South Australia

Sydney developers JWDT Land are set to make a name for themselves in Adelaide in a ground-breaking fashion.

Future Urban, on behalf of the east-coast locals, has lodged plans for a mammoth 55-storey mixed-use development in the heart of the city, with the plans for 207-209 Pulteney Street on track to be Adelaide’s tallest tower.

The joint venture between developers, Jinwei and Datong, will eclipse&nbsp;the city’s current tallest building – The Crowne Plaza on Frome Street – by 18 levels, with the proposed 180 metre tall tower to deliver a collection of residential apartments, along with ground floor lobby and public dining space, small office/home office (SOHO) apartments, conference facilities, hotel accommodation, and a range of shared-use amenity space.&nbsp;

The tower would eclipse the city’s current tallest building – The Crowne Plaza on Frome Street – by 18 levels, with the proposed 180 metre tall tower to deliver a collection of residential apartments, along with ground floor lobby and public dining space, small office/home office (SOHO) apartments, conference facilities, hotel accommodation, and a range of shared-use amenity space.&nbsp;

Located on the southwest corner of Pulteney and Flinders Streets, the project will include a podium and sheer glazed tower, with two large recesses articulating the tower’s form, activated by shared amenity spaces.&nbsp;

The ground floor west facade is set back to provide a covered porte cochere for hotel drop-off and access to the above-ground car parking, with the porte cochere featuring landscaping, seating, and lighting that visually connect the space to the hotel entry foyer and lounge.

The podium will be approximately 37 metres tall, with the view to referencing existing buildings of this scale within the precinct.

Level one of the podium comprises car parking, hotel/residential loading areas as well as apartment storage and bike parking with change room facilities.&nbsp;

Levels two to seven will accommodate car parking and double height SOHO apartments that extend along the full Pulteney Street frontage and part of the Flinders Street frontage.&nbsp;

A double height shared terrace is located centrally on the eastern frontage on level six, while levels eight and 9 are full car parking levels, with conference facilities located on level 10.&nbsp;

The hotel rooms will feature across levels 13 to 20, with apartments from levels 22 to 50 and penthouses on levels 51 to 53.&nbsp;

Along with a string of hotel amenities, residents will also benefit from a triple height shared residential terrace on level 21, along with a Sky Lounge on level 50.&nbsp;

The hotel amenity terrace atop the podium will feature an array of restaurants, fronting both Flinders and Pulteney Streets, along with a pool and a spa.&nbsp;

The residential terrace will feature a communal lounge, cinema room, shared kitchen and dining area, kids play area and a landscape terrace with a variety of seating areas. An additional west facing terrace also features on the level, with landscaped planters, a variety of seating areas and a bookable multifunction room.&nbsp;

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Sydney developers lodge plans for Adelaide’s tallest tower

Multi-billion-dollar developer Gurner has continued its expansion across the Australian residential market, securing its first South Australian site through a joint venture with Kennards Self Storage, the site&rsquo;s existing landholder.

When complete, the 1.7-hectare site at 237 Grote Street will comprise more than 750 residences with six-star amenity across four towers, a five-star hotel, over 15,000 sqm in retail and commercial space, an entertainment and recreation component and a public plaza, with an estimated end value of $1.25 billion.

With an estimated end value of $1.25 billion, the site will keep inline with the group&#39;s industry-leading Greener by Gurner initiative, making Gurner&#39;s first project in Adelaide carbon-neutral.&nbsp;&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2484 project_image_fid=40832]

It will also become the headquarters of Kennards in South Australia, complete with cutting-edge technological inclusions, retail stores, self-storage units, as well as enterprise and coworking spaces.

Part of the 1.7-hectare site is a 24,000 sqm six-level building originally constructed for Australia Post to sort and distribute mail near the CBD, but as letter volumes reduced, it was finally put on the market. &nbsp;

The strategic partnership between the two groups &ndash; the first of its kind in the self-storage space &ndash; will see Kennards repurpose the former Australia Post building into next-generation storage facility, which will be seamlessly integrated into the master plan.

