404/6 Florence Street, Brunswick, Vic 3056

Situated in the Award Winning Nightingale 1 sustainable 20 apartment development by Breathe Architecture this approximately 88.5 sqm two bedroom apartment may be in one of the country's most sustainable buildings. The groundbreaking development boasts a NatHERS (Nationwide Housing Energy Rating Scheme) rating of 8.2 stars, is 100 percent fossil fuel free, and utilises rainwater harvesting that is used in irrigation and common-area toilets.

The fossil fuel-free building operations and features such as recycled timber, mid-steel light fittings, and solar roof panels. The latter powering common areas and also feeding electricity back into the grid.

This north facing apartment features high exposed concrete ceilings, two double bedrooms with floor to ceiling BIRs, recycled wooden flooring throughout, recycled wood bathroom vanity with bespoke concrete sink, and shower with bluestone tiling. 

Even the toilet bowl has a new flush-and-flow technology resulting in a bowl eliminating the build-up of germs and bacteria and is easier to clean compared to traditional toilets.

The 4.4 metre long kitchen with generous storage, bespoke low emission cabinetry, a double door pantry with automatic lighting, two Fisher and Paykel dish draws and an induction cooktop, and the electric oven is family sized.

Crossflow ventilation abounds creating a cooling breeze with the opening of south facing double glazed bedroom windows combined with ceiling fans throughout and the famous Binq double glazed picture window and double glazed sliding doors opening to the north.

The north facing balcony with abundant foliage creates a private inner-city oasis with mounted bench for the electric BBQ is the ideal alfresco setting for entertaining.

Sustainable housing is great for the environment but also the hip pocket nerve with long term reduced energy costs with an embedded green electricity network with no gas bills means our current owners only spend approximately $62 per calendar month on electricity bills.

The passive design does not require air-conditioning hence reducing heating power bills and the highly efficient heat pumps which power shared hydronic heating and hot water systems reduce power bills. Also the airtight building fabric and energy recovery ventilation systems pre-temper incoming air, thereby reducing heating and cooling loads.

Other savings are super-fast, commercial internet connections shared by the whole building for a lower individual cost, access to car-sharing and public transport with the train and tram a short walk away which lessens the need for a private car space.

The breathtaking community two part rooftop garden with 360 views provides a strong sense of community where residents meet monthly to nurture the north facing community vegetable garden and harvest vegetables for their own use. The communal laundry with Fisher and Paykel washing machines and eco-friendly detergents is also included and creates a friendly meeting place. The south city view side includes a large community dining table, with an induction cooktop which is rare. The rooftop is a grassed garden with two sandpits for children or grandchildren.

With cafes below both featured In Broadsheet, the Brunswick Market also in Florence Street and Sydney Road Cafes, restaurants and shopping moments away, as well as the 19 Tram to the Medical and University Precinct this property, combines sustainable living with the ideal urban village.

Awards
2018 David Oppenheim Award for Sustainable Architecture
2018 The National Award for Residential Architecture Multiple Housing
2018 Victoria AIA Melbourne Prize (Joint Winner)
2018 Overend Award for Residential Architecture Multiple Housing
2018 Allan and Beth Coldicutt Award For Sustainable Architecture
2018 INDE Awards (The Multi-Residential Building)
2018 IDEA Awards (Sustainability Award)
2018 Good Design Award for Commercial and Residential Architecture
2018 Houses Awards (Sustainability Award)
2018 Premiers Design Award for Architectural Design
2017 Premiers Sustainability Awards (Built Environment)