Urban Life Magazine Issue 7

NOVEMBER 2016 VOL. 1, ED. 7

21ST CENTURY REALITY • ENTERTAIN IN STYLE • AFFORDABLE ART CAMPAIGN FOR RESPECT • COOKBOOK CATCH OF THE DAY

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contents

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NOVEMBER // 2016

6.

FEATURES 6

RESPECT IS DUE Nick Leary’s images redefine tolerance, acceptance and inclusion in our community EASY ENTERTAINING Backyards and al fresco areas come into play as the sun emerges from its hibernation SEEING IS BELIEVING Virtual reality promises to transform the way we view and interact with our new homes CATCH OF THE DAY You’ll be hooked on the delicious recipes and info if you’re angling for a seafood cookbook

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REGULARS

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INSIDERS OBJECTS OF DESIRE PRACTICAL MAGIC INDUSTRY NEWS LAND ESTATES, DISPLAY HOMES DIRECTORY

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WELCOME A

RETHA Franklin was on to something when she belted out her signature tune R.E.S.P.E.C.T. And followed it with “Sure know what it means to me”.

The political environment around the globe is far from inspiring but that doesn’t mean you can’t play your part in creating a better world.

Porter Davis has done just that with its Campaign for Respect, which includes an exhibition that featured on billboards in Times Square and various prime vantage spots around Melbourne. Try to get along to see Nick Leary’s images.

Objects of Desire shows how to make a statement of your own in your home with original and affordable art.

In our cover story, Urban Life looks at the role virtual reality could play in your home buying decisions in the not-too-distant future - from replacing many of the weekend drives to and from display homes to visualising your furniture and decor materials in your new home.

At this stage the ‘touch and feel’ experience still reigns supreme, but time will tell what you prefer in the longer term.

The best thing about this time of the year is the scope to get outdoors and enjoy the benefits of daylight savings. In particular, we feature some tips on how to make the most of your al fresco areas and backyards.

As always, enjoy the read.

Ross McGravie EDITOR

SCAN ME! Download the Urban Life app and scan when you see this icon throughout the mag with a mobile device for a unique interactive experience (see page 2 for details) PUBLISHER Ross Copeland // MANAGING EDITOR Ross McGravie // SUB-EDITOR Cassy Polimeni ART DIRECTOR Kylie Mibus // NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Steve Kunesevic // ADMINISTRATION Gina Copeland

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1 2 3 The Urban Life app is compaTibLe wiTh aLL android and os devices

Simply download the Urban Life Magazine app from the App Store.

Open the app and then hold your phone over the advertisement or editorial page (those marked with the Urban Life app Icon).

The app will then seamlessly deliver you to the digital link behind the page. This may be a competition offer from us; a builder’s website offering a virtual reality display home tour; it may take you to a selection of new home or interior ideas; or you might find rich media offerings, like video related to the page you scan.

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INSIDER

What attracted you to the industry?

The challenge of marketing something that doesn’t yet exist really appealed to me.

I take real pleasure in the process of starting out with nothing but space and creating something lasting, something that sets people on their way to a new life.

What do you love most about the industry?

The ability to change people’s lives for the better. And as we branch into creating precincts, this includes the community surrounding our developments.

I know our innovations bring real benefits. For example, we’re creating a big tool shed in the basement of our Hall St, Moonee Ponds apartments. Apartment residents need space to create and make and we’ve designed something really special for them.

What do you consider your proudest moment or greatest achievement (in the industry)?

I’m very proud that I’ve pulled together such a highly creative and hard-working, in-house marketing team at Caydon. I think the branding we’ve set in place for our new Cremorne (Nylex Clock site) development is a real achievement.

Biggest regret?

I try not to have them.

Hopefully I’ve learned important life lessons from the things that haven’t worked out (outside of work). However I do regret giving up dancing when I was 10 years old to join my sisters in playing sport. I was hopeless, a bench warmer and by the time I went back to dance I’d wasted some valuable years.

If you had the power, how would you improve the process of building?

If it was a super power I’d make building faster. I’m always impatient to see the final result.

What’s the biggest misconception people have when building a home?

That design is either easy or not that important. I am always in awe of the way our designers can create such cohesive interiors - it really is an art.

If building tomorrow, what feature would you most like incorporated in your home?

If it was an apartment, an integrated gas fireplace. I know it sounds simple, but there’s something magical about watching the flames.

What tips would you give for future-proofing a home?

If future proofing also includes maximising the value of your apartment I would definitely advise buying in a location that has strong capital growth. Do your research. In terms of loving your home forever I’d recommend going for quality in your fixtures and fittings and look for innovative storage solutions in the design.

Monique Ancora

What should prospective buyers look for when choosing a builder or developer?

Choosing the right developer almost comes down to one thing - track record. Firstly, do they deliver? Then, do they deliver quality and do they do it on time? I also think it’s important they’re innovative in their designs.

Check out the growth forecasts for their locations. Finally, choose a Melbourne developer and support our local industry.

CAYDON PROPERTY GROUP

Worst trend?

In marketing, it’s the overuse of glossy stock, lack of imagination and the will to try something new.

In apartments, it’s the lack of originality in the building design and trying to cover that up by putting ornate, ugly metal cutouts or whatever over the facades. I really appreciate working with architects who think deeply about the legacy they’re creating.

Best change?

I’m impressed by the way our designers are adapting floorplans to create a better and more creative use of space.

By doing so, our buildings will be so much more appealing and interesting. At Caydon, we deliberately use some of the best architects in Australia to bring something special to the landscape.

What do you think building a home will be like in 2030?

Apartment living will be the norm as it is in most other major cities, so more thought will be given to lifestyle issues. Our new development in Homer St, Moonee Ponds will be geared towards a boutique hotel experience with concierge and room deliveries, such as dry cleaning etc. I think this will become a real trend. There will be less demand for car spaces because driverless cars will drop us off and pick us up on demand.

From a marketing perspective, I would imagine everything will be done online and fully immersive. The sales consultant will send you a web package that will have you sitting inside a 3D experience of your apartment - complete with the view. A type of this virtual reality is available now in display suites but not yet to this level.

Marketing Manager URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 3

Creating light for over 40 years

L.E.D lighting specialists

E www.customlighting.com.au

1800 680 689

1167 High St Armadale VIC

OBJECTS OF DESIRE

Art felt

By Nicole Bittar

The art that speaks to our hearts and touches our souls is not readily classified or categorised. Nor should it be.

The creative expressions of like-minded practitioners, which we present on our walls to our nearest and dearest, should not only be strictly personal, but also defy budget.

Not that this eclectic range of contemporary offerings by these cutting-edge Australian artists are out of the realms of possibility and tangibility.

Embracing them, owning them and displaying them in our new homes will bring art-felt joy to the owner and viewer in equal measure.

1. Chee Yong Nocturne and Landscape Abstraction series (10cm round paintings mounted on high-gloss enamel, recessed panels; overall size 29 (h) x 23.5 (w) cm), at Retrospect Galleries. $750 each, plus postage https://retrospectgalleries. com/artist/chee-yong/ 2. Anne Ferran Chorus #35, 2013 Archival pigment print 60 x 42cm Frame: 72 x 53.5cm Edition of 5 $2750 unframed suttongallery.com.au

3. Zac Koukoravas Super Wow 2016 acrylic paint on glass and acrylic
104cm x 104cm $4500 flg.com.au 4. Raafat Ishak Paw paw, 2011 oil on linen 42 x 30cm $7000 suttongallery.com.au 5. David Frazer Holding On (2013) linocut 69 x 49cm $690, plus postage. dfrazer.com

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 5

Respect is due “This world of ours ... must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate and be, instead, a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect” – Dwight D. Eisenhower (US President 1953-1961) (Source: brainyquote.com)

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T MAY be about changing the conversation locally, but Nick Leary’s powerful Respect images are speaking volumes across the globe.