Gurner CEO, Tim Gurner said the group will bring its vision to life for an iconic mixed-use, residential, self-storage and commercial office super-site across 11,000 sqm of prime development land.

&ldquo;This is an incredible site, and we could not be happier to be partnering with such iconic Australian success stories in Kennards and Sam, to bring a shared vision for the development to life &ndash; we&rsquo;ll be creating something very ambitious, something that hasn&rsquo;t been done before in this sector,&rdquo; he said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3530 project_image_fid=21377]

The announcement of the new project is a timely one for Adelaide, which was named the third-most liveable city in the world according to The Economist Intelligence Unit&rsquo;s Global Liveability Index for 2021, as CBD living, luxury property and amenity-rich projects continue to be favoured by owner occupiers and downsizers alike.

&ldquo;The main focus of this city-changing site will be a transformative public realm, that will become a key attraction for Adelaide CBD,&rdquo; Gurner added.

While there is no permit in place on the site, which has three street frontages on Grote Street, Gouger Street and Blenheim Street, Kennards Self Storage CEO, Sam Kennard commented on the current zoning and planning controls, allowing Gurner and Kennards Self Storage to proceed with a transformative mixed-use development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5117 project_image_fid=165555]

&ldquo;Originally we had identified an opportunity to re-purpose the existing building into self-storage and planned to subdivide and sell the surplus land, but COVID allowed us the time to take pause and reflect, and we soon realised the site had the potential to become a city-shaping project,&rdquo; Kennard said.

A design competition is currently underway to appoint a lead architect, and the development application is expected to be lodged in late 2022.

The announcement of the new project is a timely one for Adelaide, which was named the third-most liveable city in the world according to The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index for 2021.



Gurner to develop Adelaide super site into $1.25 billion mixed-use precinct

Adelaide has continued to lead the property bounce back with the house price fall expected in Sydney and Melbourne not reaching the South Australian capital.

Adelaide dwelling prices could rise by up to eight per cent growth, SQM Research&rsquo;s&nbsp;Boom and Bust&nbsp;report predicted last November.

Units are expected to yield better results than homes this year, as affordability issues restrict many buyers from entering the property market.

Nonetheless, interstate investor interest has continued, especially as Adelaide rose to be the third most liveable city in the world according to the latest Economist Intelligence Unit&rsquo;s survey.

Urban has wrapped the best apartments on offer across South Australia&#39;s capital.

1. Quayview on Adelphi, Glenelg North 
Developer: Barrio Developments

Offering a collection of 44 apartments, Quayview on Adelphi delivers a collection of 21 unique floorplans and views, catering for every kind of lifestyle.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9249 project_image_fid=79233]

Positioned on Glenelg North&rsquo;s highly regarded Adelphi Terrace, the architecturally designed development boasts convenience and luxury.

Designed by local designer Tetvs, Quayview offers floor-to-ceiling windows, large balconies, generous living spaces and a communal rooftop garden area.

2. The Brougham, North Adelaide 
Developer: Hindmarsh

Whilst all the apartments at the Brougham have now sold out, a one-of-a-kind residence remains following extensive restoration works.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26729 project_image_fid=169569]

The three-bedroom, three-bathroom home features an expansive master bedroom suite, a formal lounge and dining area with two-way fireplace, conservatory, study, private courtyards, and secure parking for two vehicles.&nbsp;

Maintaining its original bluestone fa&ccedil;ade, the development is situated in North Adelaide&rsquo;s most premium location, looking over Brougham Gardens and the city beyond.

3. Realm, Adelaide 
Developer: Parallel Property

Featuring some of the city&rsquo;s most expensive apartments, Realm delivers luxurious amenities and quality living to Adelaide&rsquo;s CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6083 project_image_fid=24425]

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, the slimline and stylish tower rises above the historic Assay House, built in 1858, and comprises a collection of 320 apartments.

The project features an on-site CrossFit gym, 25-metre outdoor pull, yoga studio, large entertaining deck, indoor dining area and Wellness Centre.

