrew Lockhart said the company is proud to support more housing and infrastructure in a key Sydney corridor. 
&nbsp; 
“Metrics and Deicorp share a proven track record of delivering high-impact projects that align closely with the NSW Government’s housing and infrastructure priorities. Kings Bay Village marks our most significant Sydney development to date, offering quality homes, essential infrastructure, and dynamic public spaces.” 
&nbsp; 
“This project reflects our ongoing commitment to creating value by supporting economic growth, job creation, and delivering excellent outcomes for our investors,” he said.

With Kings Bay Village now underway, Deicorp’s pipeline of apartments under construction across Sydney has increased to 5,102. Kings Bay Village is scheduled for completion in Q2 of 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146120]

NSW Premier and Planning Minister join Deicorp and Metrics to break ground on $1.8 billion Kings Bay Village precinct

When Antoinette Chan and her architect husband, Peter began casually searching for an investment property, they weren’t expecting it to evolve into a life-changing family decision.

But one visit to the display suite of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-1-11-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO</a> development in Crows Nest changed everything, and sparked a remarkable story of three generations choosing to live side by side in one of the suburb's most architecturally-striking new developments.

Antoinette, her mother Janet Khoo, and her sister, who is currently living in Singapore, each purchased an apartment in the same building, creating a rare and meaningful multi-generational living arrangement underpinned by modern design, community values, and premium convenience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=356083]

“It wasn’t planned,” says Antoinette, who purchased a three-bedroom garden apartment with her husband and teenage daughter. “Peter came across KOYO and encouraged me to visit because he had a lot of respect for Abadeen’s previous work. As soon as we saw it, we knew it wasn’t just an investment, this was a home.”

Shortly after, Antoinette suggested her mother, Janet Khoo, take a look at the same development. A long-time inner-city resident who had recently sold her property in The Rocks, Janet had experienced some health setbacks and was contemplating a move closer to her daughter.

“I walked into the display apartment, and it just felt right,” says Janet. “I didn’t look anywhere else. The space, the simplicity of the design, the light, everything gave me a sense of peace. It’s a new beginning, but it also feels like home.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=356093]

In a stroke of serendipity, Janet selected the two-bedroom apartment next door to her daughter, completely unaware of Antoinette’s purchase. Around the same time, Antoinette’s sister, who resides in Singapore, viewed the property via a virtual tour and chose to buy the apartment directly above Janet’s.

“We were all drawn to KOYO individually, and it just happened that our homes ended up vertically stacked, ground, first, and second floor,” Antoinette laughs. “It was a coincidence, but also a sign. This is where we’re meant to be.”

Designed by celebrated architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, KOYO delivered on all fronts for the Chan-Khoo family.

“Our garden apartment gives us the feel of a standalone home but with none of the maintenance,” says Antoinette. “All three bedrooms open onto a generous private garden, which is perfect for our dog Archie, and for entertaining. The open-plan layout and high ceilings make it feel airy, calm and luxurious.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=356092]

For Janet, security and accessibility were top priorities, and KOYO offered the ideal balance.

“At my age, I didn’t want to be climbing stairs,” she explains. “The first-floor apartment opens directly to the garden, and the building is small, which gives it a more personal, village-like feel. Yet I’m just steps away from my daughter and granddaughter. That gives me so much peace of mind.”

The family also appreciated the thoughtful amenities that avoided the excesses of some larger developments.

“We didn’t want a complex with too many facilities we wouldn’t use,” explains Antoinette. “KOYO has everything we need, generous storage, secure parking, beautifully landscaped walkways, and a stunning rooftop terrace with BBQ facilities that feels serene rather than busy.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=355428]

The location was another critical factor in the family’s decision. Though they had always lived closer to Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Antoinette says the transformation of Crows Nest was a revelation.

“When we returned from living overseas, we discovered Crows Nest had become this vibrant, walkable hub,” she says. “We love being able to stroll to cafés, restaurants, and shops on Willoughby Road. The new Metro makes the commute into the CBD effortless, and our daughter can walk to her school, it’s just next door."

Janet agree. “I was worried about giving up my inner-city lifestyle, but I’ve fallen in love with this area. It has everything I need, supermarkets, quiet streets, friendly faces, and it’s all a short walk away. I feel safe, independent, and connected.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=356085]

While design and location were important, the family also credits their decision to Abadeen’s reputation and responsiveness. With decades of experience delivering high-quality residential projects, Abadeen’s track record helped build trust during a volatile market period.

“The waiting game was tough, especially after selling my old apartment,” says Janet. “But the Abadeen team kept me updated every step of the way. They were professional, courteous, and transparent.”

Antoinette said Peter works in property and had already heard of Abadeen. "The quality of their work really impressed us, and as the project neared completion, they went above and beyond to keep us informed and supported. That level of communication is rare.”

Only a handful of three-bedroom residences remain for sale, priced from $3.5 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108800]

Three generations, one address: How a family found sanctuary and connection at Abadeen's KOYO in Crows Nest

Sydney-based developer Gold Partners Australia is making its move on the Gold Coast, launching what is one of the most affordable towers to the booming Broadbeach market.

Its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harmony-on-broadbeach-2797-gold-coast-highway-broadbeach-qld-4218">Harmony on Broadbeach</a> project, just 400m from the beach, has prices starting from $975,000 for its two-bedroom apartments that measure nearly 90 sqm internally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113098 project_image_fid=355607]

There will be 113 two- and three-bedroom apartments spread out across the 33-storey tower on the 1,201 sqm site that will front First Avenue. Gold Partners Australia, which has delivered several major projects in Sydney's Norwest and has an active pipeline with projects in Hornsby and Carlingford, secured the block vacant, and want to start preliminary site works early next year through their in-house construction capability.

DBI Architects designed the tower with a four-level podium which will have an open-air swimming pool, sun deck, outdoor lounges, alfresco dining spaces, and a gym with adjoining yoga lawn. A hospitality venue will anchor the building at street level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113098 project_image_fid=355611]

Olympus Property Group is selling Harmony on Broadbeach on behalf of Gold Partners Australia. Olympus Director Deanna Lockett says the project is resonating with everyone from locals, investors, those moving from interstate, and second home buyers from Brisbane.

"There's been nothing new come to the market in Broadbeach at this price point for nearly a year," Lockett recalls. "It hits the sweet spot of affordability, good sized apartments, in a great location."

Construction will commence in Q2 2026, and wrap up, all going well, by the end of 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113098]

Harmony on Broadbeach launches to booming Gold Coast suburb

Display apartments play a crucial role in helping buyers imagine how a space will look and feel once complete.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-albertine-by-mirvac-melbourne-31-queens-lane-melbourne-vic-3004">The Albertine</a> in Melbourne, development giant Mirvac has partnered with furniture maker and retailer MCM House to create a fully furnished, full-scale prototype that showcases the proportions, finishes, and design intent of the project’s three-bedroom residences.

As an added incentive, purchasers of any two- or three-bedroom apartment can receive up to $50,000 worth of MCM House furniture, allowing them to curate their new home with the same craftsmanship, contemporary design, and aesthetic showcased in the display apartment.

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ae2e947b-2d51-4288-88fa-a35638e3be0f" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-albertine-by-mirvac-melbourne-31-queens-lane-melbourne-vic-3004"><img alt="Albertine" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-25%20at%209.27.26%E2%80%AFAM_1.png?VersionId=T5uSwgtTFwd1m5EdQF1inB.tBDgxqbtZ" /></a>

Oversized sofas, solid timber dining tables, and relaxed, low-profile seating demonstrate how the space accommodates real furniture, helping buyers clearly visualise how their new apartment could look, complete with pieces that genuinely suit the scale and design of the home.

The styling is simple but deliberate, with materials that pick up on the apartment’s natural light and neutral tones, creating cohesion without crowding the space.

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="355f10d8-ee75-4546-a42e-4a54abcc806e" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-albertine-by-mirvac-melbourne-31-queens-lane-melbourne-vic-3004"><img alt="Albertine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e0b920b-3f17-47f0-8885-f67697a5f842" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-25%20at%201.17.07%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=tPcmBls5kt_SLqE2ONXrxgk5SnC1xERs" /></a>

Mirvac is now welcoming buyers through the display at The Albertine. Quietly yet conveniently positioned just off St Kilda Road on Queens Road, the development has attracted strong interest from inner-Melbourne and Bayside downsizers, professional couples seeking luxurious low-maintenance living, and design-focused buyers who want proximity to the CBD.

Apartments have been designed by Mirvac's inhouse design team with owner-occupiers at the forefront.&nbsp;The living and dining areas open directly onto a balcony, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on indoor-outdoor flow, while kitchens feature integrated appliances and soft-curve cabinetry which mirror the larger architectural themes at play throughout the building.

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8f9b371-17e1-4122-a615-074113096135" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-albertine-by-mirvac-melbourne-31-queens-lane-melbourne-vic-3004"><img alt="Albertine" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-25%20at%209.30.16%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NCYvtMavnE1_YDhX6slAr7g84MWP0Ymp" /></a>

The Albertine offers one to four-bedroom residences complemented by exclusive resident-only amenity, including The Circadian Club, a wellness centre with an indoor pool and spa, gym, yoga and Pilates studio, and sauna, as well as The Elysian Room, a private dining space on level 10 with sweeping views across Melbourne.

Mirvac will welcome residents to The Albertine in 2026, having recently celebrated topping out the&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a>&nbsp;recently topped out&nbsp; the topping out of The Albertine, with completion expected in 2026.

To find out more about the generous furniture offer with MCM House, enquire below.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138659]

Mirvac unveils The Albertine display, offering up to $50k in MCM House furniture

Building Design

<html><body>
Following the call for the registration of more building and design practitioners since its incorporation, the NSW Government has delivered on its promise to restore public confidence in the building industry by successfully passing the Association of Accredited Certifiers (AAC)'s Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019. 
This bill will increase accountability in the construction sector and improve outcomes for consumers. The legislation ensures that building designers and building practitioners are register in NSW and more accountable for their work on building sites. 
AAC CEO, Jill Brookfield said the Bill will increase accountability, protect consumers, and weed out practitioners doing the wrong thing. "The passage of this Bill is a win for the community and a win for every building practitioner who wants their industry cleaned up," said Ms Brookfield. 
“For too long, unregistered building and design practitioners have been allowed to work on NSW construction sites without any accountability. These reforms mean their days are coming to an end. 
“As we have argued for some time, more building practitioners must be registered and insured if we are to improve accountability and outcomes for the community. 
“This will work to establish a more robust construction industry in NSW, which puts consumers first and weeds out operators doing the wrong thing.
“The NSW Government has rightly identified the importance of the construction industry in supporting the broader economy during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These reforms are crucial in ensuring the right framework for the construction industry is in place to assist in the post-COVID-19 economic rebuild.
“The Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019 provides an important framework for improving accountability amongst building practitioners in NSW. 
“The Bill is the first step in addressing this lack of accountability and improving confidence in the entire system.
“Central to ensuring its operational success will be the development of robust and thorough associated regulations, which establish professional indemnity insurance requirements for these newly registered practitioners.”
Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson said the much-needed reforms, passed by Parliament today, mark the start of a new era in the design and construction of buildings in NSW.  
“The NSW Government has a no nonsense approach to achieving and maintaining best practice regulation across all of the industries that it regulates, and the building sector is no exception,” Mr Anderson said. 
“This Bill is all about putting consumers first by giving those entering the property market peace of mind that their home will be expertly designed and built in compliance with the Australian Building Codes.” 
The Minister said the Bill, developed through extensive consultation with industry stakeholders and the public, will ensure NSW has a leading system of design and building regulation that delivers well-constructed buildings into the future.
“The passing of the Bill is a huge step forward in the rebuilding the construction sector into a transparent, accountable, customer-centric industry that consumers deserve,” Mr Anderson said. 
“Owners of apartment buildings with defects will benefit immediately from the statutory duty of care that applies to all new buildings and those less than ten years old.”
Also introduced to NSW Parliament this week is the Residential Apartment Buildings (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Bill 2020, boosting the Building Commissioner’s power to stop dodgy builders and developers in their tracks.  
The NSW Building Commissioner, David Chandler OAM, will be leading the regulator’s implementation of both Bills, through an expert team of up to 60 new staff who will undertake increased investigation, audit and compliance activities. 
“Combined, these two Bills put the interests of consumers first and show that the Government is serious about lifting the standard of work across the building and construction sector,” Mr Chandler said.
“The laws will give my team a broad range of powers, including the ability to issue stop work orders, prevent strata plan registration and occupation certificates, and to issue hefty fines for those doing the wrong thing.”  
The two pieces of legislation forms one part of the NSW Government’s comprehensive six part reform agenda to lift standards and accountability in the building sector. 
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

