Hickory Group

As a leader of Australia’s urban development, builder-developer Hickory made a significant contribution to Melbourne’s ever-expanding skyline in 2022, with several residential projects reaching completion and many more breaking ground.

As a specialist in the creation of high-rise residential buildings, Hickory projects are known for promoting, engaging, and enriching community life. ​

We've wrapped up the top five&nbsp;Hickory projects completed and commenced in 2022.

<h2>1. HOME 
Address: 626 Heidelberg Road, Alphington VIC 3078 
Two-bedroom apartments from $699,000</h2>

Home is a collection of 326 architecturally-designed homes, sky homes and apartments that blend seamlessly into the leafy, riverside suburb of Alphington.

With a private park on level four, Home residents have access to a playground, yoga lawn, state- of-the-art gym and pilates pavilion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24441 project_image_fid=84979]

Other amenities include a wine cellar and hotel-style guest rooms for when family and friends come to stay.

<h2>2. Aspire 
Address: 299 King Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000</h2>

ICD Property’s 65-storey residential tower comprises 594 apartments with a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units. Located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, the tower is just moments from the city’s best hospitality, cultural and retail offerings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2575 project_image_fid=79447]

Award-winning architects Elenberg Fraser designed the tower’s façade to include a row of planter boxes, which works to soften the exterior. Hickory utilised its innovative prefabricated construction methods for parts of the build such as the staircase.

Upon completion, residents will have access to boardrooms, a library, table tennis, billiards, media room, lounge and BBQs, private dining rooms, whiskey parlour, function ballroom, champagne conservatory, gym, pool, and hydro spa.

<h2>3. Victoria &amp; Vine 
Address: 1-57 Wellington Street, Collingwood VIC 3066</h2>

Victoria &amp; Vine is a $280 million luxury residential and retail precinct ideally positioned in the heart of Collingwood.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5117 project_image_fid=165555]

Designed by COX Architecture and delivered by GURNER, the homes embody the area’s rich industrial character. Inspired by New York’s Meatpacking District, the warehouse-style structure allows the precinct to blend into its surrounds.

Limited apartments currently available.

<h2>4. Trio Box Hill 
Address: 845-851 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill VIC 3128 
One-bedroom apartments from $409,000</h2>

Trio presents the next generation of mixed-used development in Box Hill, offering residents a wide variety of retail, dining, and lifestyle amenities.

Located 30 minutes from the CBD, the development comprises three towers above a 6-level podium occupying 488 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4134 project_image_fid=27479]

Two towers are residential apartments, with the third housing independent living apartments and a two-level childcare facility.

With construction well underway, Hickory is fast-tracking the project timeline by using precast core panels.

<h2>5. The Queensbridge Building 
Address: 90 Queens Bridge Street, Southbank VIC 3006</h2>

Queensbridge is a neighbourhood building located at a nexus joining Melbourne CBD, the Yarra River, South Melbourne and the Arts Precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1504 project_image_fid=208256]

Upon completion, the 62-storey tower will offer one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as co-working space options and generous entertainment zones.

Currently being delivered by Hickory, Time &amp; Place, and MaxCap Group, the Queensbridge Building display suites are now open to the public for viewing.

As a specialist in the creation of high-rise residential buildings, Hickory projects are known for promoting, engaging, and enriching community life

Joel Robinson

The top 5 Melbourne apartment projects Hickory are building in 2022

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Melbourne-based construction company <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory Group</a> (Opera, Conservatory, Market Lane) were recently granted the ‘Award of Excellence’ for their innovative prefabricated building technology at the Council on Tall Buildings &amp; Urban Habitat (CTBUH) Awards in Shenzhen, China. The patented technology ‘Hickory Building Systems’ was used to construct the 43-level La Trobe Student Accommodation in Melbourne's CBD and by utilising prefabricated components the build took just 22 months, reducing construction time by 30%. 

Hickory Group’s Managing Director, George Abram presented the project to a jury who judge applications based on whether they have made an extraordinary contribution to the advancements of construction and propose innovative technical solutions.

<blockquote>
“This is a great privilege for Hickory to be on a world stage. It’s very humbling for us as a privately owned construction company from Melbourne, Australia trying to lead the way in innovation in construction. Winning this award gives us a lot of encouragement to keep on our mission to improve the safety, efficiency and quality of high-rise construction worldwide.”
</blockquote>

George Abraham, Managing director of Hickory Group

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/latrobestudentaccom_01a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="La Trobe Student Accommodation. Credit: Hickory Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/latrobestudentaccom_01a.jpg?itok=fswbe5BU" title="La Trobe Student Accommodation. Credit: Hickory Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>La Trobe Student Accommodation. Credit: HAYBALL</figcaption><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ui11Jc82dVs" width="560"></iframe></figure>The building is currently the tallest prefabricated student accommodation project in Australia, as well as one of world's tallest prefabricated buildings, standing at 150m. Floor slabs, facades and Sync bathroom pods were all constructed in Hickory Group’s factory and transported to site for installation.

Prefabrication allows construction time to be sped up drastically and with cost and time reduced, there is often extra capacity for buildings to reach taller heights. Taking the majority of the build off-site also reduces disruption to neighbouring properties and is a lot safer to the public environment.

Hickory Group has also utilised a similar prefabrication technique on other projects such as <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/collins-house-melbourne-466-collins-street-melbourne">Collins House</a> and <a href="https://www.hickory.com.au/projects/3-east/">3:East</a>. The Hickory team acknowledged on a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz2t8JUI5V4">YouTube forum</a> that the design process has been refined over the past decade to accommodate each unique build's requirements, such as taking into account that while the façade of high-rises may be prefabricated, many interior features such as tiling are best fitted out in-situ for optimum results.

Check out these incredible time-lapse videos of the Collins House and 3:East builds:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2yliRluP7LI" width="560"></iframe><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fz2t8JUI5V4" width="560"></iframe>
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Olivia Round

Hickory Group wins international ‘Award of Excellence’ thanks to innovative prefabrication construction technology

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Hickory Group has announced its appointment as head contractor for 88 Melbourne, after signing the contract for New Sky Group's 61-storey residential tower. Located at 88 Queensbridge Street Southbank, the 208m edifice designed by Rothelowman, will comprise 252 residences upon completion, and represents New Sky Group's largest undertaking in Melbourne to date. 

The site has a long history, with the project <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/what-the-fook-84-88-queensbridge-street-southbank">first covered on Urban.com.au back in February of 2014</a> after Financial Fook via its subsidiary acquired the site for $18 million. Upon receiving planning approval later that year late Starryland Melbourne sold the site to New Sky Group for $22 million, who subsequently reworked the scheme towards owner occupiers before launching 88 Melbourne almost two years later.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/hickory_contract_signing.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="The signing of the contract for 88 Queensbridge Street. Image: Hickory "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="304" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hickory_contract_signing.jpeg?itok=p58IvzQr" title="The signing of the contract for 88 Queensbridge Street. Image: Hickory " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The signing of the contract for 88 Queensbridge Street. Image: Hickory</figcaption></figure>The design for 88 Melbourne is defined by its three-dimensional diamond patterned façade that has drawn inspiration from hand crafted jewellery and origami. An integrated LED installation will run the full height of the building further accentuating the pattern and illuminating the tower on the Southbank skyline at night.

The development will sit diagonally opposite a dual-tower scheme at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/87-127-queensbridge-street-southbank">87-127 Queensbridge Street</a> which received approval mid-year following a protracted planning process, amidst continued site consolidation and a number of redesigns.

88 Melbourne adds to Hickory's current pipeline of builds across Melbourne which also includes Yarra One South Yarra, Sky One Box Hill, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/collins-house-melbourne-466-collins-street-melbourne">Collins House</a> in the CBD, MGallery Chadstone and Market Lane South Melbourne, to name a few.  

Collins House which utilises Hickory's pre-fabricated construction technology, is racing up the Melbourne skyline providing a unique and dynamic focal due to its lack of visible core. The HBS module allows building elements be erected more efficiently and safely on the challenging narrow site.

Hickory also recently poured the level 8 slab on the 12-storey hotel MGallery-branded hotel at Chadstone Shopping Centre. Façade installation is set to commence imminently, with the 250-room hotel due for completion in mid-2019. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/hickory_projects.png" rel="gallery-all" title="A snapshot of Hickory's construction pipeline. Images: Hickory and Mark Baljak"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="175" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hickory_projects.png?itok=4GWoWtBf" title="A snapshot of Hickory's construction pipeline. Images: Hickory and Mark Baljak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A snapshot of Hickory's construction pipeline. Images: Hickory and Mark Baljak</figcaption></figure>Tomorrow, Hickory is due to break ground on Dahua Group's Hawthorn Park project at an event to commemorate the occasion. Located at 33 Camberwell Road in Hawthorn East, the Rothelowman-designed project of 345 apartments will be set within a landscape garden setting and is characterised by its 'sky pool' - Melbourne's first suspended pool - linking the two buildings.
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Laurence Dragomir

Hickory adds 88 Queensbridge Street to its workbooks

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Hawthorn Park, Boroondara's largest development, has slipped into construction mode.

Developer Dahua Group has selected builder Hickory as head contractor for the $300 million project. Demolition across the sprawling site has commenced and is scheduled to continue for two months prior to Hickory Group establishing itself onsite during September.

An extensive earthworks and construction schedule will follow, with Hawthorn Park's anticipated completion date set for the third quarter of 2020. 

Asked on the progress of sales to date, Dahua Group have confirmed that in excess of 50% of the apartments offered have been accounted for. One, two, three and four bedroom apartments are included within the project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image179_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hawthorn Park's size on show. Planning image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="372" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image179_0.jpg?itok=CuD2wC3P" title="Hawthorn Park's size on show. Planning image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hawthorn Park's size on show. Planning image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>William Huang, Managing Director of Dahua Melbourne told Urban.com.au "Dahua Group Melbourne are excited to begin construction on this premier flagship development for the city of Boroondara. The team are committed to delivering a community of exemplary design and location in a high quality, medium density project for a growing Melbourne population."

And that design is the work of Rothelowman, who went about creating multiple buildings in order to allow for site permeability.

"Public piazzas are placed at the site’s entry points drawing Burwood Road’s existing green edge through to the plaza located on Camberwell Road’s more robust presentation. Feature stairs cut a pathway into the open contoured space activated with resident amenity, retail and food and beverage.

A glass-bottomed swimming pool spans between buildings and over the plaza, creating a spectacular front door to the project, and also locating the comprehensive resident amenity floor."

The elevated pool is an intricate aspect of Rothelowman's design and serves as a unique selling point for the project. It will connect the communal area's of both buildings which front Burwood Road.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image171_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The showpiece pool which spans both buildings. Image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image171_0.jpg?itok=y0Z7uolu" title="The showpiece pool which spans both buildings. Image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The showpiece pool which spans two buildings. Image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>Hawthorn Park's place as Boroondara's largest development is evident.

Urban.com.au is tracking 102 separate current developments within the municipality, with all dedicated to residential use. Of the 102 projects, only four contain 100 or more apartments; this is very much reflective of the area's general dearth of large sites capable of taking development.

The balance of those current projects with 100 or more dwellings consist of the at construction CV Apartments and Longhouse, whilst Sierra within Hawthorn has yet to see works begin onsite.
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silvermb

Boroondara's largest project rolls into construction

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One of South Yarra's largest apartment developments will proceed to construction with Hickory Group announcing it is the builder of choice for Yarra One.

Eco World International's sole Melbourne project will proceed immediately to construction as demolition across the site wraps up. Hickory Group will build the 27 storey apartment tower, which includes 256 apartments set over 37,000 plus square metres of built form.

The move to construction follows a development process which saw Eco World International acquire the project from fellow Malaysian-based developer Salcon Development.

Alongside the apartments, Hickory Group will also deliver amenities within the tower which include a library, dining room, gym, wellness retreat and wine room. The project's main publicly accessible feature is a large multi-purpose atrium/ arbour, which has become somewhat of a design showpiece across various Fender Katsalidis-designed projects.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image6_21.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Yarra One's atrium which includes a pedestrian link to Daly Street. Image: Hickory Group "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="300" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_21.jpg?itok=Vy_eqpGK" title="Yarra One's atrium which includes a pedestrian link to Daly Street. Image: Hickory Group " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Yarra One's atrium which includes a pedestrian link to Daly Street. Image: Hickory Group</figcaption></figure>Yarra One's 52 one bedroom, 158 two bedroom, 42 three bedroom apartments and four Penthouse apartments are scheduled to be completed by July 2020 following a 25-month construction timeline.

