Waterloo's latest apartment development brings a touch of wilderness to the city

Even harried professionals need some downtime. That’s why The Finery, Mirvac’s latest project in The Lachlan precinct, Waterloo, has as its centrepiece a densely landscaped courtyard that brings a touch of wilderness to the city.

The green sanctuary is the brainchild of Sacha Coles, director of Aspect Studios – the practice behind The Goods Line in Ultimo, Pirrama Park in Pyrmont and Murray Rose Pool in Double Bay.

Mirvac’s development director, Paolo Razza, says the courtyard sanctuary is natural and informal.

“It gives the residents of the building something to look down on, and also a place to use as a getaway.”

When the urge for time out passes, the 226-dwelling cluster of six buildings on the former HPM warehouse site is an easy walk to shops, parks and transport.

Retail outlets are planned for the ground floor. It’s less than 500 metres to the East Village shops in Zetland, and closer still to Danks Street to the north.

The nearest train station is Green Square, a 15-minute walk away. Waterloo was also recently announced as the location of a new Sydney Metro station, part of the NSW government’s plan to support the area’s revitalisation.

Razza says separating the development into different buildings, from four to eight storeys, helps foster a sense of community.

“Having smaller buildings, with fewer people per core, you’re more likely to bump into people and get to know your neighbour.”

In the first stage of the launch, planned for late April, 118 dwellings will be offered for sale.

More: This apartment block has a new way of dealing with the heat

The Finery

13-17 Lachlan Street, Waterloo
One beds 50-56 square metres, $695,000 – $895,000
One-bed-plus-study 55-59 square metres, $815,000 – $995,000
Two beds 70-88 square metres, $925,000 – $1.6 million
Three beds 95-160 square metres, $1.48 million – $2.2 million
Strata levies from $620 a quarter
Due for completion early 2018
Agent Mirvac, 9080 8888; thefinery.mirvac.com

…or try these

88 Angel

88 Angel Street, Newtown
Three beds, 187 square metres, $1.8 million – $2 million
Auction date May 7
Agent Ed Fernon, 0420 497 768; 88angel.com.au

There’s a tree house with a difference in Newtown. Billed as the first green roof terrace frontage in Australia, this row of three homes has show-stopping living roofs planted with drought-resistant native plants. Other eco-friendly features include solar power, motorised retractable glass roofs and double-glazed doors and windows. Architect and builder Oliver Steele of Steele Associates developed the project. His aim, he says, is to “demonstrate to the property industry that it’s possible to deliver exceptional sustainability outcomes within a conventional business model”. One of the three homes is being offered for sale initially. Open-house tours are planned for 11.30am on April 16, 23 and 30.

One Avon

Artist’s impression of 1 Avon Road, Pymble

1 Avon Road, Pymble
One-beds 48-67 square metres, $635,000 – $754,000
Two-beds 74-96 square metres, $895,000 – $1.24 million
Three-beds 98-120 square metres, $1.26 million – $1.6 million
Strata levies from 500 a quarter
Due for completion early 2018
Agent CBRE, 1800 425 949; 1avon.com.au

Lovers of the upper north shore’s leafy surrounds won’t have far to go to get their fix of greenery at One Avon, a 174-unit development in Pymble. Residents have exclusive access to 4500 square metres of landscaped communal areas, adjoining nearly 12,000 square metres of blue gum forest. Even the three buildings, ranging from seven to 10 storeys, are named after local native plants. The $170 million project by Chinese developer Ausbao is a five-minute walk from Pymble train station. As part of the project, a heritage-listed arts and crafts home will be refurbished to become a community centre for residents. About 100 units are still available.