Masterplanned Communities

The first stage of the latest masterplanned community to hit the north-west of Sydney is in full swing.

Mulpha’s Norwest Quarter will bring nine unique towers to the Norwest site, with each showcasing an innovative architectural design and ecological advances. Built in contrasting heights and shapes, the buildings will be well separated for privacy, yet thoughtfully connected to the community and neighbourhood through scenic landscaping and impressive amenities.&nbsp;

One of the first two buildings to be constructed in the nature-driven community is the Banksia tower.

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Designed by Bates Smart, Banksia celebrates the traditional name for Australia’s Banksia or Wadanggari tree, offering an array of apartment types, atop an activated ground floor boasting a range of shops, eateries, and a gym.

“Positioned around a public plaza filled with native flowers and plants, it’s a destination that unites you with the environment by prioritising outdoor spaces everywhere you turn,” Mulpha say.&nbsp;

Each Banksia floor is a perfect square with apartments arranged around a central core, so everyone enjoys lake, golf course or Blue Mountain views. Corner apartments enjoy aspects in three directions, while single-aspect apartments have been designed to maximise sunlight.

Tall doors open to expansive balcony living, creating a seamless extension to your indoor space, while generous balconies fringed with lush, cascading greenery are angled, ensuring privacy while steeping your indoor-outdoor living in sunlight, and fresh air.

Being nature-driven in design, a number of sustainable and environmentally-friendly initiatives have been included in each of the Banksia residences, including low-maintenance LED lighting, efficient water fittings and appliances, induction cooktops that heat up faster than gas and use less energy, electric hot water, and high-performance, centralised air con.

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On top of the amenity across the ground floor, Banksia is crowned by a private podium rooftop sanctuary, complete with a pool, day-beds, a native garden, community veggie patch, and a resident’s lounge. Banksia also boasts its own lobby library, where residents can share and swap books as they please, while also providing a quiet study/workplace nook within the building. Additionally a number of bookable spaces are also provided, including a private dining room, bar, and office nooks.&nbsp;

The community experience is at the forefront of Norwest Quarter’s design. Art-laden hallways connect each of the spaces, with a share-and-repair shed on site, along with dog washing amenities and car-sharing.&nbsp;

Located just 400-metres from the Norwest Metro Station, Banksia will be joined by the Lacebark building in the first stage, which will deliver additional amenity for Banksia residents to utilise.&nbsp;

184 residences are set to be delivered across the two buildings, with more than 3,000 sqm of specially curated amenity and sustainably led retail and commercial space, including a fresh food grocer and medical services.&nbsp;

Strong interest in the apartments has seen over a third of the first residences released off the plan, selling in the first two weeks to a mix of owner occupiers, including young families, and local investors.&nbsp;

A mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments are still remaining, with completion slated for early 2025.&nbsp;

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alisonwarters@gmail.com

A look inside Banksia: One of two towers in Norwest Quarter's first stage 

Melbourne-based real estate developer, Resolution Property Group, and Liberman familybacked, Monark Property Partners, have fast-tracked the launch of their premium Affinity Release in their new $80 million&nbsp;7 Star, zero-carbon community, Harli, in the burgeoning south-east Melbourne growth corridor suburb of Cranbourne West.

The new collection follows the success of the first release, Harmony, where 11 of the 13 lots were sold during the project's launch weekend in October, outperforming the&nbsp;5.5 sales per month average for greenfield projects across Melbourne and Geelong over Q3 of 2022,&nbsp;demonstrating demand for high performance homes with access to an established lifestyle.

Resolution Director, Jeremy De Zylva said the first release of Harli was an overwhelming success, outperforming the group’s initial sales forecast.

“The success has prompted us to fast-track the Affinity Release which has generated a lot of interest from prospective buyers,” De Zylva said.

<img alt="Render of the homes set for Harli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5e8d2361-6bb5-4c6c-ac61-3d6c85e8f806" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E04_Streetscape%20Homes.jpg?VersionId=zILBn5uYc.3uGp3hr8D7aA2oezBwpxlc" />

“The land lots sold during the Harmony release ranged in size from 294 to 512 sqm, with prices starting from $387,000, selling to local up-sizers seeking more space, as well as investors and first home buyers.”