4. Klemzig on Fourth, Klemzig 
Developer: Rivergum Homes

Located just six kilometres north of Adelaide, Klemzig on Fourth is a new collection of cleverly designed homes for a youthful, modern lifestyle.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22074 project_image_fid=36924]

Positioned between the winding paths and foliage of the River Torrens Linear Park Trail and North East Road, the project is ideal for the first home buyer or young family looking for value in today&rsquo;s market.

Designed and built by Rivergum Homes, Klemzig on Fourth offers a unique range of floorplans, styles and living options, without compromising quality, style, space or location.

5. East End, Adelaide 
Developer: Wellstone

East End is a 16-storey building delivered by Wellstone, that delivers 140 modern two and three-bedroom apartments in the heart of Adelaide&rsquo;s East End.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6087 project_image_fid=24430]

Many of the residences provide 360-degree panoramic cityscapes, including views across parklands and botanical gardens.

Set on Pirie Street, the development is within close proximity to Hutt Street and Rundle Street, a number of transport options and strong educational institutions.

Adelaide has continued to lead the property bounce back with the house price fall expected in Sydney and Melbourne not reaching the South Australian capital

max.kwok_55688

New apartments in the Festival State: The top five off the plan apartments for sale in Adelaide 

Norwood Green, located in Norwood, one of Adelaide&#39;s most popular suburbs, is set to be home to 111, one two and three-bedroom apartments, and a number of four-bedroom townhouses.

The Catcorp development was designed by the team at Tectvs and will also play host to a number of retail offerings, including an Aldi, as well as private and public open spaces.

Located&nbsp;just a short walk to Norwood Parade and less than two kilometres from&nbsp;the CBD, Tectvs took the approach of melding landscaped green spaces with architectural design.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22648 project_image_fid=74422]

Norwood Green apartments comprise of one, two and three-bedroom apartments with car parks, across five six-storey buildings, arranged around a communal private village green.

The industrial history of the site informs the aesthetic of the building facades, and sustainability features such as solar panels to the community area and apartments add to its appeal.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22648 project_image_fid=74420]

Prices start as low as $369,000 for certain one-bedroom apartments with two-bedroom apartments starting at&nbsp;$502,000.

Norwood Green&#39;s&nbsp;final release of the&nbsp;Beulah townhouses will take place in 2022 with all previous townhomes already sold out.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=22648]

Norwood Green, located in one of Adelaide's most popular suburbs, Norwood will be home to 111, one two and three bedroom apartments and four-bedroom townhouses

jordan_55689

Catcorp's affordable Norwood Green apartment and townhouse development for sale in Adelaide

Adelaide has continued to lead the property bounce back with a momentum even greater than that of Sydney and Melbourne.

The overwhelming majority of Adelaide is seeing soaring&nbsp;property price growth with experts like&nbsp;REISA chief executive Barry Money describing&nbsp;it as&nbsp;a &quot;mini-boom&quot;.

And there is no sign of it stopping with interstate investor interest continuing to pick up, especially as Adelaide rose&nbsp;to be the third most liveable city in the world according to the&nbsp;latest Economist Intelligence Unit&rsquo;s survey.

Prices in the South Australian capital are predicted to&nbsp;rise by 10 per cent this year alone,&nbsp;according to Hotspotting&#39;s Terry Ryder, making now the time to enter the city&#39;s growing&nbsp;property market.

Urban took a look at some of the best apartments on offer across&nbsp;South Australia&#39;s capital:

<h2>The Adelaidean</h2>

Address: 27 Frome Street, Adelaide&nbsp;SA 5000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6082 project_image_fid=37152]

One can&#39;t talk top Adelaide apartment living without first talking about The Adelaidean, the CBD&#39;s&nbsp;tallest residential tower.

With uninterrupted views across the city and beyond, it was developed by&nbsp;Adelaide&#39;s own Kyren Group.&nbsp;Designed by&nbsp;Brown Falconer, the development comprises just&nbsp;88 one, two and three bedroom residences across 37 levels

The tower is within walking distance to some of Adelaide&rsquo;s best parklands within and surrounding the CBD, the busy world of Rundle Mall with gyms, cinema, art, theatre and&nbsp;shopping at your doorstep as well as major dining precincts offering cuisines of the world.

