Three diverse organisations with different approaches to construction have just been announced as finalists in the annual Premier’s Sustainability Awards’ Built Environment category.

Nightingale Housing creates housing systems change by supporting, promoting and advocating the Nightingale model – an innovative housing development model that enables like-minded architects to develop design-led multi-residential housing that is environmentally, financially and socially sustainable.

Home to 20 apartments, Nightingale 1 by Breathe Architecture in Melbourne’s Brunswick is the first Australian project to use the Nightingale model and is due for completion later this year.

The second category finalist is Booran Reserve – an unused and inaccessible 1.6Ha old reservoir, built in 1883 and decommissioned in the late 1970’s, until it was transformed into a vibrant and sustainable recreational space, retaining the theme of ‘water’ in many of the new park features. 

Solar power offsets day time running of an underground water play plantroom, irrigation plant room, two toilet blocks and CCTV. A stormwater harvesting system enables 500KL of water to be stored underground and run through treatment facilities for use in irrigation and toilet flushing.

Third finalist, The Cape at Cape Paterson is a scaled community of energy positive homes that are warm in winter and cool in summer, reduce energy bills and set a benchmark for sustainable living. All homes achieve a minimum 7.5 star energy rating, include a 2.5 kW solar PV system, 10,000l of rainwater storage and have provision for charging long range electric vehicles.

The winner of the Built Environment award will be announced amongst the 10 award categories at the Premier’s Sustainability Awards ceremony on 26 October in Melbourne.

To see all finalists go to the awards website at www.sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au