Private equity real estate firm Conquest has entered into a $220 million partnership with Woolworths’ development arm, Fabcot, to deliver its long-awaited Waterloo project on Bourke Street.

The Bourke Street development was first flagged by Fabcot back in 2021 as part of its push into Sydney’s residential market. However, progress has since stalled, with no activity on site amid a number of design revisions in consultation with the City of Sydney.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a>, which is actively planning more than $6 billion worth of new developments, predominantly mixed-use precincts, is now set to move the project forward.

The current plans include between 110 and 120 apartments across two buildings designed by Bates Smart at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/923-935-bourke-street-waterloo-nsw-2017">923 Bourke Street</a>. The scheme will incorporate a portion of apartments reserved for key workers, alongside premium commercial space at ground level, including a full-line Woolworths supermarket.

Construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2026.

Michael&nbsp;Akaawi, CEO of Conquest, said the partnership reflects the firm’s commitment to "convenience-led" urban renewal."

"We are preparing to commence construction in the second half of this year," Akaawi says.

"Along with Woolworths, we look forward to delivering the first major supermarket to the growing Waterloo community, integrated with premium new apartments and specialty retail shops. Our focus is on creating a seamless lifestyle hub where essential services are at the doorstep, saving residents time and enhancing their quality of life."&nbsp;

<img alt="Conquest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8beee83-ef9b-446b-a3b3-1e2fe596512b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-01%20at%2011.08.46%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=raYhGepiLUJfx4InLPRRJduA3ftDJ_kS" />

The news comes just a week after Conquest went to the NSW Government to upsize its plans for Castlecrag's Quadrangle Shopping Centre.

Conquest purchased the site for just shy of $70 million last year, with existing plans in place for a mixed-use residential and retail precinct comprising 38 luxury apartments.

Those plans have now been significantly expanded, with the developer lodging a State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority for 150 apartments across two 11-storey buildings. The apartments will sit above a four-storey podium, incorporating specialty retail tenancies and five levels of basement car parking, on the 5,166 sqm site at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/100-edinburgh-road-castlecrag-nsw-2068">100 Edinburgh Road</a>.

Conquest has been increasingly active in the development space in recent years. The group acquired the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/eastlakes-nsw-2018">Eastlakes</a>&nbsp;Shopping Centre redevelopment, where it plans to deliver more than 1,000 apartments above a new retail precinct, and has also lodged a $900 million State Significant Development Application for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/conquest-unveils-900m-stanmore-village-vision-for-landmark-inner-west-site">mixed-use precinct in Stanmore</a>.

Joel Robinson

Conquest partners with Woolworths to deliver mixed-use Waterloo project

A shift away from Sydney’s industrial past has left parts of the inner south defined by contrast, brick warehouses repurposed into dining precincts, former factory streets softened by landscaping and pedestrian activity.

Rosebery is one of those suburbs. Over the past decade, it has undergone significant gentrification, anchored by The Cannery, which has helped reposition the area as one of the inner city’s most sought-after lifestyle pockets.

What hasn’t kept pace with that transformation is new residential supply, which has remained relatively limited. Builder-developer Deicorp identified that gap early, securing a site in 2019 and delivering what is now one of the suburb’s most architecturally distinctive developments.

To realise the vision, Deicorp engaged Candalepas Associates to design The Rothschild, a project that is immediately recognisable from the street.

Completed in 2025, The Rothschild comprises two buildings across Rothschild and Mentmore Avenues, delivering 176 apartments. The development replaces a former industrial site, retaining a material and structural dialogue with its past while introducing a more resolved residential framework. The scale is deliberate but not monolithic, broken into forms that engage both street frontages, with retail at ground level and two levels of basement parking below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221665]

From the street, the architectural intent is clear. Off-form concrete columns run through the façade, establishing a repeated structural rhythm that gives the building its visual weight. These are paired with deep-set arches and sections of exposed brickwork, creating a layered elevation that reads less like a typical apartment block and more like a reinterpretation of industrial architecture.

The material palette is intentionally restrained, with concrete left exposed and brick used to define mass rather than decoration. The result is a building that stands out through proportion and repetition, rather than height or glazing.

This approach continues internally. A central landscaped courtyard sits between the two buildings, anchored by an olive grove that acts as both a visual and spatial focal point. Rather than functioning as residual space, the courtyard is designed as a shared ground plane, where circulation paths, seating areas and planting come together to create a usable communal environment. Its positioning allows natural light to penetrate deep into the site while maintaining separation between residences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221666]

Within the apartments, the planning follows a clear and functional logic. Entry points lead directly into open-plan living areas, with kitchens positioned as central elements alongside dining and lounge spaces. These zones extend to balconies or external openings, maintaining a visual connection to either the courtyard or the street.

Kitchens prioritise practicality, with generous bench space, ample storage and European appliances configured for everyday use. Bedrooms are typically set back from the main living areas, creating quieter zones within each residence, with separation achieved through layout rather than material change. Bathrooms are compact but efficient, incorporating mirrored cabinetry and integrated storage to maximise space. Across all residences, the emphasis is on clarity of movement and functional planning.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221669]

At ground level, retail and hospitality uses extend the building’s presence beyond its residential function. A café or restaurant space, alongside communal amenities such as a music room and rooftop areas, positions the development as part of a broader urban network rather than a standalone project. These shared spaces reinforce a lifestyle where the building operates as an extension of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Rosebery’s proximity to Green Square, The Cannery and nearby parklands supports this model of living, where much of daily life is within walking distance. The Rothschild sits comfortably within that network, contributing to the streetscape through its distinctive architecture, while internally organising space around light, structure and communal use.

The Rothschild is now complete and ready to move in, with limited residences remaining.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106843]

The Rothschild reinterprets Rosebery’s industrial DNA into residential form

KTQ has unveiled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/casilia-16-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Casilia</a>, the final residential release within the Kirra Point precinct which really kicked off the boom in the area back in 2019.

The final stage comprises&nbsp;87 residences and marks the culmination of a long-term, family-led vision for Kirra Point, as the precinct moves toward completion in tandem with the development.

Around $100 million in sales have been achieved already, close to 35 per cent of the residences secured ahead of launch. There have been a significant number of buyers returning from the first stage of the development, Miles Residences, securing another property within Kirra Point.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368410]

Selling agent Tim Keenan from Keenan Byrne said the response reflects both the scarcity of the offering and Kirra’s growing reputation as a premium coastal market.

“This is effectively Kirra’s final act, the last release within what has become one of the Southern Gold Coast’s most tightly held beachfront precincts,” Keenan said.

“We’ve seen exceptionally strong pre-sale interest, from VIP waitlists through to off-market enquiry, which speaks to both the quality of the product and the confidence buyers have in the precinct. What’s particularly compelling is the number of buyers returning from Miles, either upgrading or investing again, which is a strong signal of how the precinct has been received."

Keenan adds that at the same time, north-facing beachfront remains exceptionally rare in Australia, limited to places like Noosa, Byron and Kirra, which is underpinning long-term value.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368415]

Positioned along one of Australia’s few true north-facing beaches, Casilia offers a mix of two and three-bedroom residences with pricing ranging from $1.87 million to $7.15 million and two exclusive penthouses. Residences are oriented to capture varying outlooks, from uninterrupted Pacific Ocean views across Kirra Beach to hinterland vistas, with upper levels and shared amenity taking in sweeping perspectives along the Gold Coast coastline.

At rooftop level, a north-facing pool deck captures expansive, uninterrupted views over Kirra Beach and north towards Surface Paradise. The space incorporates a heated resort-style pool, mineral spa, sun lounges and a covered BBQ cantina.