“The City of Casey’s population is expected to grow by around 40 per cent between now and 20412. Harli aims to meet this future housing demand, whilst creating an environmentally sustainable community for future residents.”

The environmentally sustainable development will become home to a market-leading residential community comprising two hectares of wetlands and 181 lots to be released in stages, with all home designs to be 7 Star NatHERS, zero-carbon and all-electric.

The Affinity Release comprises 12 lots ranging from 400 sqm to 546 sqm, with prices starting from $475,000. Six of the lots face the wetland reserve and the remaining six lots benefit from a 32 metre depth, providing plenty of space for buyers to build their dream home.

Core Projects’ Senior Project Manager, Sara Andreadis, confirmed that Harli’s environmentally sustainable design was resonating strongly with prospective purchasers.

“Around 48 per cent of Harli’s enquiry to date has come from upgraders which well and truly bucks the trend we’re seeing across other projects, indicating this segment’s growing desire to contribute to a healthier, low-impact future,” she said.

“We anticipated young families and upgraders would be attracted to the project due to its infill location, being within walking distance from several established education, transport, retail and recreation facilities – but we are also finding that our buyers are appreciating the environmentally sustainable design features and high quality of the product.”

“We expect that in time, Harli will become regarded as an exemplary sustainable residential community that reflects our ethos of developing great places to live, with energy efficiency and low-carbon living embedded in every element of the project’s design,” De&nbsp;Zylva added.&nbsp;

<img alt="Render of the streetscape at Harli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fcf21e87-c705-4ed2-91be-beff8793116d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Streetscape.jpg?VersionId=o3ynxh1LIkyxYKXtzI0WZ..56Iazt7wD" />

Inspired by nature, every home to be constructed at Harli will be 7 star, zero-carbon and all-electric, incorporating solar panels, double glazing, rainwater harvesting, crossflow ventilation, LED lighting and all-electric household appliances to improve efficiency, reduce energy use and lower household bills.

Resolution has partnered with a selection of award-winning builders to deliver the Harli homes, including Arden Homes, SJD, Metricon, Eight Homes, Soho Living, Porter Davis and Beachwood Homes.

“We have become increasingly cognisant of the importance of and need for improved sustainability outcomes in residential housing and are proud to play a part in delivering Resolution’s benchmark highly sustainable Harli community,” Arden Homes’ Director, Dean Morrison, said.

Located off Lindwall Drive, Harli occupies a prominent position in Cranbourne West. Approximately 40 kilometres south east of Melbourne’s CBD, Harli is positioned adjacent to Ranfurlie Golf Club and within walking distance to Clarinda Village shopping centre, Barton Primary School and numerous parks and recreational facilities.

Construction is slated to kick off on Harli in the early months of next year.&nbsp;

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The environmentally sustainable development will become home to a market-leading residential community comprising two hectares of wetlands and 181 lots to be released in stages, with all home designs to be 7 Star NatHERS, zero-carbon and all-electric.

7-star Cranbourne West community outperforms regions’ average Q3 sales in launch weekend 

Mirvac has recently sold their one of a kind charity home, Transformation House, in the group's masterplanned community in Clyde North.&nbsp;

The eight-month project in Smiths Lane sold for $1,096,000, with $600,000 in profits going to the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, which could help provide 2,564 days of safe emergency accommodation for those in need.

The high-profile auction attracted six bidders, with Georgette and Gary Pircher and their family placing the winning bid for the home, and in turn playing an important role in helping to support those in need.

<img alt="Image of Transformation House in Mirvac's community, Smiths Lane" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dbda771d-5212-417d-8d42-338a18123720" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Smiths%20Lane%20by%20Mirvac_Transformation%20House_Exterior.jpeg?VersionId=MsjHmgrlh7mni93D23UHCKYTz5vaD.l7" />Image of Transformation House in Mirvac's community, Smiths Lane

Mirvac Head of Residential, Stuart Penklis, said they were delighted with the Transformation House auction results, extending their congratulations to the lucky purchasers who will now join the Smiths Lane community.