The Adelaidean is offering convenience and preferenc&nbsp;by allowing buyers to customise their&nbsp;own apartment&nbsp;with a wide range of finishes across living, kitchen and bathroom spaces to choose from. Each feature has been meticulously designed to match the cityscape seen&nbsp;through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

<h2>Penny Place</h2>

Address: 17 Penny Place, Adelaide SA 5000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9286 project_image_fid=77623]

Penny Place is similarly one of the top apartment developments on Urban and with design by the&nbsp;award-winning architects, Woods Bagot it&#39;s no surprise.

Developed by the Flagship Group, Penny Place rises above the bustling streetscape of Adelaide&#39;s CBD reaching a height of 23 floors and consisting of 152 designer apartments.

Taking advantage of their height in a similar manner to The Adelaidean every one of the one and two-bedroom apartments feature a sizable balcony to take in the panoramic Adelaide views.

Builders Maxcon, who have been responsible for some incredible construction projects across Australia, will have the building completed by September 2021.

<h2>East End</h2>

Address:&nbsp;293-297 Pirie Street, Adelaide SA 5000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6087 project_image_fid=24430]

Unlike the previous two projects, East End is a completed project from the hands of Wellstone, with construction&nbsp;handled by Hindmarsh.&nbsp;

The development is comprised of 140 modern architectural apartments situated at the heart of the east end of Adelaide City.

Many of the homes in East End provide&nbsp;360-degree panoramic cityscapes in a tower&nbsp;surrounded by parklands, botanical gardens, and all the famous restaurants located nearby. Education-wise, Adelaide botanic high school and the University of Adelaide just a minute from your door.

The 16 storey building is&nbsp;60m to Hutt Street,&nbsp;350m to Rundle Street located close to a number of transport options.

<h2>Realm</h2>

Address:&nbsp;9-19 Austin Street, Adelaide SA 5000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6083 project_image_fid=24425]

Realm Adelaide boasts luxurious amenities and architectural design, delivered by Sydney-based developer Parallel Property and designed by Elenberg-Fraser.

Completed the year prior to&nbsp;East End, it towers above much of the city at 132 meters tall, bringing quality apartment living&nbsp;to Adelaide&rsquo;s central business district.

The slimline and stylish tower rises above the historic Assay House which was built in 1858 and used by local Gold prospectors. It has since restored and features a ground level bar and restaurant.

Level 8 features a CrossFit Gymnasium, a 25-metre outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, change rooms, billiards room, dining room, indoor dining area and outdoor entertaining with BBQ facilities and lounges.

Level 39, an exclusive area accessed by residents on Level 21 and above, features a Wellness Centre with a yoga studio, massage facilities, sauna, steam room, hot tub alongside a large entertaining deck with cabanas, BBQ facilities as well as a dining room and meeting area.

The overwhelming majority of Adelaide is seeing soaring property price growth with experts describing it as a "mini-boom," that isn't running out of steam any time soon

Adelaide's best apartments on Urban

EXPERT OBSERVER

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows that new lending in South Australia is at record levels as South Australian Senators look set to be the vital votes to save safe lending laws.

Home lending is booming in South Australia. We haven&rsquo;t seen such startling levels of lending since records began in 2003.

The ABS figures show:&nbsp;

- Lending for new South Australian owner-occupier loans is at the highest level since records began in 2003. Lending for new homes is 41% higher than in April 2020.

- Lending for South Australian first home buyers in April 2021 is 48% higher than April 2020.

- New lending for investor housing has increased 41% since April 2020.

<img alt="" height="1026" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-06-10_at_1.22.43_pm.png" width="1358" />

The general signs of economic recovery mask the strong risks for borrowers in a booming housing market.

The state faces the perfect storm of rising levels of household debt, ultra-cheap credit, flatlining wages, hidden underemployment and key government support tapering off.

Housing unaffordability is also reaching a crisis point in South Australia. Median house prices in Adelaide have ticked over half a million dollars. Families are having to take on increasingly larger debts to simply enter the market.&nbsp;&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6082 project_image_fid=37154]

The ABS data comes as the government struggles to garner enough support in the Senate to axe safe lending laws.