NSW Government delivers historic building reforms to restore industry confidence

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
“Dull and uninspiring apartment buildings” were the words used by the Burwood mayor, John Faker, in an article run in The Australian Financial Review on Thursday 4th October that blamed planning rules (NSW Apartment Design Guide) for ‘blocking’ better quality design.
On the contrary, the adoption of the design guide has delivered much more attractive and liveable apartments than those built in the 90s. The guide is not responsible for poor construction quality - nor a presumption that maximum allowed residential floor space can be achieved on every apartment site without an appreciation of its setting.
PIA appreciates the mayor’s comment that the design guide had become a box ticking exercise among some developers to get projects across the line quickly while maximising yield. It is the rigid application of the guide in these cases that can cause problems. 
The NSW Government implores consent authorities that ‘apart from the non-discretionary development standards (clause 30 of SEPP 65), the ADG is not intended to be, and should not be applied as, a set of strict development standards’ (Planning Circular June 2017).
While the guide improves consistency and sets a minimum standard, it is not in a position to inspire design excellence. Outstanding design is achieved through great ideas expressed in collaboration among designers, developers and planners who appreciate the opportunities and context of the site.
The Planning Institute of Australia recently ran training on the Apartment Design Guide. Industry leading architect Michael Harrison from Architectus, highlighted that ‘compliance for compliance sake is not a good idea…there should be some flexibility for good design’. He noted that there is room for varying a development standard and the Design Advisory Panels can and should assess the value of innovation.
The Planning Institute of Australia supports the Apartment Design Guide. It reduces contradictions, confusion and conflicts in the assessment of residential apartment buildings and encourages a consistent approach to quality residential apartment design across NSW. It also enables consent authorities to list non-compliance with the Guide, to stop poor development and mandate that qualified architects are required to design apartments.
The Apartment Design Guide is also supported by guidelines on the setting of buildings (Better Placed), so that design of buildings and their precincts are interlinked to result in good places to live and enjoy social activity.
The Planning Institute of Australia agrees that the Guide needs to be applied with flexibility to promote innovation and enable slight non-compliance where the location context calls for it and where there is design merit.  
The Planning Institute of Australia supports the NSW Government being active in promoting better design to ensure that living conditions and amenity improve alongside urban growth.
John Brockhoff is a policy advisor and planner at the Planning Institute of Australia.
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Planning is not to blame for poor apartment design outcomes 

<html><body>
What will the building of the future look like?
Engineering and infrastructure advisory company Aurecon has released a white paper on the topic, including what’s driving demand, challenges inherent in reaching ‘intelligent building’ status and what some of the next steps in this journey might be. 
Titled 'Buildings of the Future: science fiction or science fact?', the white paper is based on interviews of industry professionals who were asked to imagine what Buildings of the Future might look like and how they might be created.
“The major drivers identified in the paper have the potential to reshape the built environment industry in the next 30 years,” said Peter Greaves, Aurecon’s Buildings of the Future Leader.
Author Arthur C Clark once said that sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. In a way — this captures the essence of what technology installed in Buildings of the Future should aim to achieve. The technology should ‘just work’ without the user understanding how. 
It says that 3D printing technology will have a huge impact on the design engineering industry.
“The 3D printer is significantly disrupting the traditional design role held by the structural engineer but, at the same time, presents exciting new opportunities in how building designers will create, relocate and shape Buildings of the Future,” said Greaves.
A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to Buildings of the Future is becoming less palatable nowadays while new, flexible construction materials, including composite materials, additive manufacturing concrete, solar polymers and carbon fibre balsa, is fuelling new design approaches. 
“These options are unlocking the architectural limitations of size, weight and shape that the building and construction industry works within today,” he said. “To bring this to life, the thought processes, measurements and methods commonly used in our industry will also have to evolve.”
It said another innovation in the building management field was developing shared services in facilities management within a precinct.  
Greaves said innovators would work on the idea of shared building maintenance hubs, which would be designed to provide facilities for all local buildings to centrally monitor electricity, water, energy storage common areas and integrate other aspects of maintenance and management of operational efficiencies.
The Western Sydney Airport and Greater Sydney’s development could become a prime example of an opportunity to implement this, says the paper.
It highlighted the ‘whole of precinct’ approach to the management of facilities and wider infrastructure assets and stressed the 2017-2018 Federal Budget’s commitment to several large infrastructure projects in the area, including high-speed rail to Western Sydney.
“If we’re going to help design Buildings of the Future, we have to be able to envision them,” said James Bennett, Aurecon’s managing director, Built Environment. “Aurecon wants to be a forerunner in helping our clients identify the opportunities this presents and facilitating these changes.”
“Those who shape Buildings of the Future will be those who, firstly, realise that our world is changing and have the boldness to not only let go of, but question, the status quo so that working with government and economic leaders, we might reimagine our physical spaces and infrastructure. Engineers need to lead such conversations,” asserted Bennett. 
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Buildings of the future: science fiction or science fact? 

