We’re conscious that the construction industry is one of the largest contributors to waste in Australia, Park Street sparks a conversation of what sustainability within the industry can look like. Through preservation, Park Street will deter volumes of waste from landfill. Beyond preservation, Park Street will inject an abundance of greenery through ground-floor landscaping and create a strong community of like-minded people. Park Street is all-electric with new efficient heating and cooling, lighting and a centralised heat pump hot water system.

We’ve been afforded a unique opportunity to retain the existing dual aspect walk-up apartments which provide ample natural light and ventilation. Drawing upon Breathe's extensive experience in designing spaces for people and place, new kitchens speak to the history of the building but with a contemporary and considered perspective on modern life coupled with new flooring and lighting throughout.

A landscape response designed in collaboration with Acre, sees lush greenery replace the existing concrete site, positively contributing to the quality of life and well-being of residents through improving air quality, providing a cooling microclimate and enabling a sense of connection with nature and the community. This notion is expressed through communal outdoor areas and BBQ entertainment space, pet friendly design, shared laundries and open walkways designed to foster community.

Together with long term collaborators Breathe and Inner North Carpentry, we were able to explore new ideas and take risks that traditional projects are rarely afforded. The team problem solved collectively through the construction process to embrace and celebrate the building’s quirks.

Local photographer Ben Moynihan presents a black-and-white film study that explores the ubiquitous mid-century apartment blocks synonymous with the rich character of Brunswick. As many buildings fall into disrepair, preservation is how Brunswick will stay beautiful and retain its varied and dense character.

Taking an experience focussed approach, this project has been designed in partnership with Australia's most awarded sustainable architecture firm Breathe, and esteemed landscape architects Acre. Long term collaborators Inner North Carpentry managed the retrofit construction and Goodbye Gas were central in transitioning Park Street to a cleaner environment for future residents. The result is a project small in scale, but big in ideas, with a team who have worked collaboratively and inquisitively to give a new lease on an old housing model.

All apartments at Park Street have now been leased.