The laws were put in place in 2009 after the Global Financial Crisis to prevent reckless lending observed in the lead up and during the crisis.

The legislation has been slammed by key crossbench Senators, including Senator Jacqui Lambie and Senator Pauline Hanson.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9286 project_image_fid=82295]

Safe lending laws are a critical consumer protection to ensure that banks do not lend recklessly to Australians.

Now more than ever, when credit is cheap and home lending is booming, we need strong safe lending laws to ensure banks don&#39;t sell people into loans they won&rsquo;t be able to afford down the track.

The Banking Royal Commission heard shocking stories of banks lending money to people who the lender knew would never be able to repay the loan, including people with disabilities, pensioners, and problem gamblers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22077 project_image_fid=72525]

If safe lending laws are axed, there won&rsquo;t be any penalties for this kind of behaviour. Banks won&rsquo;t be fined, and they won&rsquo;t have to pay compensation.

Rebekha Sharkie from Centre Alliance spoke out against the government&rsquo;s changes in the lower house, and independent Senator Rex Patrick has expressed strong concerns.

We encourage Senators Stirling Griff and Rex Patrick to continue to stand up to the banks and government, and vote down the government&rsquo;s changes when they hit the Senate.

People need protection from unsafe lending, as Senate vote imminent

Home lending in SA at record levels: CHOICE

The Charter Hall Group has been awarded WELL Certification at the Gold level for its landmark Adelaide office tower GPO Exchange, by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI).

GPO Exchange &ndash; recognised as one of the most innovative and technologically advanced smart buildings in Australia &ndash; is the first ever project in South Australia to achieve WELL Certification.

This accolade was awarded through IWBI&rsquo;s WELL Building Standard, which is the premier global building standard to focus on enhancing people&rsquo;s health and wellness through&nbsp;buildings.

GPO Exchange was recently awarded a 5.5 Star NABERS Energy rating, 5 Star NABERS Water rating and 5&nbsp;Star NABERS Indoor Environment ratings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2407 project_image_fid=77658]

The following initiatives were introduced to lift GPO Exchange&rsquo;s WELL rating from Silver to Gold:

<ul>
	<li>Introduction of a green cleaning protocol focusing on the use of non-toxic cleaning materials to maintain healthy indoor air quality for occupants</li>
	<li>Attention to the design of high touch surfaces to enable them to be deep cleaned regularly to mitigate transmission of bacteria and viruses</li>
	<li>Introduction of specific cleaning equipment and storage of chemicals to enable the highest degree of cleanliness in the building</li>
	<li>Ongoing testing of building water quality</li>
	<li>Introduction of food policies that support the use of healthier eating choices</li>
	<li>Introduction of food policies that require nutritional information to be provided to occupants so that healthy eating choices are more easily made</li>
	<li>End-of-trip facilities enabling cycling to work and running during lunch breaks to support the physical health of occupants</li>
	<li>A report highlighting biophilic design features incorporated into the building to support the health and wellbeing of occupants</li>
</ul>

&ldquo;GPO Exchange is raising the bar for commercial sustainability in South Australia and has set a new benchmark for workplaces in this State. This incredible milestone is recognition of that,&rdquo; said Charter Hall Development Executive Mr George Roussos.

GPO Exchange was recently awarded a 5.5 Star NABERS Energy rating, 5 Star NABERS Water rating and 5 Star NABERS Indoor Environment ratings

Charter Hall’s GPO Exchange achieves first Gold WELL Certification in South Australia

Adelaide provides&nbsp;luxury living&nbsp;at an affordable price and, as&nbsp;investors&nbsp;flock to the contemporary city, developers are beginning to offer beautiful projects to meet the demand.

Prices in the South Australian capital are predicted to&nbsp;rise by 10 per cent this year,&nbsp;according to Hotspotting&#39;s Terry Ryder, making now the time to enter the city&#39;s burgeoning luxury property market.

Urban takes a look at four new luxury residences on the market in Adelaide from just $375,000.

