<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/scotch-hill-gardens-hawthorn-147-robinson-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Scotch Hill Gardens</a> is a new lifestyle precinct by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton Property Group</a>, renewing an underutilised site on Auburn Road, Hawthorn, in Melbourne’s affluent east.

The six-building elevated living precinct resides on a former University of Melbourne campus site in the Scotch Hill catchment area. Located adjacent to the green spine of fields and parklands along Gardiners Creek trail, the site’s hilly aspect benefits from views to established tree canopies, lush gardens, and the city skyline.

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<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> is behind the masterplanning, architecture, and interior design, while <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/landscape-architect/tract-landscape-architects">Tract</a> is responsible for the landscape design, which will make up 40 percent of the site. Standing between four and eight levels high, the residential pavilions are interspersed within 4,000 meters of public gardens, with landscaping subtly defining boundaries between public and private zones.&nbsp;

Drawing inspiration from nature, the masterplan has been inspired by the organisation of lily pads on a pond – organic formations, discrete but interconnected, sitting lightly in within their context. Employing the principles of the “nature-based cities” guidelines, the site benefits from integrated nature, amenity, wellness and community.

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Woods Bagot Director Peter Miglis says the precinct’s formal and material language is inspired by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/hawthorn-vic-3122">Hawthorn</a>’s established residential vernacular, invoking the charm of local character homes with a unique, contemporary inflection.

“The architecture needed to take from the DNA of the surrounding residential homes and translate that to a multi-residential scale,” says Miglis.

“Referencing the authenticity, grandeur and heritage of the Hawthorn home, the architecture should feel familiar, yet elevated, fostering a natural sense of belonging within the neighbourhood.”

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As one of Melbourne’s oldest and grandest suburbs, Hawthorn remains a beautifully preserved example of the city’s evolution through the Victorian, Federation and Edwardian periods. Each residential pavilion takes on a unique identity from a composition of varied materials, with some buildings reinterpreting the local Victorian or Edwardian details from rhythmic brickwork to opportune archway moments, others paying homage to the Federation arts-and-crafts homes of the area.

“The Woodburn draws inspiration from the verandahs of the Victorian home ubiquitous in the Hawthorn area,” says Miglis. “The use of vertical columns and fine filigree detailing evokes a classic staple of Victorian Australian design.”

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The Tate building, meanwhile, includes a strong brick masonry element, incorporating archway motifs and apertures characteristic of the Edwardian era.

Finally, The Ingleburn’s strong geometric order takes its reference from the Federation arts and crafts style with brick detailing and heavy geometry.

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Woods Bagot interior design leader Cara Gabriel says a cohesive language has been developed between architecture and interiors, incorporating tactile, textured and subdued tones that complement the natural landscape.

“We wanted the apartments to have a sense of quiet luxury, to allow the residents to look outside and appreciate the nature they’re surrounded by,” says Gabriel.

“From an interiors perspective, it’s all about these framed views and their relationship to the outdoors that defines this project.”

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Each residence features authentic materials, generous proportions, and a return-to-craft approach, using Victorian and Tasmanian-based makers, from lighting designers to metalworkers and joiners.

“It was important to use a palette that exuded a sense of timelessness over trends,” adds Gabriel. “Colour and texture are expressed through the characteristics of the material itself, such as oak or walnut grain and veined natural stone, rather than an applied texture—it’s an honest materiality approach.”

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Belying its generous outlook, the precinct will appear recessive within its native context, consciously contrived to minimise bulk at street interface. Surrounded by a vegetated veil of established trees, the development will be sequestered from street view, adding to a sense of privacy and belonging.

With landscape architecture by Tract, the design team will retain 77 existing mature trees onsite during the development process, planting an additional 151 trees to create a verdant city sanctuary.

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Architects are also retaining and reviving the Serpentine Garden – a meandering brick pathway and molded garden designed by landscape architect Paul Thompson in 1976. In consultation with the original designer, Woods Bagot will celebrate the curvilinear geometry, creating a source of variation and intrigue in the journey into the heart of the site. &nbsp;

Scotch Hill Gardens is the first proposed carbon-neutral development for the City of Boroondara.

Catering to growing families and downsizers alike, the project will address the shortfall of housing supply in the Hawthorn area.

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Joel Robinson

How Woods Bagot and Tract created Scotch Hill Gardens, Hawthorn's new nature-driven community

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/murrumbeena-vic-3163">Murrumbeena</a>, in Melbourne's southeast, is known for its wide, leafy streets, lined with Federation-era homes.

Hughesdale Village serves as the heart of both Murrumbeena and Hughesdale, with an array of shops, cafes, and Hughesdale Station.

What has been missing in the area is a new apartment development, which is what prompted joint venture partners&nbsp;Progressio and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/damgar-group">Damgar Property Group</a> to explore the opportunities available as close as possible to the village.

They secured a prime site at 50 Rosella Street, on the corner of Poath Road, just a stone's throw from the station and the Hellenic Depot, the popular Greek restaurant and bar. They commissioned Cera Stribley to design&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/rosella-murrumbeena-50-rosella-street-murrumbeena">Rosella</a>,&nbsp;70 one, two and three-bedroom apartments when completed later this year.

