New Homes: Macquarie development Banksii fosters a sense of community

With apartments emanating from a central courtyard, Banksii is designed to foster a sense of community among residents.

“It’s got a great central courtyard, and it’s got sort of elevated living areas that look out over the suburb,” Judd Studio architect Nathan Judd says.

The idea behind the courtyards and the communal rooftop deck, and a landscaped transition area on each level, is that to create a community, you need spaces for it to happen.

“All of those elements… that’s all around, creating a sense of community, that you bump into your neighbour,” Judd says.

Large entry courtyards to the apartments create a sense of space and openness within the homes, as well as facilitating cross ventilation.

“It makes the apartments feel a lot bigger than they actually are,” Judd says.

Homes range in size from one bedroom, to three bedrooms, with multiple living areas available for some.

Inside, generous balconies continue the spaciousness, facilitating an indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Apartments have been designed to catch the maximum amount of natural light, with many sitting in corner spaces.

With a range of sizes and layouts, Judd believes the homes will attract a diverse range of residents.

The complex has been designed open to up the development to families.

A community atmosphere and outdoor space will provide a safe space for kids to wander under a neighbourly eye.

“It also makes itself into that sort of child-friendly apartment building,” Judd says.

Sitting opposite the Jamison Centre, the homes have easy access to amenity.

Close to Belconnen, the homes are also just a 10-minute drive from the city centre.

Apartments feature oak timber flooring, double-glazed windows, reverse-cycle airconditioning, stone benchtops with waterfall edges and rain showers to the bathroom.

Almost half of the homes at Banksii have been sold, with completion expected in late 2018.

Inspection time: Saturday 1.00-4.00pm, Sunday 10am-1.00pm. Agent: Keenan Veraar, LJ Hooker 0402 914 037

Who lives here – A quiet achiever, Macquarie is a family’s dream, close by to schools and shops, with easy access to the rest of Canberra.

Feature we love – Corner apartments catch the light, flowing through from large balconies.