Past, present, future

Once touted as examples of humankind's indomitable spirit, large sprawling cities were seen as a testament to all that we had achieved. Nowadays, urban sprawl is seen in a less forgiving light and urban planners are turning to apartment living as a way of containing city expansion.

Changing lifestyles, which place more of an emphasis on work-life balance, and increased awareness about the environmental impact of urban sprawl, have resulted in a mindset shifting away from personal ownership, and towards a provision of services which provide similar functions.

Public space is a good example of this. Instead of everyone living in a house with a back yard, developers set aside a portion of land as dedicated public space. Facilities are provided for residents to use and can include a barbecue area, swimming pool and even parkland or open space.

Australand's latest development, Discovery Point, reflects this shifting mindset, says the company's New South Wales sales manager Anthony Trueman-Farrell.

"Discovery Point combines every essential element of contemporary living into a single and sustainable masterplan that draws inspiration from the past and unites it with present day practices to create a living environment that will continue to evolve well into the future."

With more than 80 years' property development experience, Australand has a reputation for consistently delivering modern, energy efficient, design-conscious residential developments.

Situated on the banks of the Cooks River, Discovery Point offers residents more than two hectares of parklands and a range of apartments designed by architectural firm Cox Richardson.

"Greenbank and Verge are the first two stages of the development, which will ultimately transform Discovery Point into a model of modern community living," says Trueman-Farrell.

With a reputation for innovative design, Cox Richardson has taken the existing site, complete with heritage buildings Tempe House and St Magdalen's Chapel and designed two distinct buildings that create an important and engaging transition of scale between the two individual elements, says Trueman-Farrell.

"The architecture is impressive and contemporary. Greenbank features golden-hued sunscreens that provide an ever-changing blend of light and shade across the facade.

"Verge is named after one of the country's leading architects of the 1800s, who was the designer of Tempe House. It is defined by a curved feature wall and distinctive projecting balconies."

Preservation of the heritage buildings was a major factor in the development of the site and grounds. Australand engaged the services of Tanner Architects, renowned for it dedication to the protection and adaptive re-use of significant heritage structures.

Originally part of a 100-acre estate owned by merchant and businessman AB Spark, the rehabilitation of the extensive grounds of Discovery Point has been entrusted to landscape architecture firm Clouston Associates.

"Both Tanner Architects and Clouston Associates are leaders in their fields. Their collaboration in this venture with Australand is testament to our dedication to making this project the benchmark in community living," says Trueman-Farrell.

Working as a joint venture developer with state-owned Landcom, Australand has developed a masterplan for Discovery Point that will see it become not only a residential community, but also a regional commercial hub, says Trueman-Farrell.

"Discovery Point's proximity to the airport and CBD provides a strategic location for businesses seeking to position themselves within the southern gateway. This area is experiencing unprecedented growth, as witnessed by the number of new commercial developments, including the $1 billion commerce and advanced technology centre."

Designed as a series of precincts, the other areas of Discovery Point including a waterfront entertainment precinct, retail precinct, train station and plaza will be progressively delivered.

Contact Discovery Point, 8 Brodie Spark Dr, Wolli Creek, NSW 2205, phone 13 38 38, or visit the website: www.discoverypoint.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas