Discover the epitome of sustainable luxury at Echo, a groundbreaking development nestled in the heart of Hawthorn. Its prime location offers residents the luxury of stepping out to an array of cafes, boutique shops, and lush parks, promising a vibrant urban lifestyle balanced with a tranquil retreat.

With proximity to premier schools and excellent transport links, Echo Hawthorn embodies the essence of convenience and luxury, making it the perfect place to call home. This project is a revolutionary product designed to redefine comfort and sustainability in residential living. Echo offers a limited collection of eight north-facing townhouses, each a commitment to thermal comfort, acoustic excellence, and occupant comfort.&nbsp;

<h3>Passive House: A paradigm of sustainable comfort&nbsp;</h3>

At the core of Echo’s design philosophy is Passive House, an internationally recognised building standard that is the most stringent measure of building performance. This scientifically grounded approach ensures a comfortable living environment throughout the year, maintaining a steady 20-degree temperature without the need for additional conditioning.

Passive Houses are known for high levels of thermal comfort, quietness and excellent indoor air quality with the ventilation controls removing pollens, smoke and dust. Crafting a Passive House is complex and requires the collaboration of specialist consultants, suppliers, materials, and trades to deliver a robust product that can be certified by an independent third party.

The benefits of building to a Passive House standard are well-documented and proven, with residents able to enjoy improved health and well-being from the comfort and air quality, as well as the economic savings from a lower energy footprint and improved capital value of the home.&nbsp;

<h3>A testament to meticulous craftsmanship and sustainable luxury&nbsp;</h3>

Echo Hawthorn doesn’t compromise on modern conveniences and luxury. The heart of your home, the kitchen, is equipped with state-of-the-art V-ZUG appliances including the Combi-steam oven, renowned for producing incredible results with little effort. It's a space that invites both culinary creativity and daily functionality, blending seamlessly with the open-plan living areas.

As you move through each room, you'll notice the careful selection of quality fixtures and fittings that retain a timeless and elegant style. From the stunning stone benchtops to the textured porcelain tile floors that grace the kitchens and bathrooms, every detail has been meticulously chosen to offer a blend of aesthetic appeal and lasting quality.&nbsp;

<h3>Quality, comfort, and convenience&nbsp;</h3>

Echo is a rare opportunity for discerning buyers in Australia. It’s an exclusive chance to own a home built to the most-stringent global performance standard for buildings, designed by Neil Architecture, and well-located in the leafy, inner-city Hawthorn. Buyers can anticipate a home carefully designed for aesthetics and performance, developed by award-winning developers C Street Projects.

Enquire today to book a private appointment and tour.

Discover the epitome of sustainable luxury at Echo, a groundbreaking development nestled in the heart of Hawthorn. Its prime location offers residents the luxury of stepping out to an array of cafes, boutique shops, and lush parks, promising a vibrant urban lifestyle balanced with a tranquil retreat.

With proximity to premier schools and excellent transport links, Echo Hawthorn embodies the essence of convenience and luxury, making it the perfect place to call home. This project is a revolutionary product designed to redefine comfort and sustainability in residential living. Echo offers a limited collection of eight north-facing townhouses, each a commitment to thermal comfort, acoustic excellence, and occupant comfort. 

<h3>Passive House: A paradigm of sustainable comfort </h3>

At the core of Echo’s design philosophy is Passive House, an internationally recognised building standard that is the most stringent measure of building performance. This scientifically grounded approach ensures a comfortable living environment throughout the year, maintaining a steady 20-degree temperature without the need for additional conditioning.

Passive Houses are known for high levels of thermal comfort, quietness and excellent indoor air quality with the ventilation controls removing pollens, smoke and dust. Crafting a Passive House is complex and requires the collaboration of specialist consultants, suppliers, materials, and trades to deliver a robust product that can be certified by an independent third party.

The benefits of building to a Passive House standard are well-documented and proven, with residents able to enjoy improved health and well-being from the comfort and air quality, as well as the economic savings from a lower energy footprint and improved capital value of the home. 

<h3>A testament to meticulous craftsmanship and sustainable luxury </h3>

Echo Hawthorn doesn’t compromise on modern conveniences and luxury. The heart of your home, the kitchen, is equipped with state-of-the-art V-ZUG appliances including the Combi-steam oven, renowned for producing incredible results with little effort. It's a space that invites both culinary creativity and daily functionality, blending seamlessly with the open-plan living areas.

As you move through each room, you'll notice the careful selection of quality fixtures and fittings that retain a timeless and elegant style. From the stunning stone benchtops to the textured porcelain tile floors that grace the kitchens and bathrooms, every detail has been meticulously chosen to offer a blend of aesthetic appeal and lasting quality. 

<h3>Quality, comfort, and convenience </h3>

Echo is a rare opportunity for discerning buyers in Australia. It’s an exclusive chance to own a home built to the most-stringent global performance standard for buildings, designed by Neil Architecture, and well-located in the leafy, inner-city Hawthorn. Buyers can anticipate a home carefully designed for aesthetics and performance, developed by award-winning developers C Street Projects.

Enquire today to book a private appointment and tour.

Echo, Hawthorn - 360 Auburn Road, Hawthorn

The tide has well and truly turned in the Melbourne property market—and this time, it’s all about units.

While every other capital city in Australia experienced strong property price growth over the last 18 months or so, Melbourne lagged behind.

While the declines were modest—house values fell by -2.1 per cent in 2024 and unit values dropped by -3.2 per cent — the city’s flat performance puzzled many of those in the industry.

But the momentum is shifting.

<img alt="Melbourne" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="492a189c-a93c-4d9d-aa18-666eb2776200" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-05-07%20at%2011.14.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=9zbkdgkGJAL1S2.5MFvDVHWHhjpTbtev" />

&nbsp;

A cash rate cut in February has helped restore confidence, and Melbourne’s relative affordability has become a key attraction. Having slipped to sixth place in capital city affordability rankings—now trailing Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide—buyers and investors alike are beginning to view Melbourne as excellent value.

According to the Home Value Index by Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), unit values rose 0.4 per cenr in April, building on gains of 0.4 per cent in March and 0.2 per cent in February. Units are currently outperforming houses, which recorded a more modest 0.1 per cent increase in April.

Melbourne’s median unit value now sits at $610,000.

With further interest rate cuts on the horizon, many analysts believe Melbourne’s property market is poised for steady growth in the medium to long term as it begins to catch up with other capital cities.

<h2>What happened in Melbourne’s off the plan apartment market in April?</h2>

The renewed interest in Melbourne's unit market has spurred on developers in the off the plan apartment space.

Design-focused developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> appointed <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/brady-constructions" target="">Brady Constructions</a> to deliver the first stage of its <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a> neighbourhood — a rare garden-integrated apartment community on the former ABC Studios site on Gordon Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288419]

Brady will begin excavation on the large 11,740 sqm site, which neighbours the heritage-listed Rippon Lea Estate and its historic gardens, in the coming months.

Milieu has worked closely with <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/interior-designers/kpdo-architecture-interior-design">K.P.D.O.</a>, and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/landscape-architect/oculus">Oculus</a> to design buildings that integrate directly with the neighbouring gardens. Residents will have private access to the heritage grounds, which will also be maintained by Rippon Lea’s gardeners.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288414]

The fossil fuel-free apartments will feature renewable energy sources, EV charging, and water harvesting, as well as on-site wellness and hospitality offerings.

Milieu's Managing Director, Michael McCormack, called it a “once-in-a-lifetime project… immersed in nature with a truly unique community.”

Read more: <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/milieu-appoints-builder-for-elsternwick-gardens-neighbourhood">Milieu appoints builder for Elsternwick Gardens neighbourhood</a>

April saw the rare launch of a new apartment development—something that has been few and far between in Melbourne over the past 12 months. Even more notable, the project is located in the heart of Balwyn Village.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136850 project_image_fid=343580]

Supermarket giant Coles has teamed up with&nbsp;developer Dimas Property Group for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/white-weston-balwyn-village-259-281-whitehorse-road-balwyn-vic-3103">White &amp; Weston</a>—a boutique apartment project above a full-line Coles supermarket on Whitehorse Road.

Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> with landscaping by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo</a>,&nbsp;White &amp; Weston comprises just 45 two, three and four-bedroom residences in a three-level building.&nbsp; Residents will enjoy views over Balwyn Park and energy-efficient designs aligned with Sustainability Victoria’s Whole of Home Initiative.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136850 project_image_fid=343582]

With rooftop gardens, Miele appliances, Signorino stone finishes, and private outdoor spaces, the project targets empty nesters, professional singles, and young couples seeking convenience, luxury, and green living.

Read more: <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/coles-and-dimas-property-group-launch-white-weston-in-balwyn-village">Coles and Dimas Property Group launch White &amp; Weston in Balwyn Village</a>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136850 project_image_fid=343594]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/sunkin-property-group">Sunkin</a> took another major step in its ambitious <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/highett-common-37-graham-road-highett-vic-3190">Highett Common</a> masterplan in April, topping out one of the latest buildings in the new 9.3-hectare community next to Highett Station.

They will be welcoming residents in around six months time to the North Lane building. At the same time the first building is completed, so will the brand new one-hectare park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=300041]

The Townhomes Collection and Mews Collection are also progressing, with basement works for the latter already underway.&nbsp;Select residences are currently available with stamp duty savings and a $12,000 furniture and styling package by Coco Republic, offering added value for early buyers.

Read more: <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/sunkin-tops-out-next-highett-common-building-as-move-in-date-approaches">Sunkin tops out next Highett Common building as move-in date approaches</a>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=300049]

April marked the completion of one of most unique new developments to ever be delivered in Australia.

In a national first, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/c-street-projects">C. Street Projects</a> completed Australia’s first certified Passivhaus homes in <a href="Hawthorn">Hawthorn</a>—a trio of three-bedroom townhomes designed to be continuously ventilated with fresh, filtered air, significantly reducing allergens and pollutants in the home.

The turnkey homes maintain a year-round temperature of 23 degrees while using 70 per cent less energy than typical Victorian homes. With triple-glazed windows, straw panel insulation, EV chargers, solar, and battery storage, the homes operate at net zero energy and represent the new benchmark for sustainable living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112386 project_image_fid=338630]

Kin Seng Choo and Michael Robertson, the duo behind C. Street Projects, have spent the last five years developing a method and design approach to scaling certified Passivhaus projects suited to the unique challenges of Australian conditions.

“Australians should have access to sustainable homes built to global best practice," Choo says.

"Turnkey homes certified to the Passivhaus standard provide that independent verification and surety of quality."

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/project-marketer/jellis-craig-projects">Jellis Craig</a>&nbsp;Projects Director, Stephen Bowtell, is marketing ECHO Hawthorn.

Read more: <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/first-certified-passivhaus-homes-in-australia-complete-in-hawthorn">First certified Passivhaus homes in Australia complete in Hawthorn</a>

According to the Home Value Index by Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), unit values rose 0.4 per cenr in April, building on gains of 0.4 per cent in March and 0.2 per cent in February

Joel Robinson

City Beat April 2025: It's official, Melbourne is back

Until now, it has been nearly impossible to obtain a Passivhaus home without building one yourself.

C. Street Projects has collaborated with award-winning Neil Architecture to bring the world’s best standard for energy efficiency to Melbourne’s leafy Hawthorn.

These rare three-bedroom homes are continuously ventilated with fresh, filtered air, significantly reducing allergens and pollutants in the home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112386 project_image_fid=338634]

Designed to maintain a comfortable 23 degrees during all seasons of the year while using 70 per cent less energy than a typical Victorian home, the Passivhaus-certified homes are also incredibly quiet, thanks to triple-glazed windows, straw panel insulation, and intelligent airtight membranes. Additionally, they are equipped with EV chargers, PV solar, and battery storage, operating as net zero energy buildings for the ultimate sustainable lifestyle.

Kin Seng Choo and Michael Robertson, the duo behind C. Street Projects, have spent the last five years developing a method and design approach to scaling certified Passivhaus projects suited to the unique challenges of Australian conditions.

“Australians should have access to sustainable homes built to global best practice. Turnkey homes certified to the Passivhaus standard provide that independent verification and surety of quality,” says Choo.

“Passivhaus certification is the exemplary benchmark for high-performance building, recognised globally. While relatively new in Australia, this model is well established in Europe, the United States and Canada. The guaranteed performance from its stringent certification process is a major selling point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112386 project_image_fid=338637]

C. Street is committed to improving the quality of buildings with international best practices and innovates approaches that pair architectural design with excellent performance.

“It has been a challenge to deliver Passivhaus certification consistently and reliably because there is a rigorous testing and commissioning process at the end.

We’ve worked tirelessly on our approach to ensure this can be done at scale. Living in a Passivhaus is an awesome experience. It will change your perspective on what’s important in a home – away from surface finishes, to focusing on what’s under the hood and what true comfort really means,” says Robertson.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112386 project_image_fid=338647]

Choo says great architecture and material finishes must be paired with energy-efficient design and the quality of execution.

"Building your own certified Passivhaus is daunting, but now <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/echo-hawthorn-360-auburn-road-hawthorn">ECHO</a> provides a brand new, turnkey solution available to the market. Buyers have a choice."

Jellis Craig Projects Director, Stephen Bowtell, is marketing ECHO Hawthorn.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112386]

First certified Passivhaus homes in Australia complete in Hawthorn

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/c-street-projects">C Street Projects</a> introduced a revolutionary product to the off the plan market in Australia.

With only eight north-facing townhouses available, <a href="/buildings/echo-hawthorn-360-auburn-road-hawthorn">Echo</a> offers discerning buyers an exclusive opportunity to own a Passivhaus-certified home in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/hawthorn-vic-3122">Hawthorn</a>.

Passive House, originally developed in Germany, has emerged as the gold standard in energy-efficient building design. It operates on a set of rigorous principles designed to drastically reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and enhance indoor air quality and thermal comfort for occupants.

Read more:&nbsp;What is Passive House? Echo Hawthorn to deliver Australia's first Passive Houses

Each three-bedroom townhouse is a commitment not only to thermal comfort, acoustic excellence, and occupant comfort but also to spacious, architecturally designed interiors.

The townhouses, designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/neil-architecture">Neil Architecture</a> to ease the routine of daily living, feature ample storage and durable finishes that require minimal maintenance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112386 project_image_fid=220725]

Echo's design philosophy emphasises calm and relaxation, with natural tones evident in the tile floors, timber joinery, and granite benchtops.&nbsp;

The tumbled limestone flooring was selected for its durability and easy maintenance, contributing to a grounded and easy ambience of the home.

The V-Zug-equipped kitchen flows into a large open-plan living space that extends to a northern outdoor space, accessible through a triple-glazed tilt-turn sliding door.

Additional storage is available through built-in living joinery and a TV unit, enhancing functionality without compromising on style.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112386 project_image_fid=220728]

The main suite, located on the first floor, features a double vanity and bathtub, creating a practical and functional layout.

The master bedroom offers a view of the northern terrace, providing a private retreat within the home.&nbsp;

Each townhome is designed with multiple living areas to provide several sanctuaries for relaxation or to focus on work or study.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112386 project_image_fid=220730]

The top floor houses two additional bedrooms, along with a study area or multi-purpose space and a central bathroom for children or guests.&nbsp;

A private double lock-up garage ensures secure and convenient parking and storage, with direct access to the home.

A residential lift to the first floor adds to the convenience, making the townhomes accessible for all residents.

Positioned just a short walk to Auburn South Primary, Auburn High, Riversdale Rd Tram, Freeway access and Sonny Ray Café, the townhomes' sustainable and practical features complement its outstanding location.

Limited stamp duty savings still apply.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112386]

Echo's design philosophy emphasises calm and relaxation, with natural tones evident in the tile floors, timber joinery, and granite benchtops

C Street Projects

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