A new 25-storey apartment tower proposed for Mercer Street would push Geelong’s western gateway skyline higher, with Morphy Birrell Property Group lodging plans for a project directly beside one of the city’s most significant heritage streetscapes.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">FK</a>-designed development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/65-67-mercer-street-geelong-vic-3220">65-67 Mercer Street</a> has now been referred to Victoria’s Planning Minister. The site sits opposite the Geelong rail corridor and immediately south of the heritage-listed St Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church and Ashby Hall precinct.

Rather than compete with the neighbouring ecclesiastical buildings, the proposal adopts a sculpted podium intended to reference the materiality and scale of the heritage context. Planning documents note the design draws cues from the “dark stone brick” church and surrounding masonry buildings, while the tower above transitions into a softer, curved form oriented toward Corio Bay and the Geelong waterfront.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b797d10c-d4a6-47af-b8df-1aeaa3b382be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/public%20square.png?VersionId=QGIpcz1x1hKB6lQLl2iobyHqb6PS2Ztc" />

The development forms “Stage 5” of Morphy Birrell Property Group’s broader Mercer Street precinct strategy, following the completion of the 21-storey Miramar tower on Cavendish Street and several additional approved redevelopment stages nearby. Planning consultants Ratio said the proposal “represents an exemplary development outcome” aligned with the strategic ambitions for Central Geelong’s continued urban renewal.

The mixed-use project would replace an existing low-rise commercial building and surface parking area on the 3,320 sqm corner site. FK’s urban context report describes the proposal as a residential development comprising apartments, resident amenities, commercial space, and integrated landscaping positioned to maximise bay views and northern sunlight access.

Renders show a deeply articulated tower with curved balconies stepping above a lower masonry podium that frames a landscaped forecourt facing Mercer Street. The design intentionally preserves sightlines toward the adjacent church buildings, with the podium scaled to reinforce the heritage edge before the tower recedes upward.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bdca91e-66f7-4ac7-8baa-2f93bd5b564e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/geelong%20site.png?VersionId=QOhbino4ZgzKYw5dW3QE14E.2yq.Sv87" />

The planning report highlights the site’s strategic location within 400 metres of key Geelong destinations including Cunningham Pier, the Geelong Station precinct, Deakin University, and the convention centre. Bus services run directly along Mercer Street, while the Corio Bay foreshore sits around 100 metres north of the site.

The proposal arrives amid accelerating redevelopment across central Geelong, where planning policy continues to encourage higher-density housing close to transport infrastructure and the waterfront. Mercer Street in particular has emerged as a focal point for taller apartment development due to its proximity to Geelong Station, the bay, and major civic infrastructure.

Joel Robinson

Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct

Development giant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton</a> and joint venture partner Hostplus have revealed the next residential stage of their $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan, lodging plans for 512 more apartments within the precinct on surplus racecourse land at 110 Wilson Street, Moonee Ponds.

The proposed development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trackside-house-110-wilson-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Trackside Gardens</a>&nbsp;in the planning application, follows the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/first-look-exclusive-hamton-and-hostplus-reveal-sixth-stage-of-moonee-valley-park-masterplan">recent unveiling of the sixth-stage Cox Place Precinct</a> and continues the long-running transformation of the Moonee Valley Racecourse into one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects.

Positioned on the north-eastern edge of the racecourse adjacent to CityLink, Trackside Gardens will comprise three residential buildings rising between 61.8 metres and 86.4 metres within a heavily landscaped precinct shaped by Hamton’s Nature Based Cities framework.

The project forms part of the broader Moonee Valley Park redevelopment being delivered by Hamton, Hostplus and the Moonee Valley Racing Club, which is reshaping the 40-hectare racecourse site into a mixed-use neighbourhood with housing, retail, commercial space, hotels, parkland and community infrastructure.

