Nightingale Preston by Breathe

Nightingale’s latest conception of socially, financially and environmentally sustainable housing in northern Melbourne is a study in considered regeneration, equity and durable design.

Part of the Preston Crossing precinct led by MAB in collaboration with Nightingale, the seven-storey building is immediately intriguing with its pared-back brickwork and fluted concrete facade. Beyond the facade though, Nightingale Preston is far from a simple exercise. Breathe conceived a building in three parts to pay homage to Preston’s residential, industrial and pre-colonial past.

Breathe conceived a building in three parts to pay homage to Preston’s residential, industrial and pre-colonial past.

Surrounded by lush landscaping by TCL, carbon-neutral brickwork nods to Preston’s residential heritage, while the concrete facade and saw-tooth roofline nod to the suburb’s industrial leanings. A central spine with leafy greenery allows for ventilation and subtly incorporates native planting.

On one side sits the Teilhaus terrace houses, a row of one- and two-bedroom terrace apartments. With reduced embodied carbon and costs in mind, each dwelling also welcomes a sense of community and connection into the locale – verandahs face the street and a fold in the fences forms a stoop to perch and chat to neighbours.

Built to withstand a 100-year life cycle, Nightingale Preston is a powerful indication of the current tenets of good design.

Interiors are dominated by a raw, robust and restrained palette. Plasterboard and fibre cement sheet walls are complemented by exposed concrete ceilings and cork flooring. Pink brick and timber joinery and detailing imbue warmth, while pops of colour add a sense of playfulness.

Built to withstand a 100-year life cycle, Nightingale Preston is a powerful indication of the current tenets of good design – building towards a fairer and more efficient future – invaluable tools to help ease the housing and climate crisis.

Architecture and interior design by Breathe. Build by Balmain & Co. Landscape design by TCL. Development by MAB in partnership with Nightingale Housing.