Sekisui House Australia has officially commenced construction at Waterstone, a premium residential development in St Leonards on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, marking a significant milestone for the company’s expansion in one of the city’s most sought-after growth regions.
The turning of the sod ceremony held in late October 2025 celebrated the beginning of this major project, which has already secured sales exceeding $52 million, capturing widespread attention for its innovative design and construction approach.
The Waterstone development will deliver 207 apartments across five boutique buildings ranging between four and nine storeys.
These residences include a diverse mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as exclusive penthouses, with one selling for over $6 million, a record rate for Sekisui House Australia.
The project is distinguished by its integration of sustainable design features, including a double-glazed façade system for enhanced energy efficiency, rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure — underscoring a forward-thinking approach to construction and environmental responsibility.
Peter Valleau, Project Director of Apartment & Mixed-Use Developments at Sekisui House Australia, highlighted the significance of the milestone: “The sod turning represents an important milestone for both Sekisui House Australia and the Waterstone project.
“After purchasing the site in 2024, commencing construction confirms the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality residential projects in Sydney.”
He further emphasised the strategic choice of location: “The Lower North Shore is one of Sydney’s most coveted growth areas, offering a high level of amenity, exceptional transport links and proximity to nature.”
The architectural and construction philosophy behind Waterstone centres on Sekisui House’s signature Japanese design ethos — Satoyama — which seeks harmony between people and nature.
Valleau expressed this vision clearly: “Waterstone has been designed to embrace both the natural and human environment.
“A ribbon of green runs through the centre of the site, connecting residents to communal amenities and the broader network of parks and pedestrian links in the surrounding community.”
The development benefits from collaborations with esteemed design firms such as Koichi Takada Architects and TURNER Studio, with landscaping led by ASPECT Studios to create a north-south green spine that integrates the site with surrounding parks, trails, and natural reserves.
Approximately 28 to 30 per cent of the site is dedicated to open and communal green spaces, offering residents a seamless connection to nature while enjoying urban convenience.
Construction of Waterstone began in mid-2025 and is scheduled for completion by late 2027, promising a high standard of craftsmanship and quality build.
The project’s thoughtful design incorporates tactile interior materials, including soft-tone stone benchtops, fluted glass cabinetry, and timber joinery, designed to create comfortable yet refined living spaces tailored for families, downsizers, and professionals alike.
Sekisui House Australia’s launch of Waterstone represents a notable advancement in sustainable residential construction that blends architectural innovation with environmental sensitivity and community connectivity — a benchmark for future developments in Sydney’s competitive property landscape.