Build less, give more. Nightingale 1 is the inaugural project of the Nightingale Model — a replicable, triple bottom line housing model with an overarching priority towards social, economic and environmental sustainability. The design strategy was to build more with less, adopting an honest material palette and placing emphasis on reduction. The project was about building a place that people wanted to live in. At its heart, Nightingale is all about people. Its architecture serves as a catalyst to unite a group with similar values and build community.

Nightingale is exceptional in its sustainability outcomes. It is the first residential building in the country to be connected under an embedded network that is 100% fossil fuel free. Nightingale is carbon neutral in its operation — no gas. We designed the building, the electrical reticulation, solar, the owner's corporation rules and the embedded network and metering systems so that every Nightingale resident receives 100% green power. Residents receive green power at wholesale rates — cheaper than everyone else in Australia is paying for black power.

The Nightingale Model emerged from collective dismay at the state of multi-residential developments in Australia. From the conviction that our cities and communities deserve considered, affordable, well-built homes a group of Melbourne architects banded together to try something better. Apartments are designed to encourage community drive values. Homes are built for people, not profit.

Awards

• National Architecture Awards 2018 Residential Architecture — Multiple Housing
• National Architecture Awards 2018 David Oppenheim Award for Sustainable Architecture
• VIC Architecture Awards 2018 Melbourne Prize 
• VIC Architecture Awards 2018 The Best Overend Award for Residential Architecture — Multi-Residential
• VIC Architecture Awards 2018 The Allan and Beth Coldicutt Award for Sustainable Architecture
• Premier’s Design Awards 2018 Best In Category — Architectural Design
• Good Design Awards 2018 Best In Class — Architectural Design, Residential & Commercial
• Houses Awards 2018 Sustainability Award
• IDEA Awards 2018 Sustainability
• Australian Interior Design Awards 2018 Residential Design (Commendation)
• INDE Awards 2018 The Multi-Residential Building’ Award
• Premier’s Sustainability Awards 2017 Built Environment
• Sustainable Building Awards 2017 Achievement of Merit — People’s Choice Awards
  

Photography by Peter Clarke - Tom Ross - Eve Wilson

We are proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which Nightingale 1 stands. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture.