Leading Australian integrated property development group Aqualand is redefining the definition of luxury in their AURA by Aqualand mixed-use tower in North Sydney.

The $1 billion residential community is the second to be delivered by Aqualand’s internal construction arm, Aqualand Construction, and will comprise 386 premium apartments above a richly landscaped two-storey retail podium and commercial spaces.

Located at 168 Walker Street, on the edge of the rapidly transforming North Sydney CBD, AURA is nearing completion, with Aqualand having recently marked the construction of its uppermost floor, which rises 28 storeys above the streetscape, with a topping out ceremony.

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This period in AURA’s construction is an interesting time, according to Aqualand’s Executive Director Development &amp; Construction Tom Catalovski, as the various ‘layers’ of luxury are briefly visible at various stages throughout the building’s ongoing fit out.

“When most people use the term ‘luxury’, they’re generally referring to the quality of the fixtures and fittings – the elements of the residence on show and used on a daily basis, such as counter tops, cabinetry, tiling, tapware, lighting and the flooring, for example,” Catalovski said.

“As these fittings are currently being installed floor-by-floor in AURA, the fact that they epitomise ‘luxury’ is clearly evident, but our idea of ‘luxury’ goes beyond the surface to also describe the additional features we’re building into future proof the structure, the layers that won’t be seen when the fit outs are complete.

“It’s the details you don’t see, behind the walls, floors and ceilings that gives our clients security over time, and this is especially important when there’s such an industry focus on building defects,"&nbsp;Catalovski said.

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Catalovski says most&nbsp;residents won’t ever know about the additional luxurious features they're choosing to install in AURA.

“While we’re installing our hand-selected marble, which was inspected on various site visits to quarries in Greece, and high-grade direct-fix timber flooring, it’s really what’s underneath this layer that defines our approach to ‘luxury’, such as the high-quality water proofing membrane we install and the double-glazed façade windows providing acoustic protection, for example,"&nbsp;Catalovski says.

“Many people assume developers install bottom of the range fittings and fixtures of a perceived quality brand and position them as the best quality. However, at Aqualand we go to great lengths to ensure all the inclusions are best-in-class, and what’s installed is exactly to our strict specifications and meets our high expectations."

Catalovski says Aqualand intend&nbsp;to be in the luxury market for generations to come, so their reputation for delivering the best possible quality is of paramount importance. It was the driving factor as to why Aqualand developed their own in-house construction arm, to ensure build quality is second to none and truly lasts the test of time.

Aqualand&nbsp;go to great lengths to meet and exceed the standards mandated by the Building Code of Australia. They've appointed industry leading independent peer review&nbsp;consultants, ensuring they adopt their recommendations and implement best-in-class procedures with their building standards.

Catalovski says they've gone above and beyond by hiring a team of independent tier one consultants to conduct peer reviews of the entire design and construction process initially specified by their tier one project team which includes world-renowned architects Woods Bagot, Richards Stanisich and Turf Design Studio, plus all the top contractors and premium suppliers such as Gaggenau, Bosch, Sub-zero, Technogym, Samsung, and Parisi.

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Aqualand has also elected to engage a third party to undertake a peer review on quality assurance, once the fit out is complete.

“We’ve engaged a company called Strata Defect Specialists Sydney to undertake a third-party independent defecting review, in addition to that carried out by our building team, to help ensure an outstanding experience for our customers at their pre-settlement inspections. They’ll be ensuring we’re delivering the quality our clients have come to expect of us. Again, this goes way beyond the industry standard."

A clearly evident aspect of AURA’s luxury offering are the oversized apartments, which exceed the North Sydney Council’s minimum building requirements. The standard size for a two-bedroom apartment in the area is 80 sqm, with AURA’s measuring 95 sqm, plus a wintergarden, making them well over 100 sqm in total. AURA’s design was revised three times to increase the size of the apartments, with the initial plan decreasing from 448 residences to 386.

Other luxury inclusions visible to residents include the integration of the latest technology, including provisions to charge electric vehicles. A pool of Tesla share vehicles will be available for hire, all apartments will have full fibre nbn internet connections, and Wi-Fi hot spotting will be installed in common areas throughout the entire building.

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The building will also benefit from a building management system to monitor and control the building’s services to ensure efficient management and allow for early detection and rectification of any issues to ensure the building is always operating optimally.

AURA represents the fifth residential project delivered by Aqualand since the company’s launch in 2014 and is well on the way to joining a portfolio of other notable completed projects such as BLUE at Lavender Bay in Milsons Point and The REVY at Darling Island.

Aqualand Group Managing Director, Jin Lin, says Aqualand’s integrated holistic business model is another key to their success.

“We’re continuing to grow strength by strength. Even in these uncertain times we’re still performing strongly due to the 100% ownership of our development and internal construction arm, and other lifestyle service and hospitality business offerings,"&nbsp;Lin said, adding that their&nbsp;other completed landmark projects are testament to their focus on delivering quality.

"This is especially attractive to our clients at a time when many other developers are struggling to find builders for their projects and buyers are asking who’s building the project as one of their very first questions. Construction quality really is top of mind now."

AURA will feature an extensive podium level retail precinct providing residents with a curated shopping and dining destination on their doorstep, including a providore, bakery, café and wine bar, an all-day diner and a contemporary Japanese restaurant. A network of landscaped laneways will also welcome visitors into the precinct.

Other resident amenities include a lifestyle concierge service, gym equipped with world- leading fitness technology brand Technogym, wellness room, and end-of-trip facilities. A glamorous rooftop area offers a sky sun deck, private dining rooms, barbecue and kitchen space for year-round al fresco entertaining.

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Joel Robinson

Aqualand's idea of luxury goes beyond the surface: Inside the final stages of AURA by Aqualand's luxury aesthetics

Brisbane developer Aria Property Group is reviving its green South Brisbane apartment development, pitched as an Urban Forest when initially drafted nearly four years ago.

The Koichi Takada-designed building at 23-25 Glenelg Street was approved at 20 levels a few years ago, after council made Aria cut 10 levels from their original 30-level proposal.

Aria argued that the new 20-level height limit made the project economically unviable.

<img alt="Aria" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="53509ee5-05fe-43a0-9194-a8e076a906d8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-12-06%20at%209.13.26%20am.png?VersionId=4ZWdY9FPpG9x.3r2bZDwx6DLruvFoTTg" />

After back and forth, with the Brisbane Council approaching the State Government to&nbsp;implement a Temporary Local Planning Instrument for the Kurilpa area, the tower is now back in planning at its original 30 levels.

The Town Planning Report by Urbis said the project will be one of the world's greenest buildings, with a green plot ratio of 200 per cent. A green plot ratio&nbsp;provides a quantitative assessment of the amount of vegetation and open spaces in relation to built-up areas.

"Aria’s ‘Urban Forest’ comprises a truly iconic and world-class residential building, one which links Musgrave Park and South Bank Parklands," Urbis noted in their report.

"With a one-of-a-kind building offering dramatic views, significant community benefits, housing diversity and design excellence through lush subtropical greenery to the building."

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Urbis said the project landscape architects, LatStudios, have analysed the world’s most recognisable and acclaimed green buildings to confirm that the proposal does indeed provide the most landscaping for any residential building in the world.

The ground plane has been dedicated as a considered open space at a more intimate scale than the nearby large and medium scale public green spaces with a variety of seating, open space, lighting, art, water features, high volume, sculptural green columns.

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"The proposal goes above and beyond the usual offering for a residential building with a level of community and public benefit that is unprecedented for any development of this scale in Brisbane – a true landmark for the city and a new benchmark for innovative subtropical design in Australia," Urbis added.

The 30-level tower would home 321 apartments, down from 383 apartments in the original 30-level design. There will be a variety of configurations, from one-bedroom to five-bedroom apartments.

Recreational space will be on the communal rooftop, where there will be a 50-metre infinity pool and a number of spas, cabanas and day beds, yoga spaces, meditation pods, and barbecue and alfresco areas.

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"The permeable and sculptural collection of rooftop forms interspersed with lush vegetation give the skyline a unique subtropical crown that will be lit like a cluster of lanterns punctuating the South Brisbane silhouette," Urbis said.

"The crown also provides a practical function in shading the external open space and amenities for all residents to enjoy. The outdoor space allow residents the opportunity to celebrate and embrace Brisbane’s mild climate with a multitude of options for communal recreation with spectacular views in all directions."

ARIA has a strong track record of delivering sculptural rooftops across Brisbane. Their recently completed Upper House by Aria, also in South Brisbane, features a double-storey rooftop with golden ribbons crowning the 32-level building.

Aria revive plans for "one of the world's greenest buildings" in South Brisbane

The third tower of the landmark $1.5 billion three-tower Jewel is now being presented to the market for the first time.

The release is being called the&nbsp;Diamond Tower Collection of Jewel Private Residences, and comes following the sell-out&nbsp;of the Jewel Private Residences Tower 1 Sapphire Collection. That had 100 apartments which sold for a total of $200 million.

The first release of the Diamond Tower Collection comprises just 15 of the premium apartments in the third tower, listed by Jewel developer, Australian investment and development company AW Jewel.

The private residences are priced from $1.6 million and range up to $7 million for a three-bedroom apartment.

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The 34-storey absolute beachfront tower encompasses 108 apartments in total, with bespoke elements in each apartment corresponding to the unique diamond shape building structure, resulting in no two floorplans being the same.

&nbsp;A unique premium inclusion to the Diamond Tower Collection of premium apartments is they have the only true and genuine concierge service available to private residences on the Gold Coast. No other current private residential apartments on the Gold Coast offers this level of concierge services provided by the Diamond Tower Collection.&nbsp;

The concierge offers a premium range of services from greeting residents and their visitors and accepting parcels through to organising restaurant and event bookings, catering and in-house chefs. The concierge can manage a variety of domestic tasks including luggage handling, absentee owner services, laundry and dry cleaning, floral arrangements and apartment cleaning.

Diamond Tower Collection residents will also have exclusive access to state-of-the-art wellness facilities by The Langham, Gold Coast on Level 2 in their building, available for use only to hotel guests and Diamond Tower Collection residents. That includes a 20-metre indoor magnesium swimming pool and a fully equipped 262 sqm gymnasium overlooking the beach.

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AW Jewel General Manager Yutao Li said the release of the Diamond Tower Collection was a major milestone in the delivery of the fully completed Jewel to being the landmark five-star hotel and residential precinct for the Gold Coast and Australia.

“Following the recent release of Tower 3 titles, our team is very happy to be launching the long-awaited Diamond Tower Collection, our signature range of ultra-premium apartments at Jewel Private Residences,” Li said.

“Jewel Private Residences sales team TOTAL Property Group has been preparing the Diamond Tower Collection for release to the market and has styled five new display apartments to showcase the breathtaking views and demonstrate the apartments’ potential for the ultimate beachfront lifestyle.”

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TOTAL Property Group Managing Director Adrian Parsons said the release of the Diamond Tower Collection presented the prestige property market with an incredible opportunity.

“Following the outstanding sales success in 2023 of over 100 apartments within the Sapphire Collection, we are proud to present a limited release of 15 apartments within the new,&nbsp;<a name="m_4688472948180721901__Hlk152566566">never before seen</a>&nbsp;Diamond Tower Collection,” Parsons said.

“The Diamond Tower is exceptionally well positioned at Jewel on absolute beachfront, between the prime coastal destinations of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach on a quieter stretch of beach away from the&nbsp;crowds.&nbsp;

“Demand for luxury property in Southeast Queensland, and particularly on the Gold Coast, is not slowing down with strong internal migration driving demand that we expect will continue for many years."

<img alt="Jewel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a230494e-8016-40af-b7af-f6ae6abadda1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-12-05%20at%208.35.12%20pm.png?VersionId=v1EDEDikkg7HWWE9FSraU1maxZ1kQtaX" />

Parsons says whether it is for living in or holidaying, there has been unprecedented demand for larger sized private apartment residences with extensive luxury resort style amenities.&nbsp;

“Obtaining the ultimate beachfront lifestyle is drawing buyers to the Gold Coast and the Diamond Tower Collection exceeds their expectations, being the only completed brand new five-star apartments currently available, and with unprecedented amenity by The Langham, Gold Coast," Parson says.