Buyer profiles are broad, typically aged between 40 and 70, with a strong skew toward second-home ownership, drawn by a combination of lifestyle, relative value, proximity to Gold Coast Airport and lower congestion compared to more established markets such as Byron Bay and Noosa.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368414]

The project is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ktq-group">KTQ Group</a>, a family-owned Australian property group with a diverse portfolio spanning residential, hospitality and commercial developments. The group has delivered a number of notable projects across sectors, including the award-winning Elements of Byron resort, demonstrating its depth of experience across both hospitality and residential development.

Known for its long-term approach to place-making, KTQ Group retains a vested interest in its projects, often holding assets within its portfolio, which has also helped build trust among buyers and reinforced confidence in both the vision and delivery certainty of the precinct.

“Casilia represents the final opportunity to secure a residence within Kirra Point and brings to market the last release within our long-term vision for the precinct," KTQ Group's Jeremy Holmes said.

"Kirra Point has been more than a decade in the making, and that timeframe reflects the care behind each decision, it takes listening, balance and vision to arrive at something that feels right for the location.

“Our approach has always been to deliver Kirra Point as a destination in its own right, a connected coastal neighbourhood integrating residential, hospitality and wellness, rather than a standalone project. It’s a vision that respects place, pace and permanence, and contributes to a sense of community that feels authentic to Kirra.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368411]

Once complete, the Kirra Point masterplan will incorporate a mix of dining establishments, bars and cafés, alongside the Kirra Point Health Club and a future 91-room independent resort hotel, creating a walkable, integrated lifestyle precinct.

Architecutue and interiors at Casilia have been designed by the experienced design houses of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/little-boat-projects">Little Boat Projects</a> and O’Neil Architecture &amp; Interior Design, The design moves beyond the conventional coastal apartments, instead taking cues &nbsp;from the surrounding landscape - layering natural materials, soft curves and warm textures to create spaces that respond to light, airflow and the rhythms of coastal living.

Residences are designed with an array of floorplates, generous proportions and intuitive flow, while at ground level Casilia connects into the broader precinct, where future laneways, retail and hospitality offerings will contribute to a neighbourhood defined as much by how people live day-to-day as its beachfront position.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152295]

The final residential release within the Kirra Point masterplan is set to launch, as strong pre-sales signal sustained demand for the Southern Gold Coast

A decade in the making: KTQ launches Casilia at Kirra Point

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

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

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

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

Design Awards

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Melbourne’s Hotel Esplanade has taken out the title for Australia &amp; Pacific Bar at the 2019 Restaurant &amp; Bar Design Awards.
The award, won by Technē Architecture + Interior Design for their design work on the venue’s reincarnation, officially made The Espy the best-designed bar in the region.
The global competition saw entries from over 70 countries.
Technē director Justin Northrop said, “the award win shows how The Espy deserves to be recognised on a global scale and we are grateful our design work on the venue has been a success."
“Our design work centred on bringing out the venue’s vivid past and creating layers based on its history and multiple uses instead of opting for a contemporary makeover."
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/10/8/The%20Espy%202.JPG" alt="">
The Espy now features 12 bars, two restaurants, three performance spaces and numerous discrete areas across multiple levels. It can accommodate 1,700 patrons across its 3,300 square metres.
Throughout the venue, the Technē design emphasises music and performance spaces.
Technē collaborated with Sand Hill Road stylist Eleisha Gray for the styling of the project.
Since it was built in 1878, The Esplanade has been a Victorian-era seaside resort.
It was a jazz-era ballroom and a rock and roll mainstay from the 1990s until 2015 when it closed for renovation.
Technē’s work was unveiled with the venue’s reopening in November 2018.
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Melbourne's Hotel Esplanade crowned best designed bar in the Pacific region

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Melbourne's Studio Ongarato has been awarded Best Ceiling Design for Jackalope Hotel’s Doot Doot Doot at Restaurant and Bar Design Awards in London.
Creative director Fabio Ongarato said it's a tremendous honour.
“The ceiling design forms a central component in the immersive experience and thematic narrative at Jackalope.
"To have the studio’s work on Doot Doot Doot recognised by the design community internationally is a tremendous honour.”
The Prahran-based design studio were engaged to establish the Jackalope in Merricks North on the Mornington Peninsula by hotelier Louis Li.
He wanted a strong thematic framework – a vision realised through an immersive journey of dramatic statements and intimate shared experiences.
Studio Ongarato engaged Australian lighting manufacturer, Jan Flook, to bring the ceiling concept to life, in line with the narrative journey through the site and the conceptual approach to dining.
In addition to winning the ceiling category, the Installation was also shortlisted for the Best Lighting Award.
 <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/2018/10/9/doot2.jpg" alt="">
In the Doot Doot Doot restaurant, the Fermentation Installation features 10,000 incandescent globes. With sequenced programming tailored to various times of the day, the bulbs intermittently flare and fade to evoke an experience of bubbles bursting on a surface; an ode to the fermentation process in both the ancient art of alchemy and winemaking. 
The globes shift from a simple light source to a golden, textural piece of art as waves of light wash the ceiling, wrapping diners below in an amber glow. This injects the space with emotional resonance that nuanced site-specific lighting design brings.
The practical requirements to minimise the depth of the fixture and to conceal technology in the open ceiling cavity, whilst remaining true to the concept narrative, added a degree of design difficultly. 
In addition, in keeping with Australia’s energy restrictions only minimal energy consumption was allowed over the entire 81sqm, resulting in a sustainable lighting solution using LED vintage Edison globes.
 It also had to be versatile enough to allow multiple dining options below while still providing a functional warm and soft light emission.
 
 
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Studio Ongarato take out best ceiling design award for Jackalope Hotel restaurant

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Sydney architecture firm Crone has won the award for Delivered Outcome – Small scale for Orange Regional Museum at the Australian Urban Design Awards.
Announced on 25 October by the Planning Institute of Australia, the awards take notice of outstanding urban design projects in Australia.
Orange Regional Museum is Crone’s first civic project, leading the practice into a direction beyond commercial buildings for which it is best known.
“The project blurs the distinction between the architecture and landscape through holistic urban design,” noted the jury.
Crone commenced work on the 1,300 sqm museum after winning a tender responding to the brief to strategically place the building to create a distinctive civic square between the new structures and the existing Orange City Library and Regional Art Gallery.  
The museum houses an exhibition space, visitor information centre, cafe and council office space, while also playing host to a variety of exhibitions.
Seating stairs create an amphitheatre and provide access to the sloping landscaped roof, a defining feature of the design that rises from the existing lawn to provide a public green space and vantage point across the City. 
<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/2017/10/26/OrangePic.jpg" alt="">
The Crone team, led by Greg Crone, Niall Durney, Sandra Furtado and Kieran Gleeson, works across Australia, Southeast Asia and the UAE, shaping city skylines. It has offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Picture above (Centre, Ashley Dennis, Senior Associate, Right, Niall Durney, Design Director)
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Crone wins PIA's urban design award for work on Orange Regional Museum 

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The success of Adelaide’s tallest residential building, Vue on King William, has continued with the development scooping the 2016 UDIA SA High Density Housing Award.
It’s the second UDIA SA High Density Housing Award for Starfish Developments, which also won the award last year for its Avenue at St Clair project.
<img src="/images/2016/11/07/ASBCREATIVE-THE_VUE_HI_001.jpg" alt="">
The 89 metre, 28 storey Vue on King William, which opened in June, was a joint venture between Adelaide-based Starfish Developments and Melbourne-based Asian Pacific Group.
The $100 million, 210 apartment development was almost fully sold within a couple of months of going to market in May 2014, with construction starting just four months later.
The building took just 20 months from ground breaking to completion. Construction of the project created 200 jobs.
Vue has brought a new style of residential architecture to Adelaide with its six level podium, recessed Level 7 roof top garden, pool deck and recreation centre and 22 level glass frontage.
<img src="/images/2016/11/07/ASBCREATIVE-THE_VUE_HI_006.jpg" alt="">
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Adelaide’s tallest residential building wins more design awards

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CRONE has won a design excellence competition for a new residential and hotel tower at 230 Sussex Street, Sydney.
Its design integrates the existing heritage-listed Foley Brothers warehouse with a new 115-metre hotel and residential tower.
The warehouse will be adapted to host a striking heritage courtyard and hotel lobby, creating a focal point and activated heart of the Meriton development.
CRONE design director Niall Durney said the tower’s strong connection to the existing heritage warehouse together with references to the surrounding streetscape were the winning qualities of the design.
“The tower sits on a sandstone podium with proportions taken from the adjacent heritage building,” he said.
Construction of the new 230 Sussex Street precinct will commence in April 2017 with completion expected October 2018.
<img src="/images/2016/10/06/230%20Sussex%20Street%20lobby.jpg" alt="">
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CRONE wins 230 Sussex Street hotel design competition

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Floth Sustainable Building Consultants has beaten an impressive field, taking out the international World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) commercial award for Leadership in Sustainable Design and Performance.
Floth’s Brisbane-based headquarters, 69 Robertson Street won the award for its ability to generate 53 per cent fewer operational carbon emissions than a building built to regulation standards.
Floth Managing Director R. Glenn Ralph said the competition was extremely tough, but the win reflected the significant amount of work that went into the design of the building.
“We are particularly proud of winning this award as it embodies the engineering approach we apply to all projects and the quality of product we strive to deliver,” Mr Ralph said.
“We strongly believe that all developments in the built environment should not only be environmentally responsible, but must also be economically sustainable.
“The key learnings taken from the design and build of our HQ will now be applied to client’s projects to deliver even further on sustainable design and building performance outcomes.
“69 Robertson Street has achieved a number of firsts for us here in Australia, including the Green Building Council Australia’s first 6 Star Green Star – Design &amp; As Built v1.1 rating building.”
The Leadership in Sustainable Design and Performance Award is presented to green buildings that set new benchmarks for sustainability and design.
Floth Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) Principal Anthony Marklund said a number of sustainable features were integrated into the design.
“Our headquarters spans over three storeys with more than 1,000sqm of floor space, to offset our operational energy we have installed a roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system that offsets 28 per cent of operational energy generated by the building,” Mr Marklund said.
“Our goal was to also ensure we designed and delivered a zero carbon building, which has been achieved through the purchase and supply of 100 per cent GreenPower.”
Floth’s headquarters also operates a heat recovery variable refrigerant flow air conditioning system that is able to move heating or cooling from one part of the building to another as needed.
Floth has recently added a trio of Australian firsts to their repertoire of achievements with a Green Star Design and As Built v1.1 certified rating; a 6 star NABERS Indoor Environment rating and the first building in Australia that has formally adopted the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council's (ASBEC) standard definition of a zero carbon building.
Floth Sustainable Building Consultants is one of Australia’s leading building services and engineering consultancy practices for more than 30 years.
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Accolades for Floth HQ at World Green building awards

