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Location
Brunswick, VIC
Builder
Inner North Carpentry
Collaborators
Milieu Property, Acre, Perimeter Landscaping, Goodbye Gas
Photographer
Tom Ross
Created in response to the shortage of rental housing in Melbourne, Milieu’s Park Street project introduces an innovative approach to urban development by repurposing ageing structures to meet modern renters' needs. Seeing the potential in an under-utilised building in Brunswick, Milieu purchased a walk-up mid century apartment block, converting it using a ‘renovate to rent’ model. This model showcases the potential of these older buildings by preserving and restoring their classic appeal. A light touch approach to the renovation not only honours its heritage but at the same time diverts tonnes of construction waste from landfill and supports a circular economy by discouraging excess production and consumption.
With our ‘build less, give more’ philosophy, Milieu engaged us to design the interiors and the sustainability features. Our focus was on a light-touch renovation to preserve its essence while achieving two key objectives.
Firstly, all gas was removed, the building was electrified with modern sustainability in mind. A rooftop solar array, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, ceiling fans, induction cooktops, efficient appliances and lighting were seamlessly integrated with the help of Goodbye Gas. Tenants will also be offered 100% GreenPower at a competitive rate from Momentum Energy allowing the building to be carbon neutral in operation.
Secondly, the once stagnant concrete spaces, originally reserved for cars, were transformed into green outdoor areas designed for communal gatherings. The rejuvenated grounds now boast a large outdoor dining space with electric BBQs, a secure bike enclosure, welcoming apartment entry seating, clotheslines, vegetable gardens, and sprawling lawns amidst native planting.
At the core of this undertaking was the aspiration to create a sense of belonging within the reimagined dwelling. Internally, we embraced the building’s original charm, highlighting its timeless details. A joyful palette of colours animates the building and materials such as Laminex, cork, mosaic tiles, and walnut-stained timber lend a touch of nostalgia, bridging the gap between past and present.
One notable advantage of the renovate-to-rent model is its swifter delivery to the rental market. Park Street’s transformation was completed in just four months, a fraction of the time a new construction project might take, providing much needed housing as early as possible.
Within walking distance of public transport, parks and shops, Park Street stands as a testament to the significance of thoughtful development that’s good for people and good for the planet, demonstrating that an existing building can be carbon neutral in operation and breathe life into a new community.
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which Park Street stands. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture.
Created in response to the shortage of rental housing in Melbourne, Milieu’s Park Street project introduces an innovative approach to urban development by repurposing ageing structures to meet modern renters' needs. Seeing the potential in an under-utilised building in Brunswick, Milieu purchased a walk-up mid century apartment block, converting it using a ‘renovate to rent’ model. This model showcases the potential of these older buildings by preserving and restoring their classic appeal. A light touch approach to the renovation not only honours its heritage but at the same time diverts tonnes of construction waste from landfill and supports a circular economy by discouraging excess production and consumption.
With our ‘build less, give more’ philosophy, Milieu engaged us to design the interiors and the sustainability features. Our focus was on a light-touch renovation to preserve its essence while achieving two key objectives.
Firstly, all gas was removed, the building was electrified with modern sustainability in mind. A rooftop solar array, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, ceiling fans, induction cooktops, efficient appliances and lighting were seamlessly integrated with the help of Goodbye Gas. Tenants will also be offered 100% GreenPower at a competitive rate from Momentum Energy allowing the building to be carbon neutral in operation.
Secondly, the once stagnant concrete spaces, originally reserved for cars, were transformed into green outdoor areas designed for communal gatherings. The rejuvenated grounds now boast a large outdoor dining space with electric BBQs, a secure bike enclosure, welcoming apartment entry seating, clotheslines, vegetable gardens, and sprawling lawns amidst native planting.
At the core of this undertaking was the aspiration to create a sense of belonging within the reimagined dwelling. Internally, we embraced the building’s original charm, highlighting its timeless details. A joyful palette of colours animates the building and materials such as Laminex, cork, mosaic tiles, and walnut-stained timber lend a touch of nostalgia, bridging the gap between past and present.
One notable advantage of the renovate-to-rent model is its swifter delivery to the rental market. Park Street’s transformation was completed in just four months, a fraction of the time a new construction project might take, providing much needed housing as early as possible.
Within walking distance of public transport, parks and shops, Park Street stands as a testament to the significance of thoughtful development that’s good for people and good for the planet, demonstrating that an existing building can be carbon neutral in operation and breathe life into a new community.
Location
Brunswick, VIC
Builder
Inner North Carpentry
Collaborators
Milieu Property, Acre, Perimeter Landscaping, Goodbye Gas
Photographer
Tom Ross
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which Park Street stands. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture.
Always was, always will be Aboriginal land. Breathe acknowledges the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which Breathe stands. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.