1. Quayview on Adelphi, Glenelg North 
Address: 22-23 Adelphi Terrace, Glenelg North SA 5045 
One-bedroom apartments from $375,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9249 project_image_fid=37486]

Offering a collection of 44 apartments, delivering a range of 21 unique floorplans and views, Quayview on Adelphi caters for every kind of lifestyle.

Positioned on Glenelg North&rsquo;s highly regarded Adelphi Terrace, the architecturally-designed development boasts convenience and luxury.

Designed by local designer Tetvs, Quayview offers floor-to-ceiling windows, large balconies, generous living spaces and a communal rooftop garden area.

2. Grow at Goodwood 
Address: 136 Goodwood Road, Goodwood SA 5034 
Two-bedroom apartments from $490,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27695 project_image_fid=133698]

Delivered by Bud Urban, Grow at Goodwood delivers 18 light-filled two and three-bedroom apartments to Adelaide&rsquo;s inner-south.

The project is moments from the Adelaide CBD and surrounded by a green wedge of landscaped gardens and parklands.

Grow features full-sized kitchens, open floorplans, full-length windows and generous balconies, designed by DKO Architecture.

3. Norwood Walk, Norwood 
Address: 12-14 Elizabeth Street, Norwood SA 5067 
Two-bedroom apartments from $750,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26642 project_image_fid=133683]

Consisting of 13 two and three-bedroom apartments, Norwood Walk is Bauhinia Property Development Group&rsquo;s latest South Australian development.

The homes feature a minimalist design, expansive courtyards and covered balconies set amongst Norwood&rsquo;s wide tree-lined boulevards.

Each residence features an open plan living and dining, classic designs and beautiful finishes.

4. Hyde Park Place, Hyde Park 
Address: 248 Unley Road, Hyde Park SA 5061 
Three-bedroom apartments from $609,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22019 project_image_fid=80658]

Developed by SA-based property development firm Citify, Hyde Park Place delivers sophistication and elegance to its residents.

The 67-resident project is rooted in a historic bluestone podium and features modern glass windows.

Homebuyers can choose from two design schemes, &#39;Manhattan Modern&#39; or &#39;Hamptons Luxe&#39;, while enjoying the numerous amenities the project has to offer.

Hyde Park Place features a pool and sun deck, gym, sauna and poolside lounge.

Adelaide provides luxury living at an affordable price, and prices are predicted to rise 10 per cent this year

