In Brighton, where detached homes and long-settled streetscapes remain the norm,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/elema-brighton-155-157-north-road-brighton-vic-3186">ELEMA</a> introduces a different model for high-quality housing.&nbsp;

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/kervale">Kervale</a>, this new collection of 12 townhomes is underpinned by the four classical elements, earth, water, air, and light, not as styling cues, but as structural and spatial drivers across architecture, interiors, and landscape.

Designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/martinoleah">Martino Leah</a>&nbsp;with interiors by Brahman Perera and landscaping by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/acre">Acre</a>, the project responds to what Kervale identifies as a gap in the local Brighton housing market: mid-sized homes with character, amenity, and a genuine sense of community.&nbsp;

ELEMA’s configuration reflects this intent, with a horseshoe-shaped layout wrapped around a central garden, promoting passive ventilation and privacy without isolating residents.

Each home spans three levels and includes three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a study, and two car spaces, with internal areas up to 182 sqm and external zones up to 95 sqm.

Two of the twelve townhomes include private plunge pools with heated spa functionality in addition to pre-provisioning for internal passenger lifts. Prices start from $1.7 million, targeting aspirational Bayside owner-occupiers in their mid-30s to 60s seeking entry into Brighton’s tightly held upper market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145418 project_image_fid=300804]

‘Earth’ is expressed in the project’s grounded material palette and connection to site. Natural stone, granites and timber finishes in earthy hues are used consistently throughout, anchoring the homes in their context while supporting thermal mass.&nbsp;

Landscaped courtyards and native planting schemes featuring predominantly Australian Native species, developed by Acre, extend the concept beyond built form, using layered, low-maintenance vegetation to root the development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/brighton-vic-3186">Brighton</a>’s coastal ecology.

The site layout follows a horseshoe configuration, creating a central communal courtyard that provides both visual outlook and passive environmental benefits. This arrangement improves daylight access, facilitates cross-ventilation, and introduces a shared green space without compromising individual privacy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145418 project_image_fid=300809]

‘Water’ is introduced subtly but purposefully. Select townhomes include private plunge pools, integrated into rear terraces without visual dominance. These pools are designed for quiet retreat, and their placement reinforces the project’s broader focus on functional outdoor spaces that support private use rather than spectacle.

‘Air’ is enabled through architectural planning. The horseshoe site layout creates generous setbacks and enables cross-ventilation through each residence.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145418 project_image_fid=300803]

‘Light’ is a defining component of both the architecture and interiors. Large-format glazing opens living areas to courtyards and terraces, while the façade screening filters daylight to reduce glare and soften internal environments.&nbsp;

Internally, Perera’s palette of muted tones and tactile finishes is designed to respond to natural light conditions, shifting in tone and texture throughout the day.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145418 project_image_fid=300810]

ELEMA reflects a broader shift in how high-value suburbs are adapting to changing housing needs - away from uniformity, toward diversity in form, scale and function.

Rather than replicate detached housing models, ELEMA proposes an alternative built around balance, between public and private, built form and natural, permanence and flexibility. In doing so, it reframes the townhome as a highly resolved housing type capable of responding to both environmental and lifestyle needs.

ELEMA also targets an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating, supported by solar panels, drought-tolerant landscaping and high-spec energy-efficient appliances.

Three-bedroom townhomes at ELEMA Brighton are priced from $1,700,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145418]

Urban Editorial

Inside ELEMA Brighton: Designing with the elements

A new 23-level apartment tower has been greenlit on the burgeoning Chevron Island.

The approval for the 76-apartment block on the corner of Kalyan and Parneno streets&nbsp;was secured by the landowner Ben Taylor rather than a large development company.

The 1,012 sqm block, which is currently occupied by a brick home and an original building of four units, is located towards the north end of the island which has become a development hotspot in recent years.

<img alt="8-10 Kalyan Street, Surfers Paradise" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a486127c-05f9-4101-80eb-ce3e267246ce" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Kalyan.png?VersionId=GFsm_rYahqK0aqKDjtMXe2EqG5uLuZ_I" />

The tower has been designed to “complement and enhance the existing and emerging urban forms” of Chevron Island, which has seen a marked shift toward high-density living in recent years.&nbsp;

The design, by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/raunik-design">Raunik Architects</a>, features a slender tower form above a two-storey podium, integrated landscaping on lower levels, and varied orientations to capture views of the hinterland, skyline, and coastline

<img alt="8-10 Kalyan Street, Surfers Paradise" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7fd854ec-8060-4179-9684-029ef88674ca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Kalyan%20st.png?VersionId=Afm4wMcz4UDQWfpH4EB8Xj5fkUSKmR90" />

Bensons kicked off a wave of new development on the under-developed suburb when they signalled plans to build the tallest tower the island will likely ever see, Chevron One. Since Siera Group has jumped in and is well under-construction of Tapestry, while South East Queenslander developer Gardner Vaughan Group will debut their brand in the Gold Coast on the small island.

The new approved plans will see a mix of one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments on offer, as well as a rooftop pool, lounge, gym, barbecue areas, and a landscaped podium level lawn.

Vehicle access will be via Kalyan Street, with 98 resident and nine visitor car spaces provided across four basement levels and the ground floor, alongside 83 bicycle parking spaces

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150933]

New tower approved on Chevron Island

ASX-listed developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cedar-woods">Cedar Woods</a> has submitted a new application to Brisbane City Council for a two-tower residential development on its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/wooloowin-qld-4030">Wooloowin</a>&nbsp;site north of Brisbane.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/12-chalk-street-wooloowin-qld-4030">4,178 sqm Chalk Street block</a> sits in the developer's wider near 2.5-hectare masterplanned Greville community, where they are currently building the final 47 townhouses and Vera, the first apartment building in the precinct.

The upscaled plans will now see two 12 and 14-level buildings delivered with 232 apartments, a significant jump in both height and density from the approved eight-level buildings.

<img alt="12 Chalk Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bfa28de7-f15b-4007-a128-f040f27320b9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/12%20chalk%20st%20building.png?VersionId=qLYXo5_n7426yg_K26PKD0tGCtNvy17P" />

According to the Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ellivo-architects">Ellivo Architects</a>, the buildings will comprise a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments set above a shared two-level podium.&nbsp;

A key design consideration is the site’s transitional setting between suburban low-rise residences and the higher-density urban context emerging along the adjacent railway corridor.

“Built form is located predominantly to the west of the site to create a strong street address and to maximise solar access and natural surveillance across the park interface,” Ellivo noted in the report.&nbsp;

“The proposed built form provides a transition in scale from existing and emerging low-to-medium density development to the east, towards the established and emerging medium-to-high density residential typologies to the west.”

<img alt="12 Chalk Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="841047c6-d7e7-47a9-867a-b460f16abddf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/12%20chalk%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=fNNvnHCS0vdJMc0Q5Uku28wQwyZoG6Sq" />

Both buildings will feature communal rooftop spaces, deep balconies, and integrated landscaping. The podium will accommodate resident amenities and basement car parking. Materials and finishes include face brickwork, precast concrete, and powder-coated metal cladding, intended to reflect the character of surrounding developments while offering long-term durability.

The Design Report also outlines sustainability measures aligned with Brisbane City Council’s Buildings that Breathe principles. Passive ventilation, northern solar access, and deep soil planting zones have been prioritised throughout the design, alongside active transport facilities and EV charging readiness.

Ellivo noted that “the project has been carefully composed to engage with all edges of the site, with landscaped setbacks and podium expression used to reduce bulk and enhance interface with the existing neighbourhood context.”

<img alt="12 chalk st site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bd7ced3b-8cb1-4f5a-aa1e-8d0a101af02b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/12%20chalk%20st%20site.png?VersionId=vt1k4hfwLg1_fzPTs04VyCzG455kZh3G" />

Cedar Woods has been active in southeast Queensland for over a decade, with recent projects including Ariella in Ripley and Ellendale in Upper Kedron. The Greville precinct at Wooloowin has been years in the making, transforming a former school site into a new community of apartments, townhomes, and parkland.

The Chalk Street site is positioned adjacent to Wooloowin train station, providing direct access to the Brisbane CBD, and sits close to local schools, parks, and retail centres including Lutwyche and Albion.

Joel Robinson

Cedar Woods upsizes Wooloowin apartment tower plans in Greville precinct

Sydney-based Sun Property Group is looking to divest a prime residential apartment site in Melbourne's blue-chip Toorak.

They are hoping for around $15 million for the 1,774 sqm site at&nbsp;226–228 Williams Road, with three street frontages to William Road, Tashinny Road, and Gordon Street.

&nbsp;

The sale comes with a permit-approved scheme for a&nbsp;three-level building with 18 high-end apartments designed by Cera Stribley, a mix of&nbsp;10 two-bedroom apartments, four three-beds, and four penthouses.

Cushman &amp; Wakefield’s Hamish Burgess, Leon Ma, and Daniel Wolman said this is not just another development opportunity, it’s a rare convergence of scale, location, and perfect timing in the market as Melbourne’s development landscape shifts in lieu of three rate reductions so far in 2025.