Trackside Gardens sits separately to the recently proposed Cox Place Precinct, a five-building stage comprising around 1,100 residences, two build-to-rent buildings, two build-to-sell towers, retail, office space, and a hotel overlooking the racetrack. Together, the projects continue to accelerate housing delivery across the precinct.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fc1941e-52d3-41c6-abc4-0f13fe8ae5ea" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/DA%20Edits%20%281%29.png?VersionId=7qwRHq5dcvXWNot2hNOgoQhN2GIWudNK" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a> with landscape architecture by Tract, Trackside Gardens has been conceived as a botanical-style residential precinct prioritising canopy planting, communal green space, and vertical landscaping.

“The architectural vision for the proposed development centres around buildings in a botanical park setting that champions the important role of nature,” the planning submission states.

“The proposal incorporates principles of biophilic design, with landscape and environmentally sustainable development influencing the ultimate design response of the buildings and prioritising the ground plane to ensure a high amenity for both occupants and visitors.”&nbsp;

Trackside Gardens will deliver 512 apartments across the three buildings, alongside 518 basement car spaces and 523 bicycle spaces. Around 20 per cent affordable housing is proposed across the broader North East Precinct, equating to around 158 dwellings.&nbsp;

The affordable housing component will be concentrated within the Wilson East building, while the remaining apartments are expected to be delivered as build-to-sell residences.

Trackside Gardens has been designed around Hamton’s Nature Based Cities initiative, founded by Executive Chair Paul Hameister OAM in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Urbis, Ark Resources and Tract. The initiative promotes integrating higher-density urban development with significant biodiversity, tree canopy and landscape outcomes.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89353449-7b3c-42fd-8fd8-8bf64a5ef80f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_4.png?VersionId=X8jRt0P2L7fIWjLhfX6gPknXToXIBeLj" />

A comprehensive landscape strategy would introduce deep soil planting, vertical greening, communal gardens, and new pedestrian links throughout the site.

Planning documents state the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating, a 7.5-star average NatHERS rating, and “Exemplary” Nature Based Cities certification.&nbsp;

The proposal joins an expanding pipeline of approved and proposed buildings within Moonee Valley Park, including the recently launched Eveline apartments and the approved Grandstand North and South towers.

Hamton has increasingly focused on precinct-scale, nature-led communities across Melbourne’s middle-ring suburbs, with projects spanning Hawthorn, Kew, and Moonee Ponds.

Hampton unveils Trackside Gardens, latest stage of $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan

The Paul Gedoun-led <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Group</a> has achieved another milestone in its $1 billion transformation of Rainbow Bay on the southern Gold Coast with the completion of the company’s third project in four years, the $160 million <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a> residences.

Delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a> and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker Architects</a>, Esprit buyers have now moved into the 94 apartments across two interconnected buildings at 217-227 Boundary Street.

The successful settlement of Esprit marks another astounding chapter in the S&amp;S story, which launched its highly successful Flow apartments three years ago and created its own ultra-luxury branded fingerprint on an area craving new luxury residences.

Most early purchasers have secured gains of well over $1 million since the project launched in 2021.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172129]

S&amp;S Projects Founding Director Paul Gedoun said the completion of Esprit reflects sustained demand for premium apartments in tightly held coastal locations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
“Esprit has attracted buyers seeking a combination of quality design, considered amenity and a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate,” said Gedoun.

“We identified some years ago that Rainbow Bay is a unique market where supply of luxury residences is limited, and we see the settlements in Esprit further underpinning this thinking - that for both owner-occupiers and investors.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172174]

A key feature of the development is ‘Club Esprit’, a 1,000sqm residents-only rooftop level combining wellness and recreation, believed to be a first for the Gold Coast, and which is fast becoming a signature of the S&amp;S brand.

Positioned to capture views across Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay and the Tweed River, the rooftop includes a 25-metre lap pool, gym, yoga lawn, sauna and steam facilities, ice bath, private dining spaces, outdoor cinema and landscaped areas for residents.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a> Director Jayde Pezet, who led the sales campaign for Esprit and S&amp;S’s Flow and Awaken apartments, said the project’s performance reflects both the strength of the product and the depth of demand for premium apartments on the southern Gold Coast.&nbsp;

“In some cases, we’ve seen values double since launch, which is a clear reflection of how tightly held Rainbow Bay has become and the level of demand for well-executed projects in this market,” said Pezet.&nbsp;

“Buyers recognised early what S&amp;S Projects was delivering here, and that conviction has been rewarded as the project has progressed towards completion.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=214819]

Esprit offers a mix of two- three and four-bedroom apartments and sits within walking distance of the beachfront, cafés and local amenities, reinforcing its appeal as both a lifestyle and investment destination.

