104/9 Florence Street, Brunswick

Situated in the Award Winning 'The Commons', the first in a generation of sustainable apartments and prototype for Nightingale Housing, this 24-apartment development by Breathe Architecture is in one of the country's most sustainable buildings. The ground-breaking development boasts a NatHERS (Nationwide Housing Energy Rating Scheme) rating of 7.5 stars and utilises rainwater harvesting that is used in irrigation. This south-east facing, two bedroom apartment is arguably one of the best in the block with its views to Bulleke-bek Park and Nightingale Architectural Village, the perfect urban Common. Featuring the only extended terrace in the block, high exposed concrete ceilings, two double bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling BIRs, the master bedroom with a private courtyard, recycled wooden flooring throughout, a bathroom with polished plasterboard with bespoke concrete flooring, a seamless shower, and a window for natural light and airflow. A nook behind the front door is ideal for storage. The hallway is ideal as gallery space or for future bespoke cabinetry. The long kitchen with generous storage, bespoke low emission cabinetry, one Fisher and Paykel dish draw, and a Smeg 700 freestanding oven and concrete benchtops have generous storage and feature a hidden bookshelf. Crossflow ventilation abounds creating a cooling breeze with the opening of a south facing, famous Binq double-glazed sliding door and second-bedroom window opening to the north. In addition, ceiling fans in the living room and bedrooms create the perfect, temperate climate. The oversized terrace with abundant foliage, room for the largest dining table and outdoor lounge setting creates a private inner-city oasis. The ideal alfresco setting for entertaining, pets and/or children's play area. Security is key with an intercom to the apartment and secure entry to expansive bike storage and storage cage area. Sustainable housing is great for the environment but also the hip pocket nerve with long term reduced energy costs with an embedded green electricity network. The passive design does not require air-conditioning hence reducing electricity bills and highly efficient shared hydronic heating and hot water systems reduce power bills. Other features include the super-fast internet service embedded in The Commons, meaning usage is 'uncontested' and is shared only with the occupants of the building; access to car-sharing; and public transport with the train and tram a short walk away, which lessens the need for a private car space. The breathtaking communal two-part rooftop garden with 360-degree views provides a strong sense of community where residents meet to tend the north facing community vegetable garden and harvest produce for their own use, not to mention The Commons' own beehive! The communal laundry with Fisher and Paykel washing machines and eco-friendly detergents is also included and creates a friendly meeting place, and also features ample natural solar for clothes drying. The south city view side includes a community dining table and multiple seating areas. With Crazy Lover and Cult of the Vine both featured In Broadsheet, the Brunswick Market also in Florence Street and Sydney Road cafes, restaurants and shopping moments away, as well as the 19 Tram to the Medical and University Precinct, this property combines sustainable living with the ideal urban village.