Design Matters National recently hosted an exceptional tour of the award-winning Ferrars & York property, a testament to sustainable innovation and design excellence. Enabled by HIP V.HYPE, designed in collaboration with Six Degrees Architects, and built by Ironside, this project has set a new benchmark in multi-residential living.
The tour began with a warm welcome at the entrance of Ferrars & York, where HIP V.HYPE's Founder, Liam Wallis, provided an overview of the project. Attendees learned about the genuine collaboration between HIP V.HYPE, Six Degrees Architects, and Ironside, which, combined with HIP V.HYPE’s in-house sustainability consultancy, enabled market-leading innovation.
Ferrars & York comprises twenty-two 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments with an average energy rating of 8.6 stars. The highest performing apartment in the building achieved a whopping 9.3 stars out of 10. At ground level, the retail space is occupied by HIP V.HYPE’s Ferrars & York Collective, a workshare space for sustainably minded businesses, and Bike Gallery, a specialty bike store. This setup not only fosters a sense of community but also speaks to the project's commitment to sustainability.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including construction shutdowns and delays, HIP V.HYPE’s deep commitment to sustainability was well-received by purchasers during uncertain times. The building’s location—adjacent to light rail and a busy intersection—presented acoustic challenges, which were adeptly handled through high-performance windows, doors, and increased insulation, all of which provided excellent acoustic performance alongside energy efficiency.
As participants moved through the building, the commitment to innovative and sustainable design practices became increasingly evident. Ferrars & York’s design fosters an active vertical community across its six levels. The building’s smaller forms and articulated saw tooth roof, a nod to the area's industrial heritage, create a finer grain formal response. The open walkways and centrally located glazed fire stair promote interaction and engagement among residents, enhancing the building’s communal atmosphere.
The materiality of Ferrars & York is both robust and warm. Off-form concrete with timber textures anchors the building, while a steel frame, scattered landscaping, feature tiles, timber, and stained-glass accents add richness and depth. Reclaimed or recycled materials have been used wherever possible, striking the perfect balance between quality, durability, and value. Each apartment features engineered floorboards made from Messmate, which have been salvaged from demolished homes in Victoria, and kitchens feature stainless steel benchtops and premium Swiss-made V-ZUG appliances, encouraging residents to embrace local market produce.
One of the loveliest features of this impressive building is its communal roof yard with BBQ, fireplace, and landscaped arbour. It offers residents striking views across the city skyline and South Melbourne Market, further fostering a sense of community and connection.
Ferrars & York is carbon neutral in both construction and operation. HIP V.HYPE’s in-house sustainability team worked closely with Six Degrees Architects to optimise the building’s envelope and maximise passive design principles for abundant natural light, cross-flow ventilation, and minimal active heating or cooling requirements. These factors all contributed to the increadibly high star energy ratings.
A third-party verified Life Cycle Assessment conducted by HIP V.HYPE revealed an embodied carbon footprint of 3,740 tonnes of CO2, offset via the purchase of high-quality Climate Active credits. The salvaging of 2,000 lineal metres of timber from the existing on-site warehouse prevented approximately 25-28 tonnes of carbon from re-entering the atmosphere, repurposing the timber for various retail fit-outs around Melbourne.
Double-glazed windows and doors, high levels of insulation, and an Energy Recovery Ventilation system ensure high indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Powered by 100% GreenPower, the building makes renewable energy accessible and affordable to residents through an embedded network, and the car stacker system is fully provisioned with electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The tour concluded with a delightful rooftop networking session, offering panoramic views of South Melbourne. This provided the perfect opportunity for attendees to connect with industry professionals, discuss the day's insights, and enjoy some refreshments in a relaxed and inspiring setting.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the tour's organization and the valuable insights provided by Liam Wallis and the HIP V.HYPE team. The event not only showcased the remarkable design of Ferrars & York but also emphasised the collaborative and forward-thinking ethos of our community.
At Design Matters National, we are incredibly proud of our members at HIP V.HYPE for their outstanding contributions to sustainable and innovative building design. The Ferrars & York tour was a testament to the high calibre of designs within our community, where style meets effortless charm – and we’re not just talking about the building!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable event. Stay tuned for more exciting events and opportunities to explore the best in building design.