First look exclusive: Sekisui reveal final stage of $1 billion Norwest masterplan, The Orchards
Sekisui House Australia has revealed plans for its final stage of its successful Norwest masterplanned community, The Orchards.
The fifth and final stage, to be decided by the Sydney Central City Planning Panel, will bring the final 209 apartments to the 8.1-hectare precinct at 104 Fairway Drive, strategically located on the edge of the new Norwest Business Park and the Castle Hill Country Club.
The application is for three more buildings, to add to the 1,100 residences either already delivered or under construction. A 12-level and nine-level building, designed by Rothelowman, will home the apartments, while the third building will feature the communal amenity.
The design draws inspiration from natural forms, with the primary building mass resembling an eroded stone structure, featuring apertures and openings that optimise daylight, views, and connectivity with the surrounding landscape.
The unit designs within the development vary to maximise the benefits of the site’s unique context. The western tower apartments are designed to capture northern sunlight while minimising exposure to the western sun, thanks to the strategic placement of balconies.
The breezeway units offer natural ventilation and northern aspect views, while the palace units are designed with two-bedroom wings and a large central living area that opens out towards the creek to take in the northeastern views.
As the westernmost marker within The Orchards, the proposed buildings are designed to create a gateway element that reflects the thematic principles of the broader master plan.
Residents will have access to a ground floor communal courtyard, characterised by expansive lawns that allow for flexible use to accommodate large groups and smaller gatherings.
A communal lagoon pool with dining facilities will enhance the amenities available to residents of the precinct.
Sustainability is also a key consideration in the development, with measures including electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the basement, bioswales within the landscaped area, photovoltaic panels on the roof, and the retention of existing trees.
Sekisui House Australia has been selling The Orchards since 2017.
The most recent release, Veue Parkside, secured $85 million worth of sales at its launch weekend in July. More than 80 of the 156 apartments sold.
Veue, the fourth stage of The Orchards, comprises 577 apartments, nearly half of the total apartments that will make up the 8.1-hectare masterplan.
The Orchards is located around 31 kilometres north-west of Sydney’s CBD. It is 800 metres from Norwest Metro Train Station and 600 metres from Norwest Marketown as well as Norwest Business Park - currently housing over 30,000 employees.
The masterplan, designed by Turner, is spread across five stages. When completed, the community will comprise 1,300 apartments.
