Design

ID_Land’s collaboration with Rothelowman blends rough and smooth materiality and culminates into a beautiful expression of modern architecture.

Delivering 62 residences in one, two and three-bedroom configurations, Canvas pays homage to Brunswick’s industrial past.

The project’s sculptural façade fits perfectly into Barkly Street; its industrial form framed by geometric concrete grids that reinterprets the industrial regeneration of Brunswick.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358 project_image_fid=85966]

Urban recently sat down with Rothelowman’s Kylie Caruana, who has worked in the architectural studio for 12 years, to discuss the Melbourne development.

MK: How many multi-residential projects has Rothelowman been contracted on within Victoria?&nbsp;

KC: During my 12 years at Rothelowman, we’ve been contracted on countless multi-residential projects (so I had some help to run the numbers). Rothelowman currently has 222 Active projects nationally with 132 Projects in Victoria alone, of these 81 are in planning and 45 have gained planning and are in various stages of construction. 92 of these are residential or have residential components. Historically Rothelowman has completed over 800 projects in Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, ACT and Western Australia.

MK: What spoke to you about Canvas in particular?&nbsp;

KC: Canvas was yet another highly collaborative project between ID Land and Rothelowman, to realise their first multi residential apartment building with an exceptional site in the epicentre of Brunswick. This was an opportunity for urban reconsolidation, in a well-connected precinct around existing culture. Having lived in Brunswick for many years and residing in neighbouring Northern suburbs my entire life, this was an opening to bring my community’s ideals to the table.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358 project_image_fid=85960]

MK: What was the design brief from ID_Land for the project's architectural design?&nbsp;

KC: The design brief from day dot was open and progressive. Our special relationship with ID Land, based on high levels of trust and collaboration, meant the brief didn’t need to talk to specifics. We were to take an urban regeneration site and come up with a design concept for the future, whilst paying homage to the granular nature of the past. We framed our thinking - to embed our thirst for sustainability, balanced living, and to establish new links to the existing community.

MK: Where did you take your inspiration from?

KC: Primarily our inspiration came from the beauty and the eclectic and diverse culture we see, feel and experience within Brunswick. Tucked in a site with an industrial past and an artistic present, Canvas draws links from its surrounding tactile materiality, fluid forms, creative culture and lifestyle.

MK: How did you harmonise Canvas into the Barkly Streetscape?

KC: Very early in the piece, we brought together ideas on what we envisaged for the future urban topography of the area and what we would build upon for the future Brunswick community. Although there are three parts to our streetscape, the lines between our retail, commercial office and residential are blurred behind our façade grid. Our entry is complex, yet holistic whereby it invites patrons, employees, residents and visitors through the one naturally lit entrance.

These elements were then stitched together to create a Canvas. The development provides a sustainable living experience that culminates into a home for families, couples, and individuals.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358 project_image_fid=85965]

MK: Were there any challenges during the design process that you had to overcome?&nbsp;

KC: What are maybe typically seen as challenges became opportunities to engage and have an honest and open dialogue with the planning authorities, taking them on the journey and together forming a collective example that exemplifies future-proofed planning outcomes and creates a precedent for future developments.

MK: How important are communal amenities in new developments, and why?

KC: Now more than ever the importance of communal amenity has come to the fore; people have never spent as much time in their apartments before and now they’re receiving a real education in design – seeing how the sun enters the rooms during the day, how much fresh air they receive and how they use outdoor space.&nbsp;

This is changing people’s attitudes and cementing what’s important to them. There’ll be a definite permanent mark left and we’ll be living differently in the future, with more flexible working, both from home and from the office. As a result, people will want greater liveable outdoor space and more personal space. People like the idea of having an escape and this kind of design will become even more popular because of what we’ve been through.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358 project_image_fid=85959]

Though designed pre-COVID, Canvas has all the prerequisites for a post-pandemic world and the intrinsic changes it has brought to the way we live, work and play. With an extensive rooftop resident’s amenity floor, Canvas has the answer. Our communal rooftop includes internal and external spaces, work from home places, comfortable lounge areas, kitchen with entertainment dining, north and south facing open air terraces with spectacular views and shared gardens, all sustainably delivered.