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One of Australia’s fastest-growing suburbs took out top honours at national urban design awards.
The City of Sydney’s Green Square town centre was a winner at the 2016 Australian Urban Design Awards.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the prestigious national award reflected on the City’s commitment to excellent urban design.
There was also a win for Sydney Park's water re-use project.
“This is a win for our inner city communities, who’ve come with us on the journey of great urban design, and it’s a win for our fantastic staff teams and partners on these projects,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We’re focused on meeting the needs of our communities with great spaces and facilities that residents, businesses and visitors can enjoy and be inspired by.
“In Green Square, we’re revitalising the area’s heritage charm with innovative and sustainable design that reflects the growing community. Our long-term planning and design for the town centre represents a strong and truly coordinated vision – the community’s local knowledge, needs and hopes for the town centre helped shape its development.
“Our Sydney Park water re-use project brought together excellent design, science and sustainability to create a significant new piece of green infrastructure. This innovative design allows for the cleaning and reuse of 340 Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of local storm water runoff from Newtown each year.”
The multi-award winning Sydney Park water re-use project won the Delivered Outcome – Large Scale category award, while Green Square was awarded the Urban Design, Policies, Programs and Concepts – Large Scale category.
Green Square is bringing culture and creativity to the doorstep of 61,000 people who will soon live in the area, with a new town centre set to boast sustainable infrastructure and world-class community facilities.
Features will include a library, childcare centre, creative hub, aquatic and recreational centre, more than 15 parks, and Australia's biggest residential stormwater harvesting and treatment system.
The Sydney Park water re-use project harvests and treats up to 850 million litres of stormwater from Newtown’s Munni Street catchment each year. The water is used to irrigate the 44-hectare parkland and supply water to a neighbouring depot.
The Australian Urban Design Awards, awarded by the Planning Institute of Australia, is one of the nation’s largest urban design competitions.
Established in 1996 by Prime Minister Paul Keating, the program recognises contemporary Australian urban design projects of the highest quality.
The 2016 judging panel included representatives from the Australian Institute of Architects, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, Government Architects Network Australia, Green Building Council of Australia, Consult Australia, Engineers Australia, Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council and Urban Design Forum.
The judges commended the Green Square town centre project for its creation of a mixed-use neighbourhood on former industrial land with high-quality public spaces and community infrastructure.
“A major public square is the outcome of an international design competition and forms the social heart of this vibrant community. Research, collaboration, community engagement and ongoing monitoring are critical components that distinguish this comprehensive urban design strategy,” the judges said.
The judges said the Sydney Park water re-use project design “provides a bold, high-quality and conscientious enhancement of public space that is interconnected with the surrounding urban environment through water collection and re-use.”
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Sydney's Green Square urban design project wins award

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The Sydney CBD apartment of property developer John Boyd and his wife Marly has been described as the most impressive penthouse in Australia.
It is now gaining international recognition, having been announced as a finalist in <a href="https://www.internationaldesignexcellenceawards.com/finalist/sydney-penthouse-apartment/" target="_blank">the SBID International Design Awards 2016</a> in the residential design category costing over £1 million.
The bespoke decor was undertaken by the Sydney interior decorator, Blainey North.
Competition for the coveted prize comes from all over the world. The public can vote.
There's an apartment in One Hyde Park in London, the world's most luxurious residential apartment complex, among the finalists, as is the Haibo Sheshan Villa in Shanghai.
The prize is even being sought by the designers who fitted out a luxury 40 metre boat, formerly owned by fashion designer Roberto Cavlli.
The Boyd's apartment sits 43 storey's high above the ANZ Castlereagh Street office block which John Boyd sold to Grocon in 2013, while keeping the penthouse that overlooks Hyde Park.
Everything inside the three level apartment is custom made, including what's been described as the biggest rug in the southern hemisphere which was hand-sew back together as one piece.
North had only been contacted by Boyd with the intention of buying some of her custom-designed furniture, but after seeing the bare space she convinced the Boyd's to let her design it.
“I feel really comfortable designing this scale,” she told The Australian's Wish Magazine.
“The idea I tabled with them at [the first meeting] is that I felt there needed to be some sort of connecting [motif] and so we developed this idea of the black ribbon.
"It outlines and connects all of the different levels,” North explains.
She reckons the apartment even has a Batman feel to it, with the black ribbon effect which is made of wood with six coats of lacquer.
It comes down from the ceilings, traces the windows, turns into the bar unit, becomes the balustrade of the staircase and runs into the bedrooms where it becomes the bedside tables.
It ends on the top floor with its pool and cabana.
“We have been talking about Batman all through the design process,” North added.
“When you drive into the basement, you come into your own private lift and ride up into your apartment above a bank, which has views all around the city. 
"It is totally private, it’s totally secure and it’s kind of like this life in the sky in the middle of the city.”
The project adds to North's already impressive portfolio, having previously been commissioned for Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's 798 sqm amalgamated penthouse high above Lavender Bay.
She's also designed office space for actor Russell Crowe.
She’s also been billionaire James Packer's preferred decorator overseeing the re-opening of the Conservatory buffet restaurant at Crown Casino in Melbourne. 
North, who married Russell Crowe’s personal assistant, Keith Rodger in 2011, is a fan of art deco.
Indeed her first home – sold in 2010 to model Lara Bingle at $882,000 – was in an art deco Darling Point apartment complex.
It was a renovated, one-bedroom unit with views which North had paid $700,000.
John Boyd's wife, Marly says Blainey had a much greater vision for the apartment as a whole entity.
"It has personality, it has homeliness, but it also pays great respect to the architecture which was always important to us.” 
Visitors are apparently greeted in the entrance hall with a built-in floor-to-ceiling wine fridge full of the world’s best bubbles.
"You will always be offered a glass of champagne," says Marly when you visit the Boyds’ incredible home in the sky.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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Blainey North shortlisted in SBID Awards for Sydney penthouse design

