Experience the epitome of contemporary living in Northcote's heart at Bastings Community, Westgarth. Only 5km from Melbourne's CBD, this exclusive enclave redefines urban living with tranquil streets, city-bound transport access, and a genuine community spirit.

Elegant Interiors, Sustainable Living

Step into interiors blending contemporary design with timeless practicality. Two schemes, classic and premium, offer sophistication or earthy tones. Sustainability is paramount with responsibly sourced materials, porcelain stone benchtops, engineered timber flooring, and rooftop solar panels ensuring fossil fuel-free living. Customization options abound, allowing each residence to reflect its occupants' unique style.

Eco-Friendly and Stylish Living

Bastings Community, Westgarth, is fossil fuel-free with a remarkable 7.5 Star NatHERS rating. Rooftop solar panels power homes, emphasizing eco-friendly living in community spaces that celebrate individuality. Residents benefit from double lock-up garages, basement utility rooms, and up to 30 sqm of flexible space.

Immerse Yourself in Westgarth’s Charm

Indulge in nearby culinary delights, embrace local education, and enjoy seamless connectivity via public transport and arterial roads. Westgarth offers recreational options, from parks to fitness centers, catering to various lifestyles.

Architectural Brilliance and Sustainable Legacy

Lucent, a pioneer in sustainable housing, presents Bastings Community, Westgarth, with a Nightingale housing license and a legacy of nine fossil fuel-free projects. KUD architects ensure natural light saturates every corner, enhancing the joy of living. Six rooftop solar panels per townhome underscore energy efficiency.

Your Invitation to Sustainable Living

Join a community where sustainable living isn't a buzzword but a lifestyle. Explore the future of housing, where thoughtful design, environmental responsibility, and vibrant community living converge seamlessly.

Bastings Community, Westgarth - 88 Bastings Street, Northcote

<ul>
	<li>Sustainable and design and fossil fuel free living!</li>
	<li>Thoughtful and smart design for comfortable, low maintenance living.</li>
	<li>Spacious and light filled interiors.</li>
</ul>

Enjoy bayside Brighton living in one of the most sustainable apartments developments in Victoria! 
The collection of apartments&nbsp;have a 7.5 NatHERS rating, a healthy construction process and fossil-fuel free living making Slate House a home to be proud of.

Much more than apartments, this project embraces Brighton’s architectural heritage - beautiful tiled roofs, robust materials and lush gardens - yet takes away the inefficiencies, the sprawl and the high maintenance. 
Austin Maynard Architects has ensured that all materials used are natural and beautifully raw. Slate House combines timeless techniques with new technologies to create sophisticated and functional forever homes.

Interior spaces are filled with natural light and feature clean and effortless transitions between the indoor and outdoor spaces, creating harmony in the home and promoting functionality and wellbeing. 
Each residence is designed for tranquility and ease of use – Slate House homes offer a luxury lifestyle that celebrates ecologically sustainable design.

&nbsp;

<ul><li>Sustainable and design and fossil fuel free living!</li>
	<li>Thoughtful and smart design for comfortable, low maintenance living.</li>
	<li>Spacious and light filled interiors.</li>
</ul>Enjoy bayside Brighton living in one of the most sustainable apartments developments in Victoria! 
The collection of apartments have a 7.5 NatHERS rating, a healthy construction process and fossil-fuel free living making Slate House a home to be proud of.

Much more than apartments, this project embraces Brighton’s architectural heritage - beautiful tiled roofs, robust materials and lush gardens - yet takes away the inefficiencies, the sprawl and the high maintenance. 
Austin Maynard Architects has ensured that all materials used are natural and beautifully raw. Slate House combines timeless techniques with new technologies to create sophisticated and functional forever homes.

Interior spaces are filled with natural light and feature clean and effortless transitions between the indoor and outdoor spaces, creating harmony in the home and promoting functionality and wellbeing. 
Each residence is designed for tranquility and ease of use – Slate House homes offer a luxury lifestyle that celebrates ecologically sustainable design.

Slate House - 7 Bleazby Avenue, Brighton

<ul>
	<li>Dedication to green space and sustainability with a 7.5 star energy rating.</li>
	<li>Spacious residences designed with families in mind.</li>
	<li>Close proximity to Merri Creek and parklands.</li>
</ul>

Designed with the environment in mind and the notion that every resident deserves to live sustainably and comfortable, The Stewart Collective designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/clarkehopkinsclarke">Clarke Hopkins Clarke</a> brings new elements to living in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/brunswick-east-vic">Brunswick East</a>.

The design encompasses modern architecture whilst staying contextual to its surroundings. Vertical battens wrap around the facade to increase privacy for the residents and mimic the vast areas of tall gums along the Merri Creek Trail and the native vegetation of the CERES environmental park next door.

The Stewart Collective comprises of three distinct residential typologies. The two level lofts, three bedroom abodes and apartments are grouped together to form a neighbourhood within.

A unified building envelope shapes itself around the courtyard gardens to increase a sense of community and connection. The central gardens allow residents to grow food and enjoy the benefits of social connectivity with neighbours. A brushed brickwork base anchors the lower levels with a tenancy facing the street, adding something to the community at large.

The building is highly rated in environmentally sustainable design with a 7.5 star NatHERS rating and using non-toxic materials, energy efficient appliances, double glazed windows, glass and sliding doors and more! 
The rooftop garden makes positive use of valuable space with communal garden beds, pergola covered seating, shared BBQ with dining areas and landscaping.

The courtyard brings a luxury of green space for residents with a safe play area, food harvesting beds and space to relax in the sunlight.

A library unites residence in peace and quiet with a beautiful open space with light streaming through three storey walls of windows with levels connecting through permeable floors and Austin Maynard Architects&rsquo; signature mesh netting where you can curl up with your favourite read, suspended in space.

There&rsquo;s something so easy about apartment living when it&rsquo;s done right. A thoughtfully planned approach maximises on every aspect of the 1 and 2 bedroom floorplans so the feeling is spacious and calm.

The two level, loft apartments have a reverse-living layout with the kitchen, dining, powder room, lounge and balcony on the upper level overlooking the communal gardens.&nbsp;

At ground level the bedroom, a bathroom with built-in bathtub and a multipurpose home-office are generously sized to pioneer a new approach to single bedroom design.&nbsp;

Select 2 bedroom apartments are set across 2 levels with living zones and powder room at ground level and the private retreats on the upper level.&nbsp;

There are several 3 bedroom abodes for each floor of the building. Their design is adaptable and cleverly planned to grow with you. The private balconies can be up to 72m2 in size and often wrap around the residence adding even more room to an already generous living area.

The <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/austin-maynard-architects">Austin Maynard Architects</a> Interiors are thoughtful in the way they contribute to uncomplicated living. There&rsquo;s a clear purpose for every design element paired with a beautiful approach that makes you feel right at home.&nbsp;

The passive design techniques not only leave a lighter footprint, they lower bills and create a healthier living environment.

The Stewart Collective is backed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/lucent-capital">developers Lucent Capital.</a>

<ul><li>Dedication to green space and sustainability with a 7.5 star energy rating.</li>
	<li>Spacious residences designed with families in mind.</li>
	<li>Close proximity to Merri Creek and parklands.</li>
</ul>Designed with the environment in mind and the notion that every resident deserves to live sustainably and comfortable, The Stewart Collective designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/clarkehopkinsclarke">Clarke Hopkins Clarke</a> brings new elements to living in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/brunswick-east-vic">Brunswick East</a>.

The design encompasses modern architecture whilst staying contextual to its surroundings. Vertical battens wrap around the facade to increase privacy for the residents and mimic the vast areas of tall gums along the Merri Creek Trail and the native vegetation of the CERES environmental park next door.

The Stewart Collective comprises of three distinct residential typologies. The two level lofts, three bedroom abodes and apartments are grouped together to form a neighbourhood within.

A unified building envelope shapes itself around the courtyard gardens to increase a sense of community and connection. The central gardens allow residents to grow food and enjoy the benefits of social connectivity with neighbours. A brushed brickwork base anchors the lower levels with a tenancy facing the street, adding something to the community at large.

The building is highly rated in environmentally sustainable design with a 7.5 star NatHERS rating and using non-toxic materials, energy efficient appliances, double glazed windows, glass and sliding doors and more! 
The rooftop garden makes positive use of valuable space with communal garden beds, pergola covered seating, shared BBQ with dining areas and landscaping.

The courtyard brings a luxury of green space for residents with a safe play area, food harvesting beds and space to relax in the sunlight.