Cera Stribley was inspired by the adjacent Hughesdale Station when designing Rosella. The seven-level building&nbsp;features a façade of rough-cast concrete, dark terrazzo, and warm copper accents, reflecting the architectural character of the Hughesdale Station underpasses.&nbsp;

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Each apartment has been designed to maximise natural light and livability, featuring large balconies and terraces that provide excellent outdoor entertaining space

Inside, the apartments start at over 60 sqm for the one-bedroom units. Every apartment comes with at least one car space and is equipped with integrated Miele appliances and stone benchtops in the kitchens.

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Rosella residents will be spoiled for choice with Murrumbeena Village just moments away, along with six new retail tenancies on the ground level. These are expected to include a variety of restaurants, cafes, and wine bars.

The location is exceptionally well-connected, with Rosella residents just 20 minutes from the CBD by train, direct from Hughesdale Station.

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Murrumbeena Park and its playground, as well as a variety of dining options like Murrumbeena Wine Bar, are all within a 10-minute walk.

Chadstone Shopping Centre, the largest indoor shopping centre in Australia, is just one kilometre up Poath Road. Known as 'Chaddy', the retail precinct boasts over 550 stores, around 100 restaurants and cafes, a fresh food market, and a full entertainment quarter featuring escape rooms, dodgems, mini-golf, a cinema, and bowling.

Rosella is progressing well with construction and is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

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Rosella residents will be spoiled for choice with Murrumbeena Village just moments away, along with six new retail tenancies on the ground level

Rosella's prime location in Hughesdale Village

The first stage of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/willoughby-grounds-5-walter-street-willoughby">Willoughby Grounds</a>, the Lower North Shore development by joint venture partners First Quadrant Properties and Qualtias, is approaching completion.

Two of the five buildings that make up the mini masterplan will welcome residents in the coming months. The majority of purchasers of the one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments have been families and downsizers, given the large floorplans on offer.

A key attraction for families is the dedicated children’s playground within the common area, fostering a community atmosphere where neighbours can connect while children have a safe space to play.

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“When designing Willoughby Grounds, we wanted to create a place that enhances both liveability and community,” says Adam Reeves, Director of Sales and Marketing at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/first-quadrant-properties">First Quadrant Properties</a>.

“The inclusion of larger residences and shared green spaces makes this an attractive option for families who want the best of both worlds – more space and an outstanding location.”

Comprising five distinct buildings, each with its own architectural identity, Willoughby Grounds draws inspiration from the area’s industrial past. The first stage, featuring apartments in the Halstrom and Fleming buildings, reflects <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/willoughby-nsw-2068">Willoughby</a>’s 19th-century tanneries, a nod to the suburb’s rich heritage.&nbsp;

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“People want to feel connected to their community, and this development is designed to foster that sense of belonging,”&nbsp; Reeves added.

“Unlike high-rise developments, Willoughby Grounds offers a more intimate living experience, with most apartments designed to maximise natural light and ventilation.”

The project’s location provides easy access to local parks, gyms, cafes, and shopping precincts, including High Street Shopping Village, Northbridge Plaza, and Crows Nest Village. It is also well connected to transport links, with the Metro Train Station and city bus services nearby.

“The kids’ playground and the spacious layouts will be a real drawcard for families looking for an alternative to standalone homes in the area,” says Tim Abbott, Director of Projects and Developments at Ray White.

“With so many amenities nearby and lower strata fees, Willoughby Grounds offers both practicality and lifestyle benefits.”

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Designed by Mo Chehelbani from <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/architecture-urbaneia">Architecture Urbaneia</a>, with interiors by acclaimed architects and interior designers DKO, the residences integrate multi-layered architecture with lush green spaces. The use of face brickwork, metal cladding, and concrete framing harmonises with the landscape, enhanced by jacaranda trees that are synonymous with the lower North Shore.

The project is being constructed by DASCO, one of the highest-rated builders in NSW with a 4.5 Gold Star iCIRT Rating.

The second stage, comprising the Lawson’ and Walter buildings, will be completed in late 2025. Registrations of interest for the two new buildings are now being taken.

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The project is being constructed by DASCO, one of the highest-rated builders in NSW with a 4.5 Gold Star iCIRT Rating

Willoughby Grounds first stage approaches completion

Respected local builder-developer, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a>, is offering grand-scale living in every aspect at its under-construction <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a> apartment development, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/one-apartments-newcastle-west-1-national-park-street-newcastle-west">One Apartments</a>.

Upon completion later this year, ONE Apartments will not only become the tallest tower in Newcastle at nearly 80-metres high, but will offer some of the largest floorplans ever seen in the rapidly growing city.

The 193 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, spread across two 22 and 19-level towers, are, on average, around 20 percent larger than what is typically available in both the new development and established apartment sectors in the Newcastle region.

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GWH Build is well advanced in the construction of the development, over half-way up each building which protrude from a shared four-level podium that will host a range of commercial and retail tenancies.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>&nbsp;have collaborated with <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/ckds-architecture">CKDS</a>&nbsp;on the design of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/one-apartments-newcastle-west-1-national-park-street-newcastle-west">ONE Apartments</a>, creating a floorplate as part of the striking, pointed design that both creates large floorplans as well as a balconies off the living areas and bedrooms that offer extended views over Newcastle.

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Due to the height of the tower, and its strategic position on National Park Street, ensures the majority of the apartments, even at the lower levels, will offer strong viewlines.

Each apartment will feature interiors with SMEG appliances, soft-touch cabinetry, and premium tapware.

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The highest views are captured from the rooftop entertainment areas. The Scenic Lounge, atop the 22-level south tower,&nbsp;and the Harbourview Lounge, crowning the north towers 19th level, will each offer panoramic outlooks across the city and coastline.

As well as the rooftops, residents will have private access to a heated outdoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym with steam room, a fully furnished, surround-sound UHD cinema, and several pocket parks, from small courtyards for yoga and meditation to pergolas set in extensive landscaping.

&nbsp;

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Newcastle has seen relatively little high-density development compared to the likes of its closest major regions, like Sydney and the Central Coast. GWH is central to the increasing what is a fairly limited supply of new apartments in Newcastle. The limited availability of suitable sites and a small pool of builders capable of delivering large-scale projects have constrained the market.&nbsp;

GWH, which has been shaping Newcastle’s built environment since 1995, is one of the few developers with the expertise and resources to undertake a project of this magnitude.

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The location of ONE Apartments will place residents within walking distance of Darby Street’s dining precinct, the Civic Theatre, Marketown Shopping Centre, and the Newcastle Interchange, ensuring seamless connectivity for residents.

Buyers are expecting to move into ONE Apartments in early 2026.

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The 193 apartments, spread across two 22 and 19-level towers, are, on average, around 20 percent larger than what is typically available in both the new development and established apartment sectors in the Newcastle region.



The grand proportions of Newcastle's newest apartment development

As their luxury Drift Residences in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/main-beach-qld-4217">Main Beach</a> nears completion, Dean Gallagher's GDI Group is already setting its sights on its next project.

They're not straying too far, in fact just 600m from Drift, where they're planning an even more high-end project with just 10 apartments across a 23-level building at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/15-cunningham-avenue-main-beach">15 Cunningham Avenue, Main Beac</a>h.

<img alt="15 Cunningham Avenue, Main Beach" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="28525646-4f40-40aa-a124-99168315aa4a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Cunningham%20side.png?VersionId=xcBbOdYS6GlinZewwn1YCrzDQWeY0sDk" />

The lower level will include three-bedroom apartments, along with a multi-purpose room. The upper level will offer an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area, a butler's pantry, and a media room. Each apartment will have a north-facing balcony, with the building oriented to the north.

Level one will house a wellness center, complete with a gym, sauna, and ice bath. Above, there will be a pool and recreation deck, also facing north. A four-level basement will provide 29 resident parking spaces.

The new tower will replace an old three-level brick walk-up.

In their design statement, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/bureauproberts">Bureau Proberts</a> highlighted that 15 Cunningham Avenue acknowledges a suburb in transition.

"A place where Queensland coastal living has thrived for a century, Main Beach has been at the forefront of Gold Coast growth, evolving from humble holiday homes to high-rise apartments. Today, Main Beach continues to embrace contemporary influences, with carefully planned multi-residential developments seeking infill sites to increase density while preserving the area’s local character and charm."

Bureau Proberts further noted that 15 Cunningham Avenue aims to introduce something fresh to Main Beach’s well-established coastal density.

"The building’s glass envelope reflects Queensland’s vernacular, offering transparency where maximum exposure is needed, and shelter where refuge is desired. In doing so, it embodies the ‘evolving’ Gold Coast—acknowledging its place and neighborhood context, while still establishing a distinctive presence within the skyline of this iconic location." 
 
<img alt="15 Cunningham Avenue, Main Beach" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="007ddcdf-aee8-48e9-940a-15ac8934d037" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Cunningham%20podium.png?VersionId=5qFIObDG6yKh5bQswFA7Q_eRnw8cPdaL" />

The tower will sit next door to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/the-monaco-main-beach-2-4-macarthur-parade-main-beach">The Monaco</a>, which sold out during the pandemic with an average sale price of $4.6 million. There have been resales in the building since its 2024 completion north of $8 million.

GDI will no doubt be looking to handle the build themselves, having brought construction inhouse for <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/drift-residences-16-18-hughes-avenue-main-beach">Drift Residences</a>&nbsp;after the collapse of GCB Constructions.

At the time Gallagher said GDI had assembled a top-tier line-up with a proven track record in the industry to deliver the rest of the building.

"It's a formidable team," Gallagher says.

Drift Residences, nearing completion, will comprise 46 apartments across 31 levels at 16-18 Hughes Avenue, Main Beach. GDI just set a record at Drift, selling a full-floor apartment for $11,995,000, a record for a non-penthouse sale in Main Beach.

GDI will no doubt be looking to handle the build themselves, having brought construction inhouse for Drift Residences after the collapse of GCB Constructions.

Rydges gets a taste for Big Apple-style dining in Brisbane South Bank hotel

Andrea Dixon

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