<html><body>
Sydney's Barrack Place building at 151 Clarence Street has been awarded Australia’s first ever WELL Core &amp; Shell Precertification at the Gold level by the International WELL Building Institute.
Barrack Place is currently being leased by Investa and Savills.
Barrack Place won the Precertification involved upgrading the building systems and improving the design.
Shen Chiu, Senior Development Manager at Investa said while individual tenancies within buildings have achieved WELL Certification in Australia, they are leading the way with the first WELL Core &amp; Shell Precertification in a new development.
“New buildings provide a unique opportunity to deliver a healthy place to work from the ground up," he said.
"The WELL Building Standard allows us to go one step further, by incorporating the science of wellness into the fabric of the building and locking in these benefits for decades to come." 
"Achieving this will allow tenants at Barrack Place to leverage certain aspects of the building’s design and services when doing their own space planning and our team will continue to manage the implementation to ensure it is carried through to WELL Certification.” 
Investa began work towards the pre-certification with IWBI over a year ago to find out how WELL Core &amp; Shell Certification could be adapted to the Australian office environment for the entire base building design at Barrack Place.
WELL is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and wellness through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind. 
</body></html>

Sydney's Barrack Place awarded WELL Precertification

<html><body>
The $8 million Orange Regional Museum has been unveiled by Australian architecture firm CRONE, following its completion in November. Covering 1,300 sqm, the museum also houses an exhibition space, visitor information centre, café and council office space.
The firm won a competitive tender process in 2013, based upon a preliminary sketch of the team’s vision of the project, which tied together the new museum, an existing library and art gallery to create a civic square and public space.
Today, the museum hosts temporary and permanent exhibitions on a variety of themes including settlement of the region, mining, the built environment, agriculture, migration, significant events and individuals from the local area.
 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2016/11/22/Crone_Orange%20Regional%20Museum_0A8A0043_credit%20Tom%20Ferguson.jpg" alt="">
Intended as a flexible space it can be used for a variety of functions including outdoor exhibitions or simply an area for visitors to relax.
“We are extremely proud to deliver this contemporary designed building for Orange, which forms an integral part of the community’s civic fabric,” remarked CRONE associate, Ashley Dennis. 
“When designing the museum, we were confident the contemporary design of the building would be embraced by the local community and be reflective of the culture that Orange represents today,” she said.
A key feature of the design is the grassed roof, which rises from the existing lawn, to provide a public green space and new vantage point across the city of Orange. Intended as a flexible space, it can be used for a variety of functions including outdoor exhibitions.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2016/11/22/Crone_Orange%20Regional%20Museum_0A8A0381_credit%20Tom%20Ferguson.jpg" alt="">
CRONE design director Niall Durney added that the business was drawn to the project for its opportunity to create a forward thinking design that would contribute to the community and create a new destination for the area. 
“As our first regional design project, it also ties into the new direction for the company to diversify beyond commercial buildings,” he said.
CRONE also strategically created a civic square between the new and existing buildings, and included amphitheatre seating and café as an adaptable area for events and activations.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2016/11/22/Crone_Orange%20Regional%20Museum_0A8A0605_credit%20Tom%20Ferguson.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
Orange mayor John Davis OAM commented that the way the Orange community has already embraced the new museum building is a sign of the quality of its design.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2016/11/22/Crone_Orange%20Regional%20Museum_0A8A0615_credit%20Tom%20Ferguson.jpg" alt="">
“The grass roof is already a drawcard both for visitors and locals. Every school holidays there are young families and children enjoying the space by rolling down the slope,” he said. 
“Along with the theatre, the gallery and the library, the new museum building helps create a fantastic new precinct and I’m looking forward to seeing how the way the community uses it will evolve.”
 