<img alt="226–228 Williams Road, Toorak" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875d85f7-ade6-4035-a181-5731e3c85253" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/226%E2%80%93228%20Williams%20Road%2C%20Toorak-%20current%20aerial.jpg?VersionId=YPtGUtFjvd6OIetFZfaYyOugMi_wOSN1" />

&nbsp;

With an existing permit in place and strong potential for further uplift under innovative new planning initiatives such as the expanded Activity Centre Program or Great Design Fast Track, the site offers a blueprint for high-end living in one of Melbourne’s most affluent enclaves.

Surrounded by elite amenities, from Hawksburn Village and Toorak Village to Como Park, Royal South Yarra Tennis Club, and Saint Haven Wellness, the location is a magnet for lifestyle-focused buyers. The success of nearby projects like Hawksburn Place by Gurner and Tintern by Prime Edition underscores the appetite for luxury apartment living in this tightly held pocket.

<img alt="226–228 Williams Road, Toorak" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cd00bc1-ad8c-4514-97fc-4e94f6b30f8c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/226%E2%80%93228%20Williams%20Road%2C%20Toorak%20artist%20impression2.jpg?VersionId=Gefxpx5RxJKTf0Qv7TBAwayz3fz5sbuW" />

“We’re seeing strong interest from boutique developers and private family offices who understand the value of delivering timeless, high-end residences in blue-chip locations," Hamish Burgess of Cushman &amp; Wakefield said.

"This site ticks every box; scale, frontage, planning, and prestige.”

Sun Property Group has previously delivered The Brookville in Toorak.

Sydney developer to offload $15 million Toorak apartment site

A new modular apartment tower that promises rapid delivery in its construction that would occur off site and take just nine months to build, is being planned for Woolloongabba.

The Carl Street building will span 18 levels and home 126 apartments, an upsize from a previous proposal by Brisbane Modular Manufacturing.

<img alt="First look: 18-storey modular tower for Woolloongabba" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dcc8b704-5b3c-44cb-b6de-4d64c96a84ce" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/carl%20park%20perspective.png?VersionId=ig4mYSx.q_ttqOQLwEFpTKR8FTlFEAmR" />

The revised plans, prepared by architecture and design studio SheltaCo, outline 48 studio apartments, 50 two-bedroom apartments, and 28 three-bedroom apartments.

Located within the Eastern Corridor Neighbourhood Plan area, the 1,517 sqm site is zoned High Density Residential and sits adjacent to parkland to the south.&nbsp;

The build will take substantially less time because the basement car parking levels have been removed. Cars will now park in the striking three-level podium. The change enables the use of off-site prefabricated construction techniques, central to the modular strategy.&nbsp;

There will be 500 sqm of communal space, including a 250 sqm rooftop terrace with a pool and lounge areas.

&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: 18-storey modular tower for Woolloongabba" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3c31ac1d-3c42-48c9-927b-980b7e0ed767" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/terrace.png?VersionId=ZI1vAUIbk04ERHH54REfoPKn1BTPbBfK" />

The Assessment Report by Blume Planning’s suggested the "accelerated timeline offers a compelling incentive for Brisbane City Council to support the proposed development,” citing the proponent’s “expertise and innovative business model” as a contributing factor in addressing Brisbane’s current housing pressures.

SheltaCo’s design seeks to balance density and amenity, with generous apartment layouts and elevated views over Carl Street Park. Site coverage at the tower level is limited to 51 per cent, allowing for landscaping and deep planting at ground level. The scheme also proposes 110 car parks, 72 secure bicycle spaces, and capacity for service vehicles.

<img alt="First look: 18-storey modular tower for Woolloongabba" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36ecf843-025b-4b5b-a986-8ccc692f4a69" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/carl%20entry.png?VersionId=7gsAhw7BN9vuDOpFKQFjivOk.WVo7Oz7" />

The site is well-serviced by public transport and lies within walking distance of the Buranda transport hub, making it a strategic location for higher-density residential infill. The proposal aligns with the zoning provisions but exceeds the mapped height limit of 12 storeys under the Buranda Residential Sub-Precinct.

Council previously approved a development on the site in 2016 for 89 apartments across 11 level with basement parking. That approval was extended in 2024 and remains valid until early 2026. The new proposal seeks to supersede that scheme while retaining the site’s residential focus.

Nine month build slated for new modular tower in Woolloongabba

Peter Garrett

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<div>Rowe Cottage at Mittagong, the long held home of retired politician Peter Garrett and wife Doris, was bought by the Friend family, who own nearby.</div>
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The Kellyville-based couple are best known for their charitable exploits for Variety, taking part in every four wheel drive adventure since the event began.
They paid $2.8 million for the 5.8 hectare property which was owned by the Garrett's for over two decades.
Built between 1908-1910, they renovated the Queen Anne Federation home, adding a tennis court, cricket pitch and separate guest cottage.
Enclosed by a wide wrap around verandah, it comprises four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two studies, formal living room with open fireplace and bay window.
There's also a charming guest cottage with full bathroom and large loft accommodation which houses a north facing office.
It was initially listed with $3.3 million hopes through Drew Lindsay Real Estate, however the asking price was reduced to $2.95 million.
 
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Peter Garrett sells to the Friends

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The retired politician activist Peter Garrett has listed his Southern Highlands retreat.
The historic Queen Anne Federation Rowe Cottage has undergone extensive renovation since bought (pictured circa 1995) for $531,000 in May 1995 through Peter Shaw First National.
<img class="attachment-big wp-post-image" src="https://www.drewlindsay.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/DSC4651-640x360.jpg" alt='‘Rowe’, Mittagong &lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: #ff0000;"&gt;NEW&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;' title='‘Rowe’, Mittagong &lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: #ff0000;"&gt;NEW&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;'>
Previously Kangaroo Valley weekenders, the Garretts have been often based at the 5.8 hectare Mittagong since they sold their Balgowlah home for $585,000 in 1995.
But Peter and wife, Doris are now making a move back to their newly acquired $2.7 million Paddington terrace.
He retired from parliament at the 2013 federal election, selling his electorate abode earlier this month on Gordon Street, Randwick at $1,321,000.
<a href="https://www.drewlindsay.com.au/?property=rowe-bong-bong-road-mittagong-new" target="_blank">Rowe Cottage</a> has been listed with $3.3 million plus hopes through Drew Lindsay Real Estate agent John Renouf.They might buy a smaller retreat after the sale.Rowe Cottage was among the Mittagong Cottage Homes, established from 1885 by the State Children's Relief Board.
They were houses that each held 20 children, ranging in age from infancy to adolescence.
The cottages had different functions, as hospitals, disability and truancy institutions, convalescent homes, transit points between foster placements and the reformatory Mittagong Farm School and Training School.
More than 30,000 state children passed through the cottages. 
The Mittagong Cottage Homes had an important role in the New South Wales Government's child welfare system.
Mittagong, it was argued, had a healthy climate which enabled children to gain health and strength and education, surrounded by good farming land, which provided the food necessary to run the homes.
Their programmes included orcharding, dairying, general farming, tailoring, bootmaking, carpentry, poultry and pig farming.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Peter Garrett lists Mittagong, Southern Highlands cottage

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Former federal MP Peter Garrett secured $1,321,000 when he severed ties with his coastal Sydney electorate.
Cooley Auctions secured the sale of his Randwick house at auction on Saturday, as Sydney's overall clearance rate dropped to 84.4% from last week's record initial 89.2% among the 556 offerings.
It ranked as among the lowest clearance rates since March.
Auctioneer Damien Cooley secured a $1.2 million opening bid for 6 Gordon Street, Randwick, which the former Federal Labor Minister and Midnight Oil vocalist bought in 2010 for $932,500.
Belle agent Shane Vincent had revised the price guide from $1.05 million up to $1.1 million-plus.
The couple have reportedly recently purchased an unrenovated 1890s terrace in Paddington for $2.7 million.
The weekend offering was among the 535 auctions, well down on the 736 auctioned last weekend and also below the 599 auctioned over the same weekend last year.
The city and east hosted the most number of auctions with 73 followed by the upper north shore 71, the south 69, the inner west 66, and the south west 57.
Bexley was the most popular suburb in Sydney for auctions with nine, followed by Beecroft's eight, Randwick seven, Mosman, Paddington and Hunters Hill each with six.
The Sydney weekend auction market weakened on Saturday following its record-breaking run of the past month, APM senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson said.
"Although the 84.4% result still reflects an undeniable strong market for sellers, the result was nonetheless the lowest recorded on a non-holiday weekend for two months," he said.
This weekend’s result was well down on the previous weekend’s all-time record clearance rate of 89.2% but well ahead of the 74.9% recorded over the same weekend last year.
The top performer was the lower north with 95.2% followed by Canterbury Bankstown with 92.1%, the north west 88.9%, the inner west and the upper north shore each with 86.7%, the west 84.8%, the city and east 83.6%, the northern beaches 82.6%, the south west 79.3%, the south 76.8% and the central coast with a clearance rate of 68.8%.
 
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Peter Garrett

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Peter Garrett

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