Nightingale Marrickville represents a groundbreaking collaboration between Fresh Hope Communities and Nightingale Housing, marking the first purpose-built affordable build-to-rent housing project for both organizations. This development, located just 150 meters from Marrickville train station, comprises 54 Teilhaus homes and two commercial tenancies on the ground floor. Offering affordable housing at 80% of the market rate, Nightingale Marrickville provides a well-rounded community-oriented living experience designed to maximize functionality within a small footprint.

The homes are space-efficient, maintaining functionality through smart joinery solutions and the inclusion of communal spaces that enhance the overall living experience. To complement the small-footprint residences, the project includes two communal areas on either end of the first level, each equipped with a large kitchen, dining area, and outdoor terrace. These spaces offer residents the opportunity to gather, prepare meals together, and access larger appliances that might not fit within their own homes. Additionally, communal laundries and drying areas are provided, further enhancing the utility of each residence while saving valuable space.

The building also features a shared garden terrace complete with a community vegetable garden, providing residents with access to green space and opportunities for urban gardening. The integration of two commercial spaces within the building underscores the project’s focus on community activation. One of these spaces will be a community gallery, offering a venue for local artists to exhibit their work, host knowledge exchanges, and run creative workshops for both residents and the broader community. The second commercial space will house a restaurant that plans to offer community cooking classes and various community-driven events.

Sustainability is at the heart of Nightingale Marrickville. The project utilizes eco-friendly materials such as Paperock in all kitchens, wardrobes, and vanities, and rubber flooring made from raw cocoa husks. The AFS wall system was employed in its original dimensions to minimize construction waste. The building is equipped with 36 rooftop solar panels, generating a minimum of 21kWp of electricity, which significantly enhances the building’s performance and contributes to its sustainable credentials.

Residents are encouraged to adopt sustainable transport options, with a large bike storage area provided to support cycling as a primary mode of transport. This development not only offers affordable, high-quality housing but also fosters a strong sense of community and environmental stewardship. Nightingale Marrickville sets a new standard for affordable housing by seamlessly blending sustainability, functionality, and community engagement in an urban setting.

Photography by Tom Roe