The interview: Sydney Ma of Top Spring Australia on the luxury new launch project Ode

The term ‘luxury’ is thrown around with remarkable ease, in ironic contradiction with the difficulty, typically, of producing a luxury product. The stunning new launch project Ode, in Sydney’s Double Bay, is a case in point.

“We always look to work with top-tier partners in terms of design teams and delivery, at an international standard,” says Sydney Ma, managing director at developer Top Spring Australia, which lately launched Ode. “But it always comes down to the attention to detail – from the layouts and conceptualisation, to the community-building and facilities, all the way through to the joinery.”

It’s an approach that shows up at Ode not only in the exquisite marble in the kitchen and bathrooms, but in the thoughtful, crafted inclusions – such as the stunning travertine-clad fireplace in the sub penthouses and penthouses.

The Sydney-based developer brings insights from one of the world’s premier real estate markets to prime locations on the city fringe. “Everywhere we develop, we want to make sure we’re bringing something above the current standard of that market,” says Ma. “We want to stand out.”

For The Newlands in St Leonards, that consisted of lush, designer condos in a low-rise development with city-skyline views. “We chose to use natural stone as standard, which is very rare for this area,” says Ma, “As well as kitchen appliances by V-Zug that come with a 10-year warranty.”

For Ode, it implied another level of finish and inclusions – achieved in partnership with award-winning architect Luigi Rosselli and design by Alwill Interiors. And their vision is, to some extent, just the beginning. “We’re always happy to have a conversation with purchasers to understand their individual needs, and look to provide bespoke customisation,” says Ma.

It’s not only about the residences themselves but also the shared amenities and the culture of the development. “We put as much effort into building the community and the communal spaces, as we do into designing the individual apartments,” says Ma.

So does he have any reservations launching projects at the top of the market amidst the current instability?

Apparently, not in the least: “Last year, despite the adjustment in the market, we saw property prices trending up in the luxury space, which indicates the strength of the Sydney market,” says Ma. “And for us, we launched two projects in the midst of this adjustment, and achieved record prices.” Indeed, one of the Ode penthouses sold for $24m at a price per square metre of almost $100,000. “So yes, I do have a very positive outlook.”

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