AURA by Aqualand residents will never need to leave home again. Ambitious and cosmopolitan, this new luxury mixed-used precinct will offer the residents the benefits of a suburban dwelling with the amenities and convenience of forward-thinking high-rise city living.

Woods Bagot Principal and Global Sector Leader – Residential, Jason Fraser says “it is difficult to realise a piece of architecture. It often requires a decade of effort from the first vision to the moment you can stand within the homes and spaces created. There are a thousand moments through the process where the dream can be diminished, and it takes incredible perseverance and continued creativity to realise something exceptional.”

28 storeys high, AURA features 386 luxury apartments within the residential towers. Curtain façade detailing with deep slots into the form provides access to views from deep within the floorplate.

“The design for AURA refers to the landscape of North Sydney and its connection to the harbour in its form and language. The building is shaped by rich, organic forms. Materials are designed to reflect light in different ways throughout the day and throughout the seasons like the light reflecting off the rippling water of the harbour. At ground level we have exposed or re-used much of the unique North Sydney sandstone to refer to the site’s origins and integrated landscape to foster a healthy and wellness-oriented public domain experience,” says Fraser.

“We have put an intense focus on the community benefit of the project – how we integrate into the public domain and create an environment that is inviting to the existing and the future community” Fraser adds.

AURA offers residents a comprehensive suite of luxury amenities, including tiered concierge services and a state-of-the-art wellness center featuring Technogym equipment. Split up into three zones, residents will have private access to a pool, spa, and a stunning rooftop area with a sun deck, private dining spaces, and outdoor kitchen facilities for year-round entertaining.

A community centre, complete with a cinema room and remote working spaces, fosters social activity throughout the building, while cutting-edge technology powers electric vehicle charging stations amidst a fleet of shared Tesla vehicles available for resident use.

“The one thing that has become evident in recent times is the need for the design to reflect the diversity of people and their needs,” says Fraser. “The homes we design are now considered for people to inhabit them beyond the traditional 5 to 9. Working from home, flexible working, self-employment, shared parenting, and shifting attitudes towards living in general are just some of the changes in the way we all live, which means that apartment design is changing. We consistently aim to be aware of these changes and translate that into the homes we design. This ability to accommodate diverse needs and cultivate a sense of self is only going to become increasingly important in future designs.”

“In addition to the positive outcome for the local community, we have come away from AURA with such a positive relationship with the Aqualand team – from Jin and Helkin, to the development and construction team. The Woods Bagot team have truly enjoyed working with the AURA team through what is often a very challenging process, and the shared sense of pride is evident from all involved,” Fraser adds.

Aqualand Group Managing Director Jin Lin says, “We’re committed to collaborating with the world’s finest designers and delivery partners and have an unwavering commitment to design excellence and delivering the highest build quality possible. We exist to provide a new sense of place for people to live, work and play, with an enriched lifestyle at all levels, and AURA perfectly demonstrates all of these attributes.

“AURA will be home to more than just its residents. It’s set to become a North Sydney hub with its world-class retail spaces and the deep commitment invested in the suburb’s vibrancy and night-time economy through these venues,” Lin adds.

Jason adds that Woods Bagot’s approach to residential projects is deeply guided by the consideration of how they can create great places, and then strive to create great architecture within them. “Vibrant, active, healthy places where people are happy to live in continually changing ways are the heart of our project’s success,” he explains.

To find out more about AURA by Aqualand, please go to aurasydney.com.au or visit the display showroom at 168 Walker Street, North Sydney, daily between 10am and 4pm.

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Adrien Moffatt
Content and Communications Specialist (Australia)