In Victoria's urban heart, Nightingale Housing is reimagining 'home' for the future.
Following the completion of the inaugural Nightingale 1 project in Brunswick, in 2017, Skye House –sustainable, community-centric living, has been disrupting conventional residential models ever since.
Drawing inspiration from Ricardo Bofill’s The Factory, the striking community-minded apartment complex features repeated arches along its Duckett Street façade, a nod to the area’s eclectic Mediterranean houses, while also giving greenery soft shapes to cling to, enhancing the verdant urban vibe.
While the Nightingale’s sustainable ethos is what first attracted them to enter the ballot for an apartment, residents Dana Thomson and Sacha Karsten, who share an apartment with their cavoodle puppy Strudel, say it is the community aspect of the development that makes them proud to call it home.
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Skye House is utilises natural elements to enhance its style appeal.
"There are a few features that set the Nightingale apart from other typical apartment buildings," Dana says of the shared spaces such as the rooftop veggie patches, communal bathhouse and bookable entertaining area, which encourage interaction and collaboration among residents.
“We're really lucky we've got a dog park, we've got a shared laundry and washing line,” she says.
“The focus on communal spaces assists us to reduce our footprint.”
Developed by a collaborative team of Melbourne-based architects, Skye House is not just an apartment building; it's a manifesto for the future of urban living, prioritising amenity and liveability over increased space and urban sprawl.
Communal laundry facilities help reduce residents energy footprint.
“I think it's something that we should challenge,” Dana says.
“Why do we need these massive houses?”
With its focus on reducing carbon footprint, enhancing community bonds, and promoting economic sustainability, Skye House, like the Nightingale projects that came before it, presents a compelling blueprint for homes of tomorrow.
And its eco-credentials are unparalleled.
Skye House is powered by Australia’s first 100% fossil-fuel-free residential GreenPower network and features a 23kW solar system and 8.1 stars NatHERS rating.
"There are some solar panels on the roof, which helps the communal areas,” Sacha explains.
“It’s very well insulated with the way it's been designed – it can be like 10 degrees outside and it will be cosy 20 degrees in here. And we haven't had to put any heating on.”
“That really reduces our bills as well,” adds Dana.
Every inch of space in Skye House is used to optimum ability, making it as effective as can be.
The economically-designed and space-efficient apartments feature recycled timber hardwood flooring throughout while the kitchens feature stainless steal, which Sacha explains is recycled more efficiently.
Every detail of the apartment has been carefully considered, from smart storage solutions to energy-efficient heat pump hot water systems and ceiling fans help to promote air flow.
“We get some lovely views of the suburbs in the West Brunswick direction, especially in the afternoon when the sun hits it,” Sacha says. “It’s gorgeous.”
But Nightingale's vision extends beyond environmental concerns.
At its core, it's about fostering a sense of community and belonging.
"It was important to find a house that has a community aspect, because I think at the end of the day, it's the people that you live closest to that you're going to see the most,” Dana says.
Economic sustainability is another cornerstone of the Nightingale model.
The orientation of Sky House means balconies are draped in natural light.
By capping profits, removing marketing expenses, and implementing a resale covenant, Nightingale ensures that its homes remain affordable and accessible.
“I think apartment living is the future,” Dana says.
“It's so important that apartments address some of the issues that we're seeing in society today.”
Nightingale's deliberate location strategy, placing properties close to public transport and amenities, reflects a forward-thinking approach to urban planning.
"A lot of our family members say, ‘When are you going to buy a house?’ ‘When are you going to move out to the suburbs?’ We have no intention of doing that,” Dana says.
“I really see the value of more apartments that are like this one that we're living in.”