Located in Brunswick, Melbourne, the Victoria Street Collective stands as a testament to the evolving concept of urban living. Six years ago, a group of six families came together with a shared vision: to create a vibrant communal environment where architecture, design, and sustainability converged. The result is nothing short of revolutionary—a bold reimagining of innercity living that reflects the aspirations of its residents and the ethos of Zen Architects.

Presenting as an apricot stucco ensemble of two buildings, the Collective is an innovative take on communal urban living. Comprising a mix of ten two to four-bedroom, expansive and meticulously designed apartments ranging in size from 80m2 to 130m2, the project elevates the multi-residential experience by intertwining expansive, airy interiors—complete with soaring ceilings and thoughtful spatial layouts—with rich private and communal outdoor environments. Crafted with a staunch commitment to sustainability, each apartment leverages passive house principles to realise an average 8.5 NatHers rating. Flowing seamlessly into vibrant communal gardens, bustling with vegetable plots, seasonal fruit trees and fragrant herbs, each home coaxes residents outdoors to forge connections amidst greenery. The design celebrates the architecture of adjacent heritage buildings through a harmonious colour palette. It prioritises community through open-plan living spaces that foster togetherness while maintaining privacy. With an aesthetic that balances practicality with elegance—featuring locally sourced and natural materials like plywood cabinetry and cork flooring—the Victoria Street Collective emerges as a pioneering model for modern living, setting a new residential standard.

Zen Architects haven’t simply designed buildings; they’ve crafted a living narrative. The Collective is more than a feat of architecture; it’s an innovative solution to modern urban challenges, demonstrating that when community and creativity intertwine, remarkable possibilities emerge. The Victoria Street Collective isn’t just a place to live; it’s a vibrant ecosystem, a testament to what urban living can—and should—become.

Photography by Tom Ross