Six Degrees and Beulah lead the way for next era of sustainable homes and design
Brunswick Established, the latest project by Melbourne-based property developer Beulah and architects Six Degrees, has quickly established itself as one of the most groundbreaking concepts in property design with its commitment to the well-being of people and planet.
Set within one of Melbourne’s most desirable neighbourhoods, Brunswick Established is a limited collection of 23 sustainable heritage townhomes, and the first heritage townhome community for circular living in Brunswick.
Located at 23 Hodgson Street, the project represents Six Degrees's environmentally progressive and highly considered design process, drawing inspiration from the site’s history, while employing new design principles to place sustainability and wellbeing at the forefront.
Six Degrees Director Peter Malatt was initially drawn to the brickwork, not just for its practicality and tactility but its ability to convey the site’s rich history.
“The buildings are inspired by the work of Robin Boyd in the 1960s, using simple materials such as recycled brick, white painted brick and metal," Malatt said.
"We were also interested in London Mews, two-storey buildings which once housed carriages and horses and now form a lively community of housing. The decision to reuse the bricks and timber from the site is not only an aesthetic choice but has a deeper meaning, a resourcefulness that carries memory and the character of history.”
Up to 80 per cent of the original brick heritage building facade will remain, with the new townhomes designed to sit behind this existing facade. The design will also seek to reuse original timber from the warehouse ceiling to create bold features that tell a story.
Brunswick Established is also crafted to enable residents to live sustainably and responsibly once the project is complete - providing them with the opportunity to reuse, recycle and reduce waste and carbon emissions. Onsite solar panels will produce renewable energy, the homes are all electric and will have rainwater tanks for collection and reuse of water and productive food garden options.
Malatt said the team aims to create a best practice outcome for sustainability, with a target of 7-star average energy rating.
“We have an industry-wide responsibility to reduce energy and materials used in construction, which is one of the largest carbon users and contributors to landfill waste. It is essential to reduce, reuse and avoid the creation of waste as much as possible.”
In addition to being a site rich in heritage, Brunswick Established has also been designed to be ‘future-proofed’ and ‘multi-generational’.
Six Degrees Associate Architect Amy Hall said the approach is to celebrate the heritage qualities of the site to make sure they are protected into the future.
"The homes are built to last and are suitable for a range of different lifestyles and families via adaptable and flexible floorplans. There are a variety of options to turn parts of the homes into an office, a studio, a playroom, a gym and more."
Responsible for both the architecture and interior design, Six Degrees’ holistic approach enabled the team to ensure an intrinsic link between the design outcomes; a seamless, harmonious flow from the outside to within, continuing the reuse and recycling of materials, with natural timber finishes used to warm the interiors.
“There is an industrial robustness in our material choices such as a welcoming brick paved entry sitting alongside a keenness for mid-century craft in joinery elements with highlights of reeded glass and metal,” said Amy.
Select townhomes will feature the existing beautiful heritage sawtooth ceiling, creating an impressive entrance at approximately six metres high, with skylights providing a warm, sun-drenched space; each generously planned with attention to detail across design and functionality. Residents will experience improved health benefits via improved indoor air quality through natural materials, timber flooring, wool mix carpets, low VOC finishes, and recycled bricks, which also contribute to environmental benefits.
“Attention to detail and functionality is at the centre of the floorplan design," Hall added.
"Key considerations include ensuring open-plan layouts to facilitate effective cross ventilation, optimising access to natural light and nurturing ample connections to outdoor green spaces. These considerations were all aimed at supporting better well-being."
Inspired by traditional London Mews, Six Degrees sees this project becoming home to a vibrant authentic Brunswick community that provides strong social benefits for residents. The laneway will be a safe place for kids to play and for neighbours to interact, while courtyards and rooftops will allow for private rest and relaxation.
“The homes will be spacious, comfortable, low maintenance and cost-effective to run. Plus, residents will be close to beautiful parks and easily accessible public transport as well as cafes, bars and shops, all within walking distance. The history and theme of this site ultimately is adaptation, from a brickworks to a textile factory, to an importer of Mediterranean goods; Brunswick Established is the next layer of site history,” Hall said.
Adelene Teh, Beulah Executive Director, said Six Degrees has an innate ability to truly embrace each site and this is evident in their approach to Brunswick Established, having surveyed the neighbourhood, explored the history of the site and produced a distinct yet very naturally aligned addition to the streetscape.
