What buyers need to know about Canvas at Brunswick: Urban chats with ID_Land's Matthew Belford
Canvas is a boutique collection of 62 apartments in Melbourne's sought-after northern suburbs from property developers ID_Land.
The development of one, two and three-bedroom residences reinterprets the industrial regeneration of Brunswick with an industrial façade and a structural form.
Designed by Rothelowman and Hecker Guthrie, the development provides a sustainable living experience that culminates into a home for families, couples and individuals.
Urban recently sat down with ID_Land’s joint managing director Matthew Belford to discuss the project.
MK: What are the highlights of Canvas and what is attracting buyers to the project?
MB: The architecture at Canvas is particularly striking; we engaged one of our most-trusted collaborators in Rothelowman to lead the design, and they have ensured the project will complement Barkly Street, its neighbouring buildings, and the area’s industrial heritage.
Hecker Guthrie-designed interiors bring together neutral colour palettes and functional floorplans that appeal to a range of different buyer groups. Apartments are spacious and designed to be lived in, with a communal rooftop space for residents to enjoy as well.
One of the main pillars at Canvas is sustainability; the project is fossil fuel free, utilises solar power and greywater systems, has strong walkability and is close to public transport, so we are seeing a lot of interest from environmentally-conscious homebuyers.
The location of Canvas has also proven to be a strong drawcard so far – its status as a ‘Walker’s Paradise’ and its Walk Score of 97/100 means local parklands, public transport, bike paths, as well as the bars, restaurants, cafés and retail stores that make Brunswick so sought-after, are all within walking distance.
MK: What was the design brief for Rothelowman?
MB: We wanted Canvas to reference and engage with the rich tapestry of built-form which has shaped Brunswick into the suburb it is today, with a sculptural façade and broad appeal to a range of residents – individuals, couples and families.
MK: Where have buyers come from, and who is the development appealing to?
MB: Many of the project’s buyers have come from the city’s inner ring, with the project features alongside the proximity to Brunswick driving strong interest from a mixture of younger buyers, first home buyers, and families.
We have also seen strong interest from ‘right-sizers’ - those who have been looking for property for some time but haven’t managed to find the right fit closer to the sought-after inner ring lifestyle suburbs.
MK: What else does the Canvas community offer to residents?
MB: The project will have a rooftop residents’ amenity, with a 360-degree view of the Melbourne skyline alongside a kitchen and dining space, and a recreation lounge.”
MK: Why did you choose Brunswick for your latest development?
MB: Brunswick is an area that our team knows well, having developed The Barkly townhouses in 2016 just down the road from Canvas – it’s also an area I’ve known for over 20 years, as I used to live and study in the area.
MK: Where is current buyer enquiry coming from?
MB: Enquiries are being driven largely by Melbourne locals, predominantly from the city’s inner ring suburbs, visiting the display suite.