A library unites residence in peace and quiet with a beautiful open space with light streaming through three storey walls of windows with levels connecting through permeable floors and Austin Maynard Architects’ signature mesh netting where you can curl up with your favourite read, suspended in space.

There’s something so easy about apartment living when it’s done right. A thoughtfully planned approach maximises on every aspect of the 1 and 2 bedroom floorplans so the feeling is spacious and calm.

The two level, loft apartments have a reverse-living layout with the kitchen, dining, powder room, lounge and balcony on the upper level overlooking the communal gardens. 

At ground level the bedroom, a bathroom with built-in bathtub and a multipurpose home-office are generously sized to pioneer a new approach to single bedroom design. 

Select 2 bedroom apartments are set across 2 levels with living zones and powder room at ground level and the private retreats on the upper level. 

There are several 3 bedroom abodes for each floor of the building. Their design is adaptable and cleverly planned to grow with you. The private balconies can be up to 72m2 in size and often wrap around the residence adding even more room to an already generous living area.

The <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/austin-maynard-architects">Austin Maynard Architects</a> Interiors are thoughtful in the way they contribute to uncomplicated living. There’s a clear purpose for every design element paired with a beautiful approach that makes you feel right at home. 

The passive design techniques not only leave a lighter footprint, they lower bills and create a healthier living environment.

The Stewart Collective is backed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/lucent-capital">developers Lucent Capital.</a>

The Stewart Collective - 269 Stewart Street, Brunswick East

121 Chomley St Townhouses - 121 Chomley Street, Prahran

<ul>
	<li>Clarke Hopkins Clarke&#39;s brilliant vision and design approach.</li>
	<li>Dedication to green spaces, communal spaces and sustainability.</li>
	<li>Thoughtfully designed residences to maximise comfort and space.</li>
</ul>

Brunswick East welcomes the most sustainable housing project on the block with Lt.Miller and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/nightingale">Nightingale</a>&nbsp;by Breathe Architecture comprising of 77 residences across 6 floors in two buildings on Nicholson Street.

Collaboratively designed by the acclaimed <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/clarkehopkinsclarke">Clarke Hopkins Clarke</a>, Lt.Miller is special in that every aspect of the exterior and interior has been carefully thought out to the residents comfort and quality of life and aims for a positive environmental impact.

The boutique one, two and three bedroom apartments offer a <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/5-new-sustainable-apartment-developments-in-australia-2019">strong focus on sustainability</a> and quality space whilst also create a community feel amongst residents.

There will be no gas in the apartments, instead each kitchen will feature induction cooktops, which are 40% more efficient than typical ceramic cooktops and provides improved safety by reducing indoor pollutants and enables zero-emission cooking.

Electricity will be supplied via an embedded network which will use a variety of renewable energy sources to power all apartments as well as common areas, lowering prices overall and ensuring the supply of green power.

Lobbies and corridors will be naturally ventilated with large floor-to-ceiling windows and voids keeping hallways fresh and light filled. Cross ventilation and ceiling fans in bedrooms will keep these homes cool in the summer months, even while air conditioning is provided.

Plants on all levels will fill communal spaces with a 20,000 litre water talk collecting rainwater which will assist in irrigating the landscape providing a healthy and low maintenance living.

Each apartment is designed like a family home with intimate and personal spaces filled with warm and tactile materials. The living area and large island benches in the kitchen to create a range of settings for social and private moments. The greenery that spills across balconies and throughout the lobby area creating a constant connection with the leafy character of Brunswick East.

Recycled flooring, natural wool carpets, durable and biodegradable materials such as paint, energy efficient appliances by Fisher and Paykel, reconstituted natural timber veneer will be used for joinery and the integrity of natural brass will give you a home you can be proud of.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/brunswick-east-vic">Located in the leafy suburb of Brunswick East</a>, find yourself amongst an exciting and vibrant community full of quirky cafes, eclectic bars and restaurants, vintage and local clothing boutiques, fresh food markets and supermarkets and vast parkland spaces only 15 minutes from the CBD.

The development has&nbsp;a communal laundry and rooftop with organic gardens, open communal space to mingle with neighbours and share home-grown food all with panoramic views across the city.

<ul><li>Clarke Hopkins Clarke's brilliant vision and design approach.</li>
	<li>Dedication to green spaces, communal spaces and sustainability.</li>
	<li>Thoughtfully designed residences to maximise comfort and space.</li>
</ul>Brunswick East welcomes the most sustainable housing project on the block with Lt.Miller and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/nightingale">Nightingale</a> by Breathe Architecture comprising of 77 residences across 6 floors in two buildings on Nicholson Street.