Top luxury apartments for sale in Adelaide from $375,000

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Native to southeastern Australia, the powerful owl (Ninox strenua) is <a href="https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/conserving-threatened-species/threatened-list" target="_blank" style="font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.15999984741211px;">threatened</a> and facing the prospect of homelessness.
These birds don’t make nests – they use large hollows in old, tall trees. But humans <a href="https://doi.org/10/gc3d8n" target="_blank">have been removing</a> such trees in the bush and <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0099403" target="_blank">in cities</a>, despite their ecological value.
Owls are lured into cities by abundant prey, with each bird capturing <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/possum-assassins-move-into-town-20030913-gdwc1e" target="_blank">hundreds of possums per year</a>. But with nowhere to nest, they <a href="https://www.uppercampaspelandcare.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Powerful-owls-Bronwyn-Isaac-March-2015.pdf" target="_blank">struggle</a> to breed and their population is at risk of declining even further.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322261/original/file-20200323-112707-oeoljh.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322261/original/file-20200323-112707-oeoljh.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Existing artificial nest designs include nesting boxes and carved logs /Author provided
Conservationists tried to solve this problem by installing nesting boxes, but to no avail. A <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/290200038_A_powerful_Owl_disperses_into_town_and_uses_an_artificial_nest-box" target="_blank">2011 study</a> in Victoria showed a pair of owls once used such a box, but only one of their two chicks survived. This is the only recorded instance of powerful-owl breeding in an artificial structure.
So as a team of designers and ecologists we’re finding a way to make artificial nests in urban areas more appealing to powerful owls. Surprisingly, the answer lies in termite mounds, augmented reality and 3D printing.
<h2>Bring in the designers</h2>
Nesting boxes aren’t very successful for many species. For example, many boxes installed along expanded <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-plan-to-protect-wildlife-displaced-by-the-hume-highway-has-failed-78087" target="_blank">highways</a> fail to attract animals such as the squirrel glider, the superb parrot and the brown treecreeper. They also tend to disintegrate and become unusable after only a few years.
What’s more, flaws in their design can lead to <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322544621_Nest_box_design_for_a_changing_climate_The_value_of_improved_insulation" target="_blank">overheating</a>, death from <a href="https://nestwatch.org/connect/news/to-paint-or-not-to-paint/" target="_blank">toxic fumes</a> such as marine-plywood vapours, or babies unable to grow.
Designers and architects often use computer modelling to mimic <a href="https://www.academia.edu/208933/Towards_Morphogenesis_in_Architecture" target="_blank">nature</a> in building designs, such as Beijing’s <a href="https://www.arup.com/-/media/arup/files/publications/t/arup_journal_1-2009.pdf" target="_blank">bird’s nest</a> stadium.
But to use these skills to help wildlife, we need to understand what they want in a home. And for powerful owls, this means thinking outside the box.
<h2>What powerful owls need</h2>
At a minimum, owl nests must provide enough space to support a mother and two chicks, shelter the inhabitants from rain and heat, and have rough internal surfaces for scratching and climbing.
Traditionally, owls would find all such comforts in large, old, hollow-bearing trees, such as swamp or manna gums <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/property-observer" target="_blank">at least 150 years old</a>. But a <a href="https://www.oferlevyphotography.com/Birds-of-prey/i-j5JMnWs/A" target="_blank">picture</a> from Sydney photographer Ofer Levy, which showed an owl nesting in a tree-bound termite mound, made us realise there was another way.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322262/original/file-20200323-112688-o530b1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322262/original/file-20200323-112688-o530b1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Owls have been observed using termite mounds in trees for nesting. Blantyre, Author provided
Termite mounds in trees are oddly shaped, but they meet all necessary characteristics for successful breeding. This precedent suggests younger, healthier and more common trees can become potential nesting sites.
<h2>A high-tech home</h2>
To design and create each termite-inspired nest, we first use lasers to model the shape of the target tree. A <a href="https://www.academia.edu/40371565/Modelling_Workflows_for_More-than-Human_Design_Prosthetic_Habitats_for_the_Powerful_Owl_Ninox_strenua_" target="_blank">computer algorithm</a> generates the structure fitting the owls’ requirements. Then, we divide the structure into interlocking blocks that can be conveniently manufactured.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322263/original/file-20200323-112712-tasmfj.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322263/original/file-20200323-112712-tasmfj.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Trees and their surroundings can be scanned by lasers for precise fitting. Author provided
To assemble the nests, we use <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality" target="_blank">augmented-reality</a> headsets, overlaying images of digital models onto physical objects. It sounds like science-fiction, but <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337915977_Holographic_Construction" target="_blank">holographic construction</a> with augmented reality has become an <a href="https://www.boeing.com/features/2018/01/augmented-reality-01-18.page" target="_blank">efficient way to create new structures</a>.
So far, we’ve used <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00107-015-0987-9" target="_blank">3D-printed wood</a> to build one nest at the University of Melbourne’s System Garden. Two more nests made from <a href="https://www.scientific.net/AMR.1041.83" target="_blank">hemp concrete</a> are on the trees in the city of Knox, near the Dandenong Ranges. And we’re exploring other materials such as <a href="https://eartharchitecture.org/" target="_blank">earth</a> or <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095263517300353" target="_blank">fungus</a>.
These materials can be moulded to a unique fit, and as they’re lightweight, we can easily fix them onto trees.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322264/original/file-20200323-112712-f3k3j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322264/original/file-20200323-112712-f3k3j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
With augmented reality, it is easy to know where to place each block. Right: Views from the augmented reality headset. Author provided
<h2>So is it working?</h2>
We are still collecting and analysing the data, but early results are promising. Our nests have important advantages over both traditional nesting boxes and carved logs.
This is, in part, because our artificial nests maintain more stable internal temperatures than nesting boxes and are considerably easier to make and install than carved logs. In other words, our designs already look like a good alternative.
And while it’s too early to say if they’ll attract owls, our nests have already been visited or occupied by other animals, such as rainbow lorikeets.
<h2>Future homes for animal clients</h2>
Imagine an ecologist, a park manager or even a local resident who wants to <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/nature-in-the-city-strategy.pdf" target="_blank">boost local biodiversity</a>. In the not-too-distant future, they might select a target species and a suitable tree from an online database. An algorithm could customise their choice of an artificial-nest design to fit the target tree. Remote machines would manufacture the parts and the end user would put the structure together.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322265/original/file-20200323-112694-1i3vv8e.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322265/original/file-20200323-112694-1i3vv8e.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Nests from 3D printed wood are easy to install. Author provided
Such workflows are already being used in a variety of fields, such as the custom <a href="https://n-e-r-v-o-u-s.com/" target="_blank">jewellery</a> production and the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2015.914" target="_blank">preparation of dental crowns</a>. It allows informed and automated reuse of scientific and technical knowledge, making advanced designs significantly more accessible.
Our techniques could be used to ease the housing crisis for a wide range of other sites and species, from fire-affected animals to critically endangered wildlife such as the swift parrot or Leadbeater’s possum.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/133626/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dan-parker-970005" target="_blank">Dan Parker</a>, PhD Candidate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-melbourne-722" target="_blank">University of Melbourne</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bronwyn-isaac-1002025" target="_blank">Bronwyn Isaac</a>, Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065" target="_blank">Monash University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kylie-soanes-17023" target="_blank">Kylie Soanes</a>, Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-melbourne-722" target="_blank">University of Melbourne</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nick-bradsworth-1002021" target="_blank">Nick Bradsworth</a>, PhD Candidate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757" target="_blank">Deakin University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stanislav-roudavski-197787" target="_blank">Stanislav Roudavski</a>, Senior Lecturer in Digital Architectural Design, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-melbourne-722" target="_blank">University of Melbourne</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/theresa-jones-127463" target="_blank">Therésa Jones</a>, Associate Professor in Evolution and Behaviour, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-melbourne-722" target="_blank">University of Melbourne</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/urban-owls-are-losing-their-homes-so-were-3d-printing-them-new-ones-133626" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Urban owls are losing their homes. So we're 3D printing them new ones

