Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

Rothelowman

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The humble nursery continues to provide developers with sizeable redevelopment opportunities across Melbourne.

Latest to the public eye is the former Going, Going Green nursery within Hawthorn which has been christened Sierra. The apartment development on the corner at Burwood Road and Drill Street is the latest release by expanding Doncaster East-based developer JD Group.

Having secured the site reportedly for $30 million, JD Group have created a new purpose for the roughly 7,000sqm site.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image6_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of a Sierra Hawthorn interior. Image: JD Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_14.jpg?itok=qh9DujPm" title="Artist's impression of a Sierra Hawthorn interior. Image: JD Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of a Sierra Hawthorn interior. Image: JD Group</figcaption></figure>Architecturally the building has been described as a dynamic architectural statement which "ventures beyond pure aesthetics to create a tremendous sense of space via its unique ‘S’ shaped configuration. A staggered roof line and shimmering exterior finishes present a building that blends seamlessly with its surrounds."

"Nestled within the building’s elegant curves sit two, large landscaped courtyards that deliver intrigue and a broad outlook by departing from traditional urban clichés."

Internally, JD Group have elected to provide one, two and three-bedroom configurations, with four- bedroom terrace homes also on offer.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image4_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Alexa Essendon is well into construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="280" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_14.jpg?itok=A2440Gqt" title="Alexa Essendon is well into construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Alexa Essendon is well into construction</figcaption></figure>As Sierra gears up for its sales launch, another example of a nursery transitioning into a major apartment development is nearing construction completion in Essendon.

The former Essendon Plant Farm/Direct Plants centre across 1048-1060 Mount Alexander Road was purchased by Accord Property Group, and now hosts Alexa. 95 apartments and a ground floor retail tenancy are set across the 2,003sqm land holding. 

Designed by ClarkeHopkinsClarke, the building spans seven storeys above a double level basement. Buildcorp Commercial are applying the finishing touches to the building, which also has frontage to Allison Park.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image2rlc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Amenities space within the Warrigal Road development. Planning image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2rlc.jpg?itok=x2o9cv-c" title="Amenities space within the Warrigal Road development. Planning image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Amenities space within the Warrigal Road development. Planning image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>Also in the wings is 695 Warrigal Road, Chadstone which as of last month gained a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit. The proponents for the former Flower Power Garden Centre are all but assured in their push to realise a major residential redevelopment for the site.

Entity Chadstone Investments Pty Ltd are behind the development application. Initially seeking heights of up to 11 storeys, City of Monash have decreed that the development be allowed to proceed with two seven storey apartment buildings, 11 standalone townhouses within a three storey building, a child care centre, supermarket and additional retail tenancies.

Spanning 50,821sqm, part of the site is used as a homemaker centre, with the development to be located across the former plant nursery portion of the massive land holding.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image3rlc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Townhouses fronting Collins Street form part of the development. Planning image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="319" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3rlc.jpg?itok=3nsury4W" title="Townhouses fronting Collins Street form part of the development. Planning image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Townhouses fronting Collins Street form part of the development. Planning image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

A green thumb's loss the developer's gain

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At a time when the majority of <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's</a> commercial buildings in development are best describes as 'boxy', <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a> may well be in for two intriguing commercial buildings, should the respective planning applications receive the green light.

On the corner of Moray and York Streets, <a href="/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">134 Moray Street</a> is an angular, almost aggressive gesture to its otherwise mundane surrounds.

<a href="/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> are the design force behind the commercial project, acting on behalf of 134 Moray Street Unit Trust, the prospective developer. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image79_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="As envisaged from the corner of Moray and York Streets. Planning image: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="360" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image79_5.jpg?itok=SvtVJkzX" title="As envisaged from the corner of Moray and York Streets. Planning image: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>As envisaged from the corner of Moray and York Streets. Planning image: Hayball</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Proposed 10 storey commercial building at 34.1m in height</li>
	<li>6,221sqm of leasable office space</li>
	<li>82 car parking spaces, 90 bicycle spaces &amp; 6 visitor bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Ground floor commercial display area of 429sqm</li>
	<li>One café of at 38sqm</li>
	<li>Communal terraces across each level</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
The lower tier of the development forms a street wall to Moray street and responds to the surrounding conditions of the site by taking the notion of a ‘Jewel’, intent on providing urban interest in an otherwise understated part of South Melbourne. The ‘Jewel’ concept has been applied to the façade design through a highly faceted yet restrained language and unifies the building setbacks into a cohesive whole.

