Buying into a masterplanned community often means committing to a vision still years from taking shape. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>, that vision is already visible.

Residents have moved into the completed first stage, landscaped spaces are established, and the next chapter is now underway. Stage 1 has been completed and settled, with Stage 2 now selling off-the-plan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> combines attainable apartment living with sustainability initiatives rarely seen at this price point, including rooftop solar, battery storage and a resident EV-sharing program.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6RNt3AvtBpI?si=JUhuCV2ZRXsYaoJZ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Located on Schofi​elds Road, just moments from Tal​lawong Metro Station and Schof​ields Train Station, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been designed to appeal to a broad mix of buyers, from first-home purchasers looking for a foothold in Sy​dney's property market to downsizers seeking a connected, low-maintenance lifestyle.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been conceived as a thoughtfully planned masterplanned community that will evolve over multiple stages, with buyers now able to secure one, two and three-bedroom apartments within a neighbourhood that is already beginning to establish its identity.

One of the project's defining features is its focus on sustainability. Solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure have been incorporated throughout the development, reflecting a long-term approach to both environmental performance and everyday convenience.

Sustainability sits at the centre of the development's vision, with solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure integrated throughout the community.

That emphasis on future-ready living extends beyond the technology. Landscaped communal gardens, outdoor gathering spaces and plans for a future retail precinct aim to create a neighbourhood where residents can access daily conveniences without travelling far from home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351027]

The apartments themselves have been designed with liveability front of mind. Rather than chasing maximum density, the focus has been placed on creating practical homes with generous natural light, usable layouts and strong connections to outdoor space.

Importantly, these design principles have been applied consistently across the one, two and three-bedroom apartment offerings.

The appeal of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> is also closely linked to its location within Syd​ney's rapidly evolving north-west growth corridor. Over the past decade, major infrastructure investment has transformed the area, with new transport links, business precincts and community facilities reshaping suburbs like Talla​wong and Schofiel​ds.

The agent says buyers are increasingly recognising the area's long-term potential.

"Typical buyers that we're finding across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> especially are your first-home buyers, your investors, your upsizers as well as your downsizers," Hawes says.

Connectivity remains one of the project's strongest drawcards. Residents have access to both Tallaw​ong Metro Station and Schofi​elds Train Station, providing links to the Sydn​ey CBD, Norw​est Business Park, Macquari​e Park and other major employment hubs. Retail centres including Rous​e Hill Town Centre and Sch​ofields Village are also nearby, alongside schools, parks and future healthcare infrastructure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351031]

For Stage 1 resident Roji, it is the balance between convenience and comfort that has defined the experience of living at Kew.

"For me, it's a balance of quality and convenience," she says. "Everything I need is right here."

"If I wanted to catch the train, Scho​fields Station is just around the corner. Tallaw​ong Metro connects me to the city."

More importantly, she says, the development has delivered something that cannot be measured in floorplans or specifications.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> feels like home."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351024]

As Stage 2 enters the market, that lived experience may be one of the project's strongest selling points. Buyers are not purchasing into an untested concept or a future promise. They are joining a community that is already taking shape.

Ongoing investment in transport, retail, healthcare and public open space continues to strengthen the appeal of Syd​ney's north-west growth corridor, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>'s established first stage provides buyers with a tangible sense of the community's future direction.

For a limited time, buyer can secure a new home at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> with just a $10,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149637]

Joel Robinson

Kew Tallawong: A growing community taking shape in Sydney's north-west

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/freecity">Freecity</a> has received development approval for its 51-storey mixed-use tower at 153-157 Walker Street, North Sydney, set to be one of the tallest mixed-use residential-led buildings in one of Sydney’s most sought-after commercial and residential addresses.

Lodged as a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) through the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway and approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure following a comprehensive public exhibition and submissions process, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/153-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">the project</a> will deliver 296 apartments, alongside a 170-room, luxury hotel, activated retail and significant public domain improvements.

Situated just 200 metres from Victoria Cross Metro Station, on one of the largest developable sites in North Sydney, the development will rise to 234 metres, making it one of the tallest buildings in the suburb. With an end value of approximately $1.5 billion, the project responds directly to the NSW Government’s mandate to accelerate housing delivery in well-located, transit-connected areas.

<img alt="Freecity gets green light for mixed-use residential and hotel tower in North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="192ec455-94bf-4e01-83ef-922b1b269d67" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Freecity%20-%20Walker%20Street%20North%20Sydney%201%20RESIZED%20.jpg?VersionId=Bzqp0SBHCDvLAHjA4QXkjuGoOEIh73Jl" />

The apartment mix will cater to a broad range of buyers, with 65 studio and one-bedroom apartments, 139 two-bedroom residences, 35 three-bedroom apartments, 48 four-bedroom homes, and nine penthouses. Residents will have access to a dedicated amenity level on Level 33, featuring a swimming pool with views towards the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and North Sydney CBD, as well as a gym, library, shared kitchen, lounge and outdoor entertaining areas.

The hotel will occupy the lower six levels of the building and include meeting and function spaces, a wellness centre with gym, yoga studio, swimming pool and sauna, further strengthening North Sydney's growing hospitality offering.

At ground level, the development has been designed to improve pedestrian connections through the precinct. More than 700 sqm of retail space will activate the street frontage, while a landscaped through-site link connecting Walker Street, Little Walker Street and Doris Fitton Park will provide new public open space with seating, paving and extensive native landscaping.

Freecity Group Co-Founder and Joint CEO Tony Sun said the project represents one of the most significant development opportunities currently available in North Sydney.

"This is one of the most significant development sites in North Sydney and it comes at a pivotal moment for the precinct," Sun said.

"North Sydney is undergoing a genuine transformation, and this project will contribute housing the city urgently needs while creating a landmark destination."

Executive Director of Development Michael Romano said demand for both residential and hotel accommodation would continue to strengthen as the Metro precinct matures.

"The structural demand for high-quality housing and hotel accommodation in North Sydney is compelling, and will only grow as the precinct continues to evolve around the new Metro station," Romano said.

Architectus has designed the tower, orientating the apartments to maximise views towards Sydney Harbour while introducing a sculpted façade intended to respond to light, wind and the surrounding skyline.

Architectus Principal Marko Damic said the design sought to create a tower that contributes to the public realm as much as the skyline.

"We wanted to design a tower that doesn't just sit in the skyline but actively participates and contributes to city life," Damic said.

First look: Freecity gets green light for mixed-use apartment and hotel tower in North Sydney

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> have celebrated the topping out of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf,</a> marking a significant milestone in the delivery of one of Syd​ney's most anticipated waterfront communities.

Located on Sydney's harbourfront at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a>, the project has now reached its highest structural point, with construction progressing strongly towards completion in 2027. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone was celebrated on-site with project partners Phoenix Property Investors, Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Versatile Construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, consultants and stakeholders, to recognise the collective effort behind the transformation of the historic waterfront site into a vibrant new residential, marina and lifestyle destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240] 
&nbsp; 
<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will deliver a mix of waterfront residences and terraces, complemented by a private 36-berth marina, waterfront dining opportunities and a revitalised foreshore designed to reconnect the community with the river's edge. 
&nbsp; 
Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said the project represented a rare opportunity to create the next chapter in Sydn​ey's long history of successful waterfront precincts. 
&nbsp; 
"Throughout Sydney, some of the city's most sought-after addresses have emerged from carefully considered waterfront precincts such as Woolloom​ooloo Wharf, Walsh Bay and Breakfast Point," Brown said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362566] 
&nbsp; 
"What makes these places so successful is that they become much more than residential developments," Brown said.

"They bring together homes, hospitality, marina facilities, public spaces and a strong sense of community in locations where future supply is incredibly limited."

Brown has long described absolute waterfront land in Sy​dney as "finite."

"Once these opportunities are developed, they are rarely replicated. That's why Syd​ney's waterfront precincts have consistently demonstrated strong demand and long-term value growth over many decades. 
&nbsp; 
"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is one of the few remaining opportunities to secure a residence within a masterplanned waterfront community that combines direct water access, marina ownership opportunities and a genuine village lifestyle just moments from the Sy​dney CBD."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362564] 
&nbsp; 
PERIFA Founder and Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said the project reflected a shared commitment to delivering exceptional places that create long-term value for residents and the broader community. 
&nbsp; 
"The topping out milestone is a significant achievement for the Versatile Group and a testament to the collaboration between all project partners, consultants and contractors involved," Perilli said. 
&nbsp; 
"Beyond the residences themselves, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will establish a new waterfront destination that celebrates the history, character and lifestyle of this unique location while creating a lasting legacy for future generations."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=291195] 
&nbsp; 
Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile">Versatile Construction</a>, with structural works now substantially complete across the precinct. Attention will progressively shift to the construction of the waterview terraces, apartment façades, services and interior fit-out works over the coming months. 
&nbsp; 
With limited residences and marina berths remaining, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> continues to attract strong interest from owner occupiers and downsizers seeking a premium waterfront lifestyle within close proximity to Putne​y Village, Rh​odes, Top Ry​de and the Syd​ney CBD. 
&nbsp; 
As one of the last opportunities to secure a residence within a new masterplanned waterfront community on Sy​dney Harbour, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is expected to remain a highly sought-after address for years to come.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13962]

Abadeen, PERIFA, top out Putney Wharf harbourfront precinct

Kew has long been regarded as one of Melbourne's premier residential suburbs. It's a location defined by its grand period homes, leafy streets and some of the city's most prestigious schools, yet it has often sat just outside the spotlight cast on neighbouring Hawthorn and Camberwell.

Increasingly, however, buyers are recognising that Kew offers much of what draws people to those suburbs, with a quieter residential setting, exceptional amenity and long-term owner-occupier appeal.

Within a few minutes' walk, residents can access Kew Junction, one of Melbourne's most established village centres. Cafés, bakeries, restaurants, supermarkets, boutique retailers and everyday services are all on the doorstep, with local favourites including Centonove, Adeney Milk Bar Cafe, and Frank &amp; Harri creating the type of walkable lifestyle that has become increasingly difficult to find in Melbourne's inner east. Beyond the immediate neighbourhood, Glenferrie Road's renowned shopping and dining precinct in Hawthorn and the retail, dining and entertainment offerings of Camberwell Junction are both just a short drive or tram ride away.

The suburb is equally well connected. Tram routes 48 and 109 provide direct access to the CBD, while High Street and Cotham Road connect residents to the wider inner east.&nbsp;Nearby access to the Eastern Freeway also places the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne Airport within easy reach, adding another layer of convenience for weekend travel.&nbsp;It's a rare combination of connectivity and tranquillity, where quiet residential streets sit just moments from some of Melbourne's most established shopping and lifestyle precincts.

For families, Kew remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held addresses. Carey Baptist Grammar School, Xavier College, Methodist Ladies' College, Trinity Grammar, Ruyton Girls' School and Genazzano FCJ College are all nearby, while the Yarra River parklands, walking trails and sporting clubs provide another layer of lifestyle appeal.

It's within this established pocket that developer Ricdanic is delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wimba-ave-kew-9-11-wimba-avenue-kew-vic-3101">Wimba Ave</a>, a boutique collection of just 13 residences across two buildings named after its location on the tree-lined Wimba Avenue,&nbsp;within one of Kew's most prestigious pockets where homes have been known to sell up to and above $8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=354809]

The residences prioritise the space that buyers are increasingly searching for but struggling to find in established suburbs. Living areas extend beyond five metres in width, ceiling heights range from three to five metres, and apartments open onto private gardens averaging around 125 sqm. Selected residences also feature balconies of approximately 60 sqm, while premium inclusions include Miele appliances, double-glazed windows, EV readiness, fully electric systems and a 7.2 NatHERS energy rating.

Architect Chris Idle says opportunities to deliver homes of this scale within established suburbs have become increasingly uncommon.

"There are very few opportunities to do these kinds of developments in leafy, established suburbs," he says. "To get this level of amenity, natural light, and architectural freedom in such a setting is extremely rare."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=366267]

The architecture draws on Kew's established character through the use of handmade Krause bricks, while landscaping by John Patrick introduces 23 plant species, including nine native varieties, creating an environment which focuses just as much on nature as it does the building.

Construction on Wimba Ave is well underway by renowned high-end builder Sinjen, with completion expected in late 2027. Prices start from $2.22 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140755]

The enduring appeal of Kew's tree-lined streets and village lifestyle

"For me, it's the location." That was the first thing Chris pointed to when reflecting on why he and his wife Marita decided to purchase at Candela Ivanhoe, the under-construction new apartment development by Salter Brothers in the heart of the north-eastern M​elb​ourne​ suburb. ​

"We've lived here before… everything is here," Chris said.

"Our doctor is around the corner, there's dentists, pilates, everything we need, restaurants, fast food places, two train stations, Ivanhoe and Darebin, both in walking distance. You don't need anything else."

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Just 10 kilometres from Melbo​urn​e's CBD, Ivanhoe combines direct city connectivity with the amenity of an established village community. Residents have access to highly regarded schools, expansive parklands, public transport, and a thriving retail and hospitality precinct centred around Upper Heidelberg Road, all within a neighbourhood that has retained its leafy character despite its proximity to the city.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Candela Ivanhoe</a> sits within the heart of this established landscape, positioned just moments from Ivanhoe Village and within walking distance of many of the suburb's most sought-after amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=364553]

From Candela, residents can access cafés, grocers, wine bars, restaurants and essential services on foot, while Ivanhoe Station and Darebin Station provide direct connectivity across Mel​bour​ne. The development is also surrounded by some of the suburb's best-known lifestyle destinations, including Pinkie, Laurent, Enni, Docasa and Woodfire Pizza e Cucina, alongside Ivanhoe Plaza, Woolworths, pharmacies and specialty retailers.

Green space is another defining feature of the suburb. Darebin Parklands, Ivanhoe Park, Nellie Ibbot Park and the Yarra River trail network provide extensive opportunities for recreation, while Ivanhoe Golf Course and Ivanhoe Tennis Club continue to underpin the area's long-established lifestyle appeal.

The suburb's education offering further strengthens demand. Ivanhoe Grammar School, Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School, Mary Immaculate Primary School and Ivanhoe Primary School have helped establish the area as one of Melbou​​rne's most sought-after schooling precincts, attracting families and downsizers alike who want to remain connected to the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357510]

While location was the priority for Marita and Chris, the project itself also needed to meet their expectations.

"Whilst location was paramount, I was also looking at design of the environment and Candela ticked every box," Marita said.

"We're just thrilled with our choice."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=336455]

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>, Candela Ivanhoe has been designed to complement its village setting, with an emphasis on generous floorplans, natural light and practical everyday living.

Residents will have access to a range of shared amenities, including a communal rooftop garden and dedicated residential lounge, complemented by a ground-floor café and lifestyle wellbeing centre, helping foster the sense of community already emerging among future owners.

That approach has resonated strongly with the market. More than 90 per cent of purchasers at Candela Ivanhoe are owner-occupiers, with buyers ranging from downsizers and second-home buyers to young families and first home buyers, creating a genuinely multi-generational community of grandparents, parents and children. It reflects a broader shift across Melbo​​urne's apartment market, where buyers are increasingly prioritising neighbourhood quality, lifestyle amenity and long-term liveability.

Currently under construction by Ironside, Candela Ivanhoe comprises 58 apartments. Candela Ivanhoe is scheduled for completion in the coming months, and residents can move in from September. One to four bedroom residences, prices from $649,000 and limited opportunities remaining.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Location and lifestyle drive demand at Candela Ivanhoe

Residential Design

<html><body>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/70038/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Sitting at home in the recent heat, your mind may start to wander to that fancy new air conditioner. 
But when it comes to making your house comfortable and sustainable, prevention is better than cure. By prevention we mean simple retrofits that will set you on the path to comfort and sustainability. 
As we spend more than ever on maintaining and improving our homes, we’re also becoming more aware of how their design and use impact on our health and society. Add to this climate change and rising energy costs. 
There are many ways to reduce energy and stay comfortable. Numerous reports suggest it should be possible to reduce your energy use by 50-80 percent using existing and available materials and appliances.
Appliance are the easy bit, and you can find the most efficient appliances using energy star ratings. But before you go out and buy that air conditioner, consider the following principles that can help you decide what you need to create a comfortable home. 
<h2>Prevention better than cure</h2>
For a long time the perfect “room temperature” was considered to be around 21℃. But we now understand that as humans we like temperature variations rather than vanilla indoor environments.
As explored in Lisa Heschong’s book Thermal Delight in Architecture(1979), most of us are not looking for a beige thermal environment after all. So to start with, we need a change in attitude. Bring back the cardigan for winter and the shorts for summer! 
The next point is basic knowledge about your climate zone. For instance, in Melbourne there are more heating days (159) than cooling days (35). So, if you are retrofitting in summer, remember the main annual task is actually letting the sun in in winter.
Even with climate change, Melbourne will still require heating on more days than cooling for decades to come, whereas in Brisbane the priority is keeping out the heat and catching the breeze. 
So Melbourne homes need reversible sunblock. You can use plants with seasonal foliage to shade summer windows, or temporary techniques like temporary sail shades or movable window awnings can work. Plants can also cool outdoor spaces through evapotranspiration, which helps combat the growing “urban heat island” problem and makes the backyard a more pleasant place to be.
Despite some bad press over the years, insulating ceiling, floors and walls where possible remains the best way to address 50-80% of heat gains/losses. In many homes ceiling insulation is cheap and easy to fit and can even be topped up. Insulated homes have also been found to perform better during extreme weather events and are quieter, more comfortable and natural places to be.
In summer sun, black roofs are bad news. Coating surfaces can reflect excess heat. Coating technology has been employed in paint products for your walls and roofs, and is also being developed in landscaping materials for the backyard.
Single-glazed windows are responsible for 10-35% of heat gains/losses in our homes. A range of double-glazed window products is now available, or you can even get a secondary glass pane to place over existing windows. 
Double-glazed (or triple-glazed) homes are more comfortable in extreme weather, and are also quieter and more comfortable. Add drapes and blinds for added temporary use to keep out sun or keep in warmth when needed.
While these preventive passive measures might seem basic, the fact is that (a) technologies, markets and pricing are changing rapidly, so it makes sense to be open to new retrofitting ideas and products; and (b) comfort remains the big-ticket item and it will only get more so as climate change affects all of our homes. Addressing this first will reduce the requirement for other technologies and appliances.
<h2>The principles of retrofitting</h2>
Another area of technology progress is digital data systems to monitor indoor energy services. Energy supplier portals, temperature loggers and smartphone apps are now widely available.
For the more enthusiastic, if you buy a couple of temperature loggers and place one in your main living area and one in your main bedroom you can collect data at intervals as small as one second. You can use this data to identify how your house is performing and how you are using it. More importantly, you can satisfy yourself that the retrofit you’ve just paid for has made a difference.
We’ve only covered a few focus areas in this article. There are many good options we haven’t dealt with. However, we propose three principles for any retrofit project:
<ol>
<li>
prioritise big-ticket items (such as thermal comfort) – what do you need most and what uses the most energy? – to plan and design around your climate zone and home needs
</li>
<li>
prevention is better than cure – focus on passive elements before turning to appliances
</li>
<li>
diversity is better than standardisation – don’t aim for 21℃, aim for controllable comfort, openable windows and adjustable systems room by room. Design in easy adjustment through movable technologies such as fans, curtains, plants and shades.
</li>
</ol>
With all the hard work done, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the new indoor environment, but be aware that, as with our climate, our conventions, routines and expectations of comfort are constantly changing. 
Some argue for evidence of a comfort dividend, where occupants of newly eco-retrofitted homes increase their use of heating or cooling appliances (or both). 
Undoubtedly, as consumption patterns change and social standards shift, we will need to adjust our eco-retrofit priorities. Homes are not just a material work in progress, but are sites of social and cultural life after all.
 
Trivess Moore is research Fellow, RMIT University and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/trivess-moore-12580" target="_blank">here</a>.
Andrew Carre is lecturer, RMIT University and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/andrew-carre-321635" target="_blank">here</a>.
Ralph Horne is deputy pro vice chancellor, Research &amp; Innovation; Director of UNGC Cities Programme; Professor, RMIT University and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ralph-horne-160543" target="_blank">here</a>. 
All authors for The Conversation.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Thinking about a sustainable retrofit? Here are three things to consider

<html><body>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/66488/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Profit-driven developments shape the housing markets of most major cities today.
However, new models exist that offer greater choice and lower costs, foster cohesive neighbourhoods and enable adaptable, customised living solutions.
These alternatives have been diverse and of a high architectural standard. They also allow self-determination: they are initiated by the people who will dwell in them.
Baugruppe – German for “building group” – stands for a long tradition of self-initiated, community-oriented living and the shared responsibility of building. The concept has taken off in Berlin. There is no “typical model” – every project differs in its financing, social make-up, the wishes and desires of the group, and the project’s resulting architectural and urban qualities.
The most significant and innovative built examples, particularly in Berlin, have been initiated by architects for a specific group of clients who were all looking to live in the buildings. 
On the surface, these are practical solutions, where single-family homes are stacked and combined to optimise the use of an urban site. 
On closer inspection, it is clear that close collaboration between architects and clients has resulted in projects packed with special features and spaces that foster social interaction – such as Ritter Strasse 50 and Spreefeld.
Baugruppe adds to urban vitality by considering social issues of inclusion and community and by incorporating mixed-use elements that fuel urban interaction. Green, open and community spaces have proven vital parts of good neighbourhoods and are important here. Common spaces such as rooftop terraces, function rooms, playrooms, guest rooms and even saunas also help to bring people together.
Every baugruppe project in Berlin has a shared garden, which is often also open to the public.
The entire neighbourhood profits from the green and surrounding urban spaces. The experience helps foster a sense of community identity and encourages people to take responsibility for the place they live in.
<h2>Affordable and sustainable</h2>
Long-term affordability helps to create stable neighbourhoods. Alternative models for financing and ownership have offered a new level of long-term affordability within a non-profit ideology.
In collective projects, the future users decide what to invest in and where money can be best saved. This redefines the quality-to-price relationship. 
One example of this is the co-op association Spreefeld. This project diverges from the traditional owner-occupier baugruppe model: here, a land grant or a leasehold contract guarantees the long-term use of land in return for rent. It also ensures that what is built and established there meets certain criteria and ideals.
Personalised solutions, and spaces that can be adapted to suit changing needs over time, allow people with special needs to find a place in the city. For example, these spaces can allow multi-generation living, barrier-free standards, or an environmentally aware way of life.
The Strelitzer Strasse 53 project, on which architect Florian Koehl worked closely with the owner group, includes fold-out balconies, as city planning regulations prohibited real ones.
This inspired many other baugruppen to try new ideas. Such projects show the architect’s role expanding from that of designer to that of initiator, developer, moderator of engagement processes and project manager.
Baugruppe projects are leading the way in environmental sustainability by employing, for example, high-rise timber construction or passive design. Users and owners willingly explore new technology, carefully balancing its pros and cons. Several different types of multi-storey wooden construction solutions are now certified in Germany as a result of baugruppe experimentation.
<h2>Co-operating to create better lives</h2>
It is time that our cities are determined by the people who live in them. High-quality solutions that improve the surrounding communities should become standard. This requires the architectural profession, as well as policymakers, to value such solutions.
Often, the largest challenge for groups is buying a site. Specifically, they must organise the loan quickly enough to beat other investors to the table. Governments could allow payment on a site to be deferred until the groups are fully formed and have planning approval.
By designating public land for development, the social, cultural and urban planning goals of the city can be realised through private initiatives and long-term self-administration.
Goals such as social mix, mixed use, environmental standards or non-profit constraints can all be regulated within land allocation policies. England, Finland and many other countries are re-establishing policy to facilitate baugruppe building.
Baugruppen can help cities meet the challenge of providing an adequate supply of suitable, affordable housing in a sustainable way. By transforming themselves from consumers into pioneers, the people who make up the collectives have succeeded in developing affordable projects that allow a high quality of life and add value to the community.
Kristien Ring is assistant professor, University of South Florida, and 2016 Visiting Fellow, Institute of Advanced Studies, University of Western Australia and author for The Conversation.
She can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kristien-ring-305141" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Reinventing density: how baugruppen are pioneering the self-made city

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GUEST OBSERVER
Design guidelines are one thing but in order to see ‘better apartments’ in Melbourne, a cultural shift whereby smaller footprint living is normalised is what’s required. 
During a recent panel session on ‘Developing Policy’ hosted by Open Journal as part of its High Density Happiness program at MPavilion, Victorian Minister for Planning Richard Wynne, BKK Architects’ Simon Knott, MA Architects’ Karen Alcock and I discussed how to best support the creation of quality adaptable apartments. 
The session’s focus was on the imminent release of the final Better Apartments guidelines, which are the culmination of a period of industry consultation that followed the Victorian Government’s release of draft design standards in August 2016. 
If the large crowd at MPavilion was anything to go by, these guidelines have touched a nerve within the industry and the apartment market more generally. 
In the process, they’ve initiated a vital conversation about design quality, especially given Melbourne will overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous centre by 2050, with more than 90,000 people coming to live in the city every year. 
If Melbourne is to maintain its mantel as the world’s most liveable city, this regulatory approach to ensuring quality housing will play an important role. However, there needs also to be a recalibration of how we view apartments. 
At present, there’s a disconnect whereby the quality of an apartment is assessed from purely a cash flow perspective that doesn’t take into account capital growth or depreciation. 
What’s needed is a more sophisticated conversation about apartments and how they work in a financial sense. 
For example, apartments at Jewell Station, A New Urban Village by Neometro in the inner- Melbourne suburb of Brunswick can be up to 10 per cent more expensive than other apartment projects in the area but that is down to better quality design, including from a public realm perspective. 
A whole new type of development is being created at Jewell Station, with a collective endeavour that integrates quality apartment living with social infrastructure such as bike paths, communal gardens, public arts and events programs, a rejuvenated local park, cafés, and independent retail and meditation spaces. 
Educating buyers is difficult but they need to know that buying a high quality apartment is a positive financial step. 
Buyers who are better informed about the benefits of quality apartment design will push higher standards on developers and that can only be a good thing. 
James Tutton is director, Neometro and can be contacted <a href="https://neometro.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

We need a more sophisticated conversation about apartments

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What happens when the cameras stop rolling and the director calls cut?
For these seven Block contestant couples the journey into the world of property continued after their room reveals impressed. 
<img src="/images/2016/08/25/1.png" alt="">
Alisa and Lysandra
The Block’s first female team to win the title appeared in The Block Sky High in 2013 and returned again for Fans V Faces in 2014. Following the show the sister duo started a career in interior design, developing their own <a href="https://www.alisaandlysandra.com.au/" target="_blank">interior design company Alisa and Lysandra</a>, partnering with <a href="https://www.fortywinks.com.au/" target="_blank">Forty Winks</a>.
Website: <a href="https://www.alisaandlysandra.com.au/" target="_blank">https://www.alisaandlysandra.com.au/</a>
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AlisaLysandra" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/AlisaLysandra</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alisa_lysandra/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/alisa_lysandra/</a>
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/alisa_lysandra" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/alisa_lysandra</a>
Pinterest: <a href="https://au.pinterest.com/alisalysandra/" target="_blank">https://au.pinterest.com/alisalysandra/</a>
 <img src="/images/2016/08/25/2.png" alt="">
Josh and Jenna
Since competing in The Block twice, once in 2011 and again in 2013, Josh and Jenna have renovated and sold their East Albury investment property, partnered with <a href="https://www.beaconlighting.com.au/lighting/josh-and-jenna-range" target="_blank">Beacon</a> to launch a light range and started their own interior design and pre-sale property renovation business, <a href="https://bickerdesign.com.au/" target="_blank">Bicker Design</a>. 
Website: <a href="https://bickerdesign.com.au/" target="_blank">https://bickerdesign.com.au/</a> 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JennaAndJosh/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/JennaAndJosh/</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/joshandjenna/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/joshandjenna/</a> 
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/joshjentheblock" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/joshjentheblock</a> 
 <img src="/images/2016/08/25/3.png" alt="">
Dani and Dan
After competing on The Block in 2012 and The Block All Stars, the couple started their own online publication, The Home Journal. They also completed the renovation on a house in Seddon and an apartment in East Melbourne.  Currently the couple star as co-hosts on Channel 10’s lifestyle series Healthy Homes. They also founded the Red Door Project. 
Website: <a href="https://reddoorproject.com.au/" target="_blank">https://reddoorproject.com.au/</a> 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DaniAndDan/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/DaniAndDan/</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reddoorproject_/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/reddoorproject_/</a> 
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/danianddan" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/danianddan</a> 
Pinterest: <a href="https://au.pinterest.com/basichabitat/" target="_blank">https://au.pinterest.com/basichabitat/</a>
 <img src="/images/2016/08/25/4.png" alt="">
Michael and Carlene
The couple who stared on The Block Glasshouse in 2014 and had a short run on Reno Rumble have launched their online design and construction company, Cedar &amp; Suede. The website focusses on home renovation and offers design consultancy services.
Website: <a href="https://cedarandsuede.com.au/" target="_blank">https://cedarandsuede.com.au/</a> 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MichaelAndCarlene" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/MichaelAndCarlene</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cedarandsuede/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/cedarandsuede/</a> 
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Michael_Carlene" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/Michael_Carlene</a> 
Pinterest: <a href="https://au.pinterest.com/carleneduffy/" target="_blank">https://au.pinterest.com/carleneduffy/</a>
 <img src="/images/2016/08/25/5.png" alt="">
Kyal and Kara
Since their appearance on Fans vs Faves and Reno Rumble the couple run a design and construction business, Diverse Construction which assists with styling, custom joinery, product selections and renovations. 
Website: <a href="https://www.diverseconstruct.com/about" target="_blank">https://www.diverseconstruct.com/about</a> 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KyalAndKara/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/KyalAndKara/</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kyalandkara/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/kyalandkara/</a> 
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/KyalAndKara" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/KyalAndKara</a>
 <img src="/images/2016/08/25/6.png" alt="">
Karstan and Maxine 
Since staring on The Block Glasshouse the husband and wife team have maintained a career in the property industry. Karstan has returned to the real estate but continues to help wife Maxine manage their homewares business Poppy Smith Design. The couple also run a blog called <a href="https://www.thediscoverytales.com.au/" target="_blank">The Discovery Tales</a>. 
Website: <a href="https://www.thediscoverytales.com.au/" target="_blank">https://www.thediscoverytales.com.au/</a> 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PoppySmithDesign" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/PoppySmithDesign</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/karstanandmaxine/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/karstanandmaxine/</a> 
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/KarstanMaxine" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/KarstanMaxine</a> 
 <img src="/images/2016/08/25/7.png" alt="">
Bec and George
Since staring in The Block Sky High in 2013 the couple have kept up their work in the interior and development industries. George develops properties while Bec is the resident interior consultant for <a href="https://nostrahomes.com.au/" target="_blank">Nostra Homes</a>. 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BecGeorgeBLOCK/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/BecGeorgeBLOCK/</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/becandgeorge" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/becandgeorge</a> 
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/becgeorgeblock?lang=en" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/becgeorgeblock?lang=en</a>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

The seven best designers to come out of The Block

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 GUEST OBSERVER
Architect-designed townhouses are essential to support sustainable population growth in our rapidly expanding capital cities.
Large-scale, master-planned townhouse developments in urban infill sites provide an option for increased density that offers an attractive solution to rising land value while creating a greater number of affordable dwellings in central or well-serviced locations.
ABS data reports two out of three Australians live in a major city, with population growth exceeding predictions. Rather than catering to this growth via urban sprawl, where outer-city suburbs and residents are often underserviced due to the enormous public cost of civic infrastructure, townhouses allow for greater diversity of residents in established communities while adding to the available housing stock. Townhouses are the missing piece of high quality inner-city - living – an architecturally designed product for those who prefer not to live in an apartment, not specifically due to spatial concerns, but lack the budget for stand-alone housing in desirable, well serviced and well located areas. Concern regarding population growth and sustainability present additional reasons for choosing this higher density housing model.
The trend we’re seeing in our own practice is driven by a market gap for dwellings that are more sustainable and affordable than larger detached houses. At ROTHELOWMAN we have witnessed significant growth in the volume of townhouse projects we are designing. From January 2015 to March 2016 we designed 2,384 townhouses, a marked increase from the previous year. With this trend comes a greater appreciation for the typology’s versatility, necessity and market acceptance.
For consumers, large-scale master-planned townhouse developments are not only a financially viable housing alternative, they also provide access to transport corridors and inner-city amenities. Data published by Urbis indicates young professionals, in particular, value proximity to education, entertainment and employment over owning large properties. While perfect for young workers, townhouses also provide the flexibility to cater for varying demographics, from families to downsizing retirees.
In Brisbane, ROTHELOWMAN has designed the staged master-planned development Summerlin to transform negative perspectives around townhouses based on the poorly designed, mass-produced boxes of decades past. Summerlin’s master plan develops an existing industrial site in the suburb of Banyo (within 15km of the CBD), transforming it into a residential community through the creation of new internal streets, laneways, vegetated pedestrian links and communal open space parklands. The architecturally designed townhouses of Summerlin employ a ‘critical regionalism’ that pays homage to the surrounding vernacular of simple, hand-built homes with generous setbacks. Reflecting this, materials chosen for Summerlin include painted weatherboard, rendered masonry and raw brick as an interpretation of the local vernacular. Banyo is surrounded by some of the most biodiverse parts of Brisbane and Summerlin’s design complements this with a 5000m2 park featuring recreation spaces, dense planting, stormwater treatment and pedestrian links.
In the middle-ring Melbourne suburb of Doncaster, where median house prices have reached over $1.2 million (realestate.com.au), the ROTHELOWMAN-designed townhouse development Williamsons Road is a perfect example of how we can offer a growing population high-quality, medium-density residences. Comprising two, three and four bedroom townhouses – a total of 106 dwellings – the mixed housing typologies have enabled new residents to move into the tightly held area, accessing its quality amenity and infrastructure without detracting from the character of the suburb.
In protecting character, amenity and location remain important. Where large detached housing has become less of a priority for city dwellers, we are seeing a return to a pattern that was established in the early history of Australia’s urban centres and capital cities. Terraced housing was introduced to Australia in the 19th century, based on architectural typologies that had been developed in areas of Europe to meet the already burgeoning challenges of density and urban sprawl. Establishing townhouses as a solution to demand isn’t a novel answer then but one that has been tested over centuries.
For developers, master-planned townhouse developments can create a density that meets the demands of rising land value yet balances it with a desire for quality sustainable, active, green and thriving communities that are attractive and highly liveable for residents. Lotus Terraces, ROTHELOWMAN’s latest townhouse project in Woollooware (24km south of Sydney’s CBD), creates a village-like atmosphere through the design of a community centred around a green common to be shared by all.
The key to explaining this critical typology within developing future cities is skilfully balancing urban amenity and proximity to cultural infrastructure with space and affordability. It is getting these balances right that makes creating a new generation of top quality master-planned townhouse developments absolutely critical for the cities of tomorrow. 
Jeff Brown is Principal, Rothe Lowman Brisbane and can be contacted <a href="https://www.rothelowman.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Reinventing the townhouse for Australia's shifting cities: Jeff Brown

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How do you solve a problem like traffic, noise and pollution in our growing cities? For the Spanish city of Barcelona, the answer could lie in the creation of ‘superblocks’.
Under the plans, the Catalan capital intends to restrict traffic to a number of big roads, creating pedestrianized, small communities within the city’s grid system. It’s hoped that doing so could reduce traffic by 21 percent as well as free up around 60 percent of the city’s streets.
“The aim is to improve the quality of life for people in the city’s inner suburbs,” says JLL’s Luis Guardia Torres, JLL director, General Cataluña. “Superblocks should lead to a more sustainable, greener environment with greater productivity within these communities.”
Impact on retail and rents
The areas identified for superblocks are on a grid system – streets containing residential apartment blocks on upper floors, with retail space on the ground floor.
More people circulating at street level should be good news for the area’s retailers, who have been particularly hard hit by the rise of online shopping. Unlike the city’s malls or high streets, they’ve never been able to offer the attraction of a day out or shopping experience.
Guardia is hopeful. “We have seen in the past that, where streets are pedestrianized, more retailers want to take on leases,” he says. “The real estate becomes a more interesting proposition. And if we see an increase in good tenants coming into these areas, with strong competition for this kind of retail space, rents may rise and they’ll attract investors.”
Without noise from traffic, these areas will become nicer places to live and this will impact residential prices, too. “We don’t have the forecasts yet because these changes will be slow but in time there’s likely to be an increase in rents,” Guardia says.
“In the very long-term you could even see small hotels moving out, given the proposed changes in the law to restrict the number of hotels in the city centre. But that’s a way off because these laws have yet to be finalized,” he says.
A model for other cities?
Guardia even suggests that this model could impact cities beyond Barcelona. “Many cities look to Barcelona for ideas and inspiration. It’s become one of the top five tourist destinations in Europe, largely because of City Hall interventions in the wake of the 1992 Olympic Games. Other cities will be watching the superblocks and wondering if they can adapt this model.
“After all, all cities need solutions for traffic and pollution, plus they need to maintain a high quality of life for inhabitants and create a thriving retail environment.”
Barcelona’s reputation for bringing about successful urban change is strong. The city has turned an industrial area into a mixed-use residential, office and technology quarter, and created a mixed-use waterfront area with several beaches from a former port. Perhaps superblocks are the natural next step for this innovative city.
This article featured in JLL Real Views
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Can the idea of superblocks improve city living?

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/57114/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Housing affordability issues in Australia have resulted in people looking for alternative ways to build accommodation more cheaply. A recent worldwide trend has been to convert shipping containers to liveable accommodation. However, some real challenges lie behind the rosy picture of turning shipping containers into homes.
From the perspective of recycling and environmental sustainability, it is a very good initiative. Many containers are on a one-way journey, mostly originating from China (the world’s manufacturing house), to the developed nations. These containers are used just once for shipping and then end up being used – if at all – as storage or portable office spaces.
Many companies are now offering to build container homes. One can find a great variety of interesting floor plans to turn containers into housing. But the reality isn’t always as straightforward as these plans suggest. What are the main challenges to consider?
<h2>Container quality and engineering sign-off</h2>
Online videos and photos emphasise the benefits of recycling containers to build accommodation. However, a number of conditions must be met to ensure the house is structurally sound.
First, if the design requires cutting through the walls to put in windows or doors, it affects the structural integrity of the container. A structural engineer will be needed to develop an engineering drawing to ensure the house will be structurally sound. There is a cost associated with this activity, as with any other type of construction such as steel-frame housing, timber-frame housing or brick-and-tile housing.
Further, many engineers are wary of signing off on used shipping containers, because it is more difficult to assess the structural state of these. They most often recommend using a brand-new container. This is another added cost, as the price of 12-metre cube containers starts from A$5,000, whereas a used container may cost $1,800.
<h2>Health and safety</h2>
Health and safety concerns arise when it cannot be ascertained what was shipped using a second-hand container.
If human carcinogenic elements or harsh chemicals (which may have left invisible traces) were shipped in a container, one would not want to use that container to live in.
Ensuring this is not the case adds to the challenges of using a second-hand container. This is because tracing the cargos and journeys end-to-end across the full container lifecycle can be very difficult.
<h2>Usable space</h2>
Housing built from shipping containers is limited by their dimensions. They are roughly 2.35m wide internally and commonly come in two lengths: 6m or 12m.
One also needs to take into account internal stud work to put in drywalls, which can further reduce the width. A 2.35m width is already quite small for any room other than a shower or a bathroom.
To give an idea of how small, a king-sized bed is 1.83m wide. So there will very limited room to put bed side tables or dressing table.
If two containers are cut to create a 4.7m wide room, the space becomes too big for many purposes. If you need a smaller (or more common) width, you need to build a stud wall. That is another added cost.
Hence, the options for customising the container home are very limited if it is to remain affordable.
<h2>Insulation and comfort</h2>
Insulation is a very critical element of a comfortable lifestyle. The Building Code of Australia as well as the local shire or council are very conscious of insulation standards.
The shipping container is a basically a large steel box. Physics says steel will get hot in summer and cold in winter. To counter these natural effects, the container has to be very well insulated.
Now, the question is where to insulate: on the exterior, or the interior, or both?
Exterior insulation will be better because this will prevent the heat or cold reaching the metal and keep the internal environment comfortable. But putting external insulation on a container means having a stud wall frame or similar arrangement to hold the insulation in place, so that’s an additional building cost.
Ceramic paint insulation is another option and it does offer some degree of insulation. Note, though, that most “before and after” studies have taken a dark-coloured container (such as red, green or blue) and shown the benefit when painting it with a white ceramic paint. The reduction in temperature is partly due to using white paint.
Container housing may be a viable alternative accommodation option. But it can be hard to know whether it will be significantly cheaper than any other ways of building a home without doing considerable research into what the housing requirements and design will involve.
Vidyasagar Potdar is senior research fellow, School of Information Systems, Curtin University and author from The Conversation. He can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/vidyasagar-potdar-229256" target="_blank">here</a>.
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