The project is the third completed by S&amp;S Projects in Rainbow Bay, following Flow Residences and Awaken Residences, which together have contributed to the suburb’s emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after coastal pockets. &nbsp;

S&amp;S Projects is continuing its investment in the area with Radia, a $215 million development currently under construction.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172175]

Gedoun said the completion of Esprit signals continued confidence in the southern Gold Coast market.&nbsp;

“We’ve seen strong interest in well-located, high-quality apartments, particularly in areas where future development opportunities are limited."

“That’s been a key factor in the performance of Esprit and the broader Rainbow Bay market”.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102921]

Owners move in as Esprit completes at Rainbow Bay

Few developers can boast a portfolio across South East Queensland's luxury markets quite like <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic Property Group</a>.

The builder-developer, founded in 2004 by Managing Director Brook Monahan, has projects in planning, on the market, and under construction, from Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach to Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane.

With a pipeline exceeding $2 billion, Mosaic remains highly selective when it comes to development sites, having spent years refining its strategy around feasibility research and product planning. The group is set to continue growing into 2026 and beyond.

In Brisbane, Mosaic currently has three projects in the market. It is in the final release stage at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford</a> in Kangaroo Point, which is approaching complete sellout ahead of its late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328123]

Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, The Bedford comprises 128 two- and three-bedroom residences. A selection of ultra-luxury Masterpiece Series Skyhomes, positioned across the top levels, offer expansive floor plans and sweeping views of the river and city.

High-end inclusions, such as natural stone benchtops, bespoke cabinetry, and Miele appliances, feature throughout all apartments, alongside the Rooftop Recreation &amp; Retreat Sky Terrace. This includes a resort-style pool with sun deck and loungers, spa, cold plunge pool, sauna, steam room, private dining room with a full kitchen, residents' lounge, multiple barbeque and relaxation zones, an outdoor viewing deck, and landscaped gardens with water features, all oriented to sweeping city and river views.

A gym with indoor and outdoor zones, and a golf simulator, further enhances recreational choice within the building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328119]

A defining feature of the development is its integrated mixed-use component, which will deliver Kangaroo Point's first major supermarket, alongside a café and liquor store, bringing long-awaited convenience to the peninsula.

Monahan says The Bedford represents the culmination of a near-decade-long journey, after first identifying the A-grade Prospect Street site in 2016. While they came close to acquiring it at the time, the site was ultimately purchased by Woolworths' development arm, Fabcot. The opportunity resurfaced in 2024 when the site, vacant for nearly three decades, was brought back to market.

Monahan says Mosaic projects often begin years before any formal plans are drawn. Their new South Brisbane development is no exception, with the site first earmarked in 2018.

"We aren't opportunistic," Monahan says. "Every site purchase is carefully considered. As seen with Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane, it can take years to eventuate. There are sites we're looking at now that we may not secure for several years."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141711 project_image_fid=353495]

A similar story unfolded at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a> in Kangaroo Point, opposite The Gabba. Like The Bedford, it is also approaching sellout of its 125 two- and three-bedroom apartments. The majority of sales are attributed to returning customers and referrals, with a balanced mix of investors and a strong majority of owner-occupiers.

BDA Architecture was again engaged to design the 22-storey building, which will feature a suite of wellness and lifestyle amenities, including a golf simulator and cinema, a commercial-grade gym, and a rooftop recreation level with a pool, steam room, sauna, cold plunge, teppanyaki bar, private dining spaces, and landscaped terraces.