The primary material pallet of glass, and metal, takes priority and forms the facets of the ‘Jewel’. The folded nature of the metal and glass facets allow for a playful shift of light and shade throughout the day, creating a dynamic yet restrained architectural language. The façade is further accented with variants in metal and glass tint and the subtle reading of the façade framing.

Through articulation of surface, material, light, and depth, the composition of the building provides a unified and robust architectural statement.
<cite>Design statement, <a href="/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> Planning</cite>
</blockquote>

In addition to a light well which is would allow natural light penetration to internal spaces,134 Moray Street also carries a raft of ESD features. Likely to appear within the project is a rainwater harvesting system for toilet flushing and irrigation, re-used timber in building and construction works, a 25kWp solar photovoltaic array on pitched terrace roofs, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and shared electric bikes for staff.

While 134 Moray Street is a refreshing departure from the typical commercial form, it may not be the only one destined for <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a>. During March plans were lodged with City of Port Phillip regarding an application for a fourteen storey office building at <a href="/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">11-29 Eastern Road</a>. The island site sits just off Kings Way and currently features a low-rise commercial building and at-grade car parking.

If images published on architect <a href="/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman's</a> website are indicative of the current planning application, South Melbourne may well be in for two stunningly designed commercial buildings.

<blockquote>
Eastern Road’s form flares to embrace natural light, create engaging spaces and direct views towards key Melbourne landmarks. With diverse urban design, shared amenity, cafes and public art, this office building will serve as a significant leap forward in the evolution of the modern, collaborative and sustainable workplace.
<cite>Rothelowman</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image86_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Eastern Road. Image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image86_4.jpg?itok=apV-DdxC" title="Eastern Road. Image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Eastern Road. Image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>
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When a box simply won't do: dual eye-popping South Melbourne designs emerge

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On the occasion of OpenCorp's launch of their Eastside Village apartment development, Apartments.com.au recently spoke with the group's Director Allister Lewison regarding the design merits of the Hawthorn East project.

Teaming with architects Rothelowman and interior designer Fiona Lynch, Eastside Village has been put forward as an apartment development designed to cater for the particular market in which it finds itself in. According to Allister Lewison, the target demographic/buyer played a part in forming both the size and layout of the apartments on offer.

Dwellings within the six storey development have been positioned to soak up a certain type of buyer, given Hawthorn East's hefty median home price. With that in mind, prospective downsizers and young professionals and couples are at the forefront of the project's sales campaign.

Prior to Eastside Village's sales launch, a registrations of interest campaign was highly reflective of this particular aspect of the buyer market.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image64_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Eastside Village's rendered interior"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="331" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image64_5.jpg?itok=3gwTq6fE" title="Eastside Village's rendered interior" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Eastside Village's rendered interior</figcaption></figure>To that end Eastside Village includes 73 one, two and three bedroom apartments, with internals ranging between 50sqm and 96sqm, whilst certain apartments hold outdoor areas of up to 116sqm. Lewison describes the project's layout as highly flexible, with upgrades and alternative floor plans possible, depending upon the buyer's preferences.

These flexible layouts are backed by incumbent Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) designer of the year Fiona Lynch. Her presence across the project's internals has given OpenCorp confidence in Eastside Village's sales prospects, with Lewison describing Fiona Lynch as a key to luring prospective buyers.

Add Ben Scott Garden Design as landscape architect and Eastside Village's design team has worked together to produce a project reflective of the premier location. 

With amenity at the forefront of the design process, Eastside Village's apartments enjoy aspects over dual sculpted courtyards, which also serves to maximise natural light penetration into each dwelling.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image65_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The project's central garden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="707" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image65_1.jpg?itok=xPaDqo0Z" title="The project's central garden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The project's central garden</figcaption></figure>Externally Eastside Village's exterior will be draped in a distinctive green edifice.

<blockquote>
Toorak Road's façade opens and closes to create an organic architecture that oscillates between private and public landscaped spaces, whilst firmly anchoring down to the ground plane with a curvaceous gesture which frames the entry and holds the street.

Punctuated by large subtractions, the development's form creates landscaped courtyards to the east and west, which provide increased light and internal amenity. The rectilinear vertical façade elements serve to provide a delicate veil of privacy, enclosure and a cohesive architectural expression. The contrasting solid curved forms both frame and soften the edges of the building.

A thoughtfully designed ground floor street interface with landscaping meets the building flowing vertically upwards through a series of balcony planters above. Warm hues and natural finishes offer a warmth to residents both in apartments and shared spaces.
<cite>Rothelowman</cite>
</blockquote>

As for OpenCorp's development fund subscription which underpins Eastside Village, Lewison noted that the standalone fund for the Hawthorn East project was oversubscribed by 30%, pointing toward investors recognition of the project's blue chip location.

Construction is expected to begin during mid 2017, with a completion time frame approximately one year later.
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Profiling OpenCorp's Eastside Village development

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Brunswick East's latest apartment project to reach sales has hit the ground running, with strong sales notched for the project in a short period of time.

Seamstress at 11-13 Lygon Street is a reference to the site's previous life as a fabric mill. It is also K7 Developments' fourth Melbourne residential project, following on from successful projects in Brunswick West, Surrey Hills and Hawthorn East. With a Footscray development in the offing, K7 Developments has established itself as a locally-based developer capable of tapping into Melbourne's on-trend suburban apartment markets.

Seamstress' selling agent Est8 Agency has seen strong initial interest in Seamstress translated to half of the project's 32 apartments having already been accounted for.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image97_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Seamstress' exterior is a standout relative to its surrounds. Image: Est8 Agency"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="239" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image97_1.jpg?itok=iorPha_1" title="Seamstress' exterior is a standout relative to its surrounds. Image: Est8 Agency" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Seamstress' exterior is a standout relative to its surrounds. Image: Est8 Agency</figcaption></figure>Est8 Agency Executive Director Nic Cuni explained to Apartments.com.au that Seamstress' strong design presence, both internally and externally, has seen the development favoured by owner occupiers in the always competitive Brunswick East apartment market.

Design conscious buyers have recognised that RotheLowman is the design practice behind Seamstress, with the building employing a woven facade of steel and glass as a nod to the site's past. Seamstress also represents the next step in the successful partnership between developer and architect, with <a href="/buildings/brasshouse-771-toorak-road-hawthorn-east">Brasshouse</a> the duo's most recent collaboration.

Internals too are a reflection of RotheLowman's strong, crafted design stance, with Nic Cuni describing the overall architecture and specifically the living spaces as a great blend of harmonious design.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image99_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A Seamstress interior perspective. Image: Est8 Agency"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image99_1.jpg?itok=iE3ds2cH" title="A Seamstress interior perspective. Image: Est8 Agency" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A Seamstress interior perspective. Image: Est8 Agency</figcaption></figure>Seamstress is a mix of one, two and three bedroom residences, with Nic Cuni describing the one bedroom options as particularly good value for money, given their efficient floorplan and impressive views. On the corner of Lygon Street and Brunswick Road, Seamstress is still garnering strong online interest as the sales campaign progresses.

Apartments finishes hark upon Seamstress' industrial heritage and are defined by exposed concrete ceilings, natural timber floorboards and slider cabinetry. In this way, RotheLowman have introduced a subtle degree of rawness to each dwelling, while also maintaining a heightened level of quality throughout.

Sliding doors within select apartments are capable of creating an additional bedroom or office space on demand, and Seamstress' terraces are sized with room for outdoor dining and herb gardens.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image100.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Seamstress bedroom with a view to Melbourne's CBD. Image: Est8 Agency"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image100.jpg?itok=rFIZRLqJ" title="Seamstress bedroom with a view to Melbourne's CBD. Image: Est8 Agency" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Seamstress bedroom with a view to Melbourne's CBD. Image: Est8 Agency</figcaption></figure>To secure your new home in Seamstress, register your details using the form below.
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Secure your new home in Seamstress, Brunswick East

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City of Monash is welcoming feedback on what may become Oakleigh's new tallest building, with a development application spanning Warrigal and Dandenong Roads in the pipeline.

Entity Viapac Australia Pty Ltd which represents a number of land owners, is the driving force behind the project that would create the suburb's largest development to date. In addition to hundreds of apartments, a healthy serviced apartment segment is included within the application, presumably to service the ever-expanding Chadstone Shopping Centre which is a short distance away.

The 106 serviced apartments within the application could join existing operator Punthill Oakleigh and the new onsite Chadstone Hotel which is due to begin construction, in boosting the area's short stay capacity.

The project's end value would be well beyond the nominated $108 million cost of development.

<h2>807-811 Warrigal Road and 1513-1517 Dandenong Road application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image84_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Planning image: RotheLowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image84_4.jpg?itok=Z_Kv2UM1" title="Planning image: RotheLowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Planning image: RotheLowman</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 9,605 square metres with Dalgety Street frontage of 133.88 metres</li>
	<li>Current use: large format warehouse and retail</li>
	<li>Proposed: 3 buildings between 4-18 levels with the tallest at 57 metres</li>
	<li>348 apartments: 100 x 1BR, 205 x 2BR, 20 x 3BR, 23 x Duplex</li>
	<li>106 serviced apartments: 27 x Studio, 74 x 1BR, 5 x 2BR</li>
	<li>Retail area: 2,259.9sqm including a supermarket</li>
	<li>Capacity for 582 car parks,195 bicycle spaces and 348 storage cages</li>
	<li>Construction cost: $108 million</li>
	<li>Application lodged: August 2016</li>
</ul>
<h2>Architectural concept</h2>

<blockquote>
The proposal aims to provide an improved public realm, that expresses the unique identity of this proposed development and encourages the serendipitous interaction of existing community with the new residents. The proposal creates a new landscape of roof top terraces and courtyards that will provide unprecedented levels of indoor and outdoor amenity for residents of the development.

The vast array of different spaces will allow for a variety of different uses and opportunities for the residents to interact, from small gatherings to larger functions.

The Sky Gardens, Roof Top Terraces and Courtyards will vary in size and scale as they cascade down the building in one fluid motion like a waterfall .These spaces will provide for a variety of amenities including veggie patches, BBQ’s, alfresco dining, pool, gym, function rooms, informal gathering, sun bathing, and outdoor cinema to name but a few.

The language and materiality of the building forms will respond to the different interface conditions in scale, texture, colour, transparency and permeability
<cite>Architectural planning sumbission, RotheLowman</cite>
</blockquote>

That materiality, for the most part, will be divided between rendered concrete finishes, a variety of glazing and clad/screening, with gold the predominant colour.

For their part, project Landscape Architect Rush Wright Associates have chosen to soften the Dalgety Street facade which fronts traditional low-rise detached housing. This is achieved by incorporating large green spaces into the terraced levels, while the ground level plane will include a mix of private and public green spaces.

The tower itself will include open, north-facing green terraces across a number of levels.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image86_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Oakleigh's proposed tall, green tower. Planning image: RotheLowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image86_2.jpg?itok=PjYkPZ7k" title="Oakleigh's proposed tall, green tower. Planning image: RotheLowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Oakleigh's proposed tall, green tower. Planning image: RotheLowman</figcaption></figure>At the turn of 2016, Apartments.com.au foreshadowed Oakleigh as <a href="/news/pellicano-group-cements-oakleigh-as-an-upcoming-apartment-hotspot">a new apartment hot spot in the making</a>.

Within the article was mention of Viapac Australia's purchase of 807-811 Warrigal Road, with the then 3,686sqm site sold by CBRE City Sales. Included was an indicative development scheme for 190 apartments. 807-811 Warrigal Road along with the Dandenong Road land parcel have been consolidated into the current planning application.

Prior to 807-811 Warrigal Road's lodgement with City of Monash, Oakleigh's largest development yet to be realised is Pellicano's <a href="/buildings/alke-89-atherton-road-oakleigh">89-93 Atherton Road</a>. After having its initial plans trimmed while at planning, Pellicano are now free to pursue the project which was approved with 95 dwellings included.

<h2>807-811 Warrigal Road and 1513-1517 Dandenong Road development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Viapac Australia Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: RotheLowman</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Hollerich Town Planning</li>
	<li>Project Manager: Pomeroy Pacific</li>
	<li>Landscape Architects: Rush Wright Associates</li>
	<li>Traffic: Cardno</li>
	<li>Services, fire and ESD: WSP | PARSONS-BRINCKERHOFF</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Approval Systems</li>
</ul>
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The Oakleigh goliath: 807-811 Warrigal Road

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What to do when there's a crush of apartment developments along Queens Road and St Kilda Road, with each claiming to capture the luxury apartment market?

Go super luxury, of course.

JD Group's Victoriana at 20-22 Queens Road is nearing its launch to market, with the developer looking to tap into the still bubbly luxury apartment market. Victoriana's website is taking registrations of interest from prospective buyers, with one, two, three, four, five and six bedroom apartments on offer.

As seen below, the higher echelon apartments within the development will be something to behold, in sheer size alone.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image49_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="JD Group imagery for Victoriana"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="143" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image49_4.jpg?itok=tpFrHYQ7" title="JD Group imagery for Victoriana" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>JD Group imagery for Victoriana</figcaption></figure>With advertising hoardings onsite and a display suite in the works, Victoriana will insert itself into a super active development scene along St Kilda Road and Queens Road. At present seven residential towers are at construction, with two additional projects at sales.

20-22 Queens Road holds approval for a 245 lot subdivision, reflecting the number of apartments expected within Victoriana. Set over a 4,598sqm site overlooking the northern tip of Albert Park Lake, Victoriana has a frontage in excess of 60 metres to Queens Road.

The result of the double site is a curving tower designed by RotheLowman. Setbacks to upper levels have allowed for the inclusion of a squadron of individual pools and spas, pointing toward the levels the developer has gone to in order to attract the premium buyer.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_9293.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Opera, Arthur and Queens Domain in shot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_9293.jpg?itok=BuAEqRjQ" title="Opera, Arthur and Queens Domain in shot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Opera, Arthur and Queens Domain in shot</figcaption></figure>Once Victoriana does launch, it will find itself in an immediate apartment market which has hit top gear.

Such is the popularity of the dual boulevards, six apartment projects are well into construction. While works proper have yet to commence, New Charsfield can be added to the list with builder Hamilton Marino signage onsite, signifying its imminent start.

New Charsfield included, there is in excess of 1,400 apartments under construction along St Kilda Road and Queens Road, with the balance split between The Arthur, Queens Domain, Opera St Kilda Road, Parque, Lakeside and The Fawkner. Both The Arthur and New Charsfield are supplemented by serviced apartment components.

Victoriana joins Palatia and St. Boulevard which are at registrations and/or sales; combined they add another 700 plus dwellings.

Urban.com.au is also tracking a further five developments along St Kilda Road that pump more apartments and serviced apartments into the area. Add the likes of Growland's pending 613 St Kilda Road development and St Kilda Road in particular continues to transform from a commercial strip into a residential developer's paradise.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/st-kilda-rd-1000-e1460537838333.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Growland are seeking a piece of the St Kilda Road action"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="423" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/st-kilda-rd-1000-e1460537838333.jpg?itok=4h_6B6In" title="Growland are seeking a piece of the St Kilda Road action" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Growland are seeking a piece of the St Kilda Road action</figcaption></figure>
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Victoriana looks to trump the competition along Queens Road and St Kilda Road

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ROTHELOWMAN has designed RPM Real Estate Group’s new headquarters with the company’s mobile workforce in mind and with a desire to create an office with a "bit of soul." The relocation comes as a result of RPM’s rapid growth.

Due to a high proportion of RPM salespeople working in­-house just one day a week, ROTHELOWMAN has been faced with the challenge of designing a space that caters to this dispersed and mobile workforce.

The layout of the new headquarters replaces the traditional four­-wall office with a series of breakout workstations that encourage collaboration and connectivity and allow for easy on­-the-­go use by team members, visitors and clients.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_3549.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="RPM Office Melbourne interior. Photo by Rachael Dere"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3549.jpg?itok=CrFoCzH6" title="RPM Office Melbourne interior. Photo by Rachael Dere" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>RPM Office Melbourne interior. Photo by Rachael Dere</figcaption></figure>The new headquarters has been developed to cater for RPM’s rapid growth. The company has experienced a 370 per cent increase in revenue over the last four years, and has sold 25 per cent of all residential lots available across Melbourne’s metropolitan growth areas over the 2014/2015 period.

Located across two storeys (levels three and five) of a commercial South Melbourne building, the workplace design combines the people­-oriented, sophisticated and approachable nature of the RPM business, along with the company’s high proportion of salespeople operating primarily offsite. One third of RPM team members operate primarily outside of the company’s South Melbourne headquarters and are only in­-house one day a week.

The integration of highly adaptable and cleverly integrated breakout workspaces by ROTHELOWMAN allows RPM to better manage its non-­traditional workforce. This challenge is further enhanced by the unorthodox layout of the office, being located across two non-­consecutive levels of a commercial building.

Urban.com.au spoke to ROTHELOWMAN head of interiors Andrew Wales who says the biggest logistical challenge for the office was working out how to cater for a dispersed workforce in a way that did not look temporary. The last thing the design team wanted to do was create spaces that would only be used 20 per cent of the week.

According to Wales the team challenged this by implementing ‘breakout areas’ that are power connected, which allow for easy on­ the­-go use by team members, visitors and clients.

ROTHELOWMAN’S interior design incorporates strong graphics and confident colours to artistically communicate the strength of the business and the friendly nature of its people. The office layout is a design representation of the company's services as a suburban real estate agency. A main walkway lined with custom designed lamps, reminiscent of street lamps, provide a demarcation between work areas. This demarcation replaces four-wall offices.

<blockquote>
We proposed a design to RPM which effectively reflects their company values: intelligent, people-oriented, sophisticated, well connected with unrivalled knowledge about their industry to share with others. The aim was definitely not to squeeze as many people into the space as possible, but rather to enhance this open, cooperative and research driven organisation. It’s actually quite rare among real estate agencies to employ this type of open-­plan design, but RPM is not a stock standard business.

The approachable nature of RPM is also articulated in the light-weight appearance of furniture and joinery details within the reception and client lounge. The furniture is not solid and corporate, but more the kind of furniture you would have in your living room.
<cite>Andrew Wales, Head of Interiors, ROTHELOWMAN</cite>
</blockquote>

A liberal use of the colour black including on the few office walls is a direct reference to the business. Wales notes that black can be "quite confronting, but it’s not if you get it right," adding that "(it )results in a space and business that looks strong, confident and bold, creating a marriage of brand and business."

Another major element of RPM’s company culture reflected in the design is the high level of customer service offered to clients. On site is a large outdoor area, presentation room and lounge, plus meeting rooms with a full-­size working bar all for the purposes of client entertainment and enjoyment. User experiences are further enhanced through the curated selection of materials including timber, stone and steel, with several custom-­made furniture pieces by Jardan and Stylecraft.

The use of residential-­style furniture reinforces the concept of an office space that is both corporate but also laid back with ROTHELOWMAN drawing on its experience in residential and hospitality projects to help inform how the spaces are designed. As Wales puts it a workspace is a living space ­ people can spend more time in the office than they do at home, so it has to be more than just a place to go to work. It has to provide opportunities which facilitate and encourage good working relationships while also providing spaces to work alone.

The design has also considered future growth and expansion with the capacity to accommodate an increase in staff numbers of around 15% based on RPM's ambitions and aspirations. Beyond this says Wales RPM's mobile staff would be required to split their time across two days. Overall, the innovative layout and interiors of the new RPM headquarters are visual proof of the company’s strong growth and its approach to real estate in Melbourne. The result is a layout and interior palette that is sophisticated and modern but also approachable and a strong representation of the RPM Real Estate business itself.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/rothelowman-rpm-rachael-dere-01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="RPM Office Melbourne interior. Photo by Rachael Dere"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rothelowman-rpm-rachael-dere-01.jpg?itok=EA6gTF-v" title="RPM Office Melbourne interior. Photo by Rachael Dere" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>RPM Office Melbourne interior. Photo by Rachael Dere</figcaption></figure>
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Laurence Dragomir

Designing for a mobile workforce: RPM's new head office by ROTHELOWMAN

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In light of Michael Banak's recent appointment to the role of Principal at national design firm <a href="/architects/rothelowman">RotheLowman</a>, Apartments.com.au thought it an opportune time to chat with the Michael given his extensive credentials in sustainable workplace design.

Holding a membership with the Green Building Council of Australia and accreditation as a Green Star professional, Michael Banak also participated in the Australian Institute of Architects’ mentoring program. Partnering with fellow Principal Ben Pomroy, the duo will spearhead RotheLowman's expansion into the commercial office sphere with a view toward technologically intelligent and sustainable workplace solutions.

Encompassing topics such as RotheLowman's current commercial-driven workbook, evolving expectations and emerging sustainability trends, the chat transpired as follows.

Apartments.com.au: How many current commercial projects are in design on a national scale. Is commercial design a growing sector within RotheLowman?

Michael Banak: RotheLowman is currently working on 14 wide-ranging commercial projects from large-scale office to boutique and mixed-use commercial outcomes. These projects are at varying stages from concept design through to construction across our three national offices.

Our collaborative architecture and interior design teams are specialists at embedding organisational culture into our architectural solutions and as a result it’s a sector that’s expanded in our business. My recent appointment combined with the existing knowledge of our established commercial team has allowed us to provide an increased offering specialising in business spaces.

UM: RotheLowman is particularly strong in residential design in Melbourne. Are there any commercial projects in Melbourne on the radar?

MB: We are also working on a major office development in <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a> pending town planning. This project will showcase the firm’s commercial knowledge through an innovative design featuring flexible and efficient office space; green roofs and break-out terraces; atrium spaces with communication stairs that frame key city views; and cutting edge mechanical and lifting systems.

<a href="/new-apartments/richmond-vic-3121">Richmond</a>-based <a href="/developments/burnley-vic-3121">East Edge Botanicca</a> is in planning; cutting-edge strata offices settled amidst the beauty of the Yarra River designed to elicit the professionalism of a tightly held corporate hub. Offices and communal spaces transition the outdoors in using light interplay and generous balconies, while sleek finishes, restrained warehouse-inspired design and communal green hubs facilitate professional interaction.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image17_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="East Edge Botanicca. Image: ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="245" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_6.jpg?itok=QZ6l8Ntk" title="East Edge Botanicca. Image: ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>East Edge Botanicca. Image: RotheLowman</figcaption></figure>We have recently completed a refurbishment of the RPM Real Estate Group headquarters for a company that has experienced a 370 per cent increase in revenue over the last four years, and has sold 25 per cent of all residential lots available across Melbourne’s metropolitan growth areas over the 2014/2015 period.

The design reflects the people-oriented, sophisticated and approachable nature of the RPM business in a unified manner that overcomes the physically divided office and high proportion of dispersed workers.

UM: Advancing technology has become more prevalent in commercial design. What are the current prevailing technologies influencing green building design?

MB: New technologies I’ve observed in green office buildings, firstly, include connectivity. Ease of communication between workers provides efficiency and therefore reduced use of environmental resources. These technologies allow greater user control of their environments.

The user for example can dial into the office before or after work and control lighting, heating and sound, this can be set to change for different times of the day, moods or seasons. Other technologies that I’ve begun to see regularly integrated include low emittance windows and smart glass; cool roofs and photovoltaic (solar) cell technology that can be used as a thin film applied to glass.

UM: Net Zero commercial buildings. Are they viable, should or will they become the norm via legislation? Is the onus on the architect or the developer to create such an outcome?

MB: Net zero buildings are grid-integrated buildings capable of generating as much energy as they consume through advanced technologies and on-site power generation. This includes power generated from the sun, wind or earth to exceed demands of the building.

To meet our energy reduction targets this type of development is inevitable. It needs to be legislated and supported by government to be successful, in the same way Green Star was supported in the early days by government for all government commercial projects. This paved the way for Green Star rated commercial buildings to be the norm.

It is the architect’s responsibility to promote net zero buildings, to protect the environment and provide a business case to the developer to support this. Generally, a developer will only entertain this idea if they are looking for a long-term investment.

UM: You are a Green Star accredited professional and a member of the Green Building Council of Australia. What benchmarks in design are required to fulfill the requirements as outlined by the two bodies, and are these requirements often changing to meet evolving expectations/benchmarks?

MB: The Green Star accreditation requires further education – I undertook a course and spent six months studying to pass the exam. I ensure that I undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements each year to maintain my accreditation and stay up to date with current trends.

The CPD requirements for the accreditation cover a range of areas including Green Star sustainable developments, rating tools, case studies and innovation. Memberships to the GBCA also provide access to events and resources to ensure that my practice continues to lead and innovate.

UM: How have workplace interiors changes to suit evolving tenant needs/requirements and how do you think they will further evolve into the future?

MB: The emergence of remote working has widespread implications for the traditional commercial office. Technology allowing us to work less at our desks has increased our office mobility, reducing the space required for a typical office.

Architects are now able to design non-designated office space where a mobile workforce can plug in on their days in the office. The trend towards hot-desking has been refined through trial and error – a scaled, team-based version of hot-desking is now most common in project-based commercial offices, rather than an all-encompassing model.

The reduction in use of paper has also meant less storage is required and therefore spaces can exist with a smaller footprint. Activity based work settings are popular at the moment, and I envision in the future that workplaces will incorporate greater control for workers, enabling them to dictate the ambient conditions of their workplace instantly, wherever they choose to be.
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Sustainability in the commercial sphere: RotheLowman's Michael Banak talks to Urban.com.au

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First covered on Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/what-the-fook-84-88-queensbridge-street-southbank">over two years ago</a>, <a href="http://88melbourne.com.au/">88 Melbourne</a> was officially launched by New Sky Group on 30 April, marking its first major foray into the Melbourne market.

The project has already proven popular with locals currently living within Southbank and interstate purchasers with buyers from Sydney in particular.

The $100 million 60-storey tower, located in the Southbank Entertainment Precinct is designed by RotheLowman in conjunction with KPDO.

Inspired by hand crafted jewelry and the art of origami, the building features a three-dimensional diamond patterned façade, that will shimmer during the day. This will be further accentuated in the evening sky by an integrated LED installation, the first residential tower in Melbourne to feature a full height LED lighting design.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/88m_03.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="88 Melbourne hero perspective. Image courtesy of New Sky Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1114" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/88m_03.jpg?itok=-YWmatxh" title="88 Melbourne hero perspective. Image courtesy of New Sky Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>88 Melbourne hero perspective. Image courtesy of New Sky Group</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
88 Melbourne will have a sophisticated presence in the city and change the way people think of apartment living. It will be an iconic Melbourne address and a lasting moment in the evolution of local architecture and how we design for changing life-stages.
<cite>Chris Hayton, Principal, RotheLowman</cite>
</blockquote>

88 Melbourne will be Melbourne’s first apartment building to feature hand-crafted kitchen appliances by Sub- Zero and Wolf, the brand associated with professional chefs internationally including Heston Blumenthal, Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver.

At time of writing, 72 of 252 apartments within 88 Melbourne have been sold in the first 3 weeks, with 50% of the 1 bedroom apartments sold. Apartments range in size from 50-58sqm for 1 bedroom apartments, up to 88sqm for 2 bedroom and 113-158sqm for the 3 bedroom apartments with an average of five apartments per floor.

Penthouses occupy full floors and feature floor to ceiling heights of four metres.

Sales agent Matt George of Urban Activation said 88 Melbourne was a unique project for the city and with the introduction of stricter planning controls meant the chances of views being built out were less likely particularly above level 44. 88 Melbourne identified a gap in the market for owner-occupier driven apartment stock within the CBD and Southbank according to Matt.

<blockquote>
The city has not seen a CBD tower of this scale designed specifically with owner occupiers in mind before. While investors will undoubtedly be interested in this building, its residents will overwhelmingly reside here.

It reflects an evolution to a more New York urban style of living in Melbourne, as more and more families and empty nesters trade their family home for an urban pad with everything they need either in their building or on their doorstep.
<cite>Matt George, Urban Activation</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/88m_amenities_level.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Level 8 recreational facilities. Image courtesy New Sky Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/88m_amenities_level.jpg?itok=7ynvjg42" title="Level 8 recreational facilities. Image courtesy New Sky Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Level 8 recreational facilities. Image courtesy New Sky Group</figcaption></figure>The AFR has reported that 88 Melbourne has received consent from Planning Minister Richard Wynne to increase its height by six floors to an overall height of 199 metres, or 208 metres to top of plant. Construction of 88 Queensbridge is expected to commence in late October / early November with an expected construction programme of two years.
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New Sky thinking: 88 Melbourne

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Highett is set to mirror neighbouring suburbs such as Cheltenham and Moorabbin with a taste of high density apartment living. No stranger to smaller stature apartment projects, a planning application was lodged with City of Kingston during February for a prime Highett development site located at 1233-1237 Nepean Highway.

Designed by RotheLowman for developer Growland Group, the 13 level building sits on a site of 4,383sqm. Apartments.com.au recently <a href="/news/growland-group-assumes-a-greater-presence-across-melbourne">touched upon the site</a> which was subject to a concept design by McBride Charles Ryan, although RotheLowman has been installed as project lead.

Dubbed the Highett Gateway Project, the large tract of land holds frontages to Southland Shopping Centre and an open air car park to the south, the ever-busy Nepean Highway to the west and low-rise residential properties to the north and east. The proposal also maintains a secondary address of 60-64 Matthieson Street, Highett.

The development site was offered for sale by Savills during September 2015.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image66_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of the site. Image: Savills"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image66_1.jpg?itok=6RQnfDle" title="Aerial perspective of the site. Image: Savills" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of the site. Image: Savills</figcaption></figure>RotheLowman Senior Associate Belinda Nincevic provided Apartments.com.au with the following project description:

<blockquote>
The concept for this proposal focuses on the opportunity to create a community, through the building’s composition, articulation and iconic presence in this location.

The overall development will create a visual buffer to the blank hard edges at the northern side of the shopping centre while the commercial frontage will activate and improve the urban streetscape. A new pedestrian link is also proposed along the southern boundary promoting an improved pedestrian experience and connection between transport, commercial and residential destinations.

The proposal is for a collection of buildings varying in height from three to thirteen storeys; all of which connect at pedestrian level.
<cite>Belinda Nincevic, Senior Associate, RotheLowman</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/v1article.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new Nepean Highway focal point? Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v1article.jpg?itok=p5i6m6bd" title="A new Nepean Highway focal point? Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Nepean Highway focal point? Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure>Overall the 13 storey proposal totals 31,282.1sqm in Gross Floor Area, and will consist of approximately 265 apartments with associated amenities. Provisions for 289 car spaces have been included.

City of Kingston currently have the project at a Request for Further Information stage, with public advertising likely to follow for may would become Highett's tallest building.
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