Helm team at UDIA Awards

The privately-owned Australian developer HELM has just won another prestigious industry award; this time for its project Encore at Ramsgate Beach.

The pet-friendly building was judged the finest small-scale infill development in NSW by the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA). Every project the company has completed has won state awards, with the large majority of projects receiving national awards, including the best medium density development in Australia (UDIA 2015), the best medium rise development in Australia (Urban Taskforce 2017) and the best Australian apartment of the year (HIA 2017).

The UDIA judges were full of praise for Encore, declaring: "we could not find fault throughout the Encore Development. Designed with impeccable attention to detail, no stone was left unturned.

"The seamless flow of the floor plans incorporated high end finishes, with stunning views, natural light and air-flow throughout.

"HELM delivered a stunning design, concept and product which is just as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional."

In this era of massive, cookie cutter apartment developments built primarily for investment, HELM continues to prove that quality is still paramount. Its developments are specifically aimed at owner-occupiers, bridging the gap between a family home and an apartment.

The majority of HELM apartments have three bedrooms, two bathrooms and copious storage options.

"Our purchasers are used to having space, and the additional bedrooms allow their friends and relatives to stay over," said Mark Monk, Chief Executive Officer of HELM.

HELM minimises the number of common walls within its developments and uses advanced acoustic treatments so noise transfer is not an issue. Privacy is a priority, security is cutting-edge, entertainment areas are spacious and practical, and the level of comfort is every bit as opulent as a house.

The vast majority of HELM purchasers come from within, or near, the suburb in which it builds. 

"We make their transition from a family home into an apartment home as seamless as possible without them having to move away from familiar surroundings or their social network," said Mr Monk.

"Our buyers are predominantly Empty Nesters and Downsizers seeking to escape the maintenance chores of a house.

Encore, Ramsgate Beach

"Many have resisted change because of the unappealing thought of high-rise, multi-unit complexes where tenants are constantly moving in and out.

"We don't build investment stock. Ninety seven percent of people who have purchased in our previous projects are owner-occupiers.

"We concentrate on boutique-size developments where we can control every process, meet our exacting standards and incorporate environmental principles. At the end of the day this approach is not only good for the occupants, it also provides a superior urban outcome which is good for the community."

Dolls Point is next

Aerial picture, Dolls Point

HELM is constantly on the lookout for potential development sites in prime Sydney locations in order to create masterful residences within beautiful buildings.

It believes developers have a social responsibility to provide architecturally-appropriate buildings that are crafted according to good solar management principles, are energy and water efficient, cross-ventilated and which enhance the value of the neighbourhood through high-end design. 

Fortunately, HELM has secured a magnificent site in Dolls Point. Bounded by leafy Cook Park, and within a two-minute stroll of Lady Robinsons Beach, HELM has named its latest project Ora, which means 'beautiful seacoast'.

Individuality is difficult to achieve in apartment buildings, but in keeping with the HELM philosophy of bespoke design there are 14 different floorplans within Ora.

Ranging from one-to-three bedrooms, Ora apartments enjoy the convenience of stair-free, single-level living.

All feature quality finishes, inclusions and craftsmanship, with copious amounts of glazing and operable aluminium louvres to allow natural light and fresh air to flood in.

The vast majority of apartments in Ora will gain parkland or district views, with two of the penthouses capturing water vistas. Eight of the apartments will have landscaped private garden areas on title, ranging from 40sqm to 190sqm.

"Buyers see our developments as being vitally important to the communities in which they live because we are providing a local housing option not previously available. Our apartment-homes allow people to downsize in style, which frees up large houses with backyards for the next generation of families to move into," Mr Monk said.