“Proceeds from the auction will help the Salvation Army Australia to continue its important work, and contribute towards creating safer homes – and a better future – for thousands of Australians in need,” Penklis said.&nbsp;

“None of this would be possible without the generous support from our Mirvac partners who helped bring this special project to life, including Australbricks, Colorbond, Dowell, Hebel, Heidelberg Lintels, Unitex and Superior Heating and Cooling.”

Designed and delivered by Mirvac’s in-house award-winning architects and construction team, the two storey four-bedroom Transformation House is move-in ready, with GlobeWest furniture and other high quality furnishings selected and styled by Dani Wales from Healthy Homes Australia, Dan Reilly of The Block and their team at MannaMade.

Salvation Army Australia (Major) Corps Officer, Michael Wright, said the donation will play a significant role in helping the Salvation Army Australia provide housing, food, financial aid and other assistance to those who are homeless or living in poverty.

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“We are blown away by the Transformation House auction results and Mirvac’s generous donation. The funds will play a hugely pivotal role in helping The Red Shield Appeal continue to provide crisis, transitional and long-term accommodation, refuges for women and their children, rooming houses, and community housing – things that we need now more than ever,” Wright said.&nbsp;

“We are incredibly grateful to Mirvac and their partners for their continued generosity and support.”

Residents in the Smiths Lane community in Melbourne’s Clyde North are at home with 60 hectares dedicated to green space, including sporting facilities, local parks, walking tracks, bike trails and more. Over 300 residents already live at Smiths Lane, and it will include over 3,000 homes once complete, along with a proposed future town centre with supermarkets, speciality stores, restaurants, government school, childcare and educational facilities.

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The high-profile auction attracted six bidders, with Georgette and Gary Pircher and their family placing the winning bid for the home, and in turn playing an important role in helping to support those in need.

 Mirvac’s Transformation House sells at auction, raising over half a million for the Salvation Army Australia

Mirvac has marked the final chapter of its prestigious $900 million Tullamore community in Doncaster with two significant milestones; the launch of the highly anticipated ‘The Finale’ premium residences and the topping out of FORME, the third and final boutique apartment building within its Apartments of Tullamore precinct.

Signalling the end to a well-thought out and long-awaited project, initial works commenced on Tullamore back in 2015 with Mirvac developing the site of the former Eastern Golf Course.&nbsp;

As the 47-hectare community hits the 98 per cent sold mark, the release of The Finale residences and remaining FORME apartments offer the final opportunity to buy into the thriving community.&nbsp;

<img alt="Render inside one of The Finale residences" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a60c6f2-ced3-4240-86fe-97535f6ca63e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/image003.jpg?VersionId=4pi8eEg2w3Z6YYzYjKyjIpTtT8Czw4WR" />Render inside one of The Finale residences

With Mirvac notching up over 50 years of experience in creating communities and over 2000 residences already living at Tullamore, Mirvac’s Head of Residential, Stuart Penklis, says that both milestones highlight the community’s success.

“It was really important to Mirvac that we enhance, conserve and celebrate the natural beauty of the iconic Tullamore site, adding new residences and amenity in the most environmentally friendly way,” he said.&nbsp;

“From the outset, we prioritised the creation of high-quality amenity for the community. Almost 30 per cent of Tullamore has been devoted to green open space, and in combination with Next Gen Doncaster Health and Lifestyle Club, our residents can enjoy an unrivalled level of health and wellbeing.”

“This commitment to reimaging urban life in Doncaster has resulted in numerous repeat purchasers at Tullamore, as well as multiple family members purchasing homes in the thriving community,” Penklis acded.&nbsp;

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The Finale release will include a limited collection of luxury 7-star NatHERs residences within Tullamore’s breathtaking Grange precinct. Architecturally designed by Mirvac’s award-winning design team, the three-level, four-bedroom homes are priced $2.2 million to $2.6 million.

With two generous floor plans available, each home has been designed to offer ample space, making it perfect for upgraders, young professionals, and families.

Featuring stylish and spacious open-plan interiors, separate balconies and a private north-facing courtyards, the homes also benefit from overlooking Tullamore’s future six-hectare conservation reserve, complete with lush mature trees and future ornamental lake.

