This Sustainable Apartment Development Has a Build Less Give More Approach

In 2014, Breathe Architecture aimed to address Melbourne’s broken housing system by creating socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable apartments. The first Nightingale apartment building was constructed in Brunswick, featuring a design that considered the area’s industrial aesthetic. The building embraced reductionism, eliminating features like ceilings and dedicated laundries to reduce materials and embodied energy. Sustainability was a priority, with the apartments being carbon-neutral, eliminating gas, and incorporating solar panels for energy generation. The project aimed to revolutionize communal living and tackle the climate and housing crises. After five years, Nightingale 1 has made a significant impact, leading to increased demand for sustainable and affordable housing. Website article with photographs and the floor plan; Watch more home tours;