</body></html>

Orange Regional Museum's winning design

<html><body>
Listed property group Lendlease’s first engineered timber office building in Queensland, called 5 King, has been acquired by Impact Investment Group (IIG), in its second commercial building acquisition in the $2.9 billion Brisbane Showgrounds redevelopment.
Standing almost 45 metres, 5 King the nine-storey tower plus ground will be the tallest engineered timber building in Australia and the tallest and largest engineered timber office building by gross floor area in the world.  
It will be the future home of engineering firm Aurecon, with the company committing to lease four of the nine office floors.
It has been designed by architect Bates Smart with engineering provided by Aurecon.
“5 King is the latest example of high-performance workplaces setting new benchmarks in environmentally sustainable building practices,” said Kylie Rampa, Lendlease’s chief executive officer, Property, Australia. 
“The office building will offer tenants the opportunity to generate significant business benefits through large, efficient floorplates that provide flexibility for a variety of modern workplace formats. Its location on King Street provides excellent access to lifestyle amenity and transport options for employees,” she said.
5 King will be built using a building timber called cross laminated timber (CLT) and glulam (glue laminated timber) which has a structural strength akin to the traditionally used concrete and steel. The typical commercial floor plate will comprise 1,588 square metres of net leasable area (NLA), with a total area of 14,921 square metres (NLA) over 10 levels.  
Buildings made from engineered timber have a lower carbon footprint than other building materials: the production process produces zero waste, and timbers are sourced from certified sustainably-managed forests.
According to Neil Barr, Aurecon’s Queensland regional director, the use of timber to lower carbon footprint is a medium that Aurecon has used to good effect.
"Our firm has long seen timber as a viable alternative to steel and concrete and 5 King will showcase the strength of CLT in a ten-storey building."
Lendlease is targeting a 6 Star Green Star Design for 5 King and As Built v1.1 and a NABERS Energy 5 Star rating.  
5 King is due for completion in November 2018, with Lendlease both developing and building the asset. 
It is Lendlease’s fifth engineered timber building in Australia and joins International House Sydney, Forte Apartments and Library at the Dock in Melbourne, and Jordan Springs Community Hub in Western Sydney.
 
</body></html>

Lendlease sells its tallest engineered timber office building in Australia

<html><body>
SPONSORED POST
If we had a completely blank slate to work with, how would we design our buildings and cities? How different would they be from the environments we have created now?
That was the question posed by JLL and TEDxSydney earlier this year for their Urban Canvas research project, which surveyed more than 200 professionals from 19 industries and conducted full-day workshops to explore issues around workplaces, buildings and cities.
Participants were asked to imagine creating places for people to work, live and play within the construct of a completely fresh slate - the planet Mars in 2050, made habitable for humans. 
The concept of Mars was used to give people a blank canvas and understand what they would create if they didn’t have the limitations of the existing built environment.
The resultant whitepaper – ‘Is humanity the future architect: how human connections will ultimately shape the future of real estate’ - projects a vision of the future where buildings do more than function as places of work – they promote connections between people and nature, whilst enhancing our health and wellbeing.
“The results unanimously focused on human connections and a desire to be closer to nature,” says Richard Fennell, Australian Head of Property &amp; Asset Management for JLL.
“It seems that amongst our condensed and densely populated skylines, the people living and working within them are craving more open spaces, more air, and more natural materials and environments.” 
Participants sought a lifestyle where home and work were more interconnected in a physical sense - promoting concepts such as community workplaces, co-working and flexible work locations - whilst craving to be less connected mentally and emotionally.
This is a response to the recognition that the modern workforce does not ‘switch off’ - workers no longer leave work behind when heading home, and this is acknowledged as negatively impacting mental health.
“Our basic needs and wants remain consistent with what they were 100 years ago,” Fennell says. “We saw five key themes emerge when asking the TEDxSydney Community to design their future, four of these themes focused on human needs.”
Those five key themes are:
<ol>
<li>Human connections</li>
<li>Health and wellness</li>
<li>Nature and human sustainability</li>
<li>Social consciousness</li>
<li>Robotics and artificial intelligence</li>
</ol>
“Throughout our research, certain mega-trends also emerged that might shape how we interact with our urban environment, including robotics, quantum computing, driverless cars and co-working,” Fennell says. “But it will be a desire for authentic, deeper human interactions, health and wellbeing, and a closeness to nature that will continue to dominate the built environment.”
JLL’s Australian Head of Corporate Account Management, Rajiv Nagrath, says the research found that, despite technological advancements and the potential impacts of robotics and artificial intelligence, there was a desire for a future dependent on people, not machines.
For more information, <a href="https://access.jll.com/tedxsydney/" target="_blank">click here</a>.
</body></html>

