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The Commons

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Designed by Breathe, The Commons has served as a prototype for many of the ideas inherent to the Nightingale model, from material reductionism to the social impacts of shared facilities. The Commons’ unique approach gained widespread attention, sweeping national awards and creating the foundation for the Nightingale model and eventually Nightingale Housing.

The design strategy for The Commons was to build more with less, emphasising space and height, light and air. From the vibrant and open street frontage, to the green wall established on the northern facade, to the raw and recycled materials used in the apartment interiors, The Commons is designed for maximum sustainability and comfort over a long lifetime.

We are proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which The Commons stands. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.

Design features

  • Average 7.5 stars NatHERS rating
  • Low embodied energy materials
  • Rainwater collected for common area use and commercial tenancy toilets
  • Hydronic panel heaters
  • Energy efficient heat pump hot water system
  • 5kW photovoltaic array
  • Shared rooftop with veggie patches and communal laundry
  • Ample secure bicycle parking, close to public transport and car share options, no private car spaces

Media & press

Awards

  • 2014
    RRR The Architects International Building of the Year
  • 2014
    Frederick Romberg Award for Residential Architecture
    Multiple Housing
  • 2014
    David Oppenheim Award for Sustainable Architecture
  • 2014
    Allan & Beth Coldicutt Award Sustainable Architecture
  • 2014
    Overend Award for Residential Architecture
    Multiple Housing
  • 2014
    BPN Sustainability Awards
    Best of the Best
  • 2014
    BPN Sustainability Awards
    Multi-Density Residential
  • 2014
    Victorian Premier’s Design Awards
    Overall Winner
  • 2014
    Intergrain Timber Vision Award
    Commercial Exterior
  • 2014
    Houses Award
    Sustainability
  • 2014
    Timber Design Awards
    Timber Cladding
  • 2014
    Interior Design Excellence Awards
    Sustainability
  • 2014
    Interior Design Excellence Awards
    Multi-Residential

Specs & Team

Status
Completion
2013
Location
Brunswick, VIC
Part of Precinct
Apartment Mix

8 x 1 BR
16 x 2 BR
4 x Commercial

Community Housing

Architects
Breathe

Builder
Kubic Constructions

Development Manager
Small Giants

Photography
Tom Ross

Meet a resident

It’s been really helpful to be in a space that’s already set up with green waste bins, worm farms, and bees. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do in kitchens but it’s hard to start it from scratch. Having systems already in place that we can fit in with is great and we can improve as we go.
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