An exciting new mixed-use development site in Melbourne’s east will set a new benchmark for sustainable community living. The former brickworks site will be transformed to inject new heart and soul into Burwood, integrating diverse housing choices, 2.5 hectares of open space and parklands, and an activated urban plaza. The precinct will also deliver a brand new shopping centre, which is anticipated to be the most sustainable in the world and will include an innovative rooftop urban farm – the first of its kind in Australia. The residences at Burwood Brickworks are a timely and relevant addition to the market, as Australians, especially Melburnians, are now more environmentally conscious than ever before.
Frasers Property Australia acquired the Burwood Brickworks site four years ago and has been working extensively with Whitehorse Council to ensure the new commercial and residential spaces will exceed green guidelines.
Frasers Property Australia’s Sarah Bloom, General Manager—Residential Victoria, says, “This project exemplifies everything we stand for: building sustainable, liveable communities that promote the long-term health and wellbeing of our residents and, especially in the case of Burwood Brickworks, for visitors too.”
Frasers Property has teamed up with Australian architectural practices Hayball and DKO Architecture to produce these new residences.
The architecture has an industrial vibe, featuring brickwork, concrete and timber, paying homage to the site’s history and creating a strong sense of site and place.
When discussing the values and goals of the development, Bloom said, “Along with environmental sustainability, we have found people are expecting more and more from their homes. We’ve designed the Burwood Brickworks precinct to be spaces in which residents can live, work and play — and most importantly, to connect with one another and the environment.”
The one and two bedroom apartments and three and four bedroom townhouses feature master switches (every light is on the same circuit so you can shut them all off quickly when you leave home) and solar PV panels, effectively reducing both your carbon footprint and your electricity bills. The smart design also includes full-height windows which will cut down the need for artificial lighting, while water-saving tapware and energy efficient appliances ensure every home is as sustainable as possible.
“As technology has evolved, we’ve been able to come up with new and better ways to be more environmentally friendly while maintaining high standards of striking architectural and interior design,” Bloom says.
The living spaces include the modern fixtures and finishes we’ve come to expect in contemporary homes. Caesarstone benchtops and high-performance appliances transform the cooking experience in kitchens, while designer tapware and integrated lighting add modern accents to the bathrooms.
Outdoor entertaining spaces optimise views and aspects, connecting residents to nature and seamlessly integrating the homes inside and out.
Surrounded by 2.5 hectares of open parkland, landscaped reserves and leafy enclaves, you will find many opportunities to connect with nature. The nearby gardens are the perfect place to throw down a picnic rug and have a Sunday afternoon session with friends and family while children explore the nearby playground.
On top of all this, residents will have access to the new Burwood Brickworks retail development. Peri MacDonald, Executive General Manager of Retail, says, “Our aim was to integrate all aspects of this mixed-use site fully. We want residents to participate in the net waste positive strategy to reduce reliance on all single-use packaging, and repurpose waste away from traditional landfills by recycling soft plastics at Woolworths and using the compost heaps at the rooftop urban farm.”
Anticipated to offer over 40 outlets, the new retail centre will be anchored by a full line Woolworths and 1,400sqm Dan Murphy’s. It is envisioned that the rooftop urban farm will encompass a greenhouse, restaurant, external planter boxes and landscaped growing areas.
With connectivity to a retail centre aiming to achieve Australia’s first living building certification from the International Living Future Institute, Burwood Brickworks looks like it will set the benchmark for large-scale mixed-use communities.