Representing topics such as religion, race, gender, sexual orientation and age in which conversations about respect are crucial, the black-andwhite portraits have been shown in Times Square and across Melbourne.

The portraits include a Muslim family, same-sex family, multi-racial family, and burly footy players with a female umpire.

Leary, who is known for his works of Cate Blanchett, Miranda Kerr and Hugh Jackman, said the Porter Davis Campaign for Respect resonated.

“I prefer to let my images do the talking, but this campaign really grabbed me as it was a message so needed for this time,” Leary said.

Speaking at the exhibition launch, social commentator Susan Carland said the Porter Davis campaign was providing moral leadership in the absence of positive political action.

“These images of dignity and humility show us ‘This is the society we want to create’ because now, more than ever, respect is so important,” Dr Carland said. “We cannot have successful communities unless they are built on respect.”

Porter David managing director Anthony Roberts said it was up to each of us to celebrate similarities and differences.

“We’re proud to be moving away from this climate of division and fear, and this is one small way of saying, ‘This is who we are and what we believe in’,” Roberts said.

Chef Miguel Maestre, gardening guru Jamie Durie, indigenous model Magnolia Maymuru, Vogue Living’s Neale Whitaker and Chyka Keebaugh (ex-Real Housewives of Melbourne) are supporting the Campaign for Respect.

EXHIBITION

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 7

OUTSIDE

Let me

entertain you What does it take to create the perfect all-year entertaining zone? Space, light and thoughtful inclusions will be a great start

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T

HERE’S something about eating and entertaining outdoors that seems so quintessentially Australian. Citronella-scented candles flickering as the sunlight fades, the familiar hiss of sausages sizzling away on the barbecue and the sporadic crack of the insect zapper as yet another mosquito is sent to bug heaven. Fresh-air feasts are practically a rite of passage in Australia. It comes as no surprise, then, that al fresco areas have become the musthave accessories for our homes, making our inside-out experience more seamless than ever.

AIR APPARENT These days many builders include al fresco areas (literally translated to ‘in the open air’) as standard or, at the very least, allow for them in their floorplans should you choose to add one later.

Whether your al fresco area is included in the build, or you are choosing to create it later, the biggest mistake people often make when designing their outdoor areas is not allowing adequate space.

Consider how many people you will likely be entertaining and the size table you might need to achieve this. As a general rule, leave about two metres of space around the perimeter of your table to ensure you can comfortably accommodate chairs while still allowing enough room for your guests to walk around the table without having to squeeze through.

SEE THE LIGHT When it comes to outdoor living, the orientation of your al fresco area rivals the amount of space as its most important feature. Will it have a north-facing aspect and be awash with natural light throughout the year? Will you need screens or shutters to block out the harsh west-facing summer sun, or do you need to think about skylights or extra windows to maximise the light in a dark south-facing area?

The ideal orientation for an al fresco area is a north or north east-facing location as this allows you to take advantage of the morning and afternoon sun. The latter is less intense but still offers sufficient warmth while minimising the extreme midday heat. If your area isn’t completely built in and will be exposed to full sun, consider incorporating an overhead trellis, awning or other structure for shade.

Image: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

UTILITIES If your dream al fresco area includes an outdoor kitchen, speak to your builder about exterior power points, gas outlets and plumbing. An outdoor kitchen should be built using the same work triangle principles you would incorporate inside: being close to a sink with hot and cold taps, the cooktop and fridge for optimal functionality. After all, it’s common sense that where you clean and prepare your food should be close to where it’s cooked and stored. Being able to connect your gas barbecue to the mains, for example, means no more last-minute trips to the service station after finding the gas bottle empty moments before your guests are due to arrive for lunch.

You will also need to consider amenities such as fans, lighting, sinks, TV points or speakers. Your al fresco zone can be as fancy or as fuss-free as you’d like, but having all the elements in place from the outset will make a difference to cost and peace of mind.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 9

DETAILS Do you want the barbecue to be built in or freestanding, or to sit on top of a bench?

Would a bar fridge come in handy? Do you want the room to be semi-enclosed or would you prefer an open area? Think about the small design elements that could enhance the way you use the space, and find out how you can allow for these when building.

If you’re opting for a built-in barbecue or pizza oven, make sure you check with your builder about the best place to put it so there is adequate ventilation.

The last thing you want is to create a smoke trap.

STYLE If you have limited space, another popular option is to consider built-in seating for dining, particularly along walls. This option is not only a great way to maximise a small area, it also offers the bonus of extra storage. Bench seats can double as storage units for cushions, outdoor beanbags, or even a space for cool drinks.

Creating the ideal al fresco zone also

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means choosing the right type of floor.

Do you prefer a timber deck, or is a paved patio more your style? The material you use may be dependent on the layout of your home and block. For example, a raised slab might make a deck the more affordable solution. If you’re building a new home, find out what’s included in your cost and go from there.

PRIVACY If you live close to your neighbours, privacy might be another important consideration. Simple solutions, such as placing potted plants, hedging or creepers along your boundary, can give you a sense of seclusion. Screens or blinds are another way of creating a cosy feel, and may also help to shield your al fresco zone from the elements should it be needed.

Images (clockwise from top): Metricon’s takes on al fresco areas varies from the ‘Sovereign 49’ at Craigieburn; the ‘Bordeaux 56’ at Balwyn; ‘Laguna 40’; and the ‘Somerset 59’ at Glen Waverley

Is your landscaper registered?

If your landscape is going to cost more than $5,000 and includes construction works, only a landscaper who is a Registered Building Practitioner is legally covered to do the work and can offer you Domestic Building Insurance for works over $16,000.

By engaging a landscaper with this Registration you are guaranteed that they are experienced, carry all the necessary insurances, and operate professional businesses. They have to be in order to satisfy the strict criteria set down by the government regulatory body, the Victorian Building Authority.

This buys peace of mind that you and your investment are in the right hands because professional landscaping does make life better.

Registered Landscapers are: • recommended by Landscaping Victoria • registered with the Victorian Building Authority • professional with regard to quality outcomes • insured • leaders in the landscape industry.

So before you embark on your next landscape project ask your landscaper – are you registered?

COVER STORY

Image: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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Seeing is believing in the virtual world Savvy builders and forward-thinking property gurus are using the magic of immersive media to realise maximum sales potential, NICOLE BITTAR reports

T

HE virtual experience is all around us, but its unreal status, coupled with perceived claims on actuality, poses many questions.

For starters, will it ever surpass expectations of reality?

How intrinsic is the immersive, threedimensional realm as an enticement or inducement for purchasing a new home?

As a marketing tool for property developers in collusion with technology companies, is it anticipated or necessary?

And how on earth can these companies keep pace with the lightningspeed of technological change?

Blazing a trail on the world stage in virtual and real-time architectural visualisation is London firm VRtisan.

Director Ekke Piirisild says VRtisan is the product of passions between design, technology and construction. A combined excitement in the development of virtual reality (VR) technology and recognition of its potential and benefits for designers, architects and property developers was the catalyst for the company’s formation in 2014.

“Years of accumulated interest in the technology prompted the establishment of VRtisan, which happened alongside the first releases of the technology. Our goal is to introduce exciting new visualisation opportunities and push the boundaries of VR in the AEC (architectural, engineering and construction) industries,” Piirisild said.

Piirisild adds that virtual reality is at the cutting edge of software and hardware development and believes anyone creating VR content can be seen as a pioneer. VRtisan is focused on developing high-quality photorealistic VR experiences.

“We create real-time rendered interactive scenes to showcase architectural projects before they’re built,” Piirisild said. The workflow incorporates optimised modelling, lighting and texturing to create the virtual-reality scenes.

“We seek to offer the best balance between the high hardware requirements of the virtual-reality platform and the level of detail in the scene to create high-quality, virtual-reality solutions for our clients,” Piirisild said.

VRtisan specialises in the architectural schemes of residential developers (often apartment complexes) with compelling computer-generated imagery and applications. Its rendered, real-time 3D

virtual-reality apps, walk-throughs, flythroughs, animations and images help bring new places and spaces to life via effectively communicating the design.

So how close to reality is the virtual experience provided by VRtisan?

Space, scale and materiality of the project are expressed in a way that is incomparable with any other presentation medium. The spaces, interior arrangements and lighting, which form the core of the architectural proposal, are near-perfect representations of the future building, says Piirisild.

“Interior details are flexible, therefore the materiality, furniture, fixtures and fittings are often subject to change.

Our virtual-reality environments can be created to either showcase a fixed design proposal or to be used as a design tool to test out different interior configurations and options for finishes,” Piirisild adds.

All this, of course, with winning results.

“We have had very positive feedback from the VR experiences we have created to date, especially relating to the visual quality and the level of interaction within the scene,” Piirisild said.

“The technology allows users to literally step into a live 1:1 model of the proposed building and be fully immersed in the experience, losing sense of the physical world around and feeling present in the virtual environment.”

Piirisild hastens to add, however, that not all visualised projects get built and the proposals can change drastically during the design process.

But regardless, the skillset is in place to take the virtual-reality experience well into the future.

VRtisan employs its architectural design experience to understand the client’s aspirations for a space and to aid in the development of a project’s earliest concept stages, to visualising the final design in its full glory.

Their skills in modelling and software development allow for the creation of high-quality photorealistic scenes that meet the project requirements and exact needs of clients, as well as offering engaging ways to interact with the design.

“We welcome the technological developments of VR as each iteration of the headsets, controllers and programming tools brings us closer to creating more immersive and engaging content for our clients,” Piirisild said.

“Our goal is to deliver the most

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 13

convincing and photorealisticvisualisation experiences possible and each new technology brings us closer to this goal.”

Closer to home, Metricon is leading the charge in the virtual experience made real.

Its national marketing services manager, Kelly Millar, says that Metricon has always been a leader within its industry, and as such is open to embracing and adopting new

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technologies. She cites the Metricon Virtual Display Experience, which “virtually” brings the traditional display-home experience directly to the customer, as a first in this country.

“The virtual-reality technology is so advanced that it allows us to offer our customers the next best thing to actually standing in a display home,” Millar said.

“We understand that not everyone has access to our full range of display homes within easy travelling distance or indeed has a display home in the design they like.

“This technology allows us to overcome these basic challenges. If our clients can’t come to a Metricon display home, then we will bring the home to them.”

Millar adds that Metricon has been using virtual reality in its regional offices, Greenfields market at sales events, with the head office sales team and for international customers for close to a year.

“We pioneered the first virtual-reality display homes for the

detached-house builders’ industry in Australia,” Millar said.

When asked if clients consider the service an imperative part of newhome buying and if they perceive the VR experience as the future of built architecture, Millar’s response was resounding: “Virtual-reality is still a novelty, because there isn’t anything like it that is readily available from detachedhome builders, but it is certainly the future for Metricon,” she said.

“It’s a practical and effective way for us to bring our home designs directly to the people who can’t easily come to us.”

Suffice to say, clients have been suitably impressed with the overall experience. Not only because, for most, it’s their introduction to virtual reality, but by the realism of the homes’ appearance.

“You can see so much of the interior detail and you get a true sense of the room size, the floor plan and the sense of space and flow. You can’t get that through any other technology,” Millar said.

“Our clients are blown away by how clear the detail is and how they get a real sense of the size of rooms.

“It’s the next best thing to standing in the real home.”

To put it mildly, customer feedback has been overwhelmingly encouraging.

“The most frequent comment we have had from anyone who has tried it is that it feels just like standing in an actual display home, and that is where the difference lies,” she said.

“It’s a truly immersive experience, and the next best thing to visiting a display home.”

Several Australian real estate agents are putting the virtual-reality technology to their marketing advantage. These include Sydney’s Laing + Simmons, which has teamed with virtual-reality group Start VR to market the Edge 28 apartment development at St Leonards.

In Adelaide, Ouwens Casserly Real Estate last year enlisted the services of 3D tour company TicketyView, via the aid of Samsung virtual-reality headsets, to market its extensive property base.

Director Alexander Ouwens believes the move is a win-win for the agency and clients alike.

“People are flooded with properties and, in theory, if every property had this technology, buyers could assess a bunch of properties from their own home,” Ouwens said.

COVER STORY OPPOSITE PAGE: The attention to detail in this rendered living room became reality in a London apartment Image: VMI STUDIO THIS PAGE: Art imitating life, this dining space at Metricon’s ‘Somerset 59‘ at Glen Waverley was originally constructed in virtual reality.

Image: METRICON

This goes to show that the virtualreality phenomenon has stepped out of the lounge room and into the home buying stratosphere.

You can’t escape the 3D gaming phenomenon, even in our own homes, and there are virtual bars and other entertainment zones cropping up like wildfire. But where does this leave the participant and their taste for the hyper

Phoria is considered a pioneer. Cofounder and chief executive officer Trent Clews-de Castella says that early in 2014, within its first three months of operations, Phoria had built a fully functional virtual-reality, mobile application. This creation, called Step Inside, was revolutionary in its ability to rapidly turn any three-dimensional scans into a compelling virtual experience.

It’s a practical and effective way for us to bring our home designs directly to the people who can’t easily come to us real and what about commodity-based results for the technology provider?

With a business ethos firmly rooted on solid ground yet with a collective ‘castles in the sky’ mentality, are Melbournebased, immersive-technology companies Phoria and Liminal 360.

When it comes to immersive media,

Clews-de Castella says even though this was only 24 months ago, virtual reality has come a long way in such a short timeframe. Fortunately, Phoria has been riding this wave of dramatic technological changes taking place.

“We recruited some crafty game developers, started building software

and, before we knew it, our content was front and centre on Australia’s leading property portals and real estate websites,” Clews-de Castella said.

Phoria launched what Clews-de Castella believes is the world’s first interactive, off-the-plan experience, directly from a property portal. This was unique in its ability to run in a browser, which means that anyone with a computer or smartphone could access an interactive 3D walk-through without having to install any plug-ins or applications.

In fact, Metricon is one of the company’s founding clients.

Clews-de Castella says they took this further with augmented and mixedreality development using novel spatial sensors that tracked your movement in real time. He explains it this way: “Imagine walking into a showroom, being given an iPad and the ability to select the apartment type, colour scheme and floor number. From there, a unique interactive creation loads within your space, giving you the ability to navigate freely throughout the showroom as your movements are tracked on the iPad, showing

which room you are standing in, the 360-degree view and the ability to learn more about the apartment by simply tapping on individual features or toggling surrounding dawn and dusk views”.

Literally, within the zone yet out of this world are the possibilities. But such sweeping virtual-reality horizons are still tethered to existing practices.

Competitors of such an advanced calibre are few, Clews-de Castella suggests. But the Phoria team views its true threat in traditional media providers.

“It is the old, flat, two-dimensional content that we strive to replace, which we feel is holding us back,” he said.

“Sure, a picture can say a thousand words, but when you have the ability to move freely through the image, to experience it in virtual reality, it is no longer an aesthetic experience; it is, instead, a deeply engaging and personal one.”

The proof is in client uptake levels, which display a ravenous appetite for VR marketing capabilities. Clews-de Castella says Phoria has visualised more than 1000 unique spaces across Australia for builders, estate agents and events and entertainment venues.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 15

The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) is a State Government statutory authority that acts under the direction of the Minister for Planning.