Construction is on track for completion in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]

Mosaic's latest offering is its most ambitious yet, boasting a rare, north-facing riverfront position on Montague Road in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-riversdale-by-mosaic-south-brisbane-91-montague-road-south-brisbane-qld-4101">The Riversdale by Mosaic</a> is a 39-storey tower comprising just over 200 residences and Masterpiece Series Sky Homes. Designed in partnership with Bureau Proberts, it will feature nearly 3,000 sqm of genuine, internationally benchmarked six-star, hotel-style amenities, including a wellness precinct, pool, gym, massage and treatment rooms, cinema, golf simulator, and extensive outdoor dining areas across a two-level rooftop deck.

Early works are underway, with full construction expected to commence in the second half of 2026, and an anticipated late 2029 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]

Since 2012 alone, Mosaic has completed more than $2 billion in projects and is set to deliver another $2 billion worth of developments, comprising hundreds of luxury apartments, each defined by Mosaic's signature standards of quality, detail, and delivery.

"We never arrive, there is no finish line," says Monahan. "Our ambition is to keep evolving what luxury means, creating design- and lifestyle-led residences in incredible locations, places people genuinely aspire to and want to live, homes that are loved deeply and endure long beyond their moment."

Mosaic's Midas Touch

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> (Urban) has broken ground at Keira Place, its new major mixed-use residential precinct in the heart of Wollongong CBD.

Held at 120-122 Smith Street, the groundbreaking marked the commencement of construction on Stage 1 of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, with the opening of the new display suite. 
&nbsp; 
Keira Place is a State Significant Development that will deliver new housing supply, affordable homes and inclusive living options within walking distance of Wollongong’s CBD, coastline, transport, hospital and education precincts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369868] 
&nbsp; 
Stage 1 is now under construction and will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, along with activated ground-floor retail and commercial space. 
&nbsp; 
Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the groundbreaking represented a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected Urban’s long-term commitment to regional cities.

“Today’s groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong’s city centre,” Elias said. 
&nbsp; 
“Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369869] 
&nbsp; 
Hon. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Member for Wollongong said Keira Place is exactly the kind of development Wollongong needs – delivering new homes close to transport, employment and services, while supporting the continued growth and renewal of the CBD.

"This project reflects the Minns Labor Government's commitment to increasing housing supply in well-located areas." 
&nbsp; 
Wollongong Lord Mayor Cr Tania Brown said Keira Place would deliver lasting community benefits for the city. 
&nbsp; 
"Keira Place is a welcome addition to Wollongong's CBD delivering new housing, affordable homes and activated street-level spaces that will benefit our community for years to come," Brown said. 
&nbsp; 
"Urban Property Group's investment reflects the confidence that quality developers have in Wollongong's future, and I look forward to seeing this precinct come to life."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369867] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a>, with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/dko">DKO,</a> Keira Place prioritises liveability and long-term performance, with landscaped shared spaces, generous apartment layouts and a pedestrian-friendly streetscape along Smith Street. 
&nbsp; 
Residents will have access to landscaped podium areas, communal rooftop amenities with views to Mount Keira and the Wollongong skyline, and convenient ground-level retail.

The development will have 10-year Latent Defects Insurance by Resilience Insurance.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144442]

Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD

Lorne

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Set to spend more time in Sydney, the Melbourne architect Rob Mills has sold his award-winning Lorne weekender, Ocean House, for $4.8 million.

It's some way higher than the $3.65 million to $4 million guide offered when it was first listed back in mid-October.

The Trade Winds Avenue property went to private auction after a number of parties showed interest in that range.

<img alt="" height="1325" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mills_2.jpg" width="2000">

Mills bought the 1.3 hectare Trade Winds Avenue property and built the home on a prohibitively steep site, combining the solidity of a cylindrical concrete form with the lightness and transparency of a glass and timber linear space.

“The two personalities of the house work together as one," Mills says.

"The concrete section, which houses the bedrooms is very purposeful, sheltering the house from the storms and deadening sound, in contrast to the connections with nature in the living section". The six bedroom property with rooftop entertaining deck was designed to function as two apartments, with two kitchens and a number of living areas.

<img alt="" height="1309" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mills_3.jpg" width="2000">

It's been a $1,400 a night holiday rental.