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Murray River oasis on Paisley Island with views from every room has been listed for auction. 
The 2,080 sqm <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-paisley-133377934" target="_blank">Lot 14 River Drive</a> property is just 90 minutes from Adelaide CBD by car. 
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom property is schedules for an online auction on May 7, 2020 through Ray White agents Darren Pratt and Sheridan Huddy. 
“In 1992 I got a phone call from my mate telling me the guy next door was selling his property and asked if I wanted to take a look at it – I didn’t hesitate and went there pretty much straight away,” said the homebuilder and homeowner.
“I took my father, who was visiting from Poland at the time, and what we saw was this shack sat on the banks of the river on the front block.   “I turned to my father and asked his opinion and his advice was to close my eyes, put my hand in my pocket and just buy it, so that’s exactly what I did.
“After that, I purchased the back block and then the end block, and that gave us three blocks on the one title to play with. “The wildlife here is truly stunning. You can sit on the deck, have a coffee and watch the swans swim by or feed the pet goose, Lucy.  “Also, because we have the three end blocks of the island, there’s no through traffic so the peace and serenity is wonderful.   “The sun rises and sets against the cliffs and you can watch the boats and watercraft go past all day long.  “But my wife and I are in our 70’s now, and this is a property suited to a younger generation, so it’s time for our next chapter in life.”
The owner recalled how he used to work for an architect in Sydney, and after all the planning, he built the property by himself over two years. 
There are 28 lots on the island.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/4/29/20_Pailsey_3.JPG" alt="">   Ray White Barossa Valley/Two Wells Principal Darren Pratt said the property was an opportunity to capitalise on an amazing river outlook on the water’s edge.
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