Hi all! How is it going? Nightingale Village is a unique housing development located in Brunswick, Victoria, that prioritizes sustainability, affordability, and community. Developed by Nightingale Housing, a not-for-profit organization, the village represents a new model of urban housing that challenges the traditional profit-driven real estate industry.
The Concept
The idea behind Nightingale Village is simple: to create affordable, environmentally sustainable housing that fosters a sense of community and social responsibility. This is achieved by partnering with like-minded architects, builders, and financiers who share the same vision.
The village comprises seven apartment buildings, each designed by a different architect, but all built to the same sustainability standards. The buildings are arranged around a central courtyard, which acts as a communal space for residents. The courtyard is planted with native vegetation, providing a green oasis in the heart of Brunswick.
Our latest post about Nightingale ParkLife Apartments gives more details about one of those developments located in Brunswick, Victoria.
Nightingale CRT and YRD, completed in 2022. Source: https://www.nightingalehousing.org/precinct/the-village
Nightingale ParkLife, completed in 2022. Source: https://www.nightingalehousing.org/precinct/the-village
Environmentally Sustainable Features
The apartments themselves are designed to be environmentally sustainable, with features such as double-glazed windows, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting. The buildings are also constructed using environmentally friendly materials and methods, such as cross-laminated timber and prefabrication. All of these features contribute to a significantly reduced carbon footprint, making Nightingale Village an example of sustainable urban living.
Social Sustainability
In addition to its environmental sustainability, Nightingale Village also prioritizes social sustainability. This is achieved by encouraging a sense of community among residents, who are selected based on their willingness to contribute to the community. For example, residents are required to participate in communal activities, such as gardening or cooking, and to attend regular meetings to discuss the running of the village. This fosters a sense of shared responsibility and ownership, which in turn strengthens the community.
The affordability of Nightingale Village is another key feature. The apartments are sold at cost, with no developer or real estate agent fees, which means that they are significantly cheaper than comparable apartments in the area. This is made possible by the not-for-profit model of Nightingale Housing, which reinvests any profits back into the organization, rather than paying dividends to shareholders.
The affordability of Nightingale Village is particularly important in the current housing market, where rising house prices and stagnant wages are making it increasingly difficult for young people to get on the property ladder. Nightingale Village provides an alternative model of housing, which prioritizes community and sustainability over profit, making it accessible to a wider range of people.
The Design
In addition to its social and environmental sustainability, Nightingale Village is also aesthetically pleasing. The buildings are designed by some of Melbourne’s most innovative architects, who have created a range of styles, from industrial chic to Scandinavian simplicity. The use of natural materials, such as timber and brick, and the incorporation of plants and greenery into the design, contribute to a sense of warmth and homeliness.
Overall, Nightingale Village represents a new model of urban housing that challenges the traditional profit-driven real estate industry. By prioritizing sustainability, affordability, and community, Nightingale Housing is demonstrating that there is an alternative to the status quo. Nightingale Village is a shining example of what can be achieved when like-minded people come together to create something truly innovative and inspiring.
Nightingale Skye House, completed in 2022. Source: https://www.nightingalehousing.org/precinct/the-village
Nightingale Leftfield, completed in 2022. Source: https://www.nightingalehousing.org/precinct/the-village
As Nightingale Village continues to thrive and grow, it is inspiring other like-minded developers and organizations to create similar projects around the world. The success of Nightingale Village shows that there is a real appetite for sustainable, affordable, and socially responsible housing, and that it is possible to create such housing without sacrificing design or quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nightingale Village is a truly inspiring example of what can be achieved when people come together to create something truly innovative and inspiring. It challenges the traditional model of urban housing, prioritizing sustainability, affordability, and community over profit. By doing so, Nightingale Housing is showing that there is a real appetite for this type of housing model in the market. ♦
