SYDNEY, April 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Developer Iwan Sunito of Crown Group understands the world has changed since the onset of COVID-19, but the pandemic’s far-reaching impacts has only strengthened his commitment to innovative urban development, albeit now with a greater purpose more than ever before. With numerous projects located in city centres currently in development, Sunito feels very bullish on the market and anticipates strong demand for smartly built units in urban city centres given the lack of supply.
Crown Group Chairman & Group CEO Iwan Sunito
“Cities are very special places to be – they embody the best of humankind and showcase such vibrant energy,” Sunito said. “I’m confident that the strong demand for residential and hospitality offerings in cities will not change due to the pandemic, but perhaps the qualities and amenities that we place at the top of our list for selecting shelter may be slightly adjusted.”
His stance on his commitment to developing smartly designed urban development includes the following key points.
Humans are social
Sunito is focused on developing unique projects in city centres, as he sees the benefits far outweigh the temporary circumstances brought on by the pandemic. To Sunito, the fact remains that humans are social and nothing beats the face to face interaction with getting together with someone. Cities will remain important centres for work and residential developments as the workforce needs to be accessible for in-person gatherings. With 100% remote work, teams lose the discipline of the workday rhythm. When it is safe, people will need to gather in teams for better interaction and creativity, which cannot be replaced with virtual work.
Location, Location, Location
City centres have distinct advantages. Many of Crown Group buyers are students and they need access to universities, many of which are located in city centres. This also applies to access to healthcare, with the best care centres located in metro areas.
Location still matters as cities are full of life! Far flung locales are more desolate and do not have the same energy, which draws people in. Demand for projects in cities will remain.
Urban Living is Ecologically and Economically More Sustainable
It is ecologically more sustainable as well as economically more sustainable to build density in urban areas. By focusing on building within population centres, planners can utilize existing infrastructure without the need to reinvest in outlining areas. Development in urban areas creates more walkable cities, thus diminishing the ecological footprint further as the population does not need to relay on vehicles as much.
Focus on Design – Healthy Buildings
Given the new realities of society from the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic, Sunito fundamentally believes that in order for urban development to be successful, buildings need to better address the mental and physical needs of its occupants. These needs are both aesthetically important with design and in promoting good health.
Sunito has focused on design principals from Japanese and Scandinavian architecture in his recent development projects, such as Mastery by Crown Group by world-renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, in collaboration with Koichi Takada Architects, as these disciplines incorporate a sense of perfection and a commitment to the natural world. In Japanese architecture, the goal is to blend in with nature, and to create harmony. Simplicity is paramount, with de-cluttering an important point.
Crown Group developments are built on the foundation that inspiring projects grounded in nature will make occupants happier and healthier. The impact of nature on our mental state is documented and incorporating key natural elements such as greenery, inspiring views, and the sounds of water add to an overall sense of relaxation and happiness for buyers.
Hotels in Prime Location Still a Draw
Sunito is confident in the hospitality market in city centres as well. With vaccine campaigns underway, domestic and international travel will only continue to grow. Sunito’s SKYE Hotel Suites is ideally positioned for this moment – providing luxury hotel suites situated within Crown Group’s award-winning, high-end residential developments, offering the atmosphere of a resort, the convenience, comfort and private space of an apartment, and the intuitive amenities of a hotel. Sunito is confident that travellers will still be drawn to intriguing urban destinations, such as Sydney, and unique spaces that offer aspects of social distancing will do especially well as the world recovers.
“The pandemic and resulting shelter in place orders have underscored the importance of design and creating a space that is uplifting and inspiring,” Sunito continued. “I’m committed to creating projects that offer resort-style living and a deep connection to nature more than ever before.”
About Crown Group
Crown Group Holdings (Crown Group) is a leading Australian property group specialising in property development, property investment and serviced apartments. The company was co-founded by architect Mr. Iwan Sunito and engineer Mr. Paul Sathio with its first project in 1996.
Crown Group has successfully completed major developments in Sydney’s premier locations including Bondi, Bondi Junction, Parramatta, Ashfield, Epping, Homebush, Newington, Pennant Hills and Rhodes and most recently the 25-storey Arc by Crown Group in Sydney CBD and 2017 Property Council of Australia’s Annual Property Congress’ one of the World’s Best Projects Infinity by Crown Group in Green Square.
Today, Crown Group boasts a portfolio of six major projects under development and in the pipeline. It is currently developing three major projects in the Sydney area: the $500 million five tower precinct Mastery by Crown Group in Waterloo being developed with Mitsubishi Estate Asia; Waterfall by Crown Group in Waterloo; and Eastlakes Live by Crown Group the most exciting new address in the Eastern Suburbs.
Awards
Crown Group has been awarded more than 31 high-profile industry awards including 2020 HIA Apartment Complex, 2019 Master Builders Association (MBA) NSW Excellence in Construction Awards Best Use of Steel, Best Use of Brick and Best Mixed-Use Development; 2019 Architecture MasterPrize in Mixed Use; 2019 Architizer A+Awards Jury Vote and Popular Choice Awards; 2019 HIA–CSR Australian Housing Awards Best Apartment Complex; 2019 MBA Best Commercial Pool and Best Commercial Spa; 2019 Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW Awards for Excellence in High-Density Development; 2018 Property Guru Best Condo Development and 2015 International Property Awards Best Residential Development Australia, for Arc by Crown Group; 2019 Urban Developer Awards Excellence in Marketing for Mastery by Crown Group; 2019 UDIA NSW Awards for Excellence commendations for Arc and Mastery by Crown Gro
up; 2019 International Property Awards Winner Development Marketing Australia for Eastlakes Live by Crown Group; 2018 UDIA NSW Best Mixed-Use Development and 2016 International Property Awards Best Residential High Rise Architecture Australia for V by Crown Group Parramatta; 2017 Property Council of Australia’s Annual Property Congress’ one of the World’s Best Projects for Infinity by Crown Group; 2017 Master Builders Association NSW Excellence in Construction Awards for Skye by Crown Group; 2015 MBA NSW Excellence in Construction Awards for Viking by Crown Group Waterloo and 2014 UDIA NSW President’s award – considered one of the highest property development accolades in Australia – for the seven-tower, resort-style development Top Ryde City Living.