Sekisui Continuum Issue 1 by Devotion Digital

EDITION I. 2014.

AUSTRALIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOST DIVERSIFIED RESIDENTIAL BUILDER AND DEVELOPER Welcome to Sekisui House p6

A BETTER DESIGN FOR A BETTER LIFE Design underpins everything Sekisui House does, from home building to community design p8

A JOURNAL ON SEKISUI HOUSE AFFAIRS, BUSINESS, CULTURE AND DESIGN.

BETTER FOR YOU

Treating customers with a level of respect and service is at the heart of everything Sekisui House does p46

FROM JAPAN TO THE WORLD

Since 1960, Sekisui House has built its legacy on constant and unrelenting improvement p52

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CONTENTS

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OUR PURPOSE IS TO CREATE AND COMMUN THAT IMPROVE

You can always expect better The Australian property landscape is changing. But even as new challenges and opportunities appear, so too do the number of property players eyeing a place in the market. It could be so easy for a major developer to stake their claim, and cash in quickly. But at Sekisui House, we’re better than that, and are doing things differently. We’re building better homes and communities in Australia – homes and communities that are designed to keep improving for many years to come.

HOMES ITIES WITH TIME

At Sekisui House, we don’t think you should hope for something better. We think you should expect it. We know better It’s not enough to simply show up in Australia and say we’re going to do things better. That’s why you’ll see evidence of this ambition in everything we do – from the earliest stages of planning, to the service provided long after building has finished. It’s our aim to build better homes and communities, crafted with the insight of 50 years of experience, research and development, and the latest innovations in Smart Universal Design principles, technology and engineering. Our homes and communities are designed with the knowledge that families grow and change – and so they are built to grow with you. We’re confident that the natural environment, and the community as a whole, can flourish in the same way. And we’re constantly striving for better, more lasting customer service. Since our earliest days in Japan, our drive to be better has held us in good stead. And now that it’s been adapted for the Australian market, it’s sure to make a new generation of homeowners feel – well, better.

WELCOME TO SEKISUI HOUSE A REPUTATION FOR EXCELLENCE IS NOT GIVEN – IT’S EARNED.

FOR US, IT’S COME FROM DESIGNING AND BUILDING OVER TWO MILLION OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES AROUND THE WORLD. MORE THAN JUST A PLACE FOR THE PRESENT, THESE ARE HOMES AND COMMUNITIES THAT WILL KEEP GETTING BETTER FOR MANY YEARS INTO THE FUTURE

More than a home builder Of course, our expertise doesn’t end at design, delivery or construction of freestanding houses. As a specialist residential property builder and developer, we build everything from apartments and houses to entire master planned communities, incorporating infrastructure, roads and public spaces and amenities. It’s this all round capability that really sets us apart in the sector, and allows us to guarantee the quality and timelessness of everything we put our name to.

Sekisui House is an experienced specialist residential property builder and developer, but we haven’t always been here in Australia. Our origins are in Japan, explaining our sharp eye for detail and adherence to the most rigorous quality standards. It’s a commitment to excellence that transfers across everything we do, from the integration of Smart Universal Design principles into our overall design philosophy, to the way we focus on building and developing communities – not just houses.

Our vision in Australia What shouldn’t be underestimated is our appreciation of the Australian market. With over $1.5 billion already invested and more projects planned in Australia over the next 20 years, we’re here for the long haul.

Our extraordinary ingenuity – which saw us introduce the world first Zero Emission House to Japan in 2008 – is combined with a dedication to provide outstanding customer service that continues well after a property is finished. The result is a residential property offering that’s smarter, sturdier and more dynamic than any other. In short, simply better houses, apartments and communities to live in.

This means we’ll see our properties mature and change hands over time – realising an investment that’s now estimated to be worth $4.7 billion. We’ll also be working to solve many of the housing issues that Australia faces in the near future. Urban growth precincts, the need for more affordable housing, and a shortage of accessible greenfield sites for large-scale development are all problems that will need to be addressed. At Sekisui House, that’s a challenge we relish.

We’re here to build a better future It’s our global experience and knowledge that makes us different, but we still realise the value of having our properties designed, delivered and constructed by our own locally based designers, managers, engineers and architects. And from our state-of-the-art facility manufacturing frames and structures, through to construction and delivery of our properties on the ground, our staff ensure that our quality control is as strict as anywhere in the world.

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AP AR T

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WE’VE BUILT QUALITY HOMES FOR OVER TWO MILLION FAMILIES AROUND THE WORLD

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A BETTER DESIGN FOR A BETTER LIFE SINCE LAUNCHING INTO THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET, A SPECIALIST TEAM OF LOCAL AND JAPANESE DESIGNERS AND ARCHITECTS HAVE BEEN COLLABORATING, EDUCATING AND LEARNING ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN LIFESTYLE.

SUSTAINABILITY. IT’S OFTEN MISTAKEN FOR A BUZZWORD IN THE PROPERTY INDUSTRY, EVOKING IMAGES OF ECO-FRIENDLINESS, POWER SAVING, AND GREEN THINKING. BUT AT SEKISUI HOUSE, SUSTAINABILITY MEANS ‘BUILT TO LAST’. AND THIS UNDERPINS EVERYTHING THEY DO – FROM HOME BUILDING TO COMMUNITY DESIGN Since launching into the Australian market, a specialist team of local and Japanese designers and architects have been collaborating, educating and learning about the Australian lifestyle. The design team led by Takao Sawai and Makoto Ochiai, have spent the last four years introducing Sekisui House’s holistic approach to property development to Australia. “We approach sustainability as a holistic concept which has a critical role to play in the entire process involved in designing and developing homes and communities. Sustainability is the big picture vision,” says Makoto. “We look at it from an environmental, social and residents perspective, and we believe that this approach

has a multiplied effect on the long term purpose and livability of our homes and communities.” Coupled with the concept of Smart Universal Design, Takao explains that there’s more to it than just four walls and a roof. “We design for everyone. Regardless of age, ability, or stage in life. Smart Universal Design is sustainable. This doesn’t just mean ‘barrier free’, ‘adaptable’, or ‘designed for elderly people’, though these things are a big part of our thought process.” Put simply, every detail of a Sekisui House home is carefully considered. From the overall construction of the home, down to the placement of door handles, and even where the toilet paper holders sit. All about social design When starting the build, it’s not just about finding a piece of land, knocking everything down, or hoping for the best. For Sekisui House, every new home or new development has bigger issues to consider when master planning – from spatial considerations, to the idea that every community should be in harmony with its surroundings. Takao and Makoto explain that Sekisui House has been growing their unique style of property development in Australia for the past four years. 8 | CONTINUUM

“In Australia, we’re able to address issues like scarcity of space for housing and urban development sprawl. These are not just a physical challenge but also impact the social wellbeing of our communities on a micro and macro level,” says Makoto. “Because homes in Japan are quite small, we’re exceptionally good at designing our floor plans efficiently,” says Takao. “We don’t waste space. And obviously, building efficiently is the key to an affordable home, especially with the economic pressures Australian families face.” Not surprisingly, the different cultures have also made for some interesting discoveries for the pair and their design team. “Starting in a new country, there are so many opinions and ideas that you hear – it’s hard to know what’s right,” says Takao. The pair has also led significant research across Sekisui House’s time in Australia to help adapt their knowledge from Japan to the local market. “There is no doubt we have developed solutions which can positively impact the residential property offered in Australia. However, the research is essential to identify where there’s opportunity to make an immediate impact. We’ve

been on this journey for about 4 years. Now we’ve got many people to discuss the market with, who understand the big goals we have as a company. So it’s an exciting time for us, and time to go one better!” A new understanding of residential sustainability The idea of a home being something that grows as generations do helps define the design of floor plans, making renovating down the track much easier than in a conventional home. “We think about what the home and its environment will look like in 10, 20, and 50 years,” explains Makoto. “We think about making an investment into the future. For example, let’s say people plan to have children. With Sekisui House’s exclusive SHAWOOD range of homes, flexible zoning and floor plans gives us the freedom to divide, connect or modify rooms easily and affordably. We always consider the future needs of the home. We really provide lifestyle solutions.” The importance of the environment While environmental sustainability is just one of the design considerations for Sekisui House, it’s still as important as ever. “Our Australian timber comes from sustainable forests, and we always give our customers the option to take up solar panels and items we think will suit the local environment and climate,” Takao says.

“Soon we’ll be able to introduce new systems into our building processes in Australia, through some of our local home collections. These allow a range of sophisticated calculations into energy saving and CO2 reductions in Sekisui House homes in Australia, which we’ll be able to compare to conventional homes. In the home, we’re achieving passive heating and cooling efficiency not only through the overall design of the home, but the orientation of living spaces, and how the house interacts with the natural landscape as well. For the community, all the parklands, the roads and walkways are also considered with the environment in mind. We’ve integrated this thinking with our entire design plan.” It goes without saying that energy efficiency is always a serious consideration. “In recent years, State and Federal governments have taken steps to ensure better sustainability standards in the building industry. This is something we fully support, and will continue to embrace in years to come,” says Takao. Homes. Not just houses There’s something very personal about a Sekisui House building or environment. Yes, these houses have walls, windows and rooves, but there’s a key philosophy driving the design approach – these are homes for future generations as much as today. “The basic background of Japanese design is that the homes should be built to last for a long time. A family can buy a home, and that home is

theirs for life. But in Australia with the growing economy, property is often considered a financial investment – and not always as a home for the long term,” Takao explains. Part of this philosophy extends into how a home relates to its surroundings. “When we do work on a landscape design project, we’ll work with the existing ecosystems. This means the environment these homes are in will grow and flourish with the communities that live there,” says Makoto. “We understand that what you want to see on the outside of your home is just as important as what you see on the inside,” Takao adds. “A great example of how we’ve put this into practice is our recent master plan for The Waterfront,” says Takao. “It’s about creating connected communities, green open spaces for everyone to enjoy, and working with the site to encourage people to make the most of their surroundings.” Lasting connections If there’s one final area of importance for the Sekisui House team and their customers, it’s building and maintaining great relationships. “We always think the best research we can do is find people who have bought with us and talk to them,” says Makoto. “Yes,” smiles Takao. “We never say goodbye to our customers.”

BETTER HAS A NEW ADDRESS For any developer, the opportunity to play a part in the creation of an entirely new suburb is always an exciting one. And for Sekisui House, The Address development at Wentworth Point – with its focus on urban regeneration – has particular significance. Formerly a part of Homebush Bay, Wentworth Point is a new suburb adjacent to Sydney Olympic Park. Although it’s a site with a number of constraints, the clever use of engineering has helped to overcome these challenges. Recently declared one of Sydney’s key Urban Activation Precincts, the goal of this urban regeneration project is to create a major new community where people of all ages can live and grow, and which is open for the wider public to congregate and enjoy. Over the next 5 to 10 years, schools, a marina, and a variety of retail, commercial, recreation and entertainment spaces will combine with dedicated parklands to make this an interesting, innovative and vibrant community – a destination suburb, in every sense of the word. In fact, by

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2031, it’s anticipated that 13,500 residents will call this area home. The master plan for The Address is based on Sekisui House’s rich integration of thoughtful design, philosophy and bespoke expertise. In its design and architecture, the master plan reflects Sekisui House’s philosophy of allowing a project to blend into its surroundings. To do this, The Address makes strong use of the natural attributes of the surrounding area to inform an architectural resonance of the built form with its environment. The concept that has been developed is the movement from the mountains to the harbour. This has been interpreted in an abstract way in the landscape design, selection of planting, design of the building forms, selection of building materials and palette of colours used.

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O ur company is founded in Japan.

W e open our Comprehensive Housing Research and Development Institute in Kyoto.

W e celebrate one million dwellings built across Japan.

e introduce our W â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Five Treesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; landscape design philosophy to promote the conservation of biodiversity. ll six Sekisui House A Centres for Manufacturing and Quality Control in Japan are certified under the ISO 14001 environmental standard, demanding rigorous assessment and control of businessesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; impact on the environment.

A ll our six centres for Manufacturing and Quality Control in Japan achieve zero-emission status.

Sekisui House creates next-generation energy-saving features standard for all newly built detached homes in Japan.

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W e announce our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;declaration of sustainabilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; outlining our commitment and investment in sustainability across the breadth of operations.

The Japanese Minister of Environment awards Sekisui House for our contribution to reducing global warming. Established the global warming prevention R&D Institute.

We collaborate in the construction of the ‘Zero Emission House’ for the G8 World Summit. We’re certified by the Japanese Environment Ministry as the housing and construction industry’s first ‘Eco First Company’. We introduce our carbon neutral housing in Japan.

Sekisui House expands into Australia.

We celebrate our 50 Year anniversary.

We acquire our first development sites in Australia.

Sekisui House Australia acquires AV Jennings Contract Homes.

We launch our ‘Green First’ housing in Japan.

Sekisui House Australia signs a business alliance agreement with Lend Lease. We open our first Australian Sekisui House Centre for Manufacturing and Quality Control in Ingleburn, NSW. We celebrate two million dwellings built across our operations in Japan. We expand into China and the USA.

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W e launch the ‘Aurora Collection’ in Australia – the first collection of contract home designs developed in collaboration between Japanese and local designers. W e launch the ‘Rethink Green’ sustainability initiative in Australia. S ekisui House signs an alliance agreement with Frasers Property Australia, to jointly develop the visionary Central Park project on Sydney’s Broadway.

We launch The Hermitage – Sekisui House’s flagship master planned community at Gledswood Hills, NSW.

E cco Ripley, Sekisui House’s first master planned community in QLD commences infrastructure and early civil works.

he ‘Arise’ house design T collection launched, incorporating more Sekisui House philosophy-led designs.

Our first exhibition homes are opened in Gledswood Hills NSW, demonstrating Sekisui House home building philosophies and the advanced technologies used in Japan and being developed for Australia via SHAWOOD technology.

S ekisui House’s Construction division for small scale residential development projects, established in 2013.

ekisui House launches its S second residential tower in Sydney at The Address, Wentworth Point, NSW.

9.13 million trees planted globally since the year 2000, with 1.01 million trees planted in 2012 alone. (A total of 10 million trees have been planted by 2013.)

e launch The Address, W Sekisui House’s third master planned community development at Wentworth Point, NSW.

ekisui House introduces S the ‘SHAWOOD’ range of homes, available to purchase for the first time in NSW at The Hermitage, Gledswood Hills. SHAWOOD sets a new benchmark in innovative home building.

