Highly anticipated new apartments by Antipodean, designed by Austin Maynard Architects

AT A GLANCE: 

• Developer: Antipodean Land Developments
• Architects: Austin Maynard Architects
• Address: 716 High St, Thornbury, VIC 3071
• No. of Residences: 44
• Estimated Completion Date: Early 2028

Few architecture firms have the impact of Austin Maynard Architects. With over 20 years of bespoke residential experience under their belt, the studio has turned its attention to apartment living, bringing great design to desirable locations in Melbourne’s north.

Fresh off the success of their highly awarded apartment developments ParkLife and Terrace House, Austin Maynard Architects have established themselves as leaders in design-led, sustainable and community-focused living.

Thornbury House is the highly anticipated next chapter.

Referencing the past, built for the future

Designed by Austin Maynard Architects for developer Antipodean Land Developments, this 44-home development arrives on an iconic corner on High Street, Thornbury.

Thornbury is a pastiche of old and new, a multicultural neighbourhood rich in history, energised by a new wave of creativity and culture. Independent shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, theatres, music venues, and churches give the streets a distinctive character. Located in the heart of the precinct, Thornbury House captures this spirit.

Honouring the character of the local area, Thornbury House features a facade of approximately 2,000 square meters of hand-laid red brick. This material choice echoes the neighbouring buildings, St Mary’s Church and the Salvation Army Hall. Beyond providing a valuable visual connection between the past and present, the use of hand-laid red brick demonstrates the development’s commitment to traditional and robust building techniques that are all too often replaced by cheaper alternatives.

The building is topped by a beautifully curved mansard roof, reminiscent of Parisian rooftops. External blinds in a joyful blue mean the facade comes to life with pops of colour in the warmer weather.

Thornbury House embraces its surroundings. “What’s really important to us is to make our buildings part of the DNA, or an extension of the DNA that already exists in the area,” says Andrew Maynard, director of Austin Maynard Architects.

Prioritising comfort and wellbeing

It is clear that these apartments are built upon decades of experience in creating great homes.

For the design team, liveability means prioritising comfort and wellbeing, and these start with getting the basics right. These homes feature great access to daylight, natural cross-ventilation, generous insulation, and double-glazed windows for thermal and noise control. Ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning throughout the homes also supports year-round comfort.

The building’s positioning adjacent to the heritage-protected St Mary’s Church safeguards the northern outlook for residents, locking in light and views for the future.

Private balconies are fitted with taps to encourage planting, and many homes feature integrated work-from-home desks and sensible zoning features with sliding doors to help isolate sound. Kitchens feature a vibrant colour palette, premium integrated ASKO appliances, and natural stone finishes. Bathrooms feature open and closed storage, alongside resilient finishes with thoughtful natural stone details.

The penthouses benefit from the dramatic curve of the mansard roof, with incredible arched windows and impressive views over the neighbourhood.

“Think of our apartments not as a stepping stone, but as your forever home,” says Andrew Maynard, director of Austin Maynard Apartments.

“We will only design apartments if they are forever homes, if you move in and you think, ‘This has everything I need for my future.’”

Buildings by Austin Maynard Architects ensure connection to community and greenery in the design. At Thornbury House, a communal rooftop terrace offers BBQ facilities and sweeping views across the neighbourhood, creating a welcoming place to gather with friends and family.

Lightwells and three landscaped gardens bring fresh greenery and daylight inside, and open-air walkways replace dark internal corridors, while integrated planting mesh turns landings into gardening opportunities. The feeling of the streetscape doesn’t stop at the entrance to Thornbury House, it follows through to your front door.

Thornbury House is 100% all-electric and fossil-fuel-free. Featuring EV charging on site, solar PV, rainwater harvesting, water-efficient WELS-rated fixtures, and a master save-switch at the apartment’s entry, Thornbury House has a 7.8-star average NatHERS rating and meets the BESS ‘Excellence’ standard. The attention placed on high-performance insulation and ventilation means apartments rely much less on mechanical heating and cooling, helping keep energy bills to a minimum.

Right where you want to be

As for location, the Route 86 tram stops right at the building’s front door, with Thornbury station a short walk away. The Merri Creek Trail and St Georges Road bike corridor are also close by, while several local schools, including St Mary’s Primary School just across the street, cater to young families. Positioned between the city and the north, Thornbury offers the best of both worlds – civic convenience with a grounded, village atmosphere.

High Street itself is right outside, peppered with cafes, artisan eateries, a plethora of wine bars, independent shops, music venues, bookshops, and two cinemas within a few minutes' walk. Lots of pocket parks are dotted around Thornbury, connecting the residential streets. Thornbury House sits in the middle of four: Roberts, Olver, Jones, and Harry. These create a green corridor running parallel to High Street, great for quiet moments or outings with dogs and kids.

Henderson Park, with its dog off-leash area, athletic field, and playground, is a 10-minute stroll away, while Penders Park, featuring a basketball court, playground, and BBQ facilities, is a 13-minute walk from the front door.

Thornbury House sets a new standard for the neighbourhood. Exceptionally designed for comfortable, long-term residency, it lives up to the incredible reputation of Austin Maynard Architects and continues a legacy of futureproofed housing in Melbourne. Its signature look and reflection of its beloved surroundings mean it is set to become a local icon.

One-, two-, and three-bedroom residences are selling now. Prices range from $640,000 for a one-bedroom apartment with one bathroom, to $980,000 for a two-bedroom, two-bath home. The Penthouse is priced from $3,100,000.

Construction has now commenced, with completion expected in early 2028.

Click here to learn more or to enquire about Thornbury House.