MK: What have you tried to do in the design that the average homebuyer may not notice straight away?&nbsp;

KC: A project, be it commercial, residential or retail, isn’t about selling space; it’s about selling the intangibles – the opportunities, the lifestyle and the economic prospects these spaces can provide.

By managing spaces, sharing resources and hosting activities together, residents are empowered to contribute to the surrounding community and the world at large, creating greater connections and happier lives.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=29358]

Urban recently sat down with Rothelowman’s Kylie Caruana, who has worked in the architectural studio for 12 years, to discuss the Melbourne development

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Designed by a Brunswick local: Rothelowman’s Kylie Caruana discusses the design influences behind Canvas, Brunswick apartments

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank" target="_blank">Melbourne Square</a> has been designed by Cox Architecture, with interiors by Carr Design, creating intelligently crafted spaces that make the most of the spectacular city views on offer.

There are four distinct design themes by Coco Republic to choose from, The Manhattan, which offers a sophisticated dark palette,&nbsp; the Bondi which has a coastal feel, Paris boasts timeless luxury and Soho showcases monochromatic industrial style.&nbsp;

The brand new selection of homes feature kitchens that boast the most luxurious marble block island benches, with Kohler tapware, state-of-the-art Miele appliances, 5-burner gas hobs and DynaCool refrigeration.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="4438" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/kaye_1084_hr_for_print.jpg" width="6658" /></a>

All bathrooms in this collection include a semi-frameless shower, concealed cisterns, ample storage and modern tapware, with large mirrored cabinets above the dual vanities.&nbsp;

Each bedroom boasts stunning views via floor-to-ceiling glazing, with plenty of built-in wardrobe space and integrated heating and cooling. Master suites offer a unique panoramic city vista so you can go to sleep watching the sparkling Melbourne city lights, and with the flick of a switch, you can extend the automated block-out blinds. Master suites also include extra spacious walk-in wardrobes and bespoke study nooks, giving you the freedom to work from home.

For a limited time, 2 &amp; 3 bedroom apartment buyers can secure a Life &amp; Style Edition package, which includes stunning Coco Republic furniture and a custom design experience, integrated DARWIN by Delos wellness technology, Samsung white goods and a voucher for The Plant Society to include an indoor planting environment to ensure wellness is maximised.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929]

To learn more about Melbourne Square or to visit the display suite, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank" target="_blank">request a call from an OSK Property sales consultant</a> via Urban today.&nbsp;

Olivia Round

Melbourne Square: The Design Details

Auburn Square is the latest development from Tian An in Sydney&rsquo;s west, receiving development approval for six mixed-use buildings.

Comprising a total 427 residences in one, two and three-bedroom configurations, the apartments will include nine retail and commercial suites as well as numerous amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317]

Designed by acclaimed architects Rothelowman, each apartment has been designed for day-to-day liveability with high-end finishes and premium inclusions.

Auburn Square apartments feature open concept living and dining areas, offering an overall sense of space.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/auburn-square-26-36-northumberland-road-auburn" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="2059" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/auburn-square-26-36-northumberland-road-auburn-fc1da8c6dd1b19c37a402bb0fddd771f.jpg" width="3500" /></a>

The design focus was on increasing natural light through apartment orientation, tiled flooring and deep balconies.

&ldquo;Large format floor tiling in neutral colours provides a seamless transition from the kitchen through to the living area and out onto the balcony or terrace&rdquo;, the project marketing reads.

The project&rsquo;s landscape design has been developed as an integral part of the project.

Designed by Ground Ink, 2,000 sqm of green space will be featured to provide common areas between buildings and a high level of amenity for occupants and local residents.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/auburn-square-26-36-northumberland-road-auburn" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="2059" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/auburn-square-26-36-northumberland-road-auburn-f346b84fc7a9a0425ab7ab67f5997758_0.jpg" width="3500" /></a>

Homebuyers will also rejoice at communal spaces on the first-floor podium and on the rooftop terrace.

Communal dining areas, custom-built bench seating, planter beds, barbeque facilities, an outdoor cinema and exercise equipment will feature across the two resident areas. 
&nbsp;

<h2>Finishes</h2>

Residents at Auburn Square can select between two colour schemes for either a predominantly light or contrasting finish which carries into the bathrooms, cabinetry and flooring.

These colour schemes will run through the whole apartment, according to the project marketing, &ldquo;including a stylish feature wall that sets the tone for your living, dining, and kitchen spaces.&rdquo;

You can view the finishes below

Light Scheme

<img alt="" height="212" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-04-15_at_6.14.04_pm.png" width="838" />

Contrasting&nbsp;Scheme

<img alt="" height="212" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-04-15_at_6.14.17_pm.png" width="838" />

1. Kitchen benchtop and splashback 
2. Kitchen joinery &ndash; feature shelf 
3. Kitchen joinery &ndash; island bench 
4. Kitchen/ bathroom joinery 
5. Floor tile 
6. Bathroom wall tiles 
7. Bathroom feature tiles 
8. Bedroom carpet

Designed by acclaimed architects Rothelowman, each apartment has been designed for day-to-day liveability with high-end finishes and premium inclusions.



The design features we love about the Auburn Square homes

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Melbourne's Armadale is set to welcome a brand new development that boasts architectural prowess – it's crisp, it's opulent, and it exudes sophistication.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/monument-608-orrong-road-armadale" target="_blank">Monument</a> has been crafted by the design team at K2LD in collaboration with landscape architecture studio TCL. The respective design practices were employed by JV developers Chapter Group and SHC Group for their innate ability to create something "unique and identifiable".

We caught up with Luke Claringbold, Associate &amp; Interior Designer at K2LD to learn more about the journey the team took to reach the striking design that is set to take shape in Armadale in the near future. 

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93828]

Urban.com.au: What inspired the overall concept of your latest design project, Monument in Armadale?

Luke Claringbold: The design of the interiors is based around the concept of creating monumental moments throughout the building. From public spaces to individual residences. It was a process of creating a true collaboration between architecture and interiors and working together to inform one another to create a harmonious design outcome.

There are details referenced throughout the interiors that bring the larger concepts and notions of the architecture to a more human and tangible scale within the interiors giving residents a closer connection and understanding of the wider building narrative of carved and sculptural moments.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/monument-608-orrong-road-armadale" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1390" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/monument.jpeg" width="2090"></a>

U: Which luxury details have you carried throughout the design of all residences – from the 2-bed homes to the penthouses?

LC: We have aimed to give residents the same experience within the building no matter which residence they choose – from the 2 bedroom residences to the double-storey penthouse.

A consistent material palette is used with the same level of detail being carried through – from the curved marble shower in the main bathroom to the sculptural, carved island bench. All apartments feature Gaggenau and Liebherr appliances, Hansgrohe fittings and fixtures as well as kitchens by DADA and wardrobes by Molteni&amp;C. In terms of apartment amenity, it was important for us to create dedicated working spaces and ample storage to all apartments as well as highly useable outdoor spaces which are evident in the large terraces and gardens across all floors. Residences are really only defined by their elevation and orientation rather than their level of detail and inclusions.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/monument-608-orrong-road-armadale" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1396" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/monument2.jpeg" width="2094"></a>

U: How did you go about collaborating with landscape architecture practice TCL to maximise the consonance between the built form and nature?

LC: TCL’s landscape really complemented our initial design concepts – especially the interiors. The free-flowing and organic nature of the landscape really resonated with our interior design as a way to soften the strong, bold façade of the building. The use of varying textures to create warmth and softness is something that we have focused on with the interiors and this is also evident in the selection of planting and materiality used in the landscaping, creating that extra layer of cohesion between the disciplines.

There are a vast amount of opportunities within Monument for connection and interaction between the interiors, architecture and landscape from the ground floor terraces, to the native green roof on Level 4 and we have tried to enhance these connections to nature wherever possible.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/monument-608-orrong-road-armadale" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1400" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/monument6.jpeg" width="2790"></a>

U: What was the design brief from JV partners Chapter Group and SHC Group, and how has the initial vision progressed since the first design iteration? 

LC: Working with Chapter Group and SHC is always a very collaborative process – right from defining the brief until the final handover of the project. They aren’t afraid to try something different, and Monument is definitely different to other projects that we have delivered together. We set out to create something unique and identifiable.

The vision was to create a project that wasn’t afraid to stand out in its location on Orrong Rd amongst a number of other multi-residential buildings. I wouldn’t say the concepts have changed much from their first iterations but we have worked really hard to refine and perfect them for the project's launch.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/monument-608-orrong-road-armadale" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1390" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/monument3.jpeg" width="2472"></a>

U: There are some lovely textures used throughout the development – pale oak floorboards, natural stone, custom joinery – in your opinion, which materials aesthetically elevate a home? 

LC: I think its important to have layering throughout the material palette. Texture is vital to add detail to the interior and really elevates the feeling of the space. It's not necessarily about having the most expensive materials like stone, but how you can add different layers and textures to a space to create interest. Tactility is key in the way a space is experienced and including elements like a plush carpet or a textural timber floor, where people are actually going to interact with a material, can be a great way to elevate a home. Being able to touch and interact with a material is going to give a greater connection to a space and impact the way in which it is experienced.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/monument-608-orrong-road-armadale" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1382" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/monument4.jpeg" width="1082"></a>

U: The sculptural staircase is a really unique element of the design – where did you draw inspiration from for this feature?

LC: This was a space where we really saw an opportunity to create one of those “monumental moments” mentioned earlier. The staircase is one of the first things you see when entering the penthouse so we wanted to celebrate it as its own sculptural element rather than hide it away as a purely functional and transitional part of the interior. It's not often that you get the chance to put a staircase of this size into an apartment, so why not take the opportunity to make it a real feature of such a unique residence. Again, it references the softness and the curves used throughout the interiors and applies them to amplify the expansive double height of the entry. We wanted to celebrate the ascent from the every day living areas to the top floor recreation spaces.

The circular skylight above is another layer to the design that helps to enhance the sculptural quality of the space and extend the interior.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/monument-608-orrong-road-armadale" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1470" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/monument5.jpeg" width="1022"></a>

U: What's the one thing you're most proud of about Monument?

LC: I am really proud of the consideration and the thought that has gone into developing each individual residence at Monument. The user's experience is always at the forefront of our decision making and being able to map this out and consider every detail has led to a really beautiful and highly liveable outcome. From the planning right through to the detailing, we have aimed to give each residence its own identity within the overall development.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/monument-608-orrong-road-armadale" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1404" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/monument7.jpeg" width="2120"></a>
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Creating 'monumental moments' in design: K2LD designer discusses the vision for Armadale's latest development, Monument