Hickory Group's South Yarra success adds to three additional builds which have yet to break ground. Chadstone's MGallery by Sofitel and Queens Road's Victoriana apartment project have recently been awarded to Hickory Group, whilst the builder will shortly begin works on a Southbank office complex which it will part occupy upon completion.

Urban.com.au recently <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/hickory-appointed-to-build-chadstones-mgallery-by-sofitel-hotel">covered the appointment of Hickory Group</a> to the Chadstone development. Hickory will incorporate large prefabricated elements such as stairs and walls in order to deliver the 250 hotel rooms over little more than a year from now.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image7_21.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoriana on Queens Road. Image: JD Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="293" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_21.jpg?itok=hkycqfI4" title="Victoriana on Queens Road. Image: JD Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoriana on Queens Road. Image: JD Group</figcaption></figure>Also set to start this year is JD Group's Victoriana luxury apartment development. Victoriana will include 250 oversized 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments over 18 levels, and multiple pools over the building's upper levels.

The Rothelowman-designed project requires that Hickory Group deliver 41,000 plus square metres of built form on a double site overlooking Albert Park. December 2020 is the anticipated completion date.

The last of Hickory Group's quartet of projects which have yet to break ground is perhaps the most interesting. The builder will relocate to a purpose-built office development at 68 Clarke Street upon its completion which is slated for the third quarter of 2019.

The Elenberg Fraser-designed office building "takes on new design thinking for a more people-centered approach; reinventing the way we work".

That translates to features such as a targeted 5 star NABERS rating, novel thermal control solutions, a heavily greened facade, green internal atrium and greenhouses/edible gardens across multiple terraces.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image5_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="68 Clarke Street. Image: Hickory Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_16.jpg?itok=XDt9gFiP" title="68 Clarke Street. Image: Hickory Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>68 Clarke Street. Image: Hickory Group</figcaption></figure>The arrival of Hickory Group's latest quartet of projects comes on the tail end of a number of builds that are nearing completion. Opera Melbourne, Atira La Trobe Street and the adjacent Conservatory apartment tower are structurally complete, with completion for all three projects imminent.
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Yarra One adds to Hickory Group's plump workbook

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The local student accommodation market has a new provider as Blue Sky Private Real Estate and joint venture partner Goldman Sachs ramp up their Melbourne presence.

Months after being formed, Atira Student Living has hit the ground running in Melbourne. Already active across the Brisbane market, Atira is planning a further 4,600 beds split between Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Of the 4,600 beds, a healthy proportion will be based in Melbourne.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image46_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="42 La Trobe Street and 1 Flemington Road. Images: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image46_8.jpg?itok=pSRbPj3q" title="42 La Trobe Street and 1 Flemington Road. Images: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>42 La Trobe Street and 1 Flemington Road. Images: Hayball</figcaption></figure>42 La Trobe Street and 1 Flemington Road will be managed under the Atira banner.

The former already has a Hickory tower crane onsite in order to deliver 783 beds across two buildings, with associated ground level retail and public uses. The tower will utilise the Hickory Building System with floor slabs, facades and Hickory’s Sync bathroom pod system manufactured offsite and subsequently trucked to 42-50 La Trobe Street for final assembly.

1 Flemington Road which is also addressed 245-249 Peel Street will be constructed by Hutchinson Builders. It was initially submitted at planning as a <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/city-norths-latest-entrant-a-metal-monolith">metal-clad tower</a> holding 389 student beds.

Both projects have been designed by Hayball.

Rounding out the Atira Melbourne portfolio is 48-50 A’Beckett Street which has gone back to the drawing board after being picked up by Blue Sky Private Real Estate. Slated for a 2019 opening, the eventual student accommodation building will replace previous private apartment schemes for the narrow site.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image48_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The revised 611-681 Elizabeth Street. Planning image: SJB Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="313" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_6.jpg?itok=mi55jeaQ" title="The revised 611-681 Elizabeth Street. Planning image: SJB Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The revised 611-681 Elizabeth Street. Planning image: SJB Architects</figcaption></figure>As Atira settles into Melbourne, various other projects are in development.