“Many of our buyers own multiple residences around the world and are drawn to the Gold Coast because of our idyllic coastal beachside city lifestyle that is becoming increasingly highly valued from high-net-worth world travellers.”

Jewel is located at 36 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast in a prime location between Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise. To showcase the just released Diamond Tower Collection, five new display apartments have opened in the Diamond Tower to demonstrate the potential interior design opportunities for various floorplans. Inspections available by appointment.

Final Jewel, Gold Coast apartment tower, released to market

The Darling Harbour of tomorrow is taking shape today with a major project progressing to the next phase of development and a new 2050 Vision being drafted by the NSW Government.

The State Significant Development (SSD) of Harbourside, is a key project moving Darling Harbour from a 1980s icon into a modern and thriving destination for the next generation of visitors.

The $764.5 million SSD has now been approved and involves the demolition of the original Harbourside building to make way for a new mixed-use 50-storey residential and commercial building, with up to 265 new homes.

As part of the project, Mirvac has agreed to a $5.2 million contribution to generate affordable housing, including in the surrounding Pyrmont area. Major renewal is also underway nearby with the restoration of the Pyrmont Bridge, expansion of the Chinese Garden, a new stage in Tumbalong Park, the opening of the new W Hotel, and the IMAX redevelopment.

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The Department of Planning and Environment is currently assessing a separate SSD for the design of Harbourside’s public domain, including upgrades to the waterfront promenade with seating, greenery, heritage interpretation (storytelling of the area’s history), and public art.

Additionally, the NSW Government has announced it is developing a Darling Harbour 2050 Vision to provide a ‘big picture’ for the community, allowing the precinct to evolve over time while keeping its unique, world-famous character.

The Vision is being developed in partnership with the community with over 1,100 participants engaging in an online survey, pop up stalls and focus groups. Emerging themes from these sessions highlight opportunities to connect to the water, a need for more trees as well as greener and open space.

Aboriginal community engagement is currently underway, and the feedback will form an important part of the Vision.

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The Vision will deliver a planning framework to shape it into a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable waterfront precinct. A draft is expected to be exhibited for feedback mid-next year and will reflect the views of the community.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the NSW Government is focussed on continuing to rejuvenate this iconic part of Sydney’s harbour foreshore, and to drive more housing in well connected locations.

“This major SSD approval will support the Darling Harbour of tomorrow and create hundreds of new homes close to transport and services," Scully said.

“The 2050 Vision will also guide future decision-making and secure Darling Harbour as a world-famous destination for generations to come.”

Next steps for future of Darling Harbour as Mirvac's 50-storey mixed-use development secures approval

Sydney developer ALAND has announced a partnership with IHG Hotels &amp; Resorts for voco Gosford to be the hotel component of their Gosford apartment development, Archibald by ALAND.

The mixed-use tower named after Archibald Acheson, the second Earl of Gosford, sits on a prime 5,656 sqm site overlooking the Brisbane River and will include 320 apartments, the 130-room lifestyle hotel, and portfolio of&nbsp;hospitality venues and a podium outdoor pool with swim-up bar.

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The design-focused hotel will feature guest rooms of up to 41 sqm and executive suites of up to 54 sqm.

The hospitality offerings extend to a&nbsp;street level pub and pizzeria, a rooftop sky bar and lounge on level 28, a signature restaurant under celebrity chef Dany Karam (former Executive Chef at the award-winning restaurant Black Bar and Grill in Pyrmont), a wellness centre and conference and events facilities.

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Marking IHG’s continued expansion into regional Australia, the hotel will be the second voco in regional NSW.

Andrew Hrsto, ALAND Founder and Director said they are thrilled to be partnering with IHG on the once-in-a-generation development in Gosford – one that will enliven the CBD and take this attractive regional city to the next level.

“Archibald is set to reposition Gosford as a major destination for holidaymakers and corporate hospitality," Hrsto said.

"The voco brand was the perfect fit for what is set to be a vibrant lifestyle destination on the Central Coast, at a time of significant growth and investment in Gosford.

“By integrating the voco brand into our development, residents will benefit from the atmosphere and amenities of a world-class hotel right at their doorstep, creating a cohesive experience of luxury everyday living for anyone who resides at the Archibald or is visiting as a guest.”

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Archibald by ALAND has been popular with downsizers, investors, and local first home buyers due to the&nbsp;attracted by government schemes.

Archibald by ALAND is scheduled for completion in Q3 2024 and will offer unique features and easy access to the region's beaches and amenities.

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ALAND partner with hotel chain voco for Archibald by ALAND, Gosford development

The top 10 off the plan apartment developers to look out for in Brisbane in 2024

Brisbane-based townhouse developer Azure Development Group is continuing its push for delivering a more affordable housing product in Brisbane's fringe areas.

They've secured a 4.5 hectare infill site at&nbsp;499-507 Anzac Avenue in Rothwell in the Moreton Bay LGA, paying $20.1 million.

Azure, who have a development pipeline of $1.5 billion over the next five years in South East Queensland are planning&nbsp;around 230 townhouses, which will add to their three current projects in Rothwell. The project will have a mix of three and four-bedroom terrace homes. Azure is also considering a two-bedroom product to make their offering even more diverse.

Azure’s portfolio is tackling demand at both ends of the market - from downsizers looking for premium stock in Brisbane’s inner city to more price pointed housing in the key fringe growth precincts.

They have an active portfolio of seven developments, including&nbsp;two luxury apartment projects in inner Brisbane - One Earle Lane at Toowong which is approaching a sellout and One Five Six by Azure at New Farm, which set a price record for the inner city in 2022 with its $11.4 million penthouse sale.

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Azure’s Acquisition Director Chris Schroor says the acquisition of the Rothwell site builds on the company’s strategy of townhouse developments to meet the growing demand for affordable housing.

“We’re bullish about townhouses and we’re doubling down on our strategy through this acquisition,” Schroor said.

“We currently have three townhouse projects on the northern side of Brisbane, so this will add to that strategy.

“However, in order to meet the affordability criteria, we’re finding that we have to move further out of the Brisbane metropolitan area. Any offerings that we can deliver below $800,000 are selling quite strongly.”

In August, Azure launched the $55 million Munro by Azure which comprises 100 terrace homes in a gated estate located at Bundamba in Ipswich. The sold-out development offered three-bedroom, two-bathroom terrace homes for between $545,000 and $557,000 each.

“Our plans for Rothwell are similar to the Munro project, although it will be stronger from a price point considering the location,” Schroor added.

“It’s important to secure sites such as this that can deliver projects of scale to ensure we can meet the price points where the market dominates at present.”

Azure already has two other Ipswich projects in train – the $50 million Seasons by Azure, comprising 68 terrace homes in the Brookwater enclave in Springfield which is due for completion in December, and a proposed 129-lot project at Flinders View which is still in the planning stages.

Schroor says there's been confidence from all sector of the market, which he says has well and truly returned.

“We’ve had strong sales in the second half, with Munro selling out and the Northlakes development selling strongly.”

The Rothwell project joins Azure’s existing Brisbane northside projects of The Terraces by Azure, a 53-townhouse development at Mango Hill set for completion in January, and Willow by Azure at Northlakes which comprises 76 terrace homes that are priced from $699,900.

Azure plans 230 townhomes at new Rothwell, Moreton Bay site

Coronation Property has revealed their first stage of their recently acquired <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/erskineville-nsw">Erskineville</a> block in the growing Ashmore Estate.

Coronation Property, who <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/coronation-property-plan-over-1000-apartments-at-newly-acquired-park-sydney-erskineville-site">18 months ago snared around 50,000 sqm of the Ashmore Estate development</a> from <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/greenland-australia">Greenland Golden Horse</a>, has submitted plans for&nbsp;a collection of buildings with 146 apartments at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/upsy-erko-155-mitchell-road-erskineville">155 Mitchell Road</a>.

Architecture firm Silvester Fuller won the City of Sydney Design Competition over submissions by FJMT and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/mhn-design-union">MHNDU</a> who supplied a plan jointly with Archer Office.

The brief by the City of Sydney panel was to "develop a superior residential development outcome for the site that reinforces the desired neighbourhood character of Ashmore and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/erskineville-nsw">Erskineville</a>."

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26a6b747-ef33-40b6-b70f-f7d17ff64973" href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/upsy-erko-155-mitchell-road-erskineville"><a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26a6b747-ef33-40b6-b70f-f7d17ff64973" href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/155-mitchell-road-erskineville"><img alt="Upsy Erko" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26a6b747-ef33-40b6-b70f-f7d17ff64973" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-12-03%20at%207.32.41%20pm.png?VersionId=sja.m8Ozg6ZXbjaWsn2F3Un0949HWS_w" /></a></a>

The plans by Silvester Fuller were selected by the expert panel as part of the City of Sydney Design Competition, a mandatory part of the planning process for developments of this scale. The panel suggested the scheme by&nbsp;Silvester Fuller offers a unique built form that is the most compliant with the Stage 1 Concept envelope.

"The proposed scale and form are highly responsive to the surrounding existing and future development and presents a strong relationship between the park, the street and the through-site link. The internal planning is considered excellent and highly successful.

"The Silvester Fuller submission included excellent floorplate planning, rigorous apartment layout, three core arrangement with two lifts per core, generous entry lobbies and arrival areas within the apartments which made it stand out from the other submissions. The building separation relationship with the western neighbour is also a positive."

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e157a428-dfdb-463e-be39-89b2d3616b2a" href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/upsy-erko-155-mitchell-road-erskineville"><a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e157a428-dfdb-463e-be39-89b2d3616b2a" href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/155-mitchell-road-erskineville"><img alt="Upsy Erko" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e157a428-dfdb-463e-be39-89b2d3616b2a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-12-03%20at%207.32.45%20pm.png?VersionId=3eUaozKYdE5_fkhPyHjIpcHbIoYl96iR" /></a></a>

The buildings will have 146 apartments, from studios to a single four-bedroom apartment. The majority of apartments are two and three-beds, a large portion of which have an additional study room.

Given strict planning laws don't allow for street-level activation like cafes, Silvester Fuller created apartments which present more as terrace homes. They have two or three-bedrooms, the third bedroom access through sliding doors on the main living area.

Their designs also incorporated a striking pitched roof above the "roof apartments", which are the largest in the development. They have between 110 sqm and 143 of internal living area and a further 66 sqm plus of balconies and wrap around terraces.

Despite no ground-level retail, Silvester Fuller has planned a communal "pavilion in the park", a multi-purpose, bookable room within the garden. There's also further private residential amenity in the form of a rooftop garden in the northern building wing with views of the city.&nbsp;

"This garden has been designed as a collection of outdoor rooms enabling multiple groups and individuals the opportunity to find and occupy their own space," Silvester Fuller noted in their Design Statement.

"The rooftop garden being open to sky with excellent solar access contrasts with the more protected ground plane providing a variety of outdoor spaces suitable for different times throughout the day and seasons all year round."

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="934503f8-c7ee-49ed-9baf-77b7bec3ab4d" href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/upsy-erko-155-mitchell-road-erskineville"><a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="934503f8-c7ee-49ed-9baf-77b7bec3ab4d" href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/155-mitchell-road-erskineville"><img alt="Upsy Erko" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="934503f8-c7ee-49ed-9baf-77b7bec3ab4d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-12-03%20at%207.44.16%20pm.png?VersionId=lQK5WLlz2XBHIFVIOLdj8B9d1NmUH4cK" /></a></a>

Silvester Fuller said the vision for <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/upsy-erko-155-mitchell-road-erskineville">the project</a> is to reflect the uniqueness and capture the spirit of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/erskineville-nsw">Erskineville</a>.

"Located on the edge of McPherson Park within the Inner West Sydney suburb of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/erskineville-nsw">Erskineville</a>, this neighbourhood is unique. Not as serious as the East, quirkier than the beaches, not as straight as the North shore and certainly edgier than the West.

"<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/upsy-erko-155-mitchell-road-erskineville">The project</a>&nbsp;aims to capture the spirit of this place, the greater neighbourhood and the specific qualities offered by the site itself - fun and joyful - reflecting the anticipated play and recreation offered by the park adjacent.

"Much like the location itself, our vision for the project&nbsp;is to foster a community of multi-cultural, multi-generational occupants and provide moments of joy and delight for all those who pass her by

"<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/upsy-erko-155-mitchell-road-erskineville">The project</a> balances the playful and the pragmatic, the whimsical and the whacky, wrapped in an overall concept focused on creating uplifting spaces to be in and around - a building to make you smile."

The frontage to the new park is direct, with no road between the building and the green.

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a01ddc9c-d307-4fca-a584-fd1e8f13d3f3" href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/155-mitchell-road-erskineville"><img alt="Upsy Erko" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a01ddc9c-d307-4fca-a584-fd1e8f13d3f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-12-03%20at%207.32.31%20pm.png?VersionId=bFqOm9vU1rnlrn8yAhvuww2DCcm5vfBK" /></a>

"This presents an opportunity for a closer relationship between the apartment interiors and the park beyond - the building skin able to open freely with reduced acoustic and pollutant pressures"."

"The architectural tones serve as a backdrop to the soft landscape of the park, sending forward the curated collection of native flora. The home types within <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/upsy-erko-155-mitchell-road-erskineville">the project</a> are focused around family life, with families coming in a variety of shapes and sizes. From people living alone with occasional guests through to larger families full of children and pets, there is a diversity of apartments and town houses to call home - a home for everyone in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/upsy-erko-155-mitchell-road-erskineville">the project</a>."

There are sustainable elements&nbsp;including double glazing, rainwater capture and re-use, rooftop solar panels and natural ventilation.

"Our vision is the creation of a new building that makes a positive contribution to its neighbourhood and extends the ecological systems of the masterplan by creating healthy new homes, energising the public realm and supporting a culture of a creative and cohesive residential community."

The Ashmore Estate is the largest precinct identified for urban renewal within the City of Sydney Local Government Area and historically comprised large warehouse buildings. The redevelopment of the Ashmore Estate is a staged development resulting in approximately 1,400 new dwellings, new retail floor space and public domain works.

Ashmore Estate will accommodate around 6,000 residents as development is staged over 10 years.

First look Urban reveal: Coronation Property's plans for Erskineville's Ashmore Estate

While the majority of the first wave of buyers in Aqualand's game changing North Sydney landmark AURA by Aqualand were downsizers, now completion is drawing near, young families are starting to emerge as one of the dominant buyer groups.

The location of AURA by Aqualand, in the heart of North Sydney on Walker Street, puts future residents within close proximity to a number of private schools, as well as the selective public school catchment area for North Sydney.

Directly behind AURA by Aqualand is&nbsp;Wenona School, an independent, secular day and boarding school for girls, offering junior and middle school through to college.

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There are plans by Reddam House, one of the top five private schools in New South Wales, to open a new facility in North Sydney, across the road from AURA in the Harry Seidler-designed Simsmetal House at 41 Mclaren Street.

Reddam House has long been one of the most exclusive schools in Sydney. The co-ed, non-denominational school caters for toddlers through to year 12. It's been run by Inspired Education Group since 2019. The only other locations are in the affluent suburbs of Woollahra and Bondi.

Reddam would become one of at least three&nbsp;co-educational private high schools on the north shore after Marist College started admitting girls last year.

Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College is another independent girls' school, only five minutes from AURA by Aqualand. Monte is the oldest independent girls' school on Sydney's North Shore. It is a Roman Catholic single-sex secondary day school for girls years 7-12 founded by Sisters of Mercy in 1875.&nbsp;

Two academically selective secondary day schools nearby are the government-funded North Sydney Boys High School and North Sydney Girls High School, known for their rigorous admissions process and academic excellence. The school emphasises a holistic education approach, fostering intellectual and personal development. Its proximity to AURA makes it a practical choice for families seeking free quality education without a lengthy commute.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=202990]

Other nearby schools less than two kilometres from the property are the North Sydney Girls and Boys Public School, St Thomas North Sydney Preschool, TrEd College and ANZAC Park Public School. There's the Cameragai Montessori Preschool, part of the highly rated Montessori group of preschools, St Mary's Catholic Primary School, and the&nbsp;Australian Catholic University, North Sydney Campus.

The future Victoria Cross Station, which will be open in 2024, will provide easy access to Sydney's extensive university network like the University of Technology Sydney, University of New South Wales, and The University of Sydney.

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bf2c2e9c-4ff6-4ca5-affc-5dc21436860b" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-12-06%20at%2012.47.29%20pm.png?VersionId=iG5QQBF6G74AfKMCehMuM1FFLJYHFn1R"><img alt="Aura by Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bf2c2e9c-4ff6-4ca5-affc-5dc21436860b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-12-06%20at%2012.47.29%20pm.png?VersionId=iG5QQBF6G74AfKMCehMuM1FFLJYHFn1R" /></a>

While schooling is the top priority for parents when looking for somewhere new to live, there's a number of other reasons families are being drawn to AURA by Aqualand.

Generally when buying a residence on the fringe of a business and transport precinct, buyers have to trade in the suburban lifestyle, but not at AURA by Aqualand.

The project is strategically located at the end of Walker Street, just a few hundred metres from St Leonards Park, a go-to for families on weekends.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=202995]

The 15-hectare park has a custom kids playground, barbecue areas and large expanses of open lawn space perfect for children. The park is also home to the famous North Sydney Oval, the Bon Andrews Oval and Cunningham Pavilion, as well as netball courts, cricket nets, and bowling greens. The North Sydney Oval complex also homes commercial and retail outlets, as well as a childcare centre.

Less than a 20-minute walk from the front doors of AURA by Aqualand is also Forsyth Park and Anderson Park, the latter not far from Neutral Bay village.

Not only is AURA by Aqualand ideally located for parents with education and parks on the doorstep, the size of the apartments are also why parents are so keen on low-maintenance apartment living.

AURA's oversized apartments exceed the North Sydney Council's minimum building requirements by a large margin.&nbsp;

The standard size for a two-bedroom apartment in the area is 80 sqm, with AURA’s measuring 95 sqm, plus a wintergarden, making them well over 100 sqm in total.

AURA’s design was revised three times to increase the size of the apartments, with the initial plan decreasing from 448 residences to 386.

A number of the apartments include a multi-purpose room, which can be set up as a media room, home office, or a kids living room and homework space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=203000]

Yet another motivation for parents is the onsite amenity within the building. AURA by Aqualand will feature an indoor swimming pool and a sky deck with barbecue space and sweeping views over the whole of Sydney.

For busy parents, there's also a gym fitted with equipment from leading fitness brand Technogym.&nbsp; The ground level of the building will home to an exciting retail precinct with a providore, bakery, café and wine bar, an all-day diner and a contemporary Japanese restaurant.

Construction at AURA by Aqualand is advancing quickly, with the external building structure now finished. The grounds works for the retail precinct has started. Aqualand is expecting residents to be moving into their apartments by mid-2024.

AURA by Aqualand represents the fifth residential project delivered by Aqualand since the company’s launch in 2014.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Why AURA by Aqualand is attracting the family buyer

Pyco Group has announced Brick Construction will build its West End apartment development Atelier, which is already 80 per cent sold following its launch in May this year.

Construction will commence in February 2024 on the Vulture Street development of 36 apartments, a unique offering given every apartment spans two levels.

Pyco sees the units more like vertical townhouses, starting from 143 sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=105965 project_image_fid=211837]

The focus by DAH Architecture was to take advantage of Brisbane's sub-tropical climate, with the apartments opening onto large courtyards, balconies or rooftop terraces.

The apartments, each with three bedrooms, were first released to the market starting from $1,575,000, while the larger apartments, ranging between 218 sqm and 272 sqm, started at $2,195,000. Those apartments have the rooftop terraces and private pools.

"In an industry facing challenges, it is critical to have the right builder partner who has a strong track record and expertise to deliver the vision we've created at Atelier," Pyco's Ben Dalgleish said on the appointment of Brick Construction.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=105965 project_image_fid=211841]

The Vulture Street project will replace an ageing backpacker hostel.&nbsp;YPM are in charge of the sales and marketing.

Atelier follows the success of Pyco's Albion apartment development Nouveau, another collection of vertical townhomes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=105965]

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

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