Davison Collaborative townhouses by Archier and Hip V. Hype

These three townhouses in Brunswick, Victoria were designed under a model known as Collaborative Development, where the owners of each townhouse pool resources and any professional experience in architecture, sustainability and project management. The aim is to create better quality, more sustainable and more financially accessible homes in inner urban locations which are increasingly forcing people out of the market.

The project was designed by architects Archier and developed by hipvhype, and it targeted a minimum NatHERS rating of 8 stars using fossil fuel free 100% electric green power, which further helps lower the cost of living.

I love how they’ve used the gorgeous recycled bricks as both pattern and texture and coupled with the timber windows and doors, the building feels warm and inviting.

Sustainability specs:
– Each residence has a dual north-south aspect to promote cross ventilation and solar penetration
– Automated block out blinds to all north and west facing windows with cross ventilation and ceiling fans used for cooling
– Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) construction system was used. These are prefabricated and quick to install
– Tilt and turn double glazed windows were used
– 100% electric home
– Solar panels with sonnon battery storage
– Electric heat pumps for hot water and hydronic heating
– Locally sourced, natural materials were used, including recycled bricks and native hard wood timber cladding and veneer

The site’s position in a transition zone between an old industrial area and a residential neighbourhood meant we could explore elements of both in our design, so the roofline presents a residential gable to the street and an industrial sawtooth profile to the laneway. Recycled red bricks, concrete lintels and natural timber also nod to both the brick warehouses and the heritage homes that sit side-by-side in Brunswick. Being on the corner of the lane allowed us to build right to the edge of the site, with the front door to each townhouse opening directly onto the laneway. In keeping with the street setback, the front yard is maintained as a shared space – only fitting for a project with collaboration at its heart!