Sydney's most nature-fuelled new apartment developments
New apartment owners are increasingly seeking developments that connect to nature due to a growing awareness of the benefits of green living.
As urbanization accelerates, the need for natural spaces within residential areas becomes more pronounced.
Proximity to nature is known to enhance well-being by reducing stress, improving mental health, and fostering physical activity. Natural elements in residential developments, such as parks, green roofs, and landscaped gardens, create a serene environment that contrasts sharply with the often hectic pace of city life.
Part of the trend toward nature in new apartment developments is a rising desire for sustainable living, driven by environmental concerns. Developments that integrate nature often employ eco-friendly practices, such as energy-efficient designs and sustainable materials, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers. These spaces not only offer a healthier lifestyle but also contribute to lower carbon footprints.
Natural surroundings can also enhance the aesthetic appeal and overall value of a property. Buyers are increasingly looking for homes that provide a harmonious balance between modern conveniences and natural beauty, reflecting a broader shift towards lifestyles that prioritize well-being and environmental stewardship. This trend underscores a collective recognition of the importance of integrating nature into everyday living spaces.
In a city where land is at a premium, it's difficult for developers in Sydney to put together a large enough development site to incorporate a significant amount of nature.
We've wrapped up the most nature-fuelled new apartment developments on the market in Sydney right now.
Project: The Newlands, St Leonards
Location: 21-41 Canberra Avenue, St Leonards NSW 2065
Developer: Top Spring Australia
Following its initial launch to the market in late 2022, Sydney developer Top Spring Australia's parkside masterplan, The Newlands, has been one of the most sought-after developments in the St Leonards South precinct.
Designed by Bates Smart and landscaped by Arcadia Landscape Architecture, The Newlands emphasises a pedestrian-oriented precinct with a focus on the natural landscape of Newlands Park.
Quietly set off Canberra Avenue, just minutes from the St Leonards activity centre and the train station but with the peace and privacy that living opposite a park brings.
“The Newlands is a breath of fresh air for purchasers looking for lower density, leafy spaces, and a more suburban neighbourhood," Colliers Project Director, Daniel McMahon, said.
The Newlands will be home to 319 apartments across five low and mid-rise buildings. 90 per cent of apartments and terrace homes at The Newlands will have green landscape views and some offer absolute park frontage to the soon-to-be expanded Newlands Park, and all the buildings are connected by a 5,700 sqm communal green spine with boardwalks.
Bordered by parkland on three sides, the community provides unrivalled resident facilities including rooftop dining and entertaining spaces, pool, gym, communal electric vehicles and e-bikes for hire, refrigerated parcel lockers for grocery deliveries, and a digital concierge to connect services such as cleaners, personal trainers, and dog walkers.
The Newlands is under construction with 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder DASCO, and the first stage is due for completion in late 2025.
Project: The Orchards | Veue Parkside
Location: 15-19 Spurway Drive, Norwest NSW 2153
Developer: Sekisui House Australia
Sekisui House Australia has committed to nature in its $1 billion Norwest masterplan, The Orchards.
Veue, stage four of the $1 billion masterplanned community, comprises 583 apartments, nearly half of the total apartments that will make up the 8.1-hectare The Orchards.
Sekisui's most recent stage, Veue Parkside, is the most nature-focussed release to date.
Designed by Crone Architects, every element of the parkside homes - from the architectural vision to the selection of material - has been carefully curated to reflect and celebrate the ever-changing beauty of nature.
Sekisui House Australia sales manager David Lee says Veue Parkside’s direct connection to nature via a vertical green building spine supported by splendid northerly views overlooking Castle Hill Country Club and panoramic aspects across to the Blue Mountains from the west will capture the interest of perceptive buyers.
On its launch, over half of the apartments in Veue Parkside sold. Over 60 per cent of sales were secured by Hills Shire residents and the remainder from across Sydney including Vaucluse, Bondi Junction and Maroubra
Project: Willoughby Grounds
Location: 5 Walter Street, Willoughby NSW 2068
Developer: First Quadrant Properties
Willoughby Grounds puts you in the heart of everything great about the warm, green suburb of Willoughby.
The development sits in one of the most beautiful pockets of Sydney – a diverse natural landscape of native bushland, the Lane Cove River and the Middle Harbour estuary.
“Willoughby Grounds is really the best of both worlds – it’s that feeling of being part of a secluded, tucked-away private sanctuary with easy access to the wider amenities of Sydney," Adam Reeves of First Quadrant Properties said.
There will be around 160 apartments spread across the five buildings in Willoughby Grounds, with around 30 to 35 units in each building.
The design brief was to allow the multi-layered architecture and flourishing natural landscape to work in unison to create a sense of serenity and connection to the place.
The communal rooftop, overlooking district views, also reflects its rich natural surroundings, with a garden featuring sculpted stone furniture and blooming plants in large planters.
First Quadrant has the iCIRT-rated builder Dasco currently constructing the project. The first apartments will be ready later this year, and the rest by mid-2025.
