Figurehead has been appointed to deliver Carpe Group’s Derby No.32, an exclusive collection of 32 architecturally designed residences in the heart of Collingwood. With construction set to commence in September, we gathered to celebrate this milestone and raise a glass before works begin.
Made in Collingwood
Developed by Carpe Group in partnership with INT.RE Kajima Group, Derby No.32 brings together architecture by Warren and Mahoney, interiors by Edwina Glenn and construction by Figurehead.
"On behalf of Carpe and the development department at Intre Kajima, I'd like to thank Joe and Dylan for hosting everyone today and bringing all the teams together," reflected Stuart Kacir, Carpe Group Co-Director. "It really feels like there's a strong alignment of cultures in the room, and we got that sense right from the start. We've been very impressed with the Figurehead team and we're looking forward to getting started. "
The project nestles into its surroundings with a light-brickwork facade, offering a contemporary take on Collingwood's rich industrial history. The frontages on Cambridge, Derby and Langridge streets promise to maximise daylight and view corridors for all apartments in the 811sqm site, located mere minutes away from the construction partner's award-winning HQ 116 Rokeby, built by Figurehead. Internally, the residences feature generous planning, custom joinery, natural stone and a considered selection of finishes across 2- and 3-bedroom offerings.
Signed & Underway
Ahead of construction commencing, Carpe Group, Figurehead and key project partner teams came together for a Sign & Sip event to mark the builder's formal appointment and celebrate the next stage of Derby No.32. An afternoon of conversation and shared anticipation as the project prepares to move from design into delivery.
Figurehead New Business Manager, Dylan Mercer and Carpe Group Director Stuart Kacir each shared a few words before signing a commemorative contract to celebrate the partnership.
"At Figurehead we really value our relationships and we we like to build a strong relationship from the start of the project, working diligently together to ultimately deliver something we're all really proud of," shared Dylan. "Carpe Group, Stuart and Tim, have done a great job assembling this team, and we can't wait to have a project where we can see the crane from our office in Collingwood. Thank you for trusting us with this project - we hope it's the first of many together."
Stuart added,
"I’d like to acknowledge Sarah Stock and the Three Sixty° team for achieving the sales they have in the current market. It’s a real testament to the work Nick Deans and the architects, the interior design team, and the broader consultant team have done to bring the project to where it is today. I’d also like to acknowledge John Jorgensen, who has been our contract referee throughout the process.”
A Strong Multi-Residential Portfolio
Derby No.32 will draw on Figurehead's extensive capability in delivering high-end multi-residential projects, translating ambitious architectural visions into refined, enduring built outcomes. This expertise is demonstrated through a strong track record of premium residential projects across Victoria, including Central Park 2, Lyons Place, Osprey and Rondure House. This project's complex inner-city setting and exacting architectural design will require the Figurehead construction team to work collaboratively with the developer, consultants and trades to deliver Derby No.32 as a building of lasting quality.
Located in an emerging pocket of thriving Collingwood, 116 Rokeby, an 11-level office building has been designed exclusively for design, property and construction companies who share a passion for premium spaces and a commitment to considered impact.
An understanding of the changing needs of an office building informed the Carr design of ‘a breathing space,’ where work, sustainability and lifestyle converge. The “vertical village” at 116 Rokeby features a communal rooftop with kitchen and ground floor café offering, and premium end-of-trip facilities redefine the role of the office to create a series of flexible spaces for changing needs of office workers.
“We’ve created a building that deeply considers work-life integration,” explains Rebecca Trenorden, Carr Associate Director.
“One of the main things COVID showed us is the deep need for social connection and great amenities, and this ability to have a building community where likeminded tenants share a space that’s so connected is very rare.”
Figurehead Group are the developer and builder of 116 Rokeby, with Figurehead and Flux Construction teams set to occupy two floors of the building.
Joe Grasso, Founder and Managing Director, Figurehead Group has a vision for the building to become a hub for like-minded professionals who appreciate design and innovation.
“We want the space to be inspiring, and motivate people to come and do their best work,” Joe says.
“Our business is focused on continuous improvement, ensuring we produce a product that’s the absolute best in market.
116 Rokeby is a part of this story, and the building features spaces to support innovation and ensure the office is a great place to work.”
Sustainability and Innovation
Sustainability has been deeply considered in every aspect of 116 Rokeby — inside and out — to set a new benchmark in environmental and wellness credentials in this emerging commercial precinct. Targeting Platinum WELL™, 5.5-Star NABERS and Climate Active Carbon Neutral Building Certification, 116 Rokeby is an exemplar of how considered design can have a positive impact on the environment and the people that interact with the space.
A key inclusion is the double-skin northern façade. An exemplar of both form and function, utilising automatic sensor-controlled blinds and a plenum to perform an impactful chimney stack effect with great impact on energy saving. It naturally heats and cools the building, whilst improving internal amenity through clear glazing and an abundance of natural light.
“The diaphanous northern façade at 116 Rokeby has environmental sustainability innovation at its core,” says Stephen McGarry, Carr Associate Director.
First Nations Collaboration
Another first, 116 Rokeby will also have a commissioned artwork imprinted into the concrete southern façade as a respectful acknowledgment of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people and a representation of Figurehead’s journey and commitment to reconciliation. The artwork, ‘Reflections of a Breathing Space’, is a collaboration by two First Nations artists: NAIDOC Creative Talent of the Year in 2022, sand artist, Lowell Hunter, and painter, illustrator and digital artist, Gerard Black.
"The intention of this artwork is to respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land, of which 116 Rokeby St Collingwood resides upon today,” First Nations Sand Artist Lowell Hunter says of the artwork collaboration with Figurehead.
“By committing to working respectfully with First Nations people you start to develop a deeper sense of the rich and strong culture that exists within our communities - this is something that we should all embrace and be proud of,” he continues.
Construction at 116 Rokeby has commenced; with completion due in early 2024.
There will be seven floors available for lease; details available via request at 116rokeby.com.au