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Along with creating an exceptional living environment for residents, residences within The Finale release have been designed to reduce the energy required to heat and cool the home, achieving a minimum 7-star energy rating.&nbsp;

Sustainability has also been at the forefront of Mirvac’s Tullamore masterplan, with each home within the wider community achieving a minimum 6-star energy rating.&nbsp;

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As the 47-hectare community hits the 98 per cent sold mark, the release of The Finale residences and remaining FORME apartments offer the final opportunity to buy into the thriving community. 

Mirvac release final homes at Doncaster community Tullamore

Marking the fourth and final release in Coronation Property’s urban renewal project The Paper Mill Precinct, The Foundry reimagines riverfront living at the revered Liverpool address.

Offering a variety of designer high-rise residences and ground floor laneway apartments, the residences are set amongst lush landscaping, complete with a fully equipped Techno-Gym gymnasium and rooftop terrace featuring an infinity pool and exclusive resident gardens.

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Designed by an award-winning architecture team in SJB, The Foundry is home to a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

Starting from $497,000, the one-bedroom apartments are perfect for first home buyers or investors. Spanning from 53 sqm to 58 sqm of internal and external space, and offering a variety of floorplans that include either an additional study space or a media room, these apartments offer buyers that little extra needed space.

Each of the apartments are equipped with an entertainer’s balcony, along with engineered floorboards, spacious built-in wardrobes, internal laundries, quality DeLonghi appliances and premium joinery and finishes.&nbsp;

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Following an open-plan design, each of the residences are intentionally designed to celebrate the natural surroundings, be it overlooking the river or, views towards the city and the mountains.

With a contemporary facade that pays homage to the site’s rich history, The Foundry is constructed from a mix of masonry and forecast elements in a nod to the heritage and original brick buildings from the site.&nbsp;

Expressed as three separate elements, the building is structured around a predicated void and landscaped ground floor atrium that soars up through the centre of its 17 storeys.&nbsp;

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Opening out on top of the building is the 1200 sqm rooftop deck, offering views to the neighbouring Georges River and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Residents of The Foundry can also enjoy living on the doorstep of one of Western Sydney’s most treasured culinary destinations, The Paper Mill Food which boasts four unique eateries and a selection of private dining and event spaces.

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Designed by an award-winning architecture team in SJB, The Foundry is home to a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

Inside The Foundry's one-bedroom apartments 

Sekisui House Australia has just launched a new series within the group’s masterplanned West End precinct, West Village.

Located within the recently launched Allere Collection residences, the Sustainability Series offers a considered and sustainable lifestyle with prices starting from $485,000*.&nbsp;

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The residences include sustainable features such as hardwood or recycled timber benches, exposed joinery, partially exposed ceilings, select environmentally preferred timber-look flooring, and induction cooktops.

The Allere Collection residents have the benefit of double the amenity with two shared rooftop spaces, where incredible pools, spas, off-leash dog space ‘Paw Pavilion’, and sunset views await.

While the residences within the Sustainability Series don’t come with a car space, residents will have access to two Tesla vehicles to accommodate, in partnership with OhmieGo - although who needs a car when West End achieves a walk score of 99/100.

Situated in arguably one of Brisbane’s most forward thinking and sustainable developments, the new release compliments Sekisui’s vision for the already green precinct.&nbsp;

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The Six Star Green Star Community, which is Australia’s highest rating for a master planned precinct, boasts a number of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, including an onsite grey water treatment plant. The grey water (from laundries and showers) is sourced from two of the precinct’s residential buildings, with the treated water then used to irrigate gardens and for flushing toilets in the retail centre.

Food waste measures are also in place across the site, with up to 85 percent of the food waste from the precinct reused or composted.&nbsp;

West Village dining outlets are also encouraged to use take away packaging which can be composted or recycled, with the food waste and compostable packaging from West Village stores and dining outlets then collected and processed through the onsite organic waste pulping system. The Pulpmaster Australia system converts organic materials into soils and fertilisers, minimising the use of water and power during the process.

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The precinct will also have the ability to generate some of its own energy from the sun, with a 23.5 kW solar power system on the roof of The Eaves building near The Common providing some of the power to light the public spaces, while solar panels on residential buildings provide power to shared building services.

