The best Melbourne East apartment and townhouse developments with extensive outdoor spaces

From lush courtyards and balconies to rooftop pools and communal gardens, these developments are redefining city living by bringing the great outdoor to resident's fingertips
The best Melbourne East apartment and townhouse developments with extensive outdoor spaces
The outdoor spaces at Mirvac's Smiths Lane townhouses. Artist impression
Alison Warters July 30, 2023PROJECT ROUNDUP

As the demand for outdoor space continues to rise, Melbourne developers are increasingly finding ways to offer more outdoor space, whether it be private or communal.

From lush courtyards and balconies to rooftop pools and communal gardens, these developments are redefining city living by bringing the great outdoor to resident's fingertips.

We've wrapped up a list of some of Melbourne's best apartment developments featuring large outdoor spaces.

Project: Galerie

Address: High Street Glen Iris

Developer: LDS Property

Galerie in Glen Iris offers curated residences designed for the cosmopolitan lifestyle, where open-plan living areas exude an artistic luxury.

Ewert Leaf, the architects behind Galerie, partnered with landscape designer John Patrick to create human-centred spaces. Patrick's expertise is evident not only in the exterior landscaping but also in the integration of expansive balconies and courtyards that adjoin each residence.

Patrick said the design philosophy focused on seamless integration between the open-plan living spaces and the courtyards. 

“We’ve designed everything so that the open plan living spaces flow seamlessly out to the courtyards, with large sliding doors that provide direct integration to the surrounding landscape,” Patrick said. 

Project: HOME

Address: 626 Heidelberg Road, Alphington

HOME in Alphington takes outdoor living to a new level, with the expansive spaces not just contained to the balconies adjoining each residences, but featured throughout the development.

At HOME, located on Level 4, you'll find everything you'd expect in a close-knit neighbourhood. The communal garden offers spaces to meet and relax, complete with ample seating and a designated barbecue area. There's even a kids' play zone to keep the little ones entertained. For the four-legged members of your family, there's a dedicated dog run where they can bask in the morning sun.

If you seek tranquility, the Pilates Pavilion awaits. Alternatively, you can energise yourself in the state-of-the-art gym, which features a circular design. With three-quarters of an acre of open space, there's plenty of room to move and enjoy the outdoors at HOME.

On Level 15, you'll find the ultimate rooftop cinema, providing residents with a unique entertainment option. If movies aren't your preference, you can relax in the serene Star Garden or unwind in the lounge. And if you want to cool off, head up to Level 16 and take a dip in the glass-edged rooftop pool.

Project: Como Terraces

Address: 139 Alexandra Avenue

Developer: Cbus Property & Sterling Global

Situated in South Yarra, renowned as Melbourne's most liveable suburb, Como Terraces offers a rare opportunity to embrace riverside living in a sophisticated setting.

The latest release within Como Terraces is The Alexandra Collection, developed by Cbus Property and Sterling Global.

The collection features just 11 luxurious residences, each characterised by spaciousness and a frontage onto the tree-lined Alexandra Avenue and the Yarra River beyond.

Neutral tones dominate the interior design, creating a sophisticated ambiance, while expansive balconies or terraces seamlessly extend from the light-filled interiors.

Project: Smiths Lane Townhomes by Mirvac

Address: 110 Smiths Lane, Clyde North

Developer: Mirvac

Smiths Lane in Clyde North is a thriving community that boasts abundant parklands, new schools, and social cafes, making it a place for everyone. Mirvac has recently unveiled a collection of townhomes within this community, catering to a variety of lifestyles.

These townhomes feature open-plan living areas, a multi-purpose room, and spacious private courtyards, providing ample space for families to grow and adapt.

The architectural design of the townhomes draws inspiration from the unique character of Cardinia Creek, incorporating natural materials and seasonal landscaping to reflect the local heritage and environment.

The townhomes at Smiths Lane also offer a private oasis for residents. Double sliding glass doors seamlessly connect the living areas with the outdoors, inviting natural light and fresh air. The lush and verdant planting surrounding the townhomes creates a sense of security and tranquility, providing a perfect backdrop for entertaining or quiet relaxation.

Alison Warters

Alison Warters is a property journalist for Urban, based in Sydney. Alison is especially interested in the evolution of the New Build/Development space, when it comes to design innovation and sustainability.

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