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Professional renovators Gav and Waz, who appeared on the first series of The Block reality television in 2003, have listed their two-bedroom Rockwall Gardens, Potts Point apartment.
It is a ground floor apartment on Tusculum Street advertised on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-potts+point-120052945" target="_blank">realestate.com.au</a>. They are testing the apparently buoyant market in the inner city suburb where <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/property-observer" target="_blank">CoreLogic RP Data</a> actually have the median apartment price down to $525,000 since they bought last year. The median price for a two-bedroom unit with a car space in the suburb sat at around $1 million, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/43068-inner-city-car-parking-convenience-costs-record-264-000-at-the-chimes-potts-point" target="_blank">before the recent $264,000 car space sale</a>.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/photogallery_new.ds?id=120052945&amp;theme=rea.buy" rel="photos" data-id="120052945"><img src="https://i2.au.reastatic.net/800x600/4927987fff45b2431ac9aa8f042cc376784a626a3fb04b694aa08379fd410724/image7.jpg" alt="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" title="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" data-index="6"></a>
The renovation duo settled only last July at a hefty $2.25 million, with renovations completed since on the apartment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a car space. There are still trademark Deece Giles interiors since the boys bought from the renown Sydney architect.
<img src="https://i3.au.reastatic.net/800x600/de77c1b00ad9bb49b76435f854d9a20119e636f73fe6782622a2c83b1db64537/main.jpg" alt="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" title="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" data-index="0">
Now surrounded by greenery, the total floor space, inside and out, is 180 square metres. It comes with outdoor fireplace by Rolling Stone Landscapes, gold medal winners at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show.
<img src="https://i2.au.reastatic.net/800x600/4311073f62ad842d671b4b094e23b21e3485102865d75ae1a1db9c8ada01cff4/image3.jpg" alt="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" title="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" data-index="2">
Jason Boon and Geoff Cox, of Richardson and Wrench, won't reveal how much profit the boys really want for their snug viewless offering, but Title Tattle gleans high $2s will  make them content.
Charlie, their Jack Russell, featured in the advertising (below) to stress the pet friendly nature of the block, is not included.
<img src="https://i4.au.reastatic.net/800x600/583595704b77639853d24a55dd1425c5fc8b48a2eebc3fc9d552e0ecfebdc893/image5.jpg" alt="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" title="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" data-index="4">
Two contracts were issued following the initial weekend open for inspection.
Warren Sonin and and Gavin Atkins have poured serious money into the Potts Point precinct in recent times spending $1.38 million on three investment acquisitions between 2013 and late 2014.
They sold their 23-hectare farm, Charltons, in the Byron Bay hinterland for $3 million in 2013.
<img src="https://i4.au.reastatic.net/800x600/b69408cc3be8b2c1cd61d65297a5fc53735f12a679a8ca18f16fdd4dac073583/image9.jpg" alt="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" title="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" data-index="8">
Some 26 registered parties ensured a strong price today for a top-floor unit <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-potts+point-119904929" target="_blank">6/1 St Neots Avenue, Potts Point</a> that fetched $1,846,000 under the hammer through Ray White Double Bay agent Kim Hayes. 
It sold to an investor.
It came with harbour views.
Sydney's overall weekend clearance rate was a smidge down at 83.2%, compared to last weekend's initial 83.3%, which was then revised down to 81.9% after the late notified results.
Mosman again had the highest sale across Sydney - at $3.05 million at 4 Sverge Street - again through McGrath, albeit at half last weekend's top reported sale.
It was a 1960s original (below) on 768 square metres.
<img src="https://b.domainstatic.com.au/w1600-h1200-2012013305_4_pi_150608_050755" width="593" height="445">
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Inside Gav and Waz's garden Potts Point quick flip

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What a different two year price pattern after a very modern 2014 Albert Park renovation.
The latest vendor secured a sizeable price gain between 2013 and 2015. It is on the same street as the recent series of The Block warehouse conversion.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/photogallery_new.ds?id=119703715&amp;theme=rea.sold" rel="photos" data-id="119703715"><img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/800x600/b51c5162f8045df6de8df9b50b93bf53cb285e63a556451e101932587b83d1bc/image2.jpg" alt="54 O'Grady Street, Albert Park" title="54 O'Grady Street, Albert Park" data-index="2"></a>
The prior vendor went backwards in the period 2011 and 2013, albeit by just $24,500.
54 O'Grady Street Albert Park sold through agent Warwick Gardiner at $1,875,000 at weekend Greg Hocking Holdsworth auction.
It previously sold at $1,000,500 in April 2013, prior to its second storey master bedroom extension.
In April 2011 it sold at $1,025,000.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/photogallery_new.ds?id=119703715&amp;theme=rea.sold" rel="photos" data-id="119703715"><img src="https://i4.au.reastatic.net/800x600/a7bd57df6a7cdb6a5026d18bd69225692d2f1c20fd7b66aeff75fc32103adad8/image13.jpg" alt="54 O'Grady Street, Albert Park" title="54 O'Grady Street, Albert Park" data-index="13"></a>
It was not for the first time, the price of the cottage had faded.
In 2001 it traded a $195,000 having sold in 1996 at $230,000.
In another two year ownership tenure, the much traded cottage sold in 1982 for $58,500 and in 1984 at $81,500.
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Albert Park offering heads upwards after going backwards