Victoria is growing, with a projected population of up to 10 million people by 2051. The VPA helps manage this growth, so that Melbourne and our regional towns and cities continue to be great places to live.

The VPA facilitates long-term integrated land use and infrastructure planning, to ensure Victorians have equitable access to employment, public transport, attractive public space and affordable housing.

If you would like to share your views on the future of Victoria, please call Rachel on 9651 9600 or email info@vpa.vic.gov.au

vpa.vic.gov.au

COVER STORY

THIS PAGE (from top): VRtisan can add elements to any room, such as this kitchen and informal living domain; the easy-to-use design suite built for HTC Vive allows changes to be made quickly within a Liminal 360 design; an apartment’s lounge room created on a Liminal 360 mobile app

“When we look at the analytics, we have measured more than four times the level of engagement over video,” he said. “This demonstrates that when you give users more control of what they see and how they choose to see it, the level of interest and engagement naturally increases.”

Liminal 360 is another dedicated VR company, which was established about two years ago. Specialising in VR experiences for off-the-plan property developments, Liminal 360 has delivered projects for Melbourne and Sydney developers and recently constructed a virtual-reality recreation of the Coop’s Shot Tower for Melbourne Central.

The company’s chief executive officer, Damian Moratti, is justifiably proud of the Coop’s Shot Tower recreation.

“Our team used HTC Vive (a roomscale, virtual-reality, head-mounted display being developed in co-production between HTC and Valve Corporation) to reconstruct the Shot Tower as it was in the 1890s by re-enacting life as a worker making shotgun pellets at the top of the tower,” Moratti said.

On the residential front, Liminal 360 created the One Coburg Quarter project for Melbourne property development company Future Estate.

“This was a breakthrough project in terms of the use of virtual reality for property marketing in Australia,” he said. “It was particularly satisfying being at the red-carpet launch at Pentridge Prison: a sea of red Google card-boards were simultaneously being used by people attending the event.”

But with the lightning-speed technological advances, there is no time to rest on Liminal 360’s laurels.

Moratti believes local competition in the VR world is heating up.

“Matterport are leading the way in developing VR tours of established properties and YouVisit are leaders in 360-degree photography and video,” he asserted.

Leading California-based immersive media company Matterport entered the Australian real estate market this year. It provides an end-to-end system for creating, modifying and distributing three-dimensional and VR real-world spaces on web and mobile devices.

Tens of thousands of agents have used Matterport to attract clients and market more listings, with visitation of more than 40 million views of Matterport 3D Spaces worldwide as reported in May.

New York-based virtual-reality visionary YouVisit, which started in 2009, is at the forefront of specialised Oculus technology in 360-degree camera tours.

Servicing every industry from education to hospitality, its real estate clients include Colliers International, Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village and Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

With a collective background in architecture, physics and programming, and as another adopter of advanced Oculus technology, New York company IrisVR is an architectural-visualisation specialist.

Head of operations Justine Caguiat says VR as a technology, while still in its infancy, is being widely used in some of the world’s largest architectural offices.

“We’re proud to be the first company to offer software that empowers architects to quickly and easily convert their own 3D models into navigable VR experiences.

These experiences are a great way for architects’ clients to understand their designs and walk through a building before it is built,” Caguiat said.

Clients include Architizer (a marketplace that connects architects with building products), Houzz (a visual community for home renovation and design) and Chaos Group (a collaborative think-tank that explores advances in rendering technology), to name a few.

With decades of experience in architectural practices and software development, and an active investment in education and user interface, IrisVR is well placed to ride the wave of technological change in the virtualrealisation sphere.

But Liminal 360 has its own impressive arsenal.

“We have a very well-rounded and experienced team, comprising alumni from major production studios such as Pixar and Animal Logic,” Moratti said.

“We also have experience in software development, design, user experience and animation, and we cater for all VR platforms.”

In addition, Liminal 360 has a strong business-development team that is committed to ensuring that all products and services achieve optimum return of investment for clientele.

Moratti’s aspirations for Liminal 360 are impressive and, one gets the impression, infinitely achievable. Simply put, he says: “We aim to provide the best VR sales channel for off-the-plan properties”.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 17

Housing Industry Association (HIA) is an industry body which supports over 40,000 tradespeople in the residential building industry. Our members are equipped with the latest industry advice, ongoing training and support and are committed to provide ethical and high quality service to their clients.

Dreaming of a new space, a new look, a new home?

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The company has created an Asian executive mobile VR platform, which is front and centre to its future strategy.

The platform will initially showcase off-the-plan properties in VR and will be available in English and Chinese languages. And with technology comes renewed scope.

“We are constantly keeping a close watch on emerging trends in the tech space and are constantly working on ways to implement these opportunities in pragmatic ways to increase the return of investment for our clients,” Moratti said.

Computer-generated imagery specialist VMI Studio, which made headlines recently by helping London real estate agent Higgins Homes sell upmarket apartments in Stoke Newington, north London.

This was no mean feat considering the $1 million-plus, two-bedroom apartments were yet to be built.

With offices in London and Melbourne, VMI Studio prides itself on producing world-leading CGI exteriors, interiors, architectural visualisations, photo montages, verified views, animations, virtual experiences and multimedia apps for the property sector;

from planning stages to final marketing collateral, says director James Byrne.

“My personal belief is that virtual reality will help developers and buyers shorten the sales cycle and reach a wider audience nationally and internationally,” he said.

“It also helps architects and builders reduce their time to market by being able to make changes as they go through the project, while keeping everyone automatically up to date, in the loop and working collaboratively in real time.

“Virtual reality is also enabling home buyers to visualise their home and make interior design choices long before the foundations are even laid.”

Byrne also believes the opportunities for the rapidly evolving technology are endless and provide an end-to-end solution, from the conceptual and architectural stage, through to interiordesign capability for the home owner.

As such the consensus on future of VR remaining an effective marketing strategy and method of mingling business with pleasure is overwhelmingly positive.

Piirisild at VRtisan welcomes the technological developments of virtual reality, as each iteration of headsets,

controllers and programming tools forges more immersive and engaging content for clients.

He says VRtisan’s goal is to deliver the most convincing and photorealisticvisualisation experiences possible, and each technological advance brings them closer to this goal.

“The industry has changed rapidly in the last 20 years – 3D modelling and co-ordination have replaced working behind drawing boards. Both the design and construction of buildings is becoming increasingly complex,” Piirisild said.

“Virtual-reality and augmented-reality solutions will play an (increasingly) important role in communicating, co-ordinating and designing buildings and structures.”

Millar says Metricon’s future aim is to offer the technology Australia wide, with the focus remaining clearly and simply on customer satisfaction.

“Virtual reality is a great start to the home purchase journey – you will definitely know whether you love a design or not and what features you like – but we know our customers still like their final experience to be bricks and mortar if possible,” Millar said.

ABOVE: The effect created by VRtisan is stunningly similar to reality

BIG VISION “Some people identify the birth of virtual reality in rudimentary Victorian ‘stereoscopes’, the first 3D picture viewers. Others might point to any sort of out-of-body experience. But to most, VR as we know it was created by a handful of pioneers in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1962, after years of work, filmmaker Mort Heilig patented what might be the first true VR system: the Sensorama, an arcade-style cabinet with a 3D display, vibrating seat, and scent producer. Heilig imagined it as one in a line of products for the “cinema of the future,” but that future failed to materialise in his lifetime.”

– Adi Robertson and Michael Zelenko in Voices From A Virtual Past in The Verge

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 19

Rain hand shower on bracket, matte black bathwaredirect.com.au RRP: $154 Nautica rectangular black overhead wall shower bathwaredirect.com.au RRP: $217

Ballo toilet brushes www.top3.com.au RRP: $99

Curved bathroom sink, bamboo www.uniquesinks.com.au RRP: $380

Lemon Myrtle reed diffuser www.dindinaturals.com.au RRP: $60

Wash-brushfloss-flush Teak stool www.zanui.com.au RRP: $188.95

Sine towel, slate www.zanui.com.au RRP: $19.95

Matsudo bath mat, natural wood www.schots.com.au RRP: $49

20 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Iris Hantverk round toothbrush holder, grey concrete www.thedesigngiftshop.com RRP: $39.90

PRACTICAL MAGIC

‘The Offering’ mirror (natural) www.kiraandkira.com.au RRP: $595

Thermalite bathroom heater, silver www.beaconlighting.com.au RRP: $79.95

Eneo black shelf with soap dispenser www.bathwaredirect.com.au RRP: $359

Florence Broadhurst by Uchi Black Japanese floral hold-all toiletry bag www.thedesigngiftshop.com RRP: $56.90

Tooth toothbrush holder – Propaganda www.yellowoctopus.com.au RRP: $26.99 Focus – Panforte soap 100g www.dan300.com.au RRP: $9.95

Stripe laundry bag www.idecorateshop.com RRP: $83.56

Menu towel ladder, white www.stemonline.com.au RRP: $890 Pirch table www.rogerseller.com.au RRP: $895

If you’d like to feature a product in Practical Magic, email urbanlife@publicitypress.com.au

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 21

COOKING

Classic catch hard to compare Decades of knowledge about catching, preparing and eating seafood has helped co-author John Susman compile this stunning tome Congratulations on such a comprehensive and beautifully presented cookbook. How long did it take to compile?

The book is the compilation of over 90 years of combined experience in working on the topic - it is a piece that is effectively a biography of our collective careers.

What sparked your love of fishing and cooking fish?

For me, growing up as the son of a bloke who was a cross between Alby Mangels and Keith Floyd, it was possibly an inevitability, however, I think that the team have a collective love of seafood borne of our appreciation for seafood’s unique culinary capabilities.

What was the strangest fact about a fish that you learned during research?

It has been a lifetime of experience rather than a body of research, however, I guess it has been exciting to see that seafood has taken pride of place on menus over the past 30 years. It’s no longer a shy addition but a genuine marquee player.

Why should we pick fish over meat?

For health, variety and happiness.

How do fish found in Australian waters compare to northern hemisphere fish?

The fish we have in our waters are vastly different from those of the northern hemisphere - genetically, seasonally and culinary. The beauty of seafood is how genuinely regional it is. The real beauty of what we catch and grow in Australia is how well we do it - our fishing practices are best in class, mostly, best in the world. Our fisheries management also is of such high quality that we can proudly claim to be the standout sustainable commercial fishers on the planet.

22 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

When buying at a market, how can I tell if fish is fresh?

Use your nose and your eyes - if it looks sexy and smells like the sea, buy it and eat it.

What is the difference between wild fish and farmed fish?

Wild fish, whilst becoming a rare luxury, remains one of the most unique foods on the planet.

Farmed fish is fast becoming the “poster boy” for agriculture with a higher level of environmental, social and commercial commitment than most other forms of farming. Both are valuable to our food basket, but for me, wild will enjoy a growing level of appreciation for just how special it is.

How can I become better educated about sustainable fishing?

Read this book and eat more fish.

Simply, if the seafood is caught or grown in Australia or New Zealand, it is sustainable. Don’t blindly buy into the global generalisations that abound the topic. Get on with celebrating how amazing our seafood is - that’s sustainability in practice.

to eat a “fresh” prawn caught in the Gulf of Carpentaria, nine days later, after it has arrived in Melbourne. The key is in freezing as quickly and coldly as possible and thawing as slowly as possible - fast in, slow out and make sure it doesn’t wallow in its liquor keep it dry and high.

The real beauty of what we catch and grow in Australia is how well we do it - our fishing practices are ... best in class What is your favourite fish or seafood dish and your favourite side dish to serve with it?

My favourite seafood is whatever I have caught that day. My favourite accompaniment is a glass of Australian Riesling, preferably Clare Valley.

If you could eat only one variety of fish/ seafood for the rest of your life, what would it be?

That is a really, really, really hard question, but I guess King George Whiting for every meal would see me to the undertaker.

- EVA HERZOG

How do you know if your fish is cooked?

Stand next to it and don’t let it “split”.

Imagine you are cooking custard - you don’t want the eggs to overheat, nor do you want fish to overheat.

Should you only have white wine with fish and shellfish? Any recommendations (i.e. pinot gris with King George whiting)?

As per above, Clare Valley Riesling, closely followed by Hunter Valley Semillon, are made for seafood however, quite frankly it’s all about balance and so a Pinot Noir will very well be excellent with a rich seafood stew and who can argue with a glass of dry sherry with oysters?

Nothing replaces the taste of fresh fish. Do you have any tricks when dealing with frozen fish that you may have caught?

Commercial freezing is a sustainable and culinary option - I wouldn’t want

Image and recipe from The Australian Fish & Seafood Cookbook by Susman, Huckstep, Hodges and Swan (Murdoch Books). Photography by Ben Dearnley. RRP $79.99

Barramundi with crushed peas and sour cream SERVES 4

Ingredients 4 × 200g barramundi fillets, skin on, pin-boned 2 tablespoons rice flour 80ml ghee (see note) Crushed peas 85g sour cream sea salt, to taste lemon oil, to serve Method To prepare the barramundi fillets for pan-frying with crisp skin, lay them on a work surface and dust the skin sides with the rice flour. Place each fillet, flesh side down, on a sheet of baking paper large enough to cover the fillet.

Heat a large cast-iron or heavybased frying pan over medium– high heat (or two smaller pans – it’s essential that the fish is not overcrowded in the pan; see note) and add the ghee. When the pan is hot and the ghee translucent, place the fillets in the pan, skin side down, leaving the paper on the flesh side.

Place a 1kg weight, such as a heavy pot or another pan, on top of the fillets and cook for four minutes, lifting the weight once or twice, then moving the fillets gently around the pan so they don’t burn. Reduce the heat to low. Remove the weight and the paper then, using a spatula, gently flip each fillet to quickly seal the other side. (Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the fish from which the fillets were cut).

Serve the barramundi immediately, skin side up, with the crushed peas, sour cream and a liberal pinch of sea salt on the fish skin. Add a splash of lemon oil over the sour cream.

NOTES: Ghee is a type of clarified butter, made by heating the butter to separate the water, fat and milk solids. The water is discarded and the milk solids are left to caramelise with the fat to form a clear, nutty liquid.

Good-quality versions are available in gourmet grocery stores and some supermarkets. But feel free to use your favourite oil instead.

If you don’t have a pan large enough for all the fillets, or two smaller pans, cook the fish in two batches. Keep the first batch warm while you cook the second.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 23

INDUSTRY NEWS

Barwon Heads tops regional Victoria for median house price

BARWON Heads on the Bellarine Peninsula has recorded the highest median house price in regional Victoria.

The coastal town’s median price of $835,000 was significantly higher than the metropolitan Melbourne median of $725,000 and the state-wide median price of $347,000.

High median prices were also recorded in a number of coastal towns within commuting distance of Melbourne.

Not surprisingly, the Surf Coast’s popularity resulted in high median prices. Growth in these areas indicates continuing buyer demand for locations that offer space, lifestyle and infrastructure with access to quality amenities.

In the 12 months to June 30, Lorne ($750,000), Anglesea ($685,000) and Torquay ($680,000) also made the list of most expensive towns in regional Victoria. The latter two experienced double-digit price growth in the past year.

Nearby Jan Juc was another strong performer with a median house price of $615,000.

House prices in Geelong also increased significantly to a record high of $668,000.

Other towns making the list of most expensive regional locations include the Geelong suburb of Newtown ($632,500), Gisborne ($603,000), Point Lonsdale ($600,000) and the Ballarat suburb of Lake Wendouree ($780,000).

Buyers on track for big savings BUYERS can save more than $250,000 by choosing a home one town or suburb further along the train line.

The Real Estate Institute of Victoria data showed V/Line’s South Western line recorded one of the largest median house price differences between neighbouring stations.

Little River ($646,000) is just 11km closer to Melbourne than Lara ($390,000) – yet commuters can pocket the savings simply by heading one stop further on the line.

On the Western line, Melbourne’s outskirts also offered value with buyers able to save themselves $218,000 by opting for Melton, rather than nearby Rockbank.

Homebuyers were also able to save

$136,000 by buying in South Geelong, rather than Geelong.

REIV chief executive Geoff White said buyers were increasingly looking for value in regional Victoria.

“New growth areas provide buyers with the opportunity to enter the property market at a more affordable rate, yet still on a main V/Line service into Melbourne,” White said.

“Many of these areas, especially towns within commuting distance of the city, are also recording solid annual price increases and are poised for future growth.

“Investment and infrastructure initiatives by both the state and federal government are likely to deliver further capital growth in these areas.”

Quay 2 delivers six of the best environmental outcomes

Affordability boost

Record land sales uptake leads nation RESIDENTIAL land in Melbourne’s greenfield estates is selling at a record pace.

The Victorian Planning Authority’s quarterly State of the State report found that a record 22,000 blocks of land had sold in the past four quarters. It is the strongest market in Australia.

In the year to June, the median price for a Melbourne block was $221,730, which was cheaper than all Australian capitals except for Adelaide.

Comparative prices in Sydney are more than double ($460,375).

Wyndham was the fastest-growing municipality in Melbourne, followed by Casey and Whittlesea. Greater Geelong was the fastest-growing regional area.

The VPA revealed land had increased since last year, driven by a slight decrease in approved lots coming to market.

But to counter this, it has established a program that will support councils to speed up approvals in the post-Precinct Structure Plan process.

The number of new residential

24 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

dwellings across Victoria approved in 2015-16 was 67,003, with 53 per cent for detached houses, 16 per cent for semi-detached dwellings and 31 per cent for apartments. It helped contribute to the construction industry receiving $31 billion worth of approvals.

Victoria’s population has reached six million, and is growing at a rate of over 100,000 people per year – the highest increase in Australia.

VPA chief executive Peter Seamer said the figures show that buyers find greenfield areas highly desirable places to live.

“Compared to 20 years ago, Melbourne’s new suburbs are being planned in a much more co-ordinated manner. They have well-connected streets, plentiful open spaces and land reserved for vital infrastructure. The VPA will continue to design new suburbs that are great places to live and work,” Seamer said.

The full report is available at vpa.vic.gov.au.

QUAY 2 at Torquay has achieved all six elements of the coveted UDIA EnviroDevelopment certification.

Intrapac Property chief operating officer Maxwell Shifman said Quay 2 was the company’s first project to receive all six elements, with certifications in the water, materials, waste, energy, ecosystems and community elements.

“We believe it takes all of these elements to create a thriving, sustainable neighbourhood, one that provides new-home owners and the community peace of mind for now and into the future,” Shifman said.

HOUSING affordability in the June quarter improved to levels last seen in 2009.

Real Estate Institute of Australia president Neville Sanders said affordability had improved through more favourable interest rates and modest increases in income.

On the downside, the proportion of first-time buyers was at its lowest level in two years.

“The Adelaide Bank/REIA Housing Affordability Report shows that the proportion of the median family income required to meet average loan repayments was 29.4 per cent (Victoria was down 1.7, to 31 per cent), which is the best level since the June quarter 2009,” Sanders said.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Metricon leads top 100 builders

COMMUNITY consultation at Elements Truganina has resulted in residents having a major say in the design of the estate’s first major parkland and children’s playground on the edge of the soon-to-be regenerated Skeleton Creek. Developer ID_Land invited residents to select from a range of playground equipment and colour

schemes for the 1.6ha park. ID_Land director Matthew Belford said the estate’s amenities catered to every buyer: active playgrounds, a future P-9 school, walking paths, cycling tracks, shopping centre, picnic areas and passive outdoor spaces. Elements will be home to about 3500 residents when completed. Details: elements.com.au.

Manor Lakes community accepts grants

MORE than 20 not-for-profit groups in the Wyndham area have shared $20,000 of grants provided through the Manor Lakes Community Fund.

It was set up in 2004 to provide financial assistance to community groups. It has distributed about $250,000 to help make possible a variety of programs and activities.

The grants are distributed by the Dennis Family Corporation.

“We are extremely proud our community fund at Manor Lakes continues to provide much-needed assistance to local groups,” DFC chief executive Peter Levinge said.

Recipients include: 1st Iramoo Cub Scout Pack; Grasshoppers Playgroup;

Iramoo Community Centre; JET Australia Foundation; Kaizen Martial Arts; Manor Lakes Auskick; Manor Lakes Basketball Club; Manor Lakes College P-12; Manor Lakes Football Club; Manor Lakes Netball Club; Rachana Natyalaya; Ragaamrutha Music School; Relay for Life/Cancer Council; Sapphire Angels netball team; Shoestring Gardening Inc; Western Suburbs Lymphoedema Support Group; Werribee Masters Football Club; Werribee Mercy Hospital; Western Special Needs Basketball Club; Wyndham Diwali Incorporated; Wyndham Twins Plus Inc; Wyndham Vale Fire Brigade and Wyndhamvale Football Club.

METRICON Homes has been named as the nation’s No.1 builder as new dwelling starts among Australia’s largest volume builders increased for a fourth consecutive year to a record high.

The HIA-Colorbond steel Housing 100 Report 2015-16 reported that the housing starts undertaken by the top 100 builders surpassed the previous peak of 2003-04.

“The total number of Housing 100 starts was 69,161 in 2015-16, compared to the previous record of 69,100 in 2003-04 and the 10-year high of 68,621 reached in 2014-15,” HIA chief economist Harley Dale said.

Collectively, the builders started 50,507 detached houses, 5697 semi-detached dwellings and 12,957 multi-units.

The report ranks Australia’s largest 100 residential builders based on the number of homes commenced each year.

Metricon Homes reported a total of 4365 starts, of which 3794 were detached houses and 571 were semi-detached dwellings. These homes were started across Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.

The second highest-ranked builder in 2015-16 was BGC (Australia) with 4049 housing starts, followed by Meriton Apartments with 3793 starts.

Nine companies increased their housing starts by more than 200 dwellings, while a further 10 increased their housing starts by between 100 and 199.

The biggest movers were MJH Group (1034 more starts) and Metricon Homes (994 starts).

Dr Dale said a key focus of the building cycle had been the increased volume of the medium- and highdensity (MHD) dwellings.

“The latest Housing 100 results reflect this changing dynamic of Australia’s new-home construction landscape,” Dr Dale said. “The shortterm outlook is healthy. Some further growth is in store for MHD dwellings and semi-detached housing, while reasonably strong levels of detached house starts are likely to persist.

Beyond this year the housing pond becomes muddier - the record level of MHD product in the pipeline provides the Australian economy with an unprecedented degree of uncertainty regarding the timing and magnitude of the down cycle.”

THE Carlton House in Highgrove Estate at Clyde North has sold for $465,000. The house-and-land package, which was a joint venture with Orbit Homes and Brown Property Group, settled last month. To celebrate, Carlton Football Club will hold a community day at Highgrove on Saturday, November 19 from noon to 3pm.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 25

WESTBROOK ESTATE (W)

LAND ESTATES NATIONAL PACIFIC PROP. (Open seven days, 11am-5pm) Bayview (G) Centennial Blvd, Curlewis. bvbellarine.com.au Eliston (S) Discovery Centre: 20 Pattersons Rd, Clyde. eliston.com.au.

Hartleigh (S) 100 Pattersons Rd, Clyde. hartleighclyde.com.au Kallo (N) Cnr Donnybrook Rd & Langley Park Dr, Donnybrook. kallo.com.au

Ashbury (G) Sales office: 460 Boundary Rd, Armstrong Creek. ashburyestate.com.au.

Open 11am-5pm Westbrook (W) Sales Office: Leakes Rd (near cnr Morris Rd), Truganina. westbrookestate.com.au Open 10am-5pm Modeina (W) Sales Office: 6 Lexington Drive, Burnside www.modeina.com.au By appointment

ABIWOOD

Park Central (S) Rix Rd, Officer. parkcentralestate.com.au

Cherrington (S) 320 Princes Hwy, Officer. cherringtonliving.com.au

Wellington Rise (N) Blackwattle Court, Mernda. wellingtonrise.com.au

Clydevale (S) 660 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd (Cnr Hardys Rd), Clyde North. clydevaleliving.com.au

DENNIS FAMILY CORPORATION (Open seven days) Manor Lakes (W) Sales Office: 2 Eppalock Dr, Manor Lakes. manorlakes.com.au.

Open 10am-5pm

Gera Waters (Berwick) (S) gerawaters.com.au

HAILED as “The Next Big Thing”, Westbrook has already impressed many land buyers with its size, natural features and location. So it comes as little surprise that the Truganina estate has already sold 470 allotments - making it the third fastest-selling estate in Victoria.

Created to offer residents the best of the present while recognising the heritage of the past, Westbrook will have a network of pathways that take advantage of the natural beauty of Skeleton Creek and the Forsyth Waterway.

Dennis Family Corporation chief executive officer Peter Levinge said more than 4000 homes would be constructed to house 12,000 people in the 318ha estate - including the town centre - over the next 12 years.

Commuters will love the convenience. Just 24km from Melbourne’s CBD and a four-stop, 27-minute trip to Southern Cross Station, Westbrook has Tarneit railway station at the heart of the estate for direct train access to Melbourne and Geelong. Less than 5km from Werribee Plaza and the under-construction Tarneit Central shopping centre, Westbrook also has schools and childcare centres nearby and is close to West Gate Freeway and the Western Ring Road.

The station, which acts as a transport hub with its bus interchange and taxi ranks, includes 900 parking spots.

All future Westbrook residents - the first of whom will start building next year - will have access to OptiComm’s fibre optic network for the provision of superfast internet, free-to-air television, pay television and telephone services.

OptiComm is Australia’s largest Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) provider, meaning there’s no need for unsightly roof-mounted aerials or satellite dishes.

Construction for Stages 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 is well under way, with works also started in Stages 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. The first titles are expected in the final quarter of 2016.

A display village featuring 13 of Victoria’s leading builders is due to start soon, with the 21-dwelling village expected to open in spring 2017.

Website: Westbrookestate.com.au Block sizes: 448sq m to 814sq m Price: From $272,500 Address: Sales Centre, Leakes Rd (near corner Morris Rd), Truganina Open: 10am-5pm, seven days

DACLAND King’sleigh (W) 46 Alfred Rd, Werribee. kingsleigh.com.au Open daily, 11am-5pm

Silverbark (S) Cnr Wedge & McCormicks Rd, Carrum Downs. silverbark.com.au

Lochaven (S)

The Radius (S) 291 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Clyde North. theradius.com.au

665 Hall Rd, Cranbourne West. lochaven.com.au.

Open daily, 11am-5pm

Manzeene Village (G) 5 Manzeene Ave, Lara. manzeenevillage.com.au.

Open Sat-Wed, 11am-5pm Rothwell (W) Dohertys Rd, Tarneit. rothwellvillages.com.au Open daily, 11am-5pm Wynbrook Wyndham Vale (W) Cnr Ballan & Hobbs Rd, Wyndham Vale. wynbrook.com.au Open daily, 11am-5pm

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 27

BRIGHTON EAST (S)

IF you love the exterior of this Hamptons-inspired dwelling, just wait until you venture inside. Enhanced by timber-panelled ceilings, custom-built cabinets and feature walls, the two-level layout incorporates a stunning entry with vaulted lightwell, four bedrooms with walk-in robes (first-floor main), two bathrooms, and three living zones (upstairs kids retreat has a study desk and shelving). One of Metricon’s Signature range, the Bayville “emulates the grandeur and elegance of a country home, while maintaining a relaxed coastal feel”.

Price: From $539,400 241 Dendy St Bayville by Metricon

DISPLAY HOMES

DIRECTORY ARDEN HOMES

Truganina (W)

Dandenong (S) 70 Cheltenham Rd, Metro Village 3175

Sunbury (N) 10 Rosenthal Blvd, Rosenthal Estate

Doreen (N) 1 Mensa Circuit, Plenty River Estate

Tarneit (W) 56 Heartlands Blvd, Heartlands Estate

Epping North (N) 14 Corbett Ave, Aurora Estate

Taylors Hill (W) 25 Peppermint Grove, Taylors Hill Estate

Greenvale (N) 20 Destination Dr, Aspect Estate

Truganina (W) 18 Everholme Dr, Allura Estate

Keysborough (S) 3 Olivetree Dr, Somerfield Estate

Wantirna South (S) 2B Appledale Way, Harcrest Estate

Lucas (Regional) 18 Eleanor Dr, Lucas. Open Mon-Wed 11am5pm, weekends 11am-5pm

Werribee (W) 3 Charter Rd, Riverwalk Estate 5 Billeroy Way, Harpley Estate Williams Landing (W) 7 Harvey St, Williams Landing Estate

(Open seven days, 11am-5pm)

4-6 Nova Ave, Gateway Estate

Clyde North (S) Cnr Flowerbloom & Lilydale Ave, Berwick Waters Estate

BURBANK HOMES (Open seven days, 11am-5pm)

Keysborough (S) Cnr Westwood Blvd & Alderberry Rd, Somerfield Estate

Melton (W) 1 Willandra Blvd, Willandra Estate

Armstrong Creek (G) 11 Coastside Dr, Warralily Coast Estate

Melton South (W) 10 Ladbroke St, Atherstone Estate

Burnside (W) 1 Lexington Dr, Modeina Estate

Mernda (N) 18 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages

CARLISLE HOMES

Clyde North (S) 30 Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters 6 Murphy St, Clydevale Estate

Mickleham (N) 48 Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate Norlane (G) 1a Yooringa Ave, New Norlane.

