Melbourne-based developer Lucent has received development approval from council to build Brighton’s first fossil free apartment project, due to launch next month. Located on the corner of 7 Bleazby Avenue and 51 Male Street, the permit approves 14 apartments to be developed on the 1,392 square metre site.

The project, to be known as Slate House, will consist of eight two-bedroom and six three-bedroom residences, ranging from 90–200 square metres in size, across three levels. Centred upon sustainable design principles, the project achieves a NatHERS rating of 7.8 – the highest of any residential project in the area.

Slate House incorporates a fossil fuel free embedded network, high-efficiency appliances and uses rainwater harvesting to encourage residents to lead a zero emissions lifestyle.

Plans for the apartment development

Designed by the award-winning Austin Maynard Architects, Slate House aligns with Lucent’s strategic vision to develop well-located projects that meet a gap in the market, whilst promoting liveability, sustainability and community, said Lucent’s managing director, Panos Miltiadou.

“Good design transcends far beyond a project’s look and feel. Drawing on our past experience we know that socially and environmentally led design is at the forefront of purchaser’s minds, particularly owner-occupiers, and therefore we see Slate House as contributing to the shift in challenging the status quo of apartment design in Australia,” Miltiadou said.

“Slate House is aimed at meeting the growing demand for apartment living in Brighton, particularly among the growing owner-occupier family and downsizer market.” Panos Miltiadou.

Slate House will be within walking distance from the Church Street retail precinct, as well as local schools, transport and parks.

The developer lodged plans for the project in November last year after purchasing the site in October.

The suburb has experienced a recent boom in apartment developments, with a new wave of downsizers buying into smaller, low-maintenance homes.

Units in Brighton have risen by 5.1%, despite Melbourne’s median house price falling over the past year.

With the project launching to the market in mid-October 2019, construction is set to be completed in 2021.

Slate House follows on from the sell-out success of the developer’s Nightingale and Little Miller apartment projects in Brunswick East which are nearing completion.

Link to Property Observer article.