When John Sage acquired the Aurora development site in October 1996, he faced an important choice: create a standard, uninspiring residential building, or craft something extraordinary—a development that would truly stand out in Melbourne’s property market.
Building a Dream
For residents of the Aurora, this development isn’t just a place to live—it’s a home, a sanctuary, and a reflection of personal lifestyle. It’s where people entertain friends, spend significant portions of their lives, and express who they are through the spaces they inhabit.
Purchasing the two sites that would become the Aurora was a bold move at the time. The residential market was still recovering from the slump caused by rising interest rates in the mid-1990s, and St Kilda Road was largely known as a commercial precinct. While many developers focused on cheap, cookie-cutter apartments, John wanted something exceptional—an apartment experience that matched the site’s prominence.
It was during this period that John met Nigel Fitton, one of Australia’s leading architectural designers. Together, they envisioned a building that would set a new benchmark for quality and livability: a striking, high-quality structure designed first and foremost to be a fantastic place to live.
One of the standout features of the Aurora is the design of its balconies. Unlike the typical protruding units that expose residents to harsh winds or an insecure feeling, Aurora’s balconies are integrated into the floor plates, offering usable outdoor spaces that enhance the apartment lifestyle.
The apartments are fully air-conditioned via a central plant system, avoiding the common—but less efficient—solution of individual balcony-mounted air conditioners. Every detail of the Aurora’s design, from layout to materials, was carefully considered to create a superior living environment.
Thoughtful Design, Exceptional Living
A key element in the Aurora’s success is its construction method. By employing an open engineered commercial structure—built around a central lift core with concrete columns and post-tensioned slab floors—John and Nigel were able to introduce larger, more flexible apartments, expansive living spaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize both light and the unique views each apartment enjoys. The design prioritizes a “vertical village” concept rather than a traditional, uniform apartment block.
Innovative Construction and Flexible Layouts
Many of the Aurora’s design decisions, while subtle, set it apart from conventional developments. For example, most apartment buildings at the 60-metre height limit along St Kilda Road have 20 storeys. Aurora has 19, but with higher-than-usual floor-to-ceiling heights, giving each apartment a sense of spaciousness, elegance, and enhanced liveability.
Every aspect of the Aurora Apartments, from its construction to its design and finishing, was conceived to create more than just a building—it is a premium living experience that reflects John Sage’s commitment to innovation, quality, and creating homes that stand the test of time.