In an urban environment like Brisbane, a “heat island” can be created when materials such as bitumen and concrete absorb and hold the sun’s heat rather than reflect it. To counteract the heat island effect at West Village, around half the site plan is covered with materials which reflect heat, water features or green spaces. Around 100 mature trees and more than 15,000 plants are growing at West Village.

Public bike racks have also been located in several locations at West Village with 1600 set to be available on completion of the project. Four electric vehicle charging stations and a GoGet car share service are located on Basement 1 in the public West Village carpark, which boasts 420 public car parks.

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It's flaura and fauna at West Village.&nbsp;

The Richmond Birdwing Butterfly Vine, species Pararistolochia praevenosa, is grown in several locations at West Village, with the vine being the natural food source for the Richmond Birdwing butterfly, species Ornithoptera richmondia.

The Richmond Birdwing is the largest subtropical Australian butterfly and now unfortunately a vulnerable species. The idea behind growing the Butterfly Vine at West Village is to help increase the population of the butterfly.

West Village is also home to up to seven bee hives, including native stingless bees and European honey bees. The bees help to pollinate the 3,000 native plants at West Village, while playing a role in supporting biodiversity (lots of different types of plants, animals and micro-organisms) in the direct local urban environment.

West Village partners with Brisbane social enterprise group Bee One Third, with their apiarists (bee keepers) utilising traditional beekeeping methods to care for the bee population within the precinct.

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Forming part of the Allere Collection, the Sustainability Series will deliver just 12 pared back, humble and flexible residences, with prices starting from $485,000*. 

Sekisui go green with Sustainability Series in Allere, West Village project

Sekisui House Australia has recently launched their latest collection of residences in their West End project, West Village.&nbsp;

The Allere Collection features two connected vertical communities, Uno and Duo, delivering a mix of one, two, three, four and five-bedroom residences.

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Local West End-based architecture firm, Rothelowman, designed the apartments in the 20-storey towers, with both towers set to be constructed simultaneously.

Fronting Mollison Street, Uno will comprise 94 residences upon completion, along with two levels of commercial space.&nbsp;

Filling in the upper levels of the tower is a collection of luxury penthouses and a sub-penthouse, with the latter boasting a home-sized floor plan featuring four-bedrooms and three-bathrooms, across 222 sqm of space.&nbsp;

<img alt="Image: four-bed sub-penthouse floorplan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ea7d1c3-3ecd-4e64-98df-3deaacb9c25e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-15%20at%205.09.35%20pm.png?VersionId=uGoRqdXOjmS.jtGD0ETHHNxZTV7RQqlT" />

Priced at $3,686,499*, the sub-penthouse is targeting the downsizer market, or those looking to live somewhere well connected, with the West Village precinct achieving a 99/100 walk score rating.&nbsp;

Allowing connections to occur through meaningful spatial experiences, each of the residences has been designed to respond to the ever-changing needs of its occupants, with a character inspired by the urban fabric of West End.&nbsp;

Designed with a distinctive sculptured tectonic wall, Uno is emblazoned with subtropical greenery that projects outwardly through the generously-sized verandas to the north and south, along with integrated landscaping along the upper level terraces.

Crowning Uno will be a pool, enclosed dining space, seating areas, a vegetable garden, conservatory, as well as ‘Paw Pavilion’, which provides an off leash dog space within the building.&nbsp;

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The towers are set within a living heritage village that pays homage to the Peters Ice Cream and Cone Factories, built in 1920, located just 800 metres from the Brisbane CBD. 
&nbsp; 
A full-line Woolworths supermarket takes up shop in the community, along with Harris Farm Markets, Goodlife Health Clubs, a chemist, medical centre and more than 25 food and lifestyle providores.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
*Price correct at time of publication.

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Priced at $3,686,499*, the sub-penthouse is targeting the downsizer market, or those looking to live somewhere well connected, with the West Village precinct achieving a 99/100 walk score rating. 

Inside the Allere Collection: A look into the Uno sub-penthouse

Inspired by its coastal topography and local maritime history, AVJennings has developed the Merchant Apartments as the final and grandest apartment release in the Waterline Place masterplan.