MIL LION

WE’VE BUILT + OURSELVES ON + BETTER WE’RE COMMITTED TO DELIVERING A BETTER STANDARD OF HOME BUILDING. AND WITH $1.5 BILLION ALREADY INVESTED, WE’RE HERE FOR THE LONG HAUL For us, better is more than an idea. It’s an ideal. It’s at the heart of our company – and we’re determined to prove it to Australia. You’ll find it in a better standard of building for residential properties – through innovative design, attention to detail, and exceptional build quality. You’ll find it in better customer service – making sure that our buyers can count on us before, during and after their home is being built.

DWELLINGS NOW BUILT BY SEKISUI HOUSE WORLDWIDE

EMPLOYEES WORLDWIDE

BIL LION

INVESTED BY SEKISUI HOUSE IN AUSTRALIA

BIL LION

VALUE OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN AUSTRALIA SINCE 2009

RESIDENTIAL LOTS/UNITS CURRENT TOTAL PROJECT YIELD IN AUSTRALIA

HOME BUILDING INDIVIDUAL HOME SALES IN AUSTRALIA SINCE 2009

And you’ll find it in better communities – communities that are built with the future in mind, so that they can flourish with future generations. We’re taking the expertise we’ve crafted over the years, and we’re using it to create better solutions for everyone in the whole community. We’re invested in improving quality of life, as well as the quality of build. We’re here for the long haul. And we’re ready to bring better to Australia.

EMPLOYEES NATIONALLY IN AUSTRALIA

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THE EXPERIENCE (AND HOME) OF A LIFETIME FINALLY, AUSTRALIA HAS A DEVELOPER WHO REALISES THAT HOMES AREN’T BUILT FOR THEIR BOTTOM LINE, BUT FOR LIVING IN.

WITH A FOCUS ON DELIVERING A BETTER BUILDING AND LIVING EXPERIENCE, SEKISUI HOUSE CREATES RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES THAT ARE IDEAL FOR RESIDENTS BOTH NOW AND WELL INTO THE FUTURE This kind of expertise doesn’t appear overnight. In fact, it’s been 50 years since Sekisui House first laid its foundations in Japan. Since then, they’ve been just as concerned with tailoring a building process that continually benefits the customer, as they have been with actually creating the homes. Today, as Sekisui House continues to stake a serious claim in the Australian property market, the company is finding new ways to adapt that experience for local residents. But what exactly does a Japanese home builder and developer know about life in Australia? As it turns out, a remarkable amount. Sekisui House’s Comprehensive Housing Research and Development Institute is the largest facility of its kind in the Japanese housing industry, with much of their learning over the last 50 years as relevant to the Australian market as their own.

Building on quality When investigating the home building experience that Sekisui House offers, a clear level of detail and expertise is evident. A number of rigorous quality control and precise construction methods are set in place from the start, with everything considered and nothing left to chance. This has made way for a range of premium products specifically designed to suit the needs of Australians, both today and tomorrow. In another approach that’s unique in Australia, the company’s designers, engineers and architects all work in-house. Add in a manufacturing facility in Sydney, and you have a home builder and developer boasting both global expertise and an invaluable local touch. And unlike other residential property developers, Sekisui House doesn’t compromise on quality. Mark Willington, State Operations Manager Home Building, reinforces this “We use only the best materials on the market, and refuse to cut corners or skimp over things in order to make our lives easier.” When you look at any of their homes – including the ‘Arise’ and ‘SHAWOOD’ collections, it’s easy to see that their no-excuses attitude and attention to detail is well worth the investment. But better build quality is just the beginning. 20 | CONTINUUM

Where Sekisui House really breaks new ground is with their incredible insight into how we live in our homes. Built with you in mind Take a walk through any Sekisui House home, and you’ll see that it’s designed to suit families at any stage of life. Everything has been thought of. This includes the layout of the rooms – precisely planned to allow easy movement around the house – to smaller details like light switches, placed purposefully at a height where adults, children and people in wheelchairs can reach them. In a further show of understanding, Sekisui House has realised that home safety is more than just the locks on your doors. “We know that a large number of accidents happen at home” adds Takao. “That’s why we design houses to minimise trip hazards and careless accidents that take place due to inefficient design of key traffic zones within a home. We place our large storage spaces low, so you won’t need to balance on a ladder while trying to put away those big, heavy items.” It might seem like Sekisui House focuses on the little things. But as you’re about to see, the little things make a big difference to the way your home functions.

Homes as local as you are Nowhere is this more evident than the company’s latest Australian collection. ‘Arise’ has been built around four key customer benefits – to optimise harmony with the natural environment; provide comfort for everyone who lives inside; ensure the spaces are as functional as possible; and design the homes so that they work with the buyers’ lifestyle, not against them. This collection represents a more streamlined, simplified approach to home building – an approach that highlights a better understanding of the needs of Australian residents. The features of these homes are as relevant as they are practical. Takao Sawai has been pivotal in rolling out the ‘Arise’ collection to the Australian market. He’s confident that these homes really do make life easier for Sekisui House’s customers. “Take our floorplans, for example.” he says. “We’ve planned the entire layout of the homes with our residents in mind. If you’ve just parked your car in the garage after shopping for groceries, then we provide direct access to the pantry to get everything inside. It’s those sorts of little ideas that make a big difference.” The quality and convenience of the ‘Arise’ collection makes Takao excited about Sekisui House’s presence in Australia – and so does its value for money. Given the financial demands that come with building a new home, a considered and cost-effective suite of high-quality homes is a real attraction for prospective buyers. “We’ve released a range of products that are sophisticated in their design and value while being affordable for Australians. I think they’ll be excited with what they find.” ‘Arise’ isn’t the only collection worth mentioning. The ‘SHAWOOD’ home introduces Australia to an entirely new level of timber and steel-based design, construction quality and technology that’s unique to Sekisui House. Built in collaboration with local architects, the collection helps capture and enhance the Australian lifestyle and climate. A lasting experience While Sekisui House has thoroughly planned the entire building experience to benefit their customers, they also know how important it is to strive for that constant improvement after they’ve handed over the keys. Home buyers have ready access to a whole range of after-build services – not to mention a home that’s been purposely crafted to flourish over time. From ongoing maintenance, to assistance for those who’ve built their home as an investment, Sekisui House is always looking for new ways to make life that little bit better for their customers.

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TRUTH AND TRUST TREATING OUR CUSTOMERS WITH RESPECT PROVIDING THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF CUSTOMER SERVICE TRUTH AND TRUST UNDERPIN ALL OUR PRACTICES

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US UO N TI N STOMER SATISFACTION & CU

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FROM THE EARLIEST STAGES OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, TO PRODUCTION – AND LONG AFTER WE’VE HANDED OVER THE KEYS – WE’VE TAILORED OUR ENTIRE HOME BUILDING PROCESS TO ENSURE COMPLETE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

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OUR BIGGEST AIM IS TO PROVIDE BETTER HOMES FOR AUSTRALIAN PEOPLE– AS MANY OF THEM AS POSSIBLE TORU ABE Sekisui House Australia

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CONSTRUCTING BETTER COMMUNITIES With a focus on small-scale residential construction projects, the construction division of Sekisui House was launched in 2013. This is another capability that demonstrates Sekisui House’s credentials as an experienced specialist residential property builder and developer – and it’s a division of the company that’s set to grow even more over time. It’s important to note that small-scale residential projects aren’t necessarily just domestic houses. Along with a number of projects with other clients, Sekisui House is currently working with government body Urban Growth NSW on the construction of residences with communal facilities to accommodate people living with a disability. Urban Growth is an organisation that focuses on urban renewal projects, with the aim of increasing our housing supply and jobs for people who need them most. Given the lack of proper disability facilities in Australia this project will be incredibly beneficial, as it will allow a number of people with disabilities to move out of aged care and into an environment designed specifically for them.

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BETTER A DESIRE TO DELIVER BETTER IN EVERY FACET OF OUR BUSINESS ISN’T JUST AN IDEA – IT’S A REALITY. AND IT’S BEING REALISED WITHIN SEKISUI HOUSE’S VARIOUS PROJECTS,

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THE HERMITAGE NEW SOUTH WALES www.thehermitagesydney.com.au

Located in one of Sydney’s newest suburbs, Gledswood Hills, The Hermitage is Sekisui House’s first master planned community in Australia. At the heart of The Hermitage master plan is our desire to build strong societies for future generations to inherit. We are creating neighbourhoods and living spaces that will build harmony between families and the wider community.

rural valley to the Blue Mountains. The site has a strong link to the local heritage. The historic ‘Gledswood Homestead’ with its rich story telling past sits proudly and respectfully between The Hermitage’s new residential precincts. Gledswood’s significant cultural and historical value adds a distinct element of romanticism and enjoyment to the emerging community.

The Hermitage exists in an acknowledged area of great beauty and very special qualities. It has a rare sense of natural place and envelops a space, which is evocative of Camden’s history and culture. The golf course fairways and greens make wonderful pockets of enclosed intimate bushland settings and give the site a characteristically lush landscape.

Working in conjunction with some of Australia’s leading master planners, landscape designers and architects, we are forming a community that will co-exist with the natural environment. We are creating a place for families that embodies the concepts of healing, health and harmony whilst encouraging a zest for life.

The master plan adds more beautiful open spaces and pleasant walking paths set adjacent to a variety of creeks and streams. The gently undulating fields are framed by magnificent stands of large mature trees, which border district views across the

— 2,000 DWELLINGS UPON COMPLETION PROJECT VALUE $500M TIMEFRAME 2012 – 2022

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THE ADDRESS NEW SOUTH WALES www.theaddressapartments.com.au

The Address is a new waterside, master planned residential development located at the geographical centre of Sydney in the vibrant Wentworth Point precinct. It is an urban regeneration project. The goal is to create a major new community that provides an area where people of all ages can live and grow, that is also a hub for the wider public to congregate and enjoy. Designed by Turner Architects and landscaped by Site Image, the master plan has a rich integration of thoughtful design and philosophy. The natural attributes of the surrounding area have inspired the design and architecture of this master planned development. The site that has been enhanced by clever use of engineering to overcome some key constraints. The site has been landlocked between industrial zones, however the developer has actively

participated with local government and other landowners to collaboratively fund a bridge to connect Wentworth Point to Rhodes. This relieves traffic congestion, plus opens up access for the residents to the train station, shopping centre and use of the local area. We’ve added value by reducing and overcoming these challenges for an outcome that benefits all. The redevelopment of the area will see a combination of residential, retail, commercial, recreation and entertainment activities combined with dedicated parklands. There are also plans to include a preschool, primary school and a marina with moorings and dry boat storage. — APARTMENTS 990 PROJECT VALUE $600M TIMEFRAME 2013 – 2018

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THE WATERFRONT: ST TROPEZ NEW SOUTH WALES www.thewaterfront.com.au

The final release at The Waterfront, St Tropez is an outstanding collection of apartments that captures all of the beauty of Wentworth Point. With breathtaking views, striking architecture and sophisticated interior design and finishes, St Tropez is the epitome of premium waterfront living. A 21-hectare site that combines the exceptional design led by Sekisui House, Robertson & Marks, and Krikis Tayler Architects with the contemporary finishes of RL Design, every home features appliances, materials and finishes of exceptional quality, superior design and performance.

St Tropez is more than an apartment block. It’s a lifestyle destination – one of the last of its kind in Sydney Harbour. — APARTMENTS 154 PROJECT VALUE $108M TIMEFRAME 2012 – 2013

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THE WATERFRONT: MESSINA NEW SOUTH WALES www.thewaterfront.com.au

When renowned architects Nettleton Tribe and Robertson & Marks designed Messina, they wanted to create a living space that encouraged al fresco living and captured the ambience of a Mediterranean village – all while feeling like the most luxurious of resorts. Consisting of two buildings of spacious apartments around a tropical central courtyard, Messina combines Mediterraneaninspired architecture with lush landscaping – for a development that’s teeming with style and sophistication.

Messina includes the iconic 24 x 22 metre outdoor lagoon pool, setting a new benchmark in communal, harbourside living – an oasis that recalls the most exclusive resort destinations. — APARTMENTS 162 PROJECT VALUE $88M TIMEFRAME 2011 – 2012

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THE WATERFRONT: ALORA NEW SOUTH WALES www.thewaterfront.com.au

With a collection of outstanding, unique apartments that surround a beautifully-landscaped courtyard garden, Alora is set to redefine apartment living. Working with Turner Architects, Sekisui House has ensured every aspect of the design is focused on achieving a balanced living environment – from the fine attention to detail to the use of quality materials. Each apartment combines exceptional levels of comfort and amenity with highly efficient design principles, to make the most of space, privacy and security.

As environmentally sustainable as it is gorgeously designed, Alora goes above and beyond the efficient use of natural resources – with the apartments themselves positioned to maximise solar access and cross-ventilation, reducing energy costs now and tomorrow. — APARTMENTS 323 PROJECT VALUE $168M TIMEFRAME 2012 – 2013

With no more than six residences on the one floor – each with strategically-placed screens for privacy – to the plants, pathways, rocks and watercourses that make up the garden, everything has been carefully considered for the best possible quality of life.

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THE WATERFRONT: CATANIA NEW SOUTH WALES www.thewaterfront.com.au

Bringing together the energy of classic European villages with Sydney’s contemporary style, Catania highlights both the stunning natural environment and community atmosphere at The Waterfront.

With many of the residences boasting extensive views over the stunning estate landscape and neighbouring parklands, Catania has a range of apartments to suit everyone’s needs – in a central, harbourside location that’s sure to take everyone’s breath away.

Designed by renowned architects Nettleton Tribe, Catania complements the award-winning Waterfront estate with its excellence in design, function and sustainability. The development consists of a series of spacious apartment buildings, brought to life with contemporary colours, modern balustrades and quality finishes around a tropical central courtyard.

— APARTMENTS 301 PROJECT VALUE $151M TIMEFRAME 2011 – 2012

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THE WATERFRONT: CORSICA NEW SOUTH WALES www.thewaterfront.com.au

Teeming with style and sophistication, Corsica is a development that’s as visually stunning as it is environmentally friendly – combining lush landscaping with gorgeous Mediterraneaninspired architecture. Designed by renowned architects Nettleton Tribe, Corsica continues the award-winning Waterfront estate’s tradition of bringing together lifestyle and luxury. Situated in a hideaway location with stretches of natural parkland on one side, and water on the other, the development consists of a series of spacious apartment buildings, brought to life with contemporary colours, modern balustrades and quality finishes around a tropical central courtyard.

Corsica follows a design philosophy that embraces al fresco living, the ambience of a Mediterranean village, and the appointments of a luxury resort – all within one of the last remaining undeveloped waterfront sites in central Sydney. With a thriving central plaza, the Waterfront is sowing the seeds of prosperity – transforming itself into a brand new suburb that’s undisputedly a joy to live in. — APARTMENTS 215 PROJECT VALUE $100M TIMEFRAME 2010 – 2011

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CENTRAL PARK NEW SOUTH WALES www.centralparksydney.com

Bringing the charm of New York’s Greenwich Village to downtown Sydney, Central Park is a visionary redevelopment of the old Carlton United Brewery site by Sekisui House and Frasers Property Australia. Capturing the character of years gone by – and bringing it squarely into the present with the latest living developments, Central Park boasts 58 hectares of futuristic sustainable architecture, heritage enclaves and lush gardens. The work of world-leading designers, it’s been brought to life as a mixed-use urban village – a vibrant community where thousands of people can live, work, and play. To achieve a design as ambitious as Central Park, the project relied on pure collaboration between engineers, artists and the community. Architects and designers from Sydney, London, Paris and Copenhagen have united to create this unique vision for Central Park.

Among these are two Pritzker Prize winning architects: Sir Norman Foster, one of Britain’s most celebrated architects; and Jean Nouvel (Paris), famous for designing many of the world’s most distinctive buildings. Incorporating a main park area, and an $8 million public art collection featuring works by Patrick Blanc, Yann Kersale, Jennifer Turpin and Michaelie Crawford, Central Park is a truly exciting new destination for Sydney. — — APARTMENTS 2,100 PROJECT VALUE $1.2B STUDENT DWELLINGS 925 TIMEFRAME 2008 – 2018 RETAIL SPACE 20,000sqm COMMERCIAL SPACE 50,000sqm

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ECCO RIPLEY QUEENSLAND www.eccoripley.com.au

Framed by peaks and hills, green parks and open spaces, Ecco Ripley is set to become one of Queensland’s most vibrant new communities – located just 11 minutes from Ipswich and 39 minutes from Brisbane. This new development is being built upon four key pillars – an Environment full of life, Connected to the Community and creating Opportunities. ‘ECCO’. Set amongst 194 hectares, the community will offer over 4,000 dwellings – each within precincts that will have their own individual identity, while still being connected to over 40 hectares of open space and parklands. The future town centre, ‘Ecco Ripley Central’, will form the heart of the community.

One of the first communities to be approved for The Green Start PILOT initiative (supported by the Green Building Council of Australia), Ecco Ripley will be a hive of culture, activity and enjoyment – a thriving place of commerce, learning, shopping, recreation and dining that will allow residents to lead an enriching lifestyle among the natural environment. — 4,000 DWELLINGS UPON COMPLETION TOWN CENTRE 25 HECTARES PROJECT VALUE $500M TIMEFRAME 2013 – 2033

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THE COOLUM RESIDENCES QUEENSLAND www.thecoolumresidences.com.au

Nestled under Mt Coolum in the heart of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, The Coolum Residences offer harmonious, resort-style living alongside 1.2 kilometres of pristine ocean beach.

Both capture the spirit of tranquil, resort-style living – making The Coolum Residences a lifestyle destination in a class of its own.

The site of the first SHAWOOD homes to arrive in Australia, The Coolum Residences set new benchmarks in innovative, sustainable housing across two gated precincts – Beachside and Vantage. Beachside contains the last available beachside land on the entire Sunshine Coast, where the picturesque Mount Coolum meets the northern coastal line, while Vantage offers a tranquil – yet central – living experience.

— PROJECT VALUE $400M TIMEFRAME 2010 – 2023

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SERRATA VICTORIA www.serrataliving.com.au

Moments from Melbourne’s CBD, in the heart of Victoria Harbour, sits Serrata – a truly dynamic residential offering in the city’s most sharp and sophisticated precinct.

As smart in its energy efficiency as it is in design, Serrata was one of the first apartment buildings in the city to achieve a four-star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council.

Teaming bold design with cutting-edge, eco-friendly thinking, the apartments offer generous, open-plan spaces to provide space and light – including floor-to-ceiling glazing leading out to wide open balconies.

— APARTMENTS 144 PROJECT VALUE $40M TIMEFRAME 2010 – 2012

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CONSTRUCTION NEW SOUTH WALES www.sekisuihouse.com.au

While Sekisui House continues to solidify their reputation as one of Australia’s most innovative residential home builders, they also participate in a number of commercial construction projects – a facet of the business that allows them to offer an entirely different, highly reputable service. From government institutions to private developers, entire residential developments to childcare centres, each project is carefully evaluated from the outset – with everything from size and materials needed to community impact taken into account. When a project is tendered, a range of suppliers are approached to find the best options – ensuring a better quality, at a better price.

From here, a dedicated team with the most experience in the sector is then appointed to oversee the construction process, every step of the way. It’s this level of experience that ensures that no project is too big, or at risk of becoming too unmanageable – and that every client is confident with the process and happy with the result. — ESTABLISHED IN 2013 OPERATING IN NSW PROJECT VALUE $16M+

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HOME BUILDING NATIONAL www.sekisuihouse.com.au

Homes are much more than bricks and mortar – they’re about the people who live in them. Sekisui House knows that all too well. Which is why, when designing their homes, they meticulously consider every last detail – to make the living experience as comfortable, safe and secure as it should be. Knowing that the needs of each family are different, Sekisui House has tailored a range of house and land packages – making it easy to choose the combination and price that suits. Express Address package options – for new houses already built or new houses under construction – will help you to move in sooner. Other packages offer extensive inclusions – such as floor covers, air conditioning, landscaping, driveway, letterbox, fences, and more.

The Arise Collection launching in 2014 represents this streamlined, simplified approach to home building and highlights Sekisui House’s understanding of the needs of Australian residents. The company’s customer first philosophy and honest, transparent and reliable service is as much a feature of Sekisui House as the homes themselves. And with 50 years and over 2 million homes behind them, it’s an experience that continues to stand the test of time. — ESTABLISHED IN 2009 OPERATING IN 4 STATES AND 1 TERRITORY ACROSS AUSTRALIA +47 DISPLAY HOMES NATIONALLY

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SHAWOOD NEW SOUTH WALES / QUEENSLAND www.shawoodaustralia.com.au

A building system unique to the Australian market, SHAWOOD has opened up a world of possibility for home building – with a design approach, construction method and overarching spirit of sustainability unlike any seen before in residential construction in Australia. Designed in collaboration with local architects to make the most of the Australian lifestyle and climate, this prestigious range of homes stem from the latest developments in Japanese building technology. Stronger than most conventional Australian building methods, SHAWOOD homes are built using pre-engineered laminated wood timber, and constructed with joints of structural steel and two forms of ventilation to protect against moisture. And with a margin for error of less than 3mm, these are homes made to last for generations.

Not only that, they’re configured to accommodate the growing and changing lifestyle needs of their residents – with flexible zoning and floor plans making it easier to divide, connect or modify existing rooms in the future. But for all their design flexibility and innovation, the SHAWOOD home actually costs less to run than the average home. Using Low-E glass, and featuring self-cleaning wall cladding, these homes are able to keep running costs down – and require little to no maintenance over time. With the arrival of SHAWOOD, Australians will have access to homes that exhibit a superior level of technology and innovation. Homes that consider everything from space, to the inside and outside world, to shadows and light – and above all, the growing and changing needs of the people that live in them.

EDITION I. 2014 | 45

BETTER FOR YOU WITH BUILDERS AND DEVELOPERS PUTTING SO MUCH TIME AND ENERGY INTO NEW DESIGN AND BUILDING PROJECTS, IT WOULD BE ALL TOO EASY TO FORGET ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO WILL BE LIVING IN THEM. SEKISUI HOUSE HASN’T – AND IT’S MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE.

‘CUSTOMER SERVICE’. IT FEELS LIKE EVERY BUSINESS SPEAKS ABOUT HOW IMPORTANT IT IS, BUT VERY FEW ARE ACTUALLY MAKING IT A KEY PART OF WHAT THEY DO. AND EVEN FEWER HAVE MADE IT THE CORE OF THEIR ENTIRE BUSINESS

so ingrained in the company culture as a whole, it’s understandable that the customers are going to reap the rewards too.

For Sekisui House, treating customers with a level of respect and service that’s always surprising is at the heart of everything they do – whether it’s building a home, in research and development, the overall service experience, or even the company’s internal developments. In fact, by going beyond all of the products and services, you see it loud and clear – the spirit of service that forms the company’s key philosophy.

However, it’s the ongoing service after the homes have been built that really puts Sekisui House in a league of its own – and highlights ‘love of humanity’ at its most enduring. As Dean Bell, Sales Manager in NSW, notes, “When you’re handing a customer the keys to their brand new home, chances are they’re going to be happy – they’re already excited. Our goal is to make sure they feel that level of happiness, that same excitement, years and years later.”

A ‘love of humanity’ Ask any of Sekisui House’s builders, designers, or salespeople, and they’ll tell you the same thing – this love of humanity forms the backbone of their work. Take a walk through Sekisui House’s offices, and you’ll see it in action. Visit their homes, and you’ll see it in every carefully considered detail. When this spirit of service is

How exactly do they do that? “It comes to the quality of service we provide – it needs to last,” Dean says. “We need to provide that ‘face’ that residents feel like they can reach out to if something’s wrong. At the end of the day, it’s about never forgetting our love of humanity. It’s not something that ever stops for us – and our customers should feel that.”

From the earliest stages of design, right through to construction and handover, Sekisui House is committed to taking the stress out of building a new home for residents. That even includes handling all the paperwork – something that’s sure to be a welcome relief for any Australian who’s had to deal with council approvals.

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Providing that ‘face’ for customers is why the company conducts inspections of their homes, to make sure they mature as they should. It’s also the reason Sekisui House continues to invest heavily in Research and Development – so that tomorrow’s homes are better suited to tomorrow’s needs. Ongoing improvement is just another part of Sekisui House’s commitment to customer service. It’s a commitment that seems to be working, too. As more and more Australians partner with the company to build their homes, they’re experiencing for themselves a level of service that’s left them brimming with praise. When we visited The Hermitage in Sydney’s south-west, there was no shortage of happy residents. “We’ll be in a brand new home that we’ve been able to design ourselves,” said Giovanni and Laura, a young couple who have been bringing their ideal home to life. “It has all the features we wanted – high ceilings, an outdoor alfresco area, a cinema room, and a massive kitchen – all on the perfect block of land in a great new community”. With Sekisui House’s ongoing commitment to provide better customer service to the Australian market, it seems like more and more customers are set to be just as happy.

OUR STANCE

TRUTH AND TRUST

LOVE OF HUMANITY OUR PHILOSOPHY

OUR OBJECTIVE

OUR BUSINESS FOCUS

SUPERIOR QUALITY AND LEADING TECHNOLOGY

COMFORTABLE HOUSING AND ECOLOGICALLY SOUND COMMUNITIES

ESTABLISHED IN 1989. THE LOVE OF HUMANITY PHILOSOPHY ILLUSTRATES THE COMPANY’S APPROACH TO CHANGE. THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF EACH AND EVERY EMPLOYEE, AND THE WAY IN WHICH THEY CONDUCT THEIR RELATIONSHIPS, FORM THE VERY CORE OF SEKISUI HOUSE’S BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT. THEY ARE THE WELLSPRING OF OUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIETY.

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GOING BEYOND THE HOME IN A WORLD WHERE THE MANTRA OF PROPERTY SEEMS TO BE ‘BUILD UP AND KEEP COSTS DOWN’, PROPERTY DEVELOPERS DON’T ALWAYS SEE THE WELLBEING OF THE COMMUNITIES THEY’RE CREATING – OR ADDING ON TO – AS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY.

IT’S A VERY CAPITALIST WAY OF THINKING, BUT IT ALSO RAISES THE QUESTION. IF THEY’RE NOT THINKING ABOUT COMMUNITY, THEN WHO IS? The answer is Sekisui House, and they’re doing it well before the ground is even broken. Every Sekisui House development starts with consultation of the Sekisui House Urban Development Charter. This unique document is made up of 24 thoroughly researched principles, and is designed to encourage the team to consider everything about the community they’re about to build in. Not surprisingly, the approach Sekisui House takes remains unprecedented in this competitive marketplace. Taking a closer look at The Hermitage The Hermitage is a 300-hectare residential community in the south western Sydney suburb of Gledswood Hills. Developed with everyone from first homebuyers to investors in mind, The Hermitage is Sekisui House’s most recent example of how the four key elements of the Urban Development Charter can help plan the needs of the future community. As Craig D’Costa, Project Director says, “The Hermitage is rapidly transforming into an active and vibrant residential community. It was essentially a blank canvas at the outset – and the redevelopment of the site evolved from sustainability-led outcomes that required months and months of environmental planning, urban design and feasibility studies.” Environment Sekisui House’s commitment to the environment is unflinching, achieved by working within and alongside the ecosystems that already exist. So with this in mind, the team working

on The Hermitage committed to maintaining the surrounding woodlands, trees and shrubs, which encourage air flow and help regulate temperatures in the homes and recreational spaces. They also developed the site while maintaining all existing creeks and watercourses that existed at the site before the build. To ensure the ongoing vitality of the environment, the team at The Hermitage have produced a set of landscape design guidelines for home owners. These guidelines consider the most suitable plant species, functionality, privacy, and aesthetics to enhance the collective environment. They also encourage the planting of trees in backyards to contribute to the ecosystem and the long term beauty of the area. Livelihood Protecting the livelihood of the community is another focus for Sekisui House. The design and construction teams ask the questions. Will the people living here be safe? What do people of different ages and generations need? At The Hermitage, the team carefully designed the roadways to make sure any disturbances from vehicles would be minimal, helping traffic to flow smoothly and safely. Beyond these roads, the rest of the community has been just as carefully plotted. As Craig notes, “The Hermitage is now home to nearly 1,000 residents – so we’ve made sure there’s kilometres of walking and cycle paths for them to enjoy… hectares of tree-lined parkland too, and easy accessibility to key infrastructure like public transport, schools and healthcare.” Economic management Understanding that a home is an investment is a big part of the Sekisui House approach to building. That’s why there’s always a consideration of cost management written into the Charter, in part to encourage the use of local materials for building. It also anticipates the 48 | CONTINUUM

changing needs of the area to make sure homes maintain their value for years to come, allowing the community to build upon the value of the existing development. That’s why the Hermitage master plan has even left plenty of room for a golf course. Community matters Finally, the Sekisui House Urban Development Charter covers the community as a group. How can this community flourish? What do this group of people need for a safe and comfortable life? And how can this all be integrated with the local area and unique culture? These questions are answered in the master planning stages, placing great weight in the idea that strong community connections can create a happy living environment. This doesn’t just happen through beautiful green open spaces and places to gather. Sekisui House provides tangible support for local businesses by holding community events on site free of charge, and regularly sponsoring local community festivals too. It actively engages with its residents on social platforms to foster ongoing relationships. Clear and considered. They’d be the two words you’d use if you had to completely condense the underlying Sekisui House development philosophy. Sekisui House places a value on the elements of a community that go far beyond house prices and the street address. The design and construction of homes, but also community centres, childcare centres, parks and recreation areas – are all undertaken by Sekisui House as a way to improve the ability of a community to grow together. And that’s something you can’t put a price on.

SEKISUI HOUSE IS COMMITTED TO BEST PRACTICE FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT

ENSURE SECURE AND PEACEFUL LIVING ACHIEVE PROSPEROUS LIVES FOR PEOPLE • CONSIDER PROTECTION AGAINST DISASTERS • INCORPORATE CRIME PREVENTION • INTRODUCE UNIVERSAL DESIGN • CONSIDER COMMUNITY HEALTH • CATER FOR DIFFERENT GENERATIONAL NEEDS • SUPPORT DIVERSE LIFESTYLE NEEDS • SECURE FUNCTIONAL LIVING ENVIRONMENTS

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REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL BURDEN CONSERVE AND GROW NATURE • USE THE LOCAL NATURAL ENVIRONMENT • CONSERVE AND FOSTER LOCAL ECOSYSTEMS • REDUCE THE USE OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES • ENERGY SAVING AND ENERGY GENERATION • USING RESOURCES EFFECTIVELY

ENT

INCREASE AND MAINTAIN ASSET VALUES REVITALISE LOCAL ECONOMIES • CREATE AND MAINTAIN BRANDED COMMUNITIES • CONSIDERATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS • SUPPORT AND ANTICIPATE CHANGING NEEDS • LOCAL RESOURCES FOR BUILDING AND MATERIALS • BUILD SUSTAINABLE LOCAL COMMUNITIES • BALANCED MANAGEMENT OF COSTS AND VALUE • COST MANAGEMENT FROM A LONG TERM PERSPECTIVE

FOSTER AND PASS ON LOCAL CULTURE DEVELOP COMMUNITIES • CREATING ATTRACTIVE LANDSCAPES • INTEGRATION WITH SURROUNDING AREAS • PERPETUATE AND DEVELOP LOCAL DESIGN • MAINTAIN AND BUILD COMMUNITIES • CONSIDERATION OF SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF HOMES, BUT ALSO COMMUNITY CENTRES, CHILDCARE CENTRES AND PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS – ARE ALL UNDERTAKEN BY SEKISUI HOUSE AS A WAY TO IMPROVE THE ABILITY OF A COMMUNITY TO GROW TOGETHER. EDITION I. 2014 | 49

WHERE QUALITY COMES TO LIFE AT SEKISUI HOUSE, WE APPROACH HOME BUILDING WITH AN ONGOING COMMITMENT TO QUALITY CONTROL, FROM THE EARLIEST STAGES OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN JAPAN, RIGHT THROUGH TO OUR CENTRE FOR MANUFACTURING AND QUALITY CONTROL IN INGLEBURN – THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN AUSTRALIA As the starting point for a number of home building projects in Australia, the Centre allows us to ensure a higher degree of precision and accuracy in the frames and trusses being designed here every day. With the latest technology and equipment continuing to roll in from the Sekisui House Comprehensive Housing Research and Development Institution, the Centre stands at the forefront of home production – and is essential to our operations here in Australia. This is the place where many of our homes first start coming to life. So that our customers can be certain that their home has been carefully measured and monitored – to ensure safety, security and comfort now and into the future. They’ll be as sure of the quality of their home as we can be sure they’ll enjoy living in it.

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Ecco Ripley landscape

ECCO RIPLEY: A COMMUNITY OF OPPORTUNITY Few residential property specialists create a community for tomorrow by looking at the way things used to be. But that’s what Sekisui House have done in their master planned, smart and sustainable community in Queensland’s Ripley Valley. Here, the focus is on creating a community in the old fashioned sense of the word. Residents will be able to walk to most things, schools will be near by, and there will be plenty of open space – including planned community gardens – for kids and families. This focus is the result of the four pillars on which Ecco Ripley is built. An ‘Environment full of life, Connected to the Community and Creating Opportunities’ underpins the Ecco master plan, and already means this is the first project in Queensland to be accepted for the new Green Star Communities PILOT rating tool. This tool supports the design and delivery of more sustainable, productive and liveable communities.

Queensland’s population growth over the next 20 years, providing a significant injection into the South East Queensland economy. More than just a community that’s connected through its leisure spaces, Ecco Ripley will be connected to the world through the latest fibre optic technology. It’s all about being at the cutting edge in this project that has been launched in May 2014, as explained by Sekisui House Australia President and CEO Mr Toru Abe. “With Ecco Ripley, we’re aiming to set new benchmarks for developing a new community. Sekisui House is committed to providing a smart and sustainable community that fosters a harmonious relationship between the natural environment and the bricks and mortar, ensuring a living space that’s relaxed and flowing.”

When it’s completed, Ripley Valley will be one of Australia’s largest pre-planned communities, housing 120,000 residents in an estimated 50,000 homes. This equates to 10 per cent of south east

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FROM JAPAN TO THE WORLD SEKISUI HOUSE IN JAPAN.

OVER THE YEARS, KEEN OBSERVERS OF THE PROPERTY INDUSTRY HERE AND ABROAD HAVE SEEN THEIR SHARE OF DEVELOPERS AND CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES COME AND GO. IT’S A NOTORIOUSLY DIFFICULT INDUSTRY TO THRIVE IN, AND ONE THAT REQUIRES CONSTANT INNOVATION AND EVOLUTION FROM THOSE WHO DO This explains the ongoing success of Sekisui House. Since 1960 when they were founded in Japan, Sekisui House has built its legacy on constant and unrelenting improvement – first as a builder of detached homes, and more recently in the construction of medium and high-rise buildings and comprehensive urban development projects. Continuous improvement underpins everything Sekisui House does – from design, manufacturing, and research and development, to the care shown to their customers throughout and even after the delivery process. For Sekisui House in Australia, this sense of continuous progress is captured by

the ideal of ‘better’. They might be relatively new to Australia, but Sekisui House has now been one of Japan’s most well respected home building companies for over 50 years. During that time they’ve built over two million homes and residential properties, with 105 subsidiaries and affiliates around the world. And through a rigorous process of research and development consistently seek to pioneer new innovations and improve global standards in the sector. Nowhere has this been more significant than Australia – where Sekisui House took their first steps out of Japan and into the international market. After all, it was here that the company first grasped the need for cultural understanding in residential building. Under the guidance of their visionary Australian CEO Toru Abe, they’ve shown an understanding of the fact that you can’t simply walk into a country and start building houses the way you do elsewhere. As he says, “the Australian lifestyle is different from the traditional Japanese lifestyle. So before we could succeed here, we needed to understand the intricacies of the way Australians live, and the way they relate to their homes, public spaces and communities.” Of course, it hasn’t always been easy for them. This insight has taken years to gain, with the 52 | CONTINUUM

Sekisui House team working through considered scenarios of what will and won’t translate into Australia. “We obviously would like to infuse some of the elements of our Japanese culture and technical elements into the Australian market. It takes a long time to achieve this fusion, but we are determined to continue on this journey,” says Mr Abe. What does translate directly is the Japanese expertise in building efficiently, both in terms of size and cost. With its small geographical size and incredibly large population, Japan is light years in front of Australia when it comes to space and building efficiency. With land and building costs soaring in Australia today, pre-engineered frames and trusses – which Sekisui House has pioneered – allow costs to be reduced in the building process, while intelligent design and customisation allows more efficient use to be made of the space available. Many of these innovations have come straight from the Sekisui House Comprehensive Research and Development Institute in Japan. Opened in 1990, it’s from here that researchers, designers and engineers create technology and materials that improve the quality, efficiency and design possibilities of their buildings. Any potential problems are able to be quickly identified – and corrected, resulting in a number of the company’s most significant property innovations

over the years. They call it the ‘Dream Factory’, and not without reason. Before Japanese customers even begin to design their new home, they’re taken on a tour of the Institute to gain inspiration for the home building journey they’re about to go on. This incredible level of service has not made its way to Australia yet, but much of the technology that’s developed there has. For example, their SHAWOOD home technology is exported to Sekisui House’s local bastion of quality control: their manufacturing plant in Sydney. At this factory, all SHAWOOD materials and products are designed and tested to ensure they meet the same exacting standards Sekisui House expect worldwide. This strong connection to Japan works both ways. Today, what’s learnt by Sekisui House Australia feeds directly back into their R&D Institute in Japan, where it’s analysed and developed further before going on to change their practices worldwide. It’s this constant revision, introspection and restlessness that keeps Sekisui House at the cutting edge. Getting ‘Better’ isn’t an idea – it’s reality.

The success of Sekisui House in Japan and globally can be attributed to a variety of factors. However, at its core it always comes back to one clear and unshakeable philosophy – ‘love of humanity’. This comes from an understanding that life revolves around the home, and happiness for all members of a family begins in the home. When the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 left millions without a roof over their head, Sekisui House mobilised 230,000 construction workers to help those people return to their homes as quickly as possible – back to where they needed to be. Their drive goes far beyond just creating homes and environments that are comfortable places to live. As Mr Abe states, “There is an overarching interest in Sekisui House to maintaining the overall wealth of society. We look at the home as part of the whole, not just as bricks and mortar. More than anything else, our aim is to create happy and harmonious living.” Something you’re guaranteed to see in any Sekisui House property, anywhere in the world.

The secret of their success A quick look through the history of Sekisui House shows how pioneering this company has been. They built their one millionth house in 1993, before launching a raft of sustainability initiatives at the turn of the century. This culminated in 2008 with the launch of the world first Zero Emission House at the G8 Summit to showcase their sustainable technology, followed shortly after by the introduction of their Green First range of homes in Japan. These homes reduce CO2 emissions by over 50%, and have now been complemented by their 100% carbon neutral second-generation Green First homes.

UNDERSTANDING THE SEKISUI HOUSE LOGO Continuing dynamic advancement and growth for a new era – since 1989, the Sekisui House logo has shown the world exactly what this company stands for. As with everything Sekisui House produces, the logo is far more than just an eye-catching design, containing a depth that demonstrates the underlying philosophy of Sekisui House. The house-like shape represents the living space and a prosperous life, contrasted with the second – a symbol of intellect, reason, and Sekisui House’s corporate vision. The same vision is reflected in the logo’s ascending line – demonstrating the company’s future focus, while linking the two shapes delicately to show harmony and warmth. The logo’s use of colour has been just as carefully considered – teaming the passion, energy, advancement and friendship of the colour red, with the more hopeful, measured blue. Finally, the use of black in the Sekisui House name highlights the dignity and elegance that has always been a defining feature of the company. EDITION I. 2014 | 53

The name ‘Sekisui’ derives from Chinese philosophy from 512BC, and demonstrates the ability of Sekisui House to develop strategy that shows a complete appreciation of all the challenges it faces – now and into the future.

Wentworth Point 6.15am

A WORD FROM OUR CEO TORU ABE

SEKISUI HOUSE HAS NOW ENJOYED FIVE YEARS IN THE AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY MARKET. DURING THAT TIME WE’VE HAD TO EDUCATE AUSTRALIANS ABOUT WHO WE ARE AND WHAT SETS US APART. IN TURN, WE’VE HAD PLENTY TO LEARN ABOUT AUSTRALIA Our Japanese heritage is something we’re very proud of, but when it comes to residential property we appreciate the importance of understanding the local market. As we grow into Australia’s specialists in residential offerings after five years of learning, we believe we can have a very positive influence on the way Australians design, develop, construct and deliver residential property. Since we arrived in Australia, it’s been our broad range of abilities that have set us apart. We build homes and apartments – and design and develop master planned communities – for all types of people. Of course, we do not work alone. We partner with like-minded organisations locally, working closely with their employees to continually build and foster these relationships. This allows us to contribute to the local economy in areas such as job creation, residential solutions, and community building. We also handpick projects that will play a significant role in providing solutions for housing shortage, working with government and taking on collective challenges in growth areas that involve meticulous forward planning. We are proud of the steady growth in our home building arm, and we are now taking on construction projects for other clients in order to diversify

our offering. Amidst this environment of success, we foresee many challenges over the coming years. However, our long term investment in Australia means we will continue to find innovative solutions that allow us to expand effectively. It’s our intention to keep progressing in this manner, continually improving our systems and processes while localising our product offerings. For us, it’s all about creating a sustainable future, both in Australia and worldwide. We believe that housing is a social capital that helps us respond to the needs and behaviours of communities across the country – and in the years to come we hope to influence the housing challenges of this country as successfully as we have in Japan. Our fundamental philosophies have translated directly to Australia. They continue to guide us and hold us to the high standards we have established over many years as Japan’s largest home builder. I am proud of what we have achieved in Australia so far, and it is only just the beginning. Australia, we are here to make things better…

TORU ABE CEO & MANAGING DIRECTOR SEKISUI HOUSE AUSTRALIA

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AROUND AUSTRALIA NSW

5 STATES/TERRITORIES:

QLD

VIC

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AROUND THE WORLD

JAPAN

UNITED STATES

AUSTRALIA

OUR GLOBAL PROPERTY BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS SPANS ACROSS 5 COUNTRIES, HAS BUILT OVER 2 MILLION HOMES AND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES AND INCLUDES 105 SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES.

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CONTRIBUTORS

Writers H. Cargill, C. Dennes, M. Thebridge, J. Bedford Photographers Ali Nasseri, Tom Ferguson Illustrators E. Makkar, A. Leddin Other contributors Takao Sawai, Makoto Ochiai, Tony Winterbottom, Tim Colclough, Dean Bell, Craig Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Costa, Moonmoon Sahu, Toru Abe Publication direction for Corporate Strategy and Marketing Craig Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Costa and Moonmoon Sahu Sekisui House Australia Publication design, artistic and photographic direction Brand creative and consultation Principals Branding Printed and produced by Green and Gold Published by Sekisui House Australia

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