“Ocean House is a spectacular property and we have had the pleasure of listing this on Airbnb for so many people to experience. With multiple zones in the home, it is perfect as a coastal escape, private residence or holiday rental. Nature and the land have been vital to the design and experience at Ocean House and I hope these can be enjoyed through the lens of the beautiful architecture on offer," Mills says.

<img alt="" height="1318" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mills_4.jpg" width="2000">

Mills is still seeking a buyer for his luxury Melbourne residence at Armadale.

He has an $8.8 million to $9.4 million guide for the luxury home which Mills bought as a former cardboard factory.

It is now a five bedroom warehouse conversion, each bedroom with their own ensuite. 

There's a lift connecting the three levels, which includes a self-contained two bedroom apartment. There's marble floors, a black and white veined curved Italian marble staircase, one of Mills signature styles, a brass kitchen and a timber-lined 'winter-room' with a fireplace.

“Designing and living in this residence has given me so many fond memories and I am sure its bold architectural statement will endure," Mills says. "It’s exceptionally versatile and offers luxury and comfort for inner-city family living.”
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Architect Rob Mills has sold Ocean House, his award-winning Lorne weekender, for $4.8 million.



Architect Rob Mills sells Lorne weekender Ocean House for $4.8 million

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The award-winning Melbourne architect Rob Mills is selling off his city home and Lorne.
He's set to split his time between Melbourne and Sydney, where he's picked up many new clients of late.
Mills designed both of the homes, the city base in Armadale and weekender down at Lorne.
The Lorne weekender, dubbed Ocean House (above and below), is being marketed as one of Australia's finest beachside residences.
<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/2020/12/Lorne%20Mills%202.jpg" alt="">
It was built as a place for family and friends to gather by the beach.
Mills bought the 1.3 hectare Trade Winds Avenue property and built the home on a prohibitively steep site, combining the solidity of a cylindrical concrete form with the lightness and transparency of a glass and timber linear space.
“The two personalities of the house work together as one," Mills says.
"The concrete section, which houses the bedrooms is very purposeful, sheltering the house from the storms and deadening sound, in contrast to the connections with nature in the living section".
The six bedroom property with rooftop entertaining deck was designed to function as two apartments, with two kitchens and a number of living areas.
It's been a $1,400 a night holiday rental.
“Ocean House is a spectacular property and we have had the pleasure of listing this on Airbnb for so many people to experience. With multiple zones in the home, it is perfect as a coastal escape, private residence or holiday rental. Nature and the land have been vital to the design and experience at Ocean House and I hope these can be enjoyed through the lens of the beautiful architecture on offer," Mills says.
Great Ocean Road Real Estate agents Ian Stewart and Tyrone Provan have a $3.65 million to $4 million guide.
He has Kay &amp; Burton agent Ross Savas and Andrew Sahhar asking $8.8 million to $9.4 million for his thoroughly luxurious Armadale home (below) on the edge of Union Park.
“Designing and living in this residence has given me so many fond memories and I am sure its bold architectural statement will endure," Mills says.
"It’s exceptionally versatile and offers luxury and comfort for inner-city family living.”
<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/2020/12/Armadale%201.jpg" alt="">
The contemporary home, which Mills bought as a former cardboard factory, is now a five bedroom warehouse conversion, each bedroom with their own ensuite.
There's a lift connecting the three levels, which includes a self-contained two bedroom apartment. 
<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/2020/12/Armadale%202.jpg" alt="">
There's marble floors, a black and white veined curved Italian marble staircase, one of Mills signature styles, a brass kitchen and a timber-lined 'winter-room' with a fireplace.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Architect Rob Mills lists Melbourne and Lorne homes

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A Lorne home with gun barrel views over Shelleys Beach has sold for $1.15 million in just three days.
The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-lorne-129783038" target="_blank">20 Ocean Road South</a> was bought for its 680 sqm land, not likely for the old red brick home under corrugated iron roof.
The quick sale, which achieved its listing price, came with approved plans for a four bedroom trophy home, complete with swimming pool, lift, gym and theatre.
The property last traded for $945,000 in 2011.
<img src="https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/366b9ff1fb2addec6360b7a111d2d98e?width=650" alt="The property was sold basically as a block of land." width="650" height="365">
Great Ocean Road Real Estate, Lorne agent Tyrone Provan and Michael Coutts sold the home.
Provan told the local paper the purchasers had been in the market for at least 10 months trying to find the right property.
<div class="story-content">
<div class="w650 h365 image media">
“This came along with plans and permits for a new dwelling and they pounced on it,” Provan said.
</div>
“We are unsure if they will put those plans into place but it will be a project down the track.”
<img src="https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/a1e97f6f317bc8f066f315aa34e71a38?width=650" alt="Plans and permits have been approved to build a trophy home on the site." width="650" height="365">
<div class="w650 h365 image media"> </div>
<div class="w650 h365 image media">
“It was going to be a quite expensive build if someone went through with the plans … I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product with the approved plans or their own plans,” he said.
</div>
<div class="video media ">
<img class="tcog-pixel" src="https://i1.wp.com/pixel.tcog.cp1.news.com.au/track/news/content/v2/bacadce94d5acb534f3763f99e817e98?t_product=newscomau&amp;t_template=../video/player" width="0" height="0">The property is opposite Shelleys Beach and has an 180 degree view than can never be built out.</div>
 
</div>
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Lorne development trophy site on Great Ocean Road sells in three days

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One of the late architect Col Bandy's significant residential designs has been listed in Lorne.
Perched high above the St. George River, the six bedroom house is seemingly embedded into the cliff.
Its self-contained annex is virtually built into the rock, with a combination of a bath and a bed its most fascinating aspect.
The main three bedroom residence has an angled theme in the entrance hall, where the void under the staircase forms a sharp triangle, framing the view outside.
The 330 metres of Great Ocean Road frontage and abundance of terraces and decks offer 360 panoramic views from the ocean to Otway National Park.
The secluded property is ecologically sensitive to the environment, with solar power systems, water tanks, combustion heaters and two treatment plants.
Michael Coutts of Great Ocean Road Real Estate has the listing and is hoping to secure a $3.3 million sale.
According to CoreLogic RP Data, the median house price in Lorne is $830,000.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-lorne-121590138" target="_blank">2310 Great Ocean Road</a> property is 9.3 hectares. It overlooks no other residence.
A book about Col Bandy's works was published by his family and it quotes him as saying: "Architecture is much more than just building but if it doesn't work as a building it is not architecture. It must keep the rain out, respond to the environment, use energy rationally, be cost-effective, endure and be fit for its function. But the aspiration for the architect with their client should be to create an opportunity for the spirit."
Bandy was passionate "that architecture should bring poetry to the business of building."
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Col Bandy-designed Lorne home with $3.3 million plus hopes

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One of the Great Ocean Road's finest architectural designs has become available for sale at 1 George Street in Lorne. 
Designed by leading architect Neil Trabant, the seemingly completely glass construct consists of three stories, all connected by an internal elevator and cantilevered stairs. 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-lorne-121689034" target="_blank">eight bedroom, six bathroom home</a> includes a self-contained dual key top floor apartment with its own decking that has 180 degree views of the ocean and forested coastline. 
A ground floor games room opens to a sheltered bluestone terrace and landscaped garden with a three car garage also located on the ground.
Abercromby listing agents Jock Langley and Tim Bennetts are anticipating interest from around the high $2 millions. 
Jock says that he plans to place the property in front of a number of overseas clients via the video produced by Goldeneye Media.
"It has the location and the design pedigree to catch the eye of offshore buyers looking for a sophisticated family compound to escape too,” he said.  
Current owners Peter and Mandy Matthews said that you feel more like you are moving around a resort then a home, there is always somewhere to retreat to and something to look at.
A five bedroom, five bathroom property at 123 Smith Street sold for $3.3 million late last year, just five days after the bushfires in the area.
Lorne's price record has stood at $4.4 million since the sale of 1 Roadknight Street in December 2011.
Looking at the Roadknight video, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXdMu2D30qE" target="_blank">which can be seen here</a>, it is easy to see and hear the advancement of video technology over the last four years in comparison to Goldeneye Media's 2016 clip of <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://vimeo.com/152120425" target="_blank">1 George Street</a>.
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