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/67227/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Great cities and neighbourhoods always have a particular kind of urban intensity - what we might call the “character”, “buzz” or “atmosphere” that emerges over time.
While unique in many ways, great cities also have certain things in common. One way to understand these properties is to think about a city’s “urban DMA” - its density, mix and access.
We’re still in the early days of understanding how cities work. But we do know that creative, healthy, low-carbon and productive cities all depend on intensive synergies of density, mix and access. 
When we talk about “urban DMA”, we’re talking about the density of a city’s buildings, the way people and activities are mixed together, and the access, or transport networks that we use to navigate through them.
Like biological DNA, urban DMA doesn’t determine outcomes, but establishes what is possible. A low density, largely mono-functional cul-de-sac (such as a shopping mall or a gated enclave) is an anti-urban form. Minimum levels of concentration, co-functioning and connectivity are necessary for any kind of urban life.
The concept of urban DMA can be traced to the work of the late Jane Jacobs, whose book “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” was written in the mid-20th century, when many great cities were being surrendered to cars and poor urban design.
Jacobs wrote of the need for “concentration”, “mixed primary uses”, “old buildings” and “short blocks”. We recognise this as urban DMA – “concentration” is density; “mixed use” and “old buildings” are the conditions for a formal, functional and social mix; and “short blocks” means “walkability” at a neighbourhood scale.
Jacobs’ key contribution was to focus on the city as a set of interconnections and synergies rather than things in themselves – a focus on the city as an assemblage, rather than a set of parts. While the language has evolved, our understanding of these vital synergies needs to be taken much further.
<h2>Access</h2>
Access is about how we get around in the city. How do we make connections between where we are and where we want or need to be? What are the access routes - are they organised in closed or open networks? How fast are they at different scales and for different modes of transport? How far can we get with a given time frame and with what mix of walking, cycling, car, bus, tram or train?
At a neighbourhood scale access is primarily about “walkability”; at larger scales we depend on a mix of cars, cycling and public transport. But access means nothing if there is nowhere to go – the synergy with density and mix is everything. 
<a href="/images/2016/11/03/image-20161101-15821-osie45.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/03/image-20161101-15821-osie45.png" alt="">
<h4>Mix</h4>
Mix is about the differences and juxtapositions between activities, attractions and people. It’s not about diversity as spectacle, but a means of enabling encounters and flows between different categories of people, buildings and functions. Mix is about the alliances and synergies between home, work and play; between production, exchange and consumption.
Like density, mix can be uncomfortable; it means proximity to different kinds of people and practices. It means a layering of old and new buildings, of large and small buildings, and of large and small organisations. 
Mix is not an unmitigated benefit. Urban planning was largely invented to stop mixing - to prevent living with noise, smells and activities we don’t like. It means keeping where we live away from where we work and shop.
But that separation ceases to be helpful when the result is people living in suburbs with no shops, or working in suburbs with no transport. Great cities will have many different kinds of mix - a “mix of mixes” - each geared in turn to density and access.
<h2>Density</h2>
Density is not the same as intensity. When we don’t have the synergies of the DMA, we often get density without intensity.
There are dangers in an excess of some kinds of density, like the overcrowding of populations and the loss of light and air that comes with excessive building. There are many different kinds of densities - of residents, jobs, buildings, houses and street life. They interconnect, and they all matter. 
The big question about density is: how much activity, how many people and how many buildings can be concentrated into one urban area? How close can we live to where we work or need to be? How many urban amenities, places and jobs can we walk or commute to? 
<a href="/images/2016/11/03/image-20161101-15816-gtpcg7.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<h4><img src="/images/2016/11/03/image-20161101-15816-gtpcg7.png" alt=""></h4>
<h4>Urbanity</h4>
What is at stake here is the future of this great cauldron of productivity and creativity we call urban life. The 19th century British economist Alfred Marshall famously suggested that there was “something in the air” of a city that made it more economically productive - a phrase that is suggestive of an “atmosphere” and a “buzz” of urban intensity.
Much more than a simple clustering of people and buildings, urbanity is a concentration of intensive encounters and interconnections. And its benefits are much more than economic - they’re social, environmental and aesthetic.
If we want to build great cities, we shouldn’t develop formulae or copies of “best practice” from other cities. We should turn to our existing cities and ask three simple questions: 
<ul>
<li>How dense can we get yet remain liveable? </li>
<li>How mixed can we get while remaining safe and civil? And,</li>
<li>How easily can we get around in a healthy and sustainable way?</li>
</ul>
Urban planning enables and constrains these dimensions of urban life. And unlike human DNA, urban DMA can be redesigned. If we want a healthy, creative, productive and low-carbon city - if we want “the buzz” - we need to reshape the urban DMA.
Kim Dovey is professor of Architecture and Urban Design, University of Melbourne and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kim-dovey-235023" target="_blank">here</a>.
Elek Pafka is lecturer in Urban Planning and Urban Design, University of Melbourne and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/elek-pafka-128908" target="_blank">here</a>.
Both are authors for The Conversation.
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What makes a city tick? Designing the ‘urban DMA'

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An international style penthouse that sold six years ago for $8.1 million in Elizabeth Bay is one of the latest homes where the FIRB is seeking forced divestment, after its owners came forward in the amnesty on illegal purchases that ends in November.
The top-floor company title apartment at Darnley Hall on Onslow Avenue was bought by Paul Longmuir and wife Elain Wei Ah Kwan in 2009 from Tony Benjamin, the property investor best known for ownership of the Holiday Lodge Hotel, Potts Point historic terrace.
The Longmuirs have since spent $16 million buying in Bellevue Hill, but the Bellevue Hill home is not under suspicion for breaching any foreign investment rules. 
It was a seven bedroom Bellevue Hill property sold by the Indonesian media mogul Eddy Sariaatmadja.
As the departing Elizabeth Bay Longmuir couple came forward themselves under Joe Hockey's crackdown, they will have 12 months to sell the home, though there are unconfirmed suggestions it may have already been quietly sold. No knowledge of any fresh sale by the last selling agent, Jason Boon at Elizabeth Bay's Richardson &amp;Wrench agency.
Sales must take place within three months for owners who do not come forward voluntarily.
Additionally by coming forward the owners will keep all the capital gain appreciation, but next year under tough new laws being debated in parliament currently, they will risk their gains.
The other homes up for divestment are in Ardross in Perth, Underdale in Adelaide, Stretton in Brisbane and Labrador on the Gold Coast.
The Darnley Hall penthouse renovation was described as "hard to pin down as being from one particular place," by Tony Benjamin's then partner, Kym Elphinstone, an arts consultant.
"This could be Sydney, Paris, London, San Francisco or Hong Kong and is the result of inﬂuences drawn globally," <a href="https://www.tonkaandjelkovicdesign.com/portfolio/" target="_blank">Kym noted.</a>
"We travel a lot and I guess we’ve pulled together what we like from different places as sympathetically to our own environment as possible."
Inspired by French-born botanist Patrick Blanc’s much-published vertical garden walls on buildings throughout the world, the couple decided on as much greenery as possible on the terrace. 
A former bedroom has been converted into a state-of-the-art kitchen that also opens up to the terrace through original French doors
High ceilings, original architraves and grand rooms were all period features that had been the main attraction when they bought in 2007. 
The purchase triggered a two-year period of re-modelling and restoration with the collaboration of interior designer Tonka Andjelkovic, with a difﬁcult existing ﬂoor plan. 
Above images courtesy of <a href="https://www.tonkaandjelkovicdesign.com" target="_blank">Tonkaandjelkovic design</a>.
Below picture was taken prior to renovation.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2015/09/17/1602_192482_3_1194772641.jpg" alt="" width="477" height="318"> 
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Inside Darnley Hall, Joe Hockey's latest forced FIRB trophy Sydney divestiture home 

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Audette House, the 1953 Peter Muller -designed Castlecrag residence inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, has been listed through Richardson &amp; Wrench Castlecrag agent Mark O'Brien.
No price guidance initially ahead of<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-castlecrag-119815955" target="_blank"> its June 20 auction</a> for the north facing waterfront reserve architectural gem, but after the weekend's first open - with 70 plus through - it is confidently tipped to fetch around $6 million.
<img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/494139520a7f8c5ec63fb2d0b853b2905d779034ce6d2d6d9a84feb6de018d3e/main.jpg" alt="265 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag" title="265 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag" data-index="0">
It last traded in 1998 at $1.75 million and before that in 1964 for 24,500 pounds.
It was commissioned, with its subtle affinity to traditional Japanese architecture, for an American, R. B. Audette, after Muller returned from studying at the University of Pennsylvania.
Much admired by Sydney's architectural cognoscenti, the house on its 997 square metre double block was the first commission for the long celebrated Peter Muller. 
Set at 265 to 267 Edinburgh Road, architects Peter Monckton and Kerry Fyfe undertook its renovation and extension with input from the original architect in 2002-2003 for the McCann family.
<img src="https://i4.au.reastatic.net/456x342/c25153a59713a6887c18e50d81b108fa90ccdf89a0e8bcfa9f51fa5f4f9d971e/image15.jpg" alt="265 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag" title="265 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag" data-index="14">
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Dedicated to the modern, organic school of architecture, Muller had designed the house along three axes: a longitudinal spine intersected by two traverse axes, with the house having a distinctive linear form, composed of a flat roof and wide-banded walls.
Title Tattle seems to recall that the 'snotted brickwork' of Audette House was not as originally planned, but Bob Audette didn't proceed with sandstone for all external walling, instead substituting used wire-cut bricks. 
Muller devised a technique in which the mortar oozed out the grout lines in between courses of the bricks - the technique is now known as ‘snotted brickwork.
The large open plan living areas with solid Silver Ash and Caliza Viva limestone flooring flow to the enormous alfresco entertaining terrace with integrated stainless steel bench, Smeg BBQ and built-in fridge.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/photogallery_new.ds?id=119815955&amp;theme=rea.buy" rel="photos" data-id="119815955"><img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/333386ac2fa747f7611e6c827de2d640358bf7e1f1227aca35cd0a0aa316a4db/image4.jpg" alt="265 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag" title="265 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag" data-index="3"></a>
Landscape architect Jane Irwin designed a terraced garden that complements the five bedroom, four bathroom house.
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Peter Muller-designed Audette House listed in Castlecrag

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Jeff Provan's custom-built mid-1990s home at 119 Canterbury Road, Toorak - with striking rooftop light-filled half cylindrical studio - was passed in on the vendor’s bid of $2.75 million at auction last month.
It came with a $3.095 million post-auction asking price through Marcus Chiminello of Marshall White.
<img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/fc8fd89ed79087a8f0e9f5a0dc97c15909664f6ff983631ccf9900761e56480a/main.jpg" alt="119 Canterbury Road, Toorak" title="119 Canterbury Road, Toorak" data-index="0">
The three-bedroom, three-bathroom home was designed by vendor, property designer and developer Jeff Provan with a copper cylinder on the roof. The 199 square metre block cost $340,000 in 1995.
Jeff Provan, of Melbourne design and architecture company Neometro, set himself the task of creating a building that met all the elements of the state's then new Good Design Guide code for houses on small allotments.
He created what he modestly called a box with the ground floor dedicated to living areas, the second is for sleeping and the third is a study or studio. 
Provan began the process using Le Corbusier's "modular scale", developed by the Swiss 20th-century architect based on the proportions of a man.
Title Tattle recalls Provan's Japanese wife, Mariko wanted Victorian proportions in the house while he preferred the minimal Japanese aesthetic. 
In 2007 Provan estimated his house would cost about $1 million to replicate, and require a year of planning and a year for building.
Marketed as showcasing Neometro's trademark pre-eminent design, Marcus Chiminello said scrupulous attention to detail was evident throughout with a blend of stone, timber and natural renders. 
"A timeless rarity," he said.
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