Project Overview

Led by Coronation Property, Mason & Main Stage One has been brought to life by global architects, Woods Bagot. A vibrant mixed-use precinct in the heart of Merrylands, Stage One of the project comprises of 434 Build-to-Rent apartments across three beautifully appointed buildings and blends design-led apartments, resort-style amenities, and a vibrant ‘Eat Street’ to form a new landmark destination only 5-minutes from Parramatta's CBD. Mason & Main Stage One combines deep respect for the past with a bold vision for the future to deliver an exciting new lifestyle address that embodies the essence of Merrylands.

Organisation

Coronation Property

Team

Architect (Design): Woods Bagot
Structural Engineer: Robert Bird Group Pty Ltd
Civil Engineer: Northrop Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd
Fire Engineer: Innova Services Pty Ltd
Landscape Architecture: 360 Degrees Landscape Architecture
PCA: Certified Building Specialists Pty Ltd
Access: Vista Access Architects Pty Ltd
Services Design Assistance: Construction Services & Infrastructure Pty Ltd

Project Brief

Led by Coronation Property, Mason & Main Stage One was brought to life by global architects, Woods Bagot. A vibrant residential precinct in the heart of Merrylands, Stage One of the project comprises 434 apartments across three beautifully appointed buildings and blends design-led interiors, resort-style amenities, and a vibrant ‘Eat Street’ to form a new landmark destination only 5-minutes from Parramatta's CBD.

Completed in March 2024, the project encompasses 40,000sqm of apartments, managed by Nation, Coronation Property's innovative BTR provider. Additionally, 9,000sqm of retail space has been developed to invigorate the local landscape with its community-centric vision.

Mason & Main Stage One combines deep respect for the past with a bold vision for the future to deliver an exciting new residential address that embodies the essence of Merrylands.

The project thoughtfully celebrates the existing vibrancy of Merrylands and integrates with the town centre, rather than trying to superimpose itself on the community.

The development’s masterful blending of public and private spaces through vibrant laneways, dining and retail precinct and exclusive resident amenities, enriches community life and interaction.

The project's commitment to honouring Merrylands' rich built environment is exemplified through architectural elements, such as the extensive use of bricks inspired by nearby brickworks, fostering a sense of belonging and permanence within the neighbourhood. Structural innovations like self-supporting brick arches, not only respect the site’s architectural heritage but also pushes the envelope in architectural design.

Project Innovation/Need

To address the issue of housing shortage, the development boasts a range of rental options, expanding the supply, quality, and diversity of longer-term options for Sydney renters. From furnished studios to spacious three-bedroom units, with weekly rates varying between $530 and $875.

Technology is built into every aspect of living at Mason and Main. The Nation mobile app is the key to residents’ homes and a digital portal for messaging the Resident and Lifestyle Services team, booking amenities, logging maintenance requests, and accessing important tenancy documents. Community news, upcoming resident events, public transport timetables, and a neighbourhood guide are all custom-built into the app.
Additionally, sustainability measures such as EV charging stations, dedicated car share vehicles, and rooftop solar panels highlight the project's commitment to environmental responsibility and technological advancement.

Efficient construction methods were employed to ensure both buildability and design excellence. Modular building components such as precast concrete panels, brick slip panels, and prefabricated metalwork minimised waste, reduced defects, and streamlined construction processes, promoting cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
The project's departure from traditional construction methods is evident in its use of precast building elements. Innovative techniques were applied to ensure consistency in the colour of precast panels, aligning with the project's vision and delivering the desired visual appearance.
Engineering innovation played a crucial role in realising the architect's vision, particularly in the construction of self-supporting brick arches exceeding typical spans. These engineering measures maintained structural integrity while expanding architectural possibilities, contributing to the project's excellence.

Design Challenge

Each building utilised a precast building envelope of precast panels and glass, which diverged from traditional construction methods. Ensuring panel colour consistency was crucial to the overall vision. Innovative techniques were applied to the precast mix, calculating volume of materials and ratios, ensuring consistent colouration across large quantities, over extended periods. This innovation ensured the aesthetic integrity.

An architectural element was the construction of self-supporting brick arches with a span of 4.3m, surpassing the typical 3m span. This was achieved through engineering innovations including self-supporting and hung bricks, enhancing the structural integrity, and architectural distinction.

The need to upgrade and divert the main stormwater culvert from beneath the site had significant impacts on activities and timelines. This required re-evaluation of the project's design and planning, leading to modifications in site layout, underground utilities, and staging of works, ensuring smooth coordination and minimal delays. With multiple buildings under-construction simultaneously, the project required advanced coordination of construction activities to ensure efficient resource-use and minimised conflicts among subcontractors.

The project faced economic and resource challenges, including escalating material costs and labour shortages. The team responded with flexible scheduling, budget re-evaluations, and strategic procurement, demonstrating resource management and resilience in maintaining project-timelines and quality-standards.

Sustainability

The design and construction of Mason & Main Stage One characterises a steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability from inception through to operation.

Innovative methods like employing modular building components such as precast concrete panels and prefabricated metalwork not only streamlined construction but also minimised waste and enhanced efficiency.

Measures like rooftop solar panels, EV charging stations, and dedicated car share vehicles highlighted the project's dedication to renewable energy and reduced carbon footprint.

The integration of passive design strategies ensured optimal energy efficiency, while the use of sustainable and recycled materials in construction demonstrated a proactive approach to minimising environmental impact.

The project's adherence to green building standards and its attainment of relevant certifications accentuated its environmental stewardship.