.jpg)
No images available.
< < Drag images > >
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
- The Commons raises the bar for environmental and social sustainability—Assemble Papers
- Better together: The Commons—Architecture AU
- The Commons: an uncommon community—Australian Design Review
Awards
- 2014RRR The Architects International Building of the Year—
- 2014Frederick Romberg Award for Residential Architecture—Multiple Housing
- 2014David Oppenheim Award for Sustainable Architecture—
- 2014Allan & Beth Coldicutt Award Sustainable Architecture—
- 2014Overend Award for Residential Architecture—Multiple Housing
- 2014BPN Sustainability Awards—Best of the Best
- 2014BPN Sustainability Awards—Multi-Density Residential
- 2014Victorian Premier’s Design Awards—Overall Winner
- 2014Intergrain Timber Vision Award—Commercial Exterior
- 2014Houses Award—Sustainability
- 2014Timber Design Awards—Timber Cladding
- 2014Interior Design Excellence Awards—Sustainability
- 2014Interior Design Excellence Awards—Multi-Residential
Specs & Team
Status
Completion
2013
Location
Brunswick, VIC
Apartment Mix
8 x 1 BR
16 x 2 BR
4 x Commercial
Community Housing
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.
No items found.
No items found.