The Commons

Designed by Breathe Architecture, The Commons was intended to be their first architect-funded project. However, due to the poor economic environment of 2007, the project was ultimately taken on by ethical developer Small Giants. The Commons has served as a prototype for many of the ideas inherent to the Nightingale model, from material reductionism to the social impacts of shared facilities. The Commons’ unique approach has gained widespread attention, sweeping national awards and creating the foundation for the Nightingale model and Nightingale Housing.

Media

Better Together: The Commons Architecture Australia
The Commons wins national award Sanctuary
The Commons – a benchmark in sustainable development Archipreneur
The Commons: Raise the Roof Assemble Papers
The Commons: An Uncommon Community Australian Design Review

Awards

2014 RRR The Architects International Building of the Year
2014 National AIA awards, Frederick Romberg award for Residential Architecture: Multiple Housing
2014 National AIA awards, David Oppenheim award for Sustainable Architecture
2014 Victorian AIA awards, Allan & Beth Coldicutt Award Sustainable Architecture
2014 Victorian AIA awards, Best Overend Award Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
2014 BPN Sustainability Awards, Best of the Best
2014 BPN Sustainability Awards, Multi-density Residential
2014 Victorian Premier’s Design Awards, Overall Winner
2014 Intergrain Timber Vision Award, Commercial Exterior
2014 Houses Award - Sustainability Award
2014 Timber Design Awards, Timber Cladding
2014 Interior Design Excellence Awards, Residential Multi
2014 Interior Design Excellence Awards, Sustainability

We are proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which The Commons stands. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.