Closed Thu-Fri

Armstrong Creek (G) 3-7 Decourcy Way, Warralily Coast Estate

Point Cook (W) Cnr Gramercy Blvd & Flagstaff Cres, The Address Estate Wollert (N) Cnr Bloom Cres & Dundee Rd, Lyndarum North Estate

BENTLEY HOMES

Craigieburn (N) 18 Dashing Rd, Aston Estate 3 Montreal Circuit, Highlands Estate

(Open weekdays noon-5pm, 11am-5pm weekends)

Cranbourne East (S) 23 Bathgate Cres, Livingstone Estate

Craigieburn (N) 11-13 Montreal Circuit, Highlands Estate

Cranbourne North (S) 5 Lucinda Lane, Tulliallan Estate

Officer (S) 20 Hardwick Pl, Timbertop Estate Point Cook (W) 24 Liverpool St, Upper Point Cook 12 Gramercy Blvd, The Address Estate

Mernda (N) 22-26 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages

Cranbourne West (S) 3 Erindale St, Clarinda Park Estate

Rockbank (W) 5 Rush St, Woodlea Estate

28 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Wollert (N) 24 Bloom Cres, Lyndarum Estate

(Mon-Fri, noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm)

Craigieburn (N) 26-30 Valiant Cres, Aston Estate Clyde North (S) 7 Sedge St, Berwick Waters DV 9-15 Newbridge Blvd, Highgrove Estate 18-20 Welsh Cres, Clydevale Estate Cranbourne North (S) 4-6 Lucinda Lane, Tulliallan Estate

Greenvale (N) 2-4 Petal Close, Greenvale Gardens Estate Keysborough (S) 2-8 Olivetree Gr, Somerfield Estate Mernda (N) 15-17 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Mickleham (N) 52-54 Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate.

Open Thu-Fri by appointment only

EIGHT HOMES (Open Mon-Wed noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm) Armstrong Creek (G) 103-104 Lampard St, Warralily Coast Estate Craigieburn (N) 7-9 Montreal Circuit, Highlands Estate

Craigieburn (N) 6-8 Star Way, Aston Estate Cranbourne (S) 39-41 Bathgate Cres, Livingston Estate Cranbourne North (S) 9-11 Lucinda Lane, Tulliallan Estate Lara (G) 121-123 Flinders Ave, Lara Central Estate

Officer (S) 1-3 Marwood Way, Timbertop Estate

Cranbourne East (S) 13 Bathgate Cres, Livingston Estate

Point Cook (W) 345-351 Point Cook Rd, The Address Estate 18-20 Murphy St, Upper Point Cook

Melton South (W) Cnr Bridge Rd & Astley Dr, Atherstone Estate

Cranbourne North (S) 268 Alisma Blvd, Tulliallan Estate

Mernda (N) 24-26 Merino Dr, Mernda Village

Sunbury (N) 2-4 Rosenthal Blvd, Rosenthal Estate

Melton South (W) Ladbroke St (off Atherstone Blvd), Atherstone Estate

Wyndham Vale (W) 15-21 Memory Cres, Jubilee Estate

Mernda (N) Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages

DENNIS FAMILY HOMES

Craigieburn (N) Dashing Rd, Aston Estate Cranbourne East (S) Bathgate Cres, Livingston Estate Cranbourne West (S) Red Maple Dr, Casiana Grove Estate Diggers Rest (N) Sully Court, Bloomdale Estate

LYNDARUM ESTATE (N) BIG on affordability and versatility, this feature-packed Burbank home will have no shortage of admirers.

Recently rebranded to the Williamstown (formerly the Scarlet) as part of Burbank’s Gen range, the single-level dwelling of almost 21 squares has a front living room, four bedrooms (two have walkin robes), two bathrooms, central laundry, kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, tiled splashback and walkin pantry, and rear meals and family zone that opens to an al fresco area.

Ducted heating, gas-boosted solar hot water and a double garage are other highlights.

Suitable for blocks measuring 14m x 30m and with numerous upgrades available, it is open from 11am to 5pm, seven days.

Managing director Jarrod Sanfilippo said the Williamstown was typical of the popular range, which includes homes priced from $157,900.

Price: From $199,900 Bloom Cres, Wollert

Greenvale (N) Flourish Circuit, Greenvale Gardens Estate

Cranbourne West (S) 14-16 Erindale St, Clarinda Park Estate

Mernda (N) Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Estate

Melton South (W) Ladbroke St, Atherstone Estate

Mount Duneed (G) 465 Surf Coast Hwy, Armstrong Estate 18-20 Coastside Dr, Warralily Coast Estate

Mickleham (N) Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate

Mernda (N) 23 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages

Point Cook (W) 333 Point Cook Rd, The Address Estate

Mount Duneed (G) Native Ave, Armstrong Estate

Point Cook (W) 20-22 Liverpool Street, Upper Point Cook Estate

Rockbank (W) Lot 145-146 Woodlea Blvd, Woodlea Estate

Ocean Grove (G) Sacramento St, Oakdene Estate Officer (S) Penshurst Cres, Timbertop Estate Rockbank (W) Panning Circuit, Woodlea Estate Williams Landing (W) Harvey St, Williams Landing Estate Wollert (N) Timble Cl, Eucalypt Estate Bloom Cres, Lyndarum North Estate Wyndham Vale (W) Dalrymple Blvd, Manor Lakes Estate

Cranbourne East (S) Lineham Dr (off South Gippsland Hwy), Mayfield Estate

Lucas (Regional) Eleanor Dr, Lucas

Wollert (N) 28-30 Timble Court, Eucalypt Estate

Clyde North (S) Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters Estate Moxham Dr, Highgrove Estate

Craigieburn (N) Valiant Cres, Aston Estate

Keysborough (S) Westwood Blvd, Somerfield Estate

Werribee (W) 11-13 Billeroy Way, Harpley Estate

Burnside (W) Lexington Dr, Modeina Estate.

Open Thu & Fri only

Clyde North (S) Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters Estate Callow Ave, Highgrove Estate

Greenvale (N) Destination Drive (off Amira Blvd), Aspect Estate

Truganina (W) 23-25 Bolte Dr, Elements Estate.

Open Thu-Fri by appointment only

Armstrong Creek (G) Coastside Drive, Warralily Coast Estate.

Native Ave, Armstrong Estate

Brighton East (S) 333 South Rd

Cranbourne West (S) Red Maple Dr, Casiana Grove Estate.

Open Sat-Thu 11am-5pm

Rockbank (W) 6-12 Woodlea Blvd, Woodlea Estate

(Open 11am-5pm daily. Ph: 1800 336 647)

Bendigo (Regional) Swanson Blvd (off Strathfieldsaye Rd), Imagine Estate

Rockbank (W) 14 Panning Circuit, Woodlea Estate

Romsey (N) Greenfields Blvd, Lomandra Estate

Tarneit (W) 36-38 Bandicoop Loop, Habitat Estate

Werribee (W) Billeroy Way, Harpley Estate

Williams Landing (W) 61-63 Sayers Rd, Williams Landing Estate

PORTER DAVIS

JG KING (Open Mon-Wed noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm) Clyde North (S) Lilydale Ave, Berwick Waters

(Open daily 11am-5pm) Armstrong Creek (G) Armstrong Blvd, Armstrong Estate Ballarat (Regional) Eleanor Drive, Lucas Estate

Officer (S) Grandvue Blvd, Grandvue Estate.

Open Sat-Thu 11am-5pm Point Cook (W) Gramercy Blvd, The Address Estate Rockbank (W) Woodlea Blvd, Woodlea Estate Romsey (Regional) Melbourne-Lancefield Rd, Lomandra Estate Sunbury (N) Rosenthal Blvd, Rosenthal Estate Tarneit (W) Bandicoot Loop, Habitat Estate Upper Point Cook (W) Liverpool St, Point Cook Wantirna South (S) Appledale Way, Harcrest Estate Werribee (W) Charter Rd, Riverwalk Estate Williams Landing (W) Cnr Palmers Rd & Opsum Way, Williams Landing Estate Wollert (N) Bloom Cres, Lyndarum Estate

URBANEDGE (Open Mon-Wed noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm) Armstrong Creek (G) 9-11 Decourcy Way, Warralily Estate Cranbourne North (S) 264 Alisma Blvd, Tulliallan Estate Greenvale (N) 21-23 Destination Dr, Aspect Greenvale Estate Keysborough (S) 5 Olivetree Blvd, Somerfield Estate Williams Landing (W) 65-69 Sayers Rd, Williams Landing Estate.

Open seven days

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 29

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