611-681 Elizabeth Street has been given the provisional nod from City of Melbourne planners. The multi-towered project includes 698 student accommodation apartments across two towers, broken down to 661 studios, 27 one bedroom apartments and 10 two bedroom apartments. It remains to be seen whether new owner PDG Corporation will maintain the student accommodation aspect of the development.

Early works on Redefine's 16-32 Leicester Street have begun, as a preview to construction commencing on the substantial student accommodation project whilst 123-135 Bouverie Street nearby is also subject to a new student accommodation application.

These projects are in addition to the thousands of student beds currently under construction citywide. 
Lead image: Redden
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Atira hits Melbourne as further student accommodation projects line up

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It may still be in its infancy, but the emerging <a href="https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/arden/">Arden Urban Renewal Precinct</a> has scored its most substantial construction project to date, with Hickory Group winning the Arden Gardens build contract.

The sizeable urban renewal area which is still at master planning has been earmarked for significant growth over the next 30 years. Arden Gardens will rise over Macaulay Road, with secondary frontages to Canning Street and Vaughan Terrace.

It is the latest project to head to construction for CBD Development Group, which also has <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/288-albert-street-brunswick">Brunswick's tallest apartment development</a> under construction.

On the border of Arden Precinct and City of Melbourne's pending Macaulay Precinct, Arden Gardens includes 299 apartments spread over two residential towers supplemented by extensive commercial/retail spaces throughout the podium, with Woolworths the anchor tenant. 

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/arden-gardens-111-canning-street-north-melbourne">Click here to see the project details of Arden Gardens on Off The Plan Melbourne.</a>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image20_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Arden Gardens will soon become reality. Image: Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="529" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20_8.jpg?itok=UPNensGE" title="Arden Gardens will soon become reality. Image: Buchan Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Arden Gardens will soon become reality. Image: Buchan Group</figcaption></figure>Although the biggest, Arden Gardens is not the sole project at construction in the area, with a handful of other residential projects on the go.

ABD Group is advancing construction of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/reflections-108-haines-street-north-melbourne">Reflections</a>, which will be a 13 level tower set above 2 basement levels, creating 143 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments. Adjoining Reflections, MAV Group have all but completed works on <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/1-shiel-street-north-melbourne">1 Shiel Street</a> which will add a further 39 apartments.

Elsewhere in Arden, Manresa Constructions is overseeing <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/charlotte-241-dryburgh-street-north-melbourne">241 Dryburgh Street</a> whilst Built is in charge of Cbus Property's <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/9-dryburgh-street-west-melbourne">Volaire</a> apartment project at at 9-19 Dryburgh St and 109-121 Ireland, West Melbourne. Ultimately that project will include 154 apartments, retail/commercial/cafe tenancies on the ground floor and basement parking.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image21_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Reflections under construction and the adjoining 1 Shiel Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="236" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_11.jpg?itok=K0CCut4V" title="Reflections under construction and the adjoining 1 Shiel Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Reflections under construction and the adjoining 1 Shiel Street</figcaption></figure>The precinct's increased construction activity follows on from the recent approval of another substantial residential development nearby. 

36-58 Macaulay Road was given the nod at the turn of the year for a mixed-use development consisting of 177 apartments, communal spaces and 176 car parking spaces. The design by Artisan Architects sees apartments spread between dual 10 and 13 level buildings, with an activated plaza included.

Approval for 36-58 Macaulay Road leaves Fridcorp's <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/3-15-shiel-street-north-melbourne">3-15 Shiel Street</a> as the major development yet to gain approval in the area.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image17_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new Macaulay Road landmark. Image: Artisan Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="233" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_9.jpg?itok=lyuSbLi_" title="A new Macaulay Road landmark. Image: Artisan Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Macaulay Road landmark. Image: Artisan Architects</figcaption></figure>Arden Precinct is expected to include 34,000 jobs and 15,000 residents by 2051. With the precinct still under planning, the flow of planning applications into Arden has lessened over the previous year as developers likely wait for planning landscape to become clear.

