Development Victoria’s LUMA Sunshine North project has been recognised as a finalist in two prestigious awards, celebrating its design, sustainability and innovation.
Stage 1 of LUMA, delivered by SAW Constructions, has already transformed part of the former City West Water depot into a vibrant new neighbourhood with 86 energy-efficient homes, 3,600m² of open space and welcoming community areas. Once complete, the project will deliver around 300 townhouses, supported by a $200 million investment that has already created more than 1,700 jobs.
Recognised for design and sustainability
LUMA is a finalist in the 2025 UDIA Victoria Boutique (townhouse) Development Award, which celebrates excellence in townhouse design. Judges recently toured the community, noting its open, welcoming design and the project’s leadership in sustainable, medium-density living.
High-performance sustainability features - including solar PV, double glazing and heat-pump hot water systems - combined with modern architecture, native landscaping, 3,600m² of open space and welcoming public areas helped set LUMA apart.
Development Victoria Acting Executive General Manager of Housing, Nemesia Kennett, said the nomination is an important recognition of the project’s impact.
With Sunshine’s population expected to more than double over the next 30 years, LUMA is helping boost the supply of low-maintenance, energy-efficient homes at a range of price points - right where they’re needed most.
“This recognition highlights how the project balances housing choice with sustainability and open space - creating not just homes, but a community,” she said.
With Stage 2 construction now underway (85 homes) and planning for Stage 3 in progress, LUMA Sunshine North continues to set the standard for sustainable, medium-density living in Melbourne’s west.
Recognised for industry leadership
LUMA is also shortlisted in the Smart Building Industry Awards for Best Example of a Partnership Delivering Private Sector Housing at Scale Using Modern Methods of Construction.
This award recognises the collaboration between townhouse builder SAW Constructions and subcontractor Dynamic Steel Frames, who introduced precision-manufactured steel framing – a fully recyclable system that eliminates on-site waste.
The partnership shows how innovative construction methods, combined with high-performance design features, can elevate a project’s sustainability credentials.
Together, these award nominations highlight how LUMA Sunshine North is delivering more than just housing – it is setting a new standard for sustainable, community-focused living in Melbourne’s west.
Find out more about LUMA Sunshine North on the project page.
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View allUpdated on 07 September 2025