po-LsXgBTHBmX

How human connections will ultimately shape the future of real estate 

<html><body>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/66406/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Since the beginning of the 20th century the single-function building typology – for example, the office, school, apartment, institution or retail complex – has been subject to regulations requiring separate spaces for “working” and “living”. 
Within this framework, paid labour seldom took place inside the home. Today, people use space differently, which means legislation must change to support different ways of living and working in the one building. 
The post-industrial city, which has existed since the late 20th century, has changed the way people live and work. 
In North America, with the decline of the manufacturing sector in many cities and the “discovery” of the inner city by the 1970s, it became fashionable for people to live in former manufacturing spaces that had been converted for residential use. This trend emerged in New York and then in San Francisco a decade later. 
By the 1990s most cities in North America boasted converted loft districtswhere people were, potentially, both living and working. 
The early adopters of the contemporary live/work movement were artists and craftspeople. Other groups that have since taken advantage of live/work dwellings are entrepreneurs and the self-employed. They may be freelancers who do not keep regular office hours or need permanent office space. 
The availability and affordability of computers, advances in telecommunications and tax deductions for home offices have made the live/work option a practical and economically savvy alternative for many.
<h2>Movement calls for planning reform</h2>
When the contemporary live/work movement gained traction in the 1980s and 1990s, it challenged the North American urban planning system. New legislation allowed for mixed use, blending residential, commercial, cultural, institutional and, where appropriate, industrial uses. 
This included “home occupation”, which incorporated the right to pursue small-scale work activities at home. This model usually placed restrictions on the number of employees and commercial or client visits to the premises.
The term “live/work” signifies that the building or unit is primarily used for residential purposes, but that working is permitted. “Work/live” means the work component takes priority over the residential. In urban planning legislation, live/work is often associated with residential and mixed-use zones and codes, whereas work/live is associated with commercial, industrial or mixed-use zones and codes.
The main difference between live/work and work/live and home occupation is the “disturbance factor” – that is, how intrusive the activities in the building are for neighbours. 
In Australia, home occupations are generally permitted in current residential and mixed-use zones as long as they do not disturb the neighbours. 
While artist communities and creative entrepreneurs in Australia have been blurring the boundaries between living and working for decades, live/work (or work/live) as a formalised land use does not exist.
The adaptive reuse of vacant or underused buildings and lots is a strand of the live/work, work/live movement. Locations such as Collingwood in Melbourne, Northbridge in Perth and Surry Hills in Sydney are all home to numerous adaptive reuse projects and people working in the creative economies. Councils often turn a blind eye to the buildings’ unregulated use.
However, Australia is yet to see the development of new land use or mixed-use live/work zones such as those in North America. Since the 1990s, live/work has also been formalised in Western Europe. By the 2000s, the movement had taken hold in places such as Eastern Europe, Russia and China.
<h2>What are the live/work benefits?</h2>
As a land-use and building typology, live/work can support urban neighbourhoods through providing a diversity of uses, which can be flexible over time. It intersects with housing, job, transportation and infrastructure planning to support an integrated approach to urban planning. 
The live/work ethic advocates for mixing stores, offices and housing. This can help make neighbourhoods busier and more productive, meaning they may be livelier and safer. 
Live/work offers multiple sustainability benefits. These include a reduction in vehicle use, improved air quality, less dependency on natural resources and reduced sprawl. It can also support and promote efficient land use by putting maximum floor area within a given envelope. 
Increased choice as to how and where people live and work, as well as the accommodation of different lifestyles and new demographics, can result in a built environment that is more responsive to the changes in cities that occur over time.
<h2>What changes are needed?</h2>
The City of Perth encourages residential uses within commercial precincts – for example, in West Perth – but what happens when you want to work in your own home in the city or the suburbs? 
How many workers can you have? Can you put up signage? What services are prohibited? How easy or expensive is it to change the use of a building through the planning system? What spaces and safety conditions need to be adhered to? 
The WA planning scheme stipulates that home occupation means that the business cannot employ non-household members. It also cannot occupy over 20m² or have a physical retail component. A “home business” cannot employ more than two people, be larger than 50m², or have a physical retail component.
With a shift in the attitudes of Australian federal and state governments towards innovation and creativity, planning regimes also need to be more creative to support living and working conditions for the 21st century. An increase in densities presents an opportunity to explore further experiments in live/work.
Andréanne Doyon is research fellow, University of Melbourne, and author for The Conversation. She can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/andreanne-doyon-305144" target="_blank">here</a>.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Reinventing density: bridging the live-work divide