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Project Zero received the Award for a House Alteration and Addition over 200 m2 at the Houses Awards last month. 
It also received two awards at the Queensland Architecture Awards. 
According to the Houses Award jury, Project Zero has living areas organised around a central courtyard, which is largely a green space, creating the feeling that you are living within a garden as well as solar-powered energy on the north-facing sections of roof, on-site water treatment, reclaimed building materials and vegetable gardens with chooks and a worm-farm.
According to Mr Brian Donovan, Principal BVN, the house consolidates the research embedded in precedent buildings where central outdoor spaces are used to organise the composition of interior rooms.
 “This is reflected in the way that the building elements have been pushed to the boundaries to create a major landscape area in the centre of the site,” he said.
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Another design award for Project Zero

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The diversity of projects being undertaken by architects in South Australia were honoured at the Australian Institute of Architects' 2016 SA Architecture Awards. 
Four projects from the Tonsley redevelopment have collected seven awards across education, heritage, commercial, sustainability and urban design, cementing the project as a unique place with a strong identity for South Australia to celebrate its manufacturing history. 
<img src="/images/2016/07/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-04%20at%2011.52.35%20AM.png" alt="">
The role of architects Woods Bagot and Tridente in deciding to retain the Main Assembly Building (MAB) structure and surrounding building pods along with vibrant urban spaces designed by Oxigen, was judged a testament to both the vision of the client, the skills and collaboration of the designers and the urban design guidelines developed for the site, the jury said.
South Australia's Drill Core Reference Library by Thomson Rossi provides an important gateway to the huge 61-hectare Tonsley site,which is currently transforming into an education, research and business hub. HASSELL's Flinders University building further defines the former MAB along with the TAFE campus to the south.
Public architecture was dominated by projects that provide significant social and cultural benefits to our communities with the integration of public spaces becoming integral to the design process. The coveted Jack McConnell Award for Public Architecture, is awarded to the Stretton Centre by HASSELL, which the jury praised as an architecturally accomplished focal point for the wider northern suburbs community.
Continuing the accolades for projects in the public realm, commendations were awarded to Henley Square Remade by TCL with Troppo Architects, Glenunga Community Hub by Greenway Architects and the Zoos SA Nature's Play Ground by Phillips/Pilkington Architects and WAX Design, which also won the community's vote for the City of Adelaide Prize People's Choice Award.
The new technology incubator, Base 64 in Kent Town (below) was designed by Williams Burton Leopardi within a heritage building, and has been honoured with both the Keith Neighbour Award for Commercial Architecture and David Saunders Award for Heritage.
<img src="/images/2016/07/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-04%20at%2011.51.26%20AM.png" alt="">
Base 64 (below) has a unique quality that is difficult to define — part co-working, domestic, gallery, retreat and public space.It provides clues as to how contemporary workplaces might evolve to be more collaborative, networked, and personal, the jury said.
<img src="/images/2016/07/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-04%20at%2011.49.50%20AM.png" alt="">
Two of South Australia's leading design advocates have been recognised at the 2016 South Australian Architecture Awards.
The past Chapter president and life fellow of the Institute, Francesco Bonato has been awarded the prestigious Sir James Irwin President's Medal for his commitment to advocating great design and promoting the relevance of what design professionals contribute to the wider community.
Bonato is a founding director of Tectvs, a collaborative architecture and design studio that has received over seventeen Architecture Awards since its inception in 1989, with offices in both Adelaide and Melbourne.
Full list of winners:
Public Architecture
Jack McConnell Award - Stretton Centre by HASSELL Commendation - Glenunga Hub by Greenway Architects Educational Architecture
Dr John Mayfield Award - Flinders at Tonsley by HASSELL Commendation - Cardijn College Music Centre by Tridente Architects Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
The John S Chappel Award - West End Residence by Ashley Halliday Architects Award - Tusmore Residence by Grieve Gillett Andersen Award - Grass Trees by Max Pritchard Gunner Architects Commendation - Friedrichstrasse House by Troppo Architects Commendation - Waitpinga Retreat by Mountford Williamson Architecture Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations &amp; Additions)
The John Schenk Award - Veil and Mortar by KHAB Architects Award - Fade to Grey by Grieve Gillett Andersen Commendation - LOCH by John Adam Architect Commendation - Cawley Tree House by C4 Architects Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing Commendation - Gibson &amp; 7th by Williams Burton Leopardi Commercial Architecture
Keith Neighbour Award - Base 64 by Williams Burton Leopardi Award - South Australian Drill Core Reference Library by Thomson Rossi Commendation - Beresford Wines Cellar Door &amp; Tasting Pavilion by Alexander Brown Architects Heritage
David Saunders Award - Base 64 by Williams Burton Leopardi Award - Tonsley Main Assembly Building and Pods by Woods Bagot and Tridente Architects Commendation - Torrens Island Quarantine Station by Habitable Places Commendation - Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral Pipe Organ Project by Grieve Gillett Andersen Interior Architecture
Robert Dickson Award - Oggi by studio-gram Award - UniSA Student Lounge by Phillips / Pilkington
Architects Award - Centre for Senior Learning, Pulteney Grammar School by Walter Brooke &amp; Associates Commendation - Elders Head Office by JPE Design Studio Urban Design Commendation - Riverbank Bridge by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, Taylor Cullity Lethlan and Aurecon Commendation - Tonsley by Oxigen Commendation - Henley Square Remade by T.C.L with Troppo Architects Small Project Architecture 
Marjorie Simpson Award - House on Mayfair by Grieve Gillett Anderson Award - 4 Structures at Henley Square by Troppo Architects and T.C.L Commendation - Waterfall Gully Shelter and Toilet Block by Flightpath Architects
Sustainable Architecture Award - Tonsley Main Assembly Building and Pods by Woods Bagot and Tridente Architects Award - Tonsley by Oxigen Enduring Architecture Jack Cheesman Award - South Australian Forensic Science Centre by SA Public Buildings Department, Government of South Australia
Colorbond® Award for Steel Architecture Award - South Australian Drill Core Reference Library by Thomson Rossi The City of Adelaide Prize Prize Winner - Pink Moon Saloon by Sans-Arc Studio Commendation - Zoos SA Nature's Play Ground by Phillips/Pilkington Architects and WAX Design
"Fran Bonato, understands that good design and great architecture comes from hard work and dedication – summed up by the three P's of Practice, Profession and Perseverance," the SA Chapter President David Homburg said in awarding the medal.
This year's Emerging Architect Prize was awarded to Anthony Balsamo of Walter Brooke &amp; Associates for his substantial contribution to the practice of architecture in South Australia.
Early in his career, Anthony saw a gap between university graduation and the practice of architecture. In 2004 he co-founded the group New Architects Group, now known as NAG, which has had a huge impact on the whole industry, especially for young graduates, and is an initiative that has now been formalised across all Chapters of the Institute, under the national banner EmAGN, the jury noted.
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