What is definitive is the creation of Arden Station, which will provide a bookend to the Metro Tunnel and act as a catalyst for urban renewal in the area upon its completion.

<blockquote>
Arden will represent the next stage of Melbourne’s evolution as a world-class capital city. It will be a flourishing jobs hub that will boost Melbourne’s global competitiveness. Government owns much of the land in Arden, so it has a unique opportunity to ensure its planning is guided by world’s best practice in integrated and sustainable urban renewal.

The scale of this opportunity, coupled with the precinct’s excellent transport connections, make Arden a truly exciting project for Melbourne.
<cite>Victorian Planning Authority </cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/arden-precinct-civic-heart-1024x576.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A future Arden. Image: Victorian Planning Authority"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/arden-precinct-civic-heart-1024x576.jpg?itok=ruEaIFBf" title="A future Arden. Image: Victorian Planning Authority" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A future Arden. Image: Victorian Planning Authority</figcaption></figure>For more information on Arden Gardens, follow the project link below.
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Arden Precinct receives a construction boost

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Urban.com.au recently paid an evening visit to Melbourne's most technologically advanced construction site. La Trobe Tower within the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's CBD</a> is the first project to employ Hickory Building Systems (HBS) integrated structural methodology; builder <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/industry/hickory-group">Hickory Group's</a> new method that accelerates construction of high-rise towers.

Guided through the active construction site by Hickory Joint Managing Director George Argyrou and Site Manager Ben Turner, Urban.com.au was afforded full access to the budding residential tower which will be the first of many utilising Hickory Building Systems (HBS).

<h2>The rationale</h2>

Asked who was the main driving force behind HBS, George Argyrou unashamedly described the method as his 'baby'. After exploring the merits of Unitised Building with projects such as Little Hero and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/one9-apartments-19-hall-street-moonee-ponds">One9 Apartments</a>, Hickory found unitised construction to have limitations in both application and delivery.

While effective in low-rise scenarios, Unitised Building was not directly applicable to high-rise towers or buildings with curtain glazed facades. George Argyrou explained that Hickory as a true builder maintains an intrinsic interest in innovative construction solutions with time, cost, sustainability and quality at the forefront of their thoughts.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_9480.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Old and new construction methods share the skyline"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_9480.jpg?itok=bqzEgVdC" title="Old and new construction methods share the skyline" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Old and new construction methods share the skyline</figcaption></figure>Thus Hickory Building Systems was born with the intent of creating a fast and effective construction delivery method using a more conventional on site approach, with tall structures specifically in mind. This was shown to be the case with the La Trobe Tower construction contract secured principally upon the time savings associated with HBS.

<h2>The process</h2>

La Trobe Tower's initial two floors are of a traditional form and pour variety with subsequent floors consisting of integrated HBS structural units.

The process begins within Hickory's offsite facility where individual structural units are created beginning with an engineered concrete floor. Thereafter the slab is turned with load bearing steel columns, fully fitted wet areas and a building façade applied over and within the steel frame.

Rather than the one-size-fits all approach of traditional modular approaches, HBS uses interchangeable, scalable componentry used in conventional projects and assembles theses elements in an innovative way. Using Hickory’s established construction resources including formwork, façades, joinery and bathroom pods has enabled HBS to outshine traditional structural construction in terms of accuracy and quality with build tolerances brought down to within millimetres.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_9483.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A HBS unit being secured into position"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="692" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_9483.jpg?itok=WT6zkmRV" title="A HBS unit being secured into position" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A HBS unit being secured into position</figcaption></figure>Trucked to site, the structural units are lifted into place and locked together by a team of riggers dedicated solely to this task. Seven structural units constitute one floor on this particular project, with the largest central unit spanning the girth of La Trobe Tower.

In layman's terms once the structural units are locked together to create a completed floor, further units can be stacked above owing to the inherent strength of each HBS unit. Visually this presents as 'pancaked' concrete floors atop one another with a maze of vertical steel reinforcing between each floor.

These vertical reinforced steel cages are dropped in order to tie in with those of the previous floor. When joined the reinforced cages are subsequently shotcreted to create a traditional concrete floor and column structure, yet in a much quicker timeframe and at a lighter weight; without compromising structural integrity.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image17_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Internal walls prior to shotcreting"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="193" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_2.jpg?itok=kdOlI82O" title="Internal walls prior to shotcreting" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Internal walls prior to shotcreting</figcaption></figure>Additionally the pre-attached façade enables fit-out to progress almost immediately after installation. Factor in the preconstructed bathroom pods within each dwelling and typical construction time of a project of La Trobe Tower's size can be up to 60% faster.

<h2>Challenges</h2>

With a condensed construction time frame and the majority of deliveries running to a tight evening schedule, Ben Turner explained that the implementation of HBS is very much an exercise in time management and communication.

After initial discussions with Melbourne City Council, noise and traffic were identified as areas of concern. To counter this Hickory have employed a Titan Cranes electric luffing tower crane that has considerably less noise output than a typical diesel-powered unit.

In addition noise measuring equipment which has been fitted to surrounding buildings has shown that noise levels are below initial benchmarks set by both Hickory and Melbourne City Council.

HBS unit delivery is a task in itself, with Hickory liaising with both VicRoads and Yarra Trams on any given evening where components are being craned into position. Initially constrained to three nights per week, Hickory hope to move oversize HBS deliveries to five nights per week, thus in theory allowing five floors to be added to La Trobe Tower per week.

After initial apprehensions, council are now at the point where they've requested that all site deliveries are done so during evening hours. This permit was granted following extensive community consultation and acoustic validation by Hickory and opens up new opportunities for construction in the city.

Can this methodology enable quieter construction to be done after hours and accelerate the completion of building projects in the city?

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_9503.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Delivery of the the largest HBS unit during evening hours"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_9503.jpg?itok=0F3uVUzA" title="Delivery of the the largest HBS unit during evening hours" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Delivery of the the largest HBS unit during evening hours</figcaption></figure>There has been a high concentration of construction activity in this small pocket of La Trobe Street in recent years, impacting businesses and neighbouring residents. Hickory are monitoring the success of after hours works closely on the La Trobe Tower project, as this model may well provide a long-term solution to easing construction congestion by cutting months off each construction program.

<h2>Collins House</h2>

Underlining the potential of HBS, the day of Urban.com.au's visit to La Trobe Tower also happened to be the day that Hickory signed off on the construction contract for their next HBS project, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/collins-house-melbourne-466-collins-street-melbourne">Collins House</a>.

On a mere 465sqm site, the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a>-designed Collins House will rise 57 levels or near on 200 metres above ground. With its super slim profile and extensive glazed facade, Collins House is very much the tower project Hickory had in mind when conceiving HBS.

Construction of Collins House is expected to begin in shortly.

See below a short video created by Hickory highlighting HBS installation at La Trobe Tower

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JUHBX4SgMck" width="100%"></iframe>
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Up close with the Hickory Building System

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The Hickory Group announced plans to expand its Brooklyn manufacturing site to ramp up production of its popular modular Sync Bathroom Pods by 200%. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Minister for Employment Jacinta Allan and Footscray MLA Marsha Thomson were on hand for the announcement which is set to create a further 100 jobs.

Financial support and facilitation for the expansion of Hickory Group's operations in Brooklyn was provided through the Department of Economic Development's Investment Support program and the local Victorian Government Business Office.

<blockquote>
We want to attract more investment like this, to create high-skill jobs for local workers and boost Victoria's competitiveness.
<cite>Premier Daniel Andrews</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/andrews_hickory_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Inside Hickory Group's Brooklyn site - image: supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/andrews_hickory_1.jpg?itok=z03z-2ru" title="Inside Hickory Group's Brooklyn site - image: supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Inside Hickory Group's Brooklyn site - image: supplied</figcaption></figure>At present Hickory is producing roughly 2,000 Sync Bathrooms per year and is aiming to ramp production capacity up to 8,000 per year over a five year timeframe, creating a projected 100 new jobs on site.

A spokesperson for Hickory Group said as well as housing manufacturing facilities for the Sync Bathroom line, shed D at its Brooklyn site currently houses other conventional construction equipment, which will be moved out to make room for extra fixed Sync Bathroom stations.

Sync Bathrooms pods, as Urban.com.au witnessed on a site visit as part of the <a href="/tag/prefabaus-conference-2014">PrefabAUS conference in August 2014</a>, are built from the ground up at a fixed station, with different tradespeople progressing from station to station as each module is put through the motions.

According to <a href="http://www.hickory.com.au/projects/filter-modular-bathrooms-456/">Hickory's website</a>, the Sync Bathroom pods are being shipped and installed in eight different projects in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia. 568 Collins Street and Central South Yarra, where Hickory are undergoing a conventional build, and 3 East are the Victorian projects.

Back in September 2014, Urban.com.au witnessed Sync Bathroom pod installation into 568 Collins Street, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/innovation-key-to-hickorys-568-collins-street-build">a myriad of photos</a> from the site visit are available.
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Alastair Taylor

Hickory expands its Brooklyn manufacturing site

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In excess of 100 guests gathered earlier this week at the Fulton Lane construction site to witness the project's topping out ceremony. In a sign of Malaysian-based developer SP Setia's propensity to be seen to be proactive, the sizeable crowd amassed for what is generally only a builders tradition which sees a juvenile tree placed atop of the newly completed concrete structure.

But on this occasion in a very public ceremony three separate trees of Australian, Malaysian and Greek origins were hoisted by tower crane to meet waiting key members of the developer/build team while guests were treated to a hawker-style market arrangement at ground level. The Australian eucalypt reflects Fulton Lane's location, while Malaysian and Greek trees provided a nod to the heritage of both developer and head contractor, Hickory Group.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1573.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The obligatory cutting of the ribbon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="437" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1573.jpg?itok=-p0t1iCn" title="The obligatory cutting of the ribbon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The obligatory cutting of the ribbon</figcaption></figure>On show during the event was the rudimentary ground floor layout; while many finishes have yet to be applied the basic premise of the space was evident. Sitting at the base of the dual towers containing 816 residential apartments, retail will take centre stage once complete, encouraging activity to Franklin Street in particular which is best described as ancillary to Melbourne's streetscape at best.

Currently the largest residential project under construction in Melbourne and with a construction value of $221 million, the design is the work of architecture firm Fender Katsalidis. Perhaps Fulton Lane's highlight is the rapidly emerging exterior façade which is a contrast of black glazing accentuated by angular aluminium composite panel clad that changes colour from green to yellow to silver depending upon the viewer's angle.

Closer to street level podium to both residential towers are heavy with timber and a green arbor façades, providing a more engaging interface with the streetscape.

According to Hickory Group highlights of the Fulton Lane build include:

<ul>
<li>Extensive value management including reworking B3 basement size to reduce piling and excavation, two stage construction programme starting with public areas in Stage 1</li>
	<li>Environmental efficiencies to achieve a 4 star rating including energy efficient lighting, use of recycled materials, recycling rainwater for common toilets and irrigation</li>
	<li>At Level 41, one third of the floor plate is a ‘skydeck’ which will be exclusively available to residents as an interactive community area.</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1536.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fulton Lane as seen from QVM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1536.jpg?itok=1lKm_V3r" title="Fulton Lane as seen from QVM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fulton Lane as seen from QVM</figcaption></figure>While Urban.com.au hopes to tour Fulton Lane when complete - which is expected during June 2015 - SP Setia have just signed off on a construction contract for their latest Melbourne development titled Parque Melbourne at 555 St Kilda Road. Hickory Group have snared the build once more for the curvaceous tower which is also designed by Fender Katsalidis.

In complete contrast to Fulton Lane's angular design, the flowing lines of Parque signifies a step-up in presence for SP Setia in Melbourne, with the St. Kilda Road development billed as one of Melbourne most prestigious.

But as for SP Setia's entry project into Australia, no doubt the 1500 future residents of Fulton Lane will like what they see.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ceremonial trees are hoisted and the exterior facade at its best angle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="434" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15.jpg?itok=fDJ6tXtE" title="Ceremonial trees are hoisted and the exterior facade at its best angle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ceremonial trees are hoisted and the exterior facade at its best angle</figcaption></figure>
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