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
GUEST OBSERVER
The announcement by NSW Minister for Planning, Rob Stokes, that an architecture and design policy will be developed to give a focus on design quality is positive, provided a balance between innovation and regulation is achieved. 
Clearly it is better to have good design rather than bad design of the buildings and precincts in urban areas.
While the intent of the policy is good we need to ensure that design does not become a tick the box assessment criteria measured against prescriptive design manuals.
The draft document states that guidelines, standards and manuals will be developed ‘to assist authorities in the assessment of design proposals.’ 
The draft policy document has many worthwhile statements about the importance of design quality but design quality can be a very subjective issue. The draft policy, for instance, says good design is 'local and of its place' as well as being ‘distinctive, visually interesting and appealing’. This raises the issue of balancing local design that fits in with the existing context compared to the one off exceptional design that stands out.
The Urban Taskforce is supportive of the need for design excellence in the built environment particularly as our urban areas become more compact. Currently State Environmental Planning Policy 65 defines design quality through the Apartment Design Guide for buildings above 3 storeys. 
Any new policy must not duplicate the current SEPP.
The role of The NSW Government Architect is supported by the Urban Taskforce as an advocate for design quality across New South Wales. The current Government Architect, Peter Poulet, is chair of the Taskforce’s Development Excellence Awards jury and we are positive about supporting his role.
The most likely way to lift design quality is to ensure the best designers do the work. This is what SEPP 65 does by ensuring qualified architects design apartment buildings over 3 storeys. The use of design excellence competitions with floor space uplift as an incentive are worthwhile and design review panels with a diverse group of reviewers can also help ensure quality.
The Urban Taskforce is keen to work with the NSW Government to develop appropriate approaches to ensuring design quality as cities like Sydney double in size over one generation. Clearly denser cities need to ensure that design quality gives communities a positive sense about both the private and the public built environment. The NSW Government Architect can play an important role in delivering these quality outcomes.
Chris Johnson is chief executive officer of property development industry group Urban Taskforce and can be contacted <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=97&amp;Itemid=126#.Vdaart55dFI" target="_blank">here</a>.
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

NSW architecture and design policy needs to balance innovation and regulation: Chris Johnson

<html><body>
A premium-grade office tower at 171 Collins Street in Melbourne’s CBD has got a 6 Star NABERS energy rating, making it the first commercial building in Victoria to achieve the grade.
It is also one of three commercial office buildings in Australia to get the rating without green power or renewable energy back up (such as solar, wind, or geo-thermal), said a media release.
The property – developed and owned by Cbus Property and Charter Hall – is managed by Knight Frank’s Asset Management Services team. 
It comprises an 18-level office called the Tower building, plus seven levels of PCA A-grade boutique offices within the Mayfair building. 171 Collins Street features an atrium, a high-end ground-floor lobby, along with retail tenancies to Collins Street; subterranean retail tenancies to Flinders Lane; and basement car parking. 
According to Knight Frank’s Nick Mavropsi, head of sustainability, Asset Management Services, Australia, the 33,136 square metre property was designed for a 5 Star NABERS energy rating.
“The property achieved its design at 18 months after practical completion, with only 65 per cent occupancy. The challenge was to try and improve the 5 Star NABERS energy rating to possibly 5.5 or 6 stars, while maintaining premium environmental conditions to all tenants and complying with all lease commitments,” said Mavropsi. 
<img src="/images/2016/09/12/171CollinsSt2.jpg" alt="">
Leader of the on-ground team in charge of the works, Knight Frank’s senior Facilities and Engineering Manager, Harshana Wijewardane, said, “Fine-tuning all of the services was crucial to maximise the efficiency of the installed plant and equipment, including the utilisation of the smart tools available. These include highly-refined EMS, under floor air distributed system (UFD), access control high level integration and the co-generation system.”
“These initiatives resulted in 171 Collins Street becoming one of just a handful of commercial office buildings to achieve a 6 Star NABERS energy rating without green power,” said Wijewardane. 
Knight Frank’s Managing Director, Asset Management Services, Australia Aaron McGhee said the company wants to replicate its success nationally to all buildings it manages.
</body></html>

Building Design

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Building Design

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.