Collaboratively designed by the acclaimed <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/clarkehopkinsclarke">Clarke Hopkins Clarke</a>, Lt.Miller is special in that every aspect of the exterior and interior has been carefully thought out to the residents comfort and quality of life and aims for a positive environmental impact.

The boutique one, two and three bedroom apartments offer a <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/5-new-sustainable-apartment-developments-in-australia-2019">strong focus on sustainability</a> and quality space whilst also create a community feel amongst residents.

There will be no gas in the apartments, instead each kitchen will feature induction cooktops, which are 40% more efficient than typical ceramic cooktops and provides improved safety by reducing indoor pollutants and enables zero-emission cooking.

Electricity will be supplied via an embedded network which will use a variety of renewable energy sources to power all apartments as well as common areas, lowering prices overall and ensuring the supply of green power.

Lobbies and corridors will be naturally ventilated with large floor-to-ceiling windows and voids keeping hallways fresh and light filled. Cross ventilation and ceiling fans in bedrooms will keep these homes cool in the summer months, even while air conditioning is provided.

Plants on all levels will fill communal spaces with a 20,000 litre water talk collecting rainwater which will assist in irrigating the landscape providing a healthy and low maintenance living.

Each apartment is designed like a family home with intimate and personal spaces filled with warm and tactile materials. The living area and large island benches in the kitchen to create a range of settings for social and private moments. The greenery that spills across balconies and throughout the lobby area creating a constant connection with the leafy character of Brunswick East.

Recycled flooring, natural wool carpets, durable and biodegradable materials such as paint, energy efficient appliances by Fisher and Paykel, reconstituted natural timber veneer will be used for joinery and the integrity of natural brass will give you a home you can be proud of.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/brunswick-east-vic">Located in the leafy suburb of Brunswick East</a>, find yourself amongst an exciting and vibrant community full of quirky cafes, eclectic bars and restaurants, vintage and local clothing boutiques, fresh food markets and supermarkets and vast parkland spaces only 15 minutes from the CBD.

The development has a communal laundry and rooftop with organic gardens, open communal space to mingle with neighbours and share home-grown food all with panoramic views across the city.

Lt. Miller & Nightingale - 55 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East

Melbourne's north east suburb of Northcote offers something for every buyer.

The <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/northcote-vic">inner-city suburb</a>, just seven kilometres from the heart of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a>, draws the young professional thanks to its lively bar and restaurant scene, as well as the young and established families, given the extensive schooling and village lifestyle.

Developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/lucent-capital">Lucent Capital</a> has created a product for the latter with their new Northcote townhouse development, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/bastings-community-westgarth-88-bastings-street-northcote">Bastings Community</a>.

Bastings Community comprises 48 architecturally designed townhouses by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/kavellaris-urban-design">Kavellaris Urban Design</a> (KUD). Billy Kavellaris has designed 47 individual floor plans, so no two townhouses are the same.

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The family buyer was considered from the outset of the development, when Lucent Capital was identifying the perfect location which would suit families.

The project sits on Bastings Street, one of Northcote's most charming and oldest residential streets.

Bastings Community, at 88 Bastings Street, is&nbsp;strategically positioned just behind Westgarth Primary School. It's just an eight-minute walk to Westgarth Kindergarten on Clarke Street, while higher educational institutions such as Fafield Primart School, St Anthony's Primary School, Northcote High School adnd Santa Maria College, are all within a two-kilometre radius.

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Families also love parks. They're the easiest day out for a family, and Bastings Community is set in the heart of a number of large parks.

Johnson Park is the closest, 450-metres from the project. That features a playground and large open grass spaces for sport and picnics.

Additional nearby parks and playgrounds include Derby Reserve Playground, McDonell Park, All Nations Park, Oldis Gardens, The Merri Creek Trail along Bill Lawry Oval, and The Westfield Reserve.

Lucent had&nbsp;Kavellaris also create a large centralised communal space within Bastings Community, to foster a sense of community among future residents.

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Mornings at Bastings Community can start with coffee and breakfast or lunch options from the family and pet-friendly Red Door Corner Stone, just a quick six-minute walk from the front door.

Later on the day, the century-old Fairfