When Plus Architecture put pen to paper on La Mer, one of the newest apartment developments in Main Beach, they wanted to design a building that went far past aesthetics.

Plus Architecture Director, Danny Juric, says La Mer, just 22 full-floor apartments and a double-storey penthouse on Main Beach Parade, isn't&nbsp;just about an elegant facade, but a deep integration with its surroundings.

“When designing for the coast, environment plays a huge role,” Juric says.

“We sculpted the building to respond to the sun’s trajectory, ensuring that each apartment is bathed in light without the interruptions of shadow, which is quite rare on the Gold Coast.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=2954]

The vision for La Mer was also guided by an understanding of how the Gold Coast lifestyle shapes its residents.

Juric speaks of “barefoot luxury” - a design philosophy that emphasises comfort, warmth, and tactile experiences.&nbsp;

“It’s not just about how the space looks; it’s about how it feels,” Juric says.

“From the feel of the travertine underfoot to the curves in the walls that soften the edges of the spaces, we wanted to create an environment that invites you in and makes you feel at home. It’s all about creating a sense of belonging, of being part of the coast.”

The apartments reflect this philosophy with open layouts that prioritise connection to both the internal and external environments. Large, sculptural balconies are designed to frame views of the coast, while interiors use natural materials like travertine, timber, and soft plaster to engage the senses.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=316688]

On designing for the location, Juric says Main Beach is not just another beach suburb.

“It’s a quiet, residential area where you need to make a decision to visit, and that’s a key element in how we approached the site. The location is all about balance - an easy walk to the beach and Broadwater, but far enough from the main thoroughfares to maintain peace and privacy.”

La Mer is just 68 steps to the sand at Main Beach, and a short walk to the Tedder Avenue retail strip.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=2954]

La Mer is being developed by the Sydney-based ODUS, which took over the project last year. To instil confidence in the delivery of the new development, they commenced construction last July and are targeting a late 2026 completion.

The large-scale apartments each span 300 sqm with three bedrooms. Residents will have&nbsp;exclusive access to a resort-style pool, spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn, and an outdoor beach shower.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=316691]

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said La Mer was the latest evolution of the exclusive, laid-back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/main-beach-qld-4217">Main Beach</a>&nbsp;village, one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gold-coast-qld" target="">Gold Coast</a>’s most highly sought-after addresses.

“Every apartment in La Mer has house-sized proportions and incredible views—not to mention a location in one of the city’s best postcodes,” Sakha said. 
 
“Demand continues to outstrip supply for ultra-luxury apartments on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gold-coast-qld" target="">Gold Coast</a>, and the rare full-floor design will make these residences particularly prized."

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is managing the project’s sales, said La Mer would appeal to buyers from across the Eastern seaboard.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

Joel Robinson

Architecture meets unmatched lifestyle at La Mer Main Beach

Belconnen's growing town centre is set to continue to evolve with plans filed to turn a temporary car park into more apartments.

The new plans are for the penultimate, and final stages of the Linq precinct,&nbsp;which is being delivered by&nbsp;NDH Property Group, a joint venture between KDN and Evri Group.

Stage 2B will add a further 151 apartments, across two 13-level towers on the 6,601 sqm site at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/103-eastern-valley-way-belconnen-act-2617">103 Eastern Valley Way</a>. The car park currently provides temporary surface parking for nearby commercial and residential developments within the Belconnen Town Centre.

Stage three will be a further 300 apartments.

<img alt="Belconnen" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="41c0ccfa-df14-4a0c-b520-7ac0d67f8e1a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-07-08%20at%209.53.00%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_31WmacTCgNH8fFFhwp_fLepdqKyJSfW" />

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The two towers in Stage 2B, designed by SJB Architects, will provide a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, aimed at both residents and investors looking to capitalise on the increasing demand for housing in this central location.

Every apartment is designed with dual-aspect orientations, maximising sunlight access and cross-ventilation.

The project will also feature ground-floor retail spaces, integrated public spaces, and communal gardens, with a particular focus on enhancing connectivity and pedestrian accessibility across the wider precinct.&nbsp;

The development’s podium design, shared between the two towers, will include green spaces, retail, and leisure areas, making it a central hub for both residents and visitors.

The two towers will feature a distinctive red-brick base, reflecting the architectural language of Belconnen's established character. The stepped podium design ensures a smooth transition in scale from the nine-storey Linq Stage 1 to the taller developments to the north, such as Republic, which rises up to 27 storeys. This approach minimises the visual impact of the development while maintaining the necessary residential density to support Belconnen’s urban renewal vision.

<img alt="Belconnen" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="48757413-11c0-4861-8676-6d7a88aca408" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-07-08%20at%209.51.38%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_gC.BpE7D6U6a839e5.aJLuukjDdptqM" />

A major element of the design is the creation of a new east-west pedestrian link that enhances accessibility from Eastern Valley Way through to Cameron Avenue. This link connects to a shared communal park that integrates with the public realm, offering green spaces for socialising, recreation, and relaxation. The retail and commercial spaces will be strategically positioned to create a more activated and pedestrian-friendly streetscape.

The development is situated within Belconnen's rapidly evolving town centre, surrounded by other key developments, including the nearby Belconnen Arts Centre, retail precincts, and access to public transport.&nbsp;

The site is also well connected to the University of Canberra and Lake Ginninderra, further enhancing its appeal for residents seeking a convenient, vibrant urban lifestyle.

Recently Canberra developer Morris Property Group launched Iris, at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/iris-belconnen-53-benjamin-way-belconnen-act-2617">53 Benjamin Way</a>, nearby.

The 239 apartments start from $479,900.

The two towers will provide a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, aimed at both residents and investors looking to capitalise on the increasing demand for housing in this central location

Belconnen's final stages of Linq masterplan revealed

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/frasers-property">Frasers Property Australia</a> is mixing up their upcoming Newstead residential development, changing the plans to focus on the higher end of the market.

They're now proposing 70 apartments across two 16-level towers on a 3,016 sqm site on the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/19-chester-street-newstead-qld-4006">corner of Chester and Morse Street</a>. There will also be three street-level terraces, a rarity so close to the popular James St retail precinct.

Frasers Property Development Director Jamisen Rivera said the upscale project felt like a natural progression following the delivery of luxury townhomes and apartments at Hamilton Reach.&nbsp;

“This rare site presented a unique opportunity to blend the blue-chip aspects of New Farm with the urban excitement of Newstead’s thriving scene and is primely positioned to link two of Brisbane’s most iconic precincts, walkable to both James Street and The Gasworks,"&nbsp;Rivera said.

“Carefully curated by our experienced consultant team, the residences are as luxurious as they are diverse, &nbsp;with a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments designed to maximise the 360-degree views to the CBD, New Farm, North Brisbane and Hamilton Northshore, enhancing the living experience from the inside out.”&nbsp;

<img alt="James Street, Brisbane" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9622a92c-59ea-4974-9a9f-41f2992e79c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Hero%20Render.jpg?VersionId=rzkLk.nPWXlUcBRS8rXDIlXLmT6_T1N." />

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> Principal Architect Jeff Brown said the design was a celebration of Brisbane’s unique environment.&nbsp;

“The Newstead project design is a deliberate response to the opportunities presented by Brisbane’s iconic sub-tropical climate," Brown said.

“The apartments are unique in that they offer a quality of space usually found in the best detached houses of our city, with a focus on optimising natural ventilation and light, with spacious open-plan living pavilions anchored by two distinct sleeping wings. &nbsp;

“The plan form of the building allows for all dwellings to be corner apartments, gaining multiple frontages and expanded vistas. All of the layouts include multi-purpose rooms that can be adapted for varying uses, &nbsp;ideal for a seamless transition from living in a traditional house to a luxury apartment.”&nbsp;

<img alt="James Street, Brisbane" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c61bd550-4a2e-4c10-8427-ceeb27799222" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Laneway%20Entry%20Render.jpg?VersionId=Zbv1yLGqi_VoiXKQH3Cpwx6I765U_LRH" />

Rivera said the Newstead project was further elevated by its on-site amenities, designed to promote connectivity from the ground up.&nbsp;

“We want our residents to become embedded in their community, so the design includes a public plaza on Morse Street with a generous open-air garden, providing true street activation. There is also an intimate resident park to serve as a ‘backyard’, a meaningful space connecting residents with their environment.

“On the rooftop, recreation pavilions on each building include shaded terraces, dining pavilions, BBQs, lawns and pools, fostering a sense of community in each tower.&nbsp;

“With retail amenities surrounding the site, we will bring this project into the fold with a substantial retail offering on the ground level.”&nbsp;

Frasers Property has three active residential projects across Brisbane, including house and land packages at The Quarry in Keperra, townhomes and apartments at Hamilton Reach and build-to-rent apartments at Brunswick &amp; Co. in Fortitude Valley.

Frasers Property to target Brisbane’s luxury market with apartments and terraces in Newstead

We’ve rebranded Urban to <a href="http://apartments.com.au">Apartments.com.au</a>.

This marks the start of a new chapter—one focused on improving the way Australia’s off-the-plan apartment market works for both buyers and developers.

The core problem we’re solving hasn’t changed: it’s still too hard for buyers to access reliable, easy-to-understand information about new developments. Our platform is the only one in Australia that includes every off-the-plan apartment project, not just the ones that pay to be listed.

But we realised the brand “Urban” didn’t clearly reflect what we do or the impact we want to make.

“Apartments.com.au” is easier to remember, and it says exactly what we’re about: helping Australians find and buy new apartments.

The rebrand is also about scale. We want to make a bigger impact—unlocking more housing supply by making the process more transparent, and by helping quality developers connect with serious buyers.

This change doesn’t affect your experience as a subscriber. In fact, it’s part of our ongoing investment in better technology, smarter content, and more powerful tools to support your property journey.

We’re just getting started.

Michael Bird

Why we rebranded Urban to Apartments.com.au

Fresh off the recent completion of their boutique <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/caloundra-qld-4551">Caloundra apartment development</a> Bianco, local Sunshine Coast developer RCQ is moving onto their next project, just down the street.

They've filed plans for three towers on a prime 3,640 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/124-126-bulcock-street-caloundra-qld-4551">126-140 Bulcock Street</a>, comprising a mix of short-stay and traditional build-to-sell apartments. The three towers, with 155 units, will be delivered in two stages.

<img alt="RCQ" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1b51865-4d9c-4de1-903e-903e336efe6a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-07-07%20at%204.24.09%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=VxEWfrh1B03I8vhdp0KzUHdyQ5y3iR7C" />

Designed by Architectus, the development reflects the site’s coastal setting, featuring towers with "elegant curves and a podium with a brick facade, a modern interpretation of Caloundra’s heritage and natural beauty."

"The proposed mixed-use development on Bulcock Street, Caloundra, adopts a context-sensitive mixed-use precinct that supports residential and civic functions, reinforcing the site's role within Caloundra’s evolving town centre and aligning with strategic planning goals," the Design Report submitted to the Sunshine Coast Council noted.

The building will feature&nbsp;open-air terraces and high-quality resort-style amenities including pools, wellness areas, and public areas that enhance community connectivity.

<img alt="RCQ" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="78ed23f9-04fd-42ce-91b5-8051b8527959" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-07-07%20at%204.24.36%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=wm7LPv4p0Bhkd2xfDq0u8VIIea81zB8h" />

Caloundra is going through a renaissance of sorts.

Brisbane builder-developer Gardner Vaughan Group will later this year launch <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/eden-caloundra-1-9-bulcock-street-caloundra-qld-4551">Eden Caloundra</a>, down the street at 1-9 Bulcock. It was announced in June they secured 5,289 sqm, where they are planning 179 apartments across two towers.

GVG Director Sam Gardner says&nbsp;Bulcock Street is one of the premier streets in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/caloundra-qld-4551" target="">Caloundra</a>, but it's been left behind in recent years.

"We expect&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/eden-nsw-2551" target="">Eden</a>&nbsp;to be just the start of the revitalization of the area," Gardner says.

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Three bedroom corner Marryatville house sold for $781,000

Staff reporter

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