Nightingale: The Future of Sustainable Community Apartment Living
Leftfield is Kennedy Nolan’s first project under the Nightingale Housing model for triple bottom line developments – focusing on doing more with less, sustainability and identifying fundamental parts of the community-centred building.
Words: Hande Renshaw I Photography: Tom Ross I Project type: Multi Residential I Project Team: Patrick Kennedy, Rachel Nolan, Michael Macleod, Victoria Reeves and Elizabeth Campbell
Nightingale Housing, a model for triple bottom line developments, has emerged as a shining example of environmentally, socially, and financially sustainable housing. Lead by visionary architects, the transformative approach to development has paved the way for a new era of medium density housing.
The inaugural project by Kennedy Nolan under the Nightingale model is Leftfield, one of six individually-designed neighbouring buildings located in The Village in Brunswick, Melbourne. The venture has not only demonstrated the potential of the Nightingale model but has also showcased the architectural prowess of Kennedy Nolan, who took on the dual roles of architect and developer.
The crux of the Nightingale philosophy lies in its unwavering commitment to the triple bottom line. From an environmental standpoint, the Nightingale model goes beyond mere compliance with sustainability guidelines but to conserve resources, implement energy-efficient design, and prioritise green spaces that foster a harmonious relationship with the natural world. By incorporating innovative practices like rainwater harvesting and renewable energy sources, Nightingale developments set a new standard for ecological responsibility.
Leftfield consists of 28 apartments, ranging from the compact 34 sqm ‘teilhaus’ studios, up to generous 80 sqm 2-bedroom residences. The building is an exemplar in sustainable design (including a 7.5 star NatHERS thermal rating, 100% fossil fuel free in operation, zero private car parking and access to a shared basement with 15 car share vehicles). 20% of the apartments have been voluntarily pre-allocated to an affordable housing provider and sensitive placement of tenants in ‘blind’ fashion has resulted in a cohesive, functional community which is mutually supportive - this is amplified by the mixture of ages and family types.
‘Essentially, the Nightingale principle is to do more with less and for us this meant identifying fundamental parts of the building and thinking about ways to manipulate or deploy them to make our Nightingale feel domestic, warm, textural and particular,’ says Kennedy Nolan.
Social sustainability is also at the heart of the model. With a focus on fostering community connections, the developments prioritise amenities and spaces that encourage interaction and promote a shared sense of purpose. Through thoughtful design, Nightingale projects offer residents opportunities for social engagement and meaningful connections, be it through communal gardens, shared spaces, or local initiatives.
Financial sustainability, often seen as an afterthought in traditional development models, is a fundamental pillar of Nightingale. The model aims to create attainable and affordable housing options while maximizing value for both residents and developers. By streamlining the construction process, cutting unnecessary costs, and removing speculative investment motives, the developments are able to strike a balance between affordability and quality.
Embracing this holistic approach, Kennedy Nolan’s commitment to the Nightingale model extends beyond design, possessing the vision to deliver sustainable and socially conscious developments from inception to completion.
Through its commitment to environmental, social, and financial sustainability, Nightingale has transformed the landscape of urban living and emerged as a pioneering model for triple bottom line developments, revolutionising the concept of medium density housing. As the Nightingale movement continues to grow, it promises a brighter, more sustainable future for urban communities around the world.