The design focuses on replacing hardstand with native canopy, productive gardens and generous communal space. Each terrace is north-facing for passive solar gain, constructed with low-embodied-carbon materials and designed to operate as all-electric, powered in part by rooftop solar PV. Private garages give way to 5 electric car share spaces, 2 visitor spaces, 1 accessible (DDA compliant) space, and 2 loading zone/drop off car parking spaces. Secure cargo-bike and e-bike parking is also provided, supporting active transport via the nearby Upfield Bike Path and Merlynston Station. Two dedicated recycling rooms and a precinct-wide waste strategy support a circular economy, while landscape rehabilitation improves biodiversity, mitigates urban-heat-island effects and fosters community connection.

Sheppard Street, Coburg North, Victoria

72 residences on a 10,085 m2 site

Architecture – BREATHE  

Affordable – Housing Urban XChange  

Arborist – The Project Arborist  

Heritage – Austral  

Planning – Hansen Partnership  

Landscape – MDG Landscape Architects  

Sustainability – Building Physics Australia  

Traffic – Ratio Consultants  

Waste – Ratio Consultants 

Project Management – iHi Projects 

Community Housing Provider – Women’s Property Initiatives (WPI)

This project has been assessed against the Elevating ESD Targets objectives and standards. It is considered to have met all the standards in the following categories. 

Net Zero Energy
The development will be fully electric, with no on-site fossil fuel use. A total of 343 kW of solar PV will be installed across the site—averaging 4.76 kW per dwelling—enabling the development to generate more electricity than it consumes on an annual basis. 

Thermal Performance
The project targets high thermal efficiency, with a minimum NatHERS rating of 7.1 Stars and an average rating of 7.8 Stars expected across all townhouses. Dwellings are orientated to maximise northern exposure, supporting passive solar heating and optimal solar PV performance. Additional design strategies such as appropriate wall-to-glazing ratios, effective shading, and efficient zoning and space containment further enhance thermal comfort and energy efficiency. 

Operational Efficiency
Each townhouse will be equipped with energy-efficient reverse cycle air conditioning and heat pump hot water systems. Shared heat pump clothes dryers will also be provided to reduce household energy demand and further improve the development’s overall operational energy performance. 

A key strategy is the adaptive reuse of elements from the existing foundry, preserving the site’s heritage and reducing the need for new materials. The design prioritises low-carbon, durable, and recyclable materials in line with the Nightingale ethos of responsible material selection. 

Material considerations include: 

• Use of prefabricated timber elements to reduce construction waste and embodied emissions 

• Selection of long-lasting materials appropriate for a variety of applications 

• Reuse of on-site materials wherever feasible 

• Sourcing of additional materials locally or from recycled content to support a sustainable, high-quality post-industrial aesthetic 

 These measures collectively support reduced embodied carbon and contribute to the project’s sustainability outcomes. 

The Nightingale Sheppard development prioritises sustainable transport through the provision of a mobility hub that includes 217 bicycle parking spaces in a range of sizes and configurations, averaging 3 bicycle spaces per dwelling.  

All parking is located at ground level to maximise accessibility and ease of use, and electric bicycle charging facilities are also provided. A dedicated bicycle repair station will support ongoing active transport use by residents. 

The development includes no private car parking. Instead, five electric vehicle (EV) car share spaces will be made available exclusively for residents, supporting a low-carbon, car-lite lifestyle. 

The project demonstrates a strong commitment to integrating greenery throughout the site, with minimal road infrastructure in favour of landscaped pedestrian pathways. Dense planting, a mix of canopy cover and undercover green spaces, and limited hardscape surfaces support a high-quality connection to nature. The site achieves a permeability rate of 38.3%, and a preliminary Green Factor Tool Scorecard indicates a strong score of 0.78. 

An arborist report has also been undertaken to maximise tree retention across the site, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on preserving and enhancing urban vegetation. 

The project has strong response to climate resilience. The landscaping has adapted a bio sensitive urban design (BSUD) strategy, where ecological decisions have been made to improve resilience, create habitats and promote biodiversity. This will ensure that the development adapts to changing climate conditions and other environmental changes. 

The hardscapes of the development are of a high SRI (>0.40), combined with significant landscaping, and light coloured roof materials, the development greatly reduces its impact on the urban heat island effect (UHIE). 

A centralised Waste and Recycling Hub has been designed into the project to service the development, enabling source separation of organics, recyclables, soft plastics, textiles, e-waste, and residual waste. Waste will be managed via a private collection service, with dedicated 3m³ storage pods for each waste stream and adequate access for collection vehicles. A sorting station and signage will support residents in adopting good waste management practices.