Situated in the heart of the precinct, Merchant has been created with the community in mind, delivering a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, along with an exclusive Sky Home collection, which are housed on the upper floors of the building.

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Complete with a vibrant ground floor retail offering and a uniquely designed communal rooftop space, with sweeping views to the city and Hobsons Bay, Merchant has been designed by internationally acclaimed architects, Elenberg Fraser.

The façade of the building has been inspired by the surrounding views and the coastal environment that envelopes it, complemented with a variety of Indigenous and exotic vegetation that can coexist and survive in the climate.

Elenberg Fraser Interior Designer, Kate Shaw said, Merchant’s fluid undulant-shaped façade reflects light in a way that is reminiscent of the reflection of the sun off rippling water.

“Textural concrete walls intentionally bound the building to the east and west, angled to direct view lines towards the horizon,” she added.

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From its boutique lobby filled with local artwork and banquette seating, through to the finest of details, all aspects of Merchant’s interiors have been inspired by its tranquil locale.

“The lobby is a space that transitions from the external landscaped zones into a lush foliage-filled entry experience, appointed with gallery spaces featuring local landscape photographers and organic textural finishes that emulate a calming welcome,” said Shaw.

The interiors are bright and welcoming, designed to let in abundant natural light and draw in cool coastal air.

Two colour schemes are on offer within the Merchant Apartments, with Shore and Surf, further adding to the coastal vision.

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Merchant also offers five curated upgrade packages, allowing for even further customisation, with inclusions including Miele appliances, natural stone finishes, keyless entry, dimmable light switches, and more.

Floor to ceiling glazing maximises outlooks, bringing the outdoors in, while each adjoining balcony has been designed as an extension of the home, providing an addition living space in each apartment.

“Each apartment has been shaped by key aspect points, ensuring both private and shared spaces enjoy uninterrupted panoramas through the floor to ceiling glazing.”

“Premium positioned corner and dual aspect apartments take in sweeping bayside views, while affording occupants the flexibility to adapt room arrangements.”

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The crowning glory of Merchant is its rooftop terrace.

With its panoramic views of Melbourne and surrounds, the space is also home to built-in barbecues, multiple seating zones, as well as a communal garden.

One, two and three-bedroom apartments can still be snapped up in the project, with floorplans spanning from 55 sqm to 155 sqm.&nbsp;

Prospective buyers can experience their own 'first look' into the apartments with the group having recently opened a newly refurbished display suite, complete with full scale kitchen and bathroom examples.&nbsp;

<img alt="Merchant Apartment display suite" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="943c6598-ee73-4e03-9f5e-cd13ea6ecf3f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/IP037-20220707._E1A8452.jpg?VersionId=l4wNP3dFTFzAyE4k9rmQnBiuYwZY5xhn" />Inside the Merchant Apartment newly refurbished display suite.&nbsp;

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Complete with a vibrant ground floor retail offering and a uniquely designed communal rooftop space, with sweeping views to the city and Hobsons Bay, Merchant has been designed by internationally acclaimed architects, Elenberg Fraser.

A look inside the Merchant Apartments; the final apartment building in Waterline Place

The first sod of soil has officially been turned at Mulpha’s $1 billion zero-carbon, masterplanned community Norwest Quarter in Sydney’s Hills district.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Construction on the first stage of Norwest Quarter will include two residential apartment buildings, Banksia and Lacebark, with a total of 196 apartment, and more than 3,500 sqm of sustainably-led retail and commercial space which is set to include a full-floor commercial gym, fresh food grocer, medical services and restaurants.

Each apartment in Norwest Quarter will consume two thirds less energy than a typical code compliant apartment and will underpin residents’ aspirations for zero carbon living at up to 25 per cent less cost.&nbsp;

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Mulpha Head of Developments, Tim Spencer, said the ground-breaking ceremony was an opportunity to celebrate this important milestone with all the people involved in the development and construction process, including builder Parkview Construction, architects Bates Smart and Smart Design Studio, environmental sustainability firm Finding Infinity, landscaping architect Aspect Studios and urban designers Terroir.

&nbsp;

“After working extensively with Parkview Construction to quality control and deliver new benchmarks in sustainable design and construction, we are excited to commence construction on the first stage of Norwest Quarter which will be one of the most ambitious in Australia in terms of sustainable practices, initiatives, and design considerations," Spencer said.

“Despite difficult market conditions for the construction industry, Mulpha with the support of its top-tier partners is on track to deliver the first zero carbon precinct in the Hills, testament to its strong sustainability credentials and longevity in the Australian industry.

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“Our off-the-plan buyers in Norwest Quarter can be confident that we are committed to delivering quality apartment buildings that far exceed minimum code requirements, whilst simultaneously setting new benchmarks in lifestyle design, community focused wellness, sustainability and harmony with the natural environment.”

Hills Shire Council’s General Manager, Michael Edgar, said that with so much of Sydney’s future housing growth being accommodated in apartments, it was exciting to see the first stages of Norwest Quarter commence construction.&nbsp;

“It is testament to Mulpha’s belief in our Shire and the Norwest Business Park. It has been a while in the planning, and I am really pleased with the focus on building design, attention to detail and the ambitious sustainability measures,” Edgar said.&nbsp;

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“It is essential we see confidence return to the apartment market and that can only be achieved through good design, efficient use of technology, good use of materials, good sense of place, quality workmanship and a determination to contribute to the public domain.”&nbsp;

As well as making a contribution towards mitigating the effects of climate change and decreasing the urban heat environment at Norwest, Norwest Quarter's zero carbon target will lower energy bills while increasing wellbeing through healthier buildings, better air quality and greater access to nature.

Due to the strong sustainability credentials of the project, Norwest Quarter buyers may also be eligible for discounted green mortgages, potentially providing a lower interest rate on their mortgage.

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Both buildings will feature rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle charging with fast charges, and high-performance, centralised air-conditioning. The apartments will also have high efficiency lighting and appliances, and are 100 per cent electric, with induction cooktops and electric hot water.

Other sustainable community initiatives will include communal electric barbecues, communal gardens, productive beehives for enhanced pollination, worm farms, composting and natural landscapes, where the flora and fauna will be constantly measured against key performance indicators.

When complete, the Norwest Quarter masterplan will transform over 3.8 hectares of land into a village for over 2,000 residents who will live among 26,000 sqm of green open space.&nbsp;

Encompassed within the landscape will be nine residential towers containing 864 apartments, with 6,000 sqm of space provided for cafes, restaurants, neighbourhood shops and childcare facilities.

The community will be located within 400 metres walking distance of the Norwest Metro Station and emerging Norwest town centre, as well as extensive parklands, pathways and cycleways.&nbsp;

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Each apartment in Norwest Quarter will consume two thirds less energy than a typical code compliant apartment and will underpin residents’ aspirations for zero carbon living at up to 25 per cent less cost. 

Construction begins on first stage of zero-carbon Norwest Quarter apartment towers

Sekisui House has completed its Japanese inspired golf-side building, Aire, which sits&nbsp;at the highest elevation point within the groups $1 billion masterplanned community in Sydney&rsquo;s Norwest, The Orchards.

Designed by award-winning architects, Rothelowman, Aire, which is stage two of the development,&nbsp;acts as a prominent urban marker at the gateway to The Orchards, comprising 57 nature-inspired residences.

George Gesouras, Project Director at Sekisui House Australia, said the arrival of Aire sets a new benchmark for luxury living in the Hills District.

<img alt="" height="3750" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sha_aire_-_twilight.jpg" width="5000" />

Render of the latest apartment building to land in the masterplanned community, The Orchards. Image supplied&nbsp;

&ldquo;It showcases what is possible when extraordinary architecture, detailed construction, considered design and environmental philosophies combine to create an aspirational building,&rdquo; he said.

Aire&rsquo;s generous oversized apartments fit the changing needs of the new community allowing flexible living and work from home arrangements.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29147 project_image_fid=82618]

&ldquo;The building responds to its environment and the community at a time where the home is becoming even more important as a place where people retreat to and create a personal sanctuary,&rdquo; Gesouras said.

Aire will also be home to an extensive array of communal amenities, providing social gathering places for residents to mix and mingle.

&ldquo;Sekisui House&rsquo;s design principles developed over 60 years start with embracing and respecting nature and people to work towards a sustainable future.&rdquo;

The project demonstrates its commitment to ESG via rooftop panels and a water sensitive urban design, along with high efficiency energy systems and electric vehicle charging stations.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-orchards-aire-baulkham-hills-104-fairway-drive-baulkham-hills-nsw-2153"><img alt="" height="3750" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sha_aire_-_rooftop.jpg" width="5000" /></a> 
Render of the shared rooftop space in the latest apartment building in the masterplanned community, The Orchards. Image supplied.&nbsp;

Conceived as two separate but interlinked objects, principal architect&nbsp;Ben Pomroy from Rothelowman,&nbsp;said the building has been tuned to its context.

&ldquo;Aire, known as The Pebble, or Koishi building, plays an essential role in establishing the northern entry to the precinct and acts an urban marker that responds to its prominent location within the Norwest district.&rdquo;

The north-eastern wing presents highly sculpted end forms, with curved precast and glazing that create urban markers on arrival to the precinct.

&ldquo;The breadth of the northern elevation requires a singular gesture of balconies that extend across the full fa&ccedil;ade length. At key moments in the fa&ccedil;ade, the pattern on the balustrade bends and folds to create visual interest,&rdquo; he added.

The balustrades address the northern views across Castle Hill Golf Course, creating the lines of a Japanese pebble garden, while the edge of the building is accentuated with a unique 180-degree panoramic curved glass window.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29147 project_image_fid=82617]

The curved structure integrates with the existing Imperial development (Stage One), providing shared communal spaces between the two buildings.

A private landscaped courtyard with orchards, generous lawn spaces and a water feature link the buildings at the ground plane, with shared access to a residents&rsquo; lounge within Aire.

The communal roof terrace has been scaled to accommodate residents of both developments.

Aire was constructed by Growthbuilt who translated the architectural concepts and Sekisui House&rsquo;s design philosophies into a bespoke building, with joint CEO and Director, Colin Rahim saying the collaborative approach maintained a focus on sustainability throughout the build.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-orchards-aire-baulkham-hills-104-fairway-drive-baulkham-hills-nsw-2153"><img alt="" height="3750" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sha_aire_-_rooftop_podium.jpg" width="5000" /></a> 
Render of the shared rooftop space in the latest apartment building in the masterplanned community, The Orchards. Image supplied.&nbsp;

Collective design workshops were held with key consultants in the early stages to formulate a united plan for the precast fa&ccedil;ade panels and window systems to achieve a dynamic structure that maximised views for all apartments.

&ldquo;A custom re-usable precast formliner system was used to manufacture the various fa&ccedil;ade elements. A variety of panels were able to be manufactured from each mould, ensuring a cohesive structure. The high-quality built form that was delivered is testament to our pursuit for building excellence which adds value to our client&rsquo;s property portfolios,&rdquo; Rahim said.

Many of the apartments overlook the picturesque fairways of the Castle Hill Country Club, with residents enjoying uninterrupted views, designer finishes and access to private rooftop amenity including an infinity pool, landscaped sun deck, cabanas and rooftop dining facilities.

The Orchards masterplan, designed by Turner is spread across 8.1 hectares and is made up of five stages.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29147 project_image_fid=82635]

Underpinning all aspects of the design is the Japanese concept of &lsquo;satoyama&rsquo;, with the term meaning to connect people through &lsquo;ribbons of green&rsquo;, demonstrated in a lush green spine throughout the estate.

Set on a nature site with a creek and cycle/walkways, The Orchards will feature recreational amenities including a 1.4 hectare public park, playgrounds, break-out green spaces, outdoor lagoon pool, large indoor fitness centre and indoor heated swimming pool.

When completed the community will comprise 1300&nbsp;apartments.

The Orchards is located around 31 kilometres north-west of Sydney&rsquo;s CBD and is nestled in Norwest,&nbsp;located positioned 800 metres from Norwest Metro Train Station and 600 metres from Norwest Marketown as well as Norwest Business Park.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=29147]

Aire’s generous oversized apartments fit the changing needs of the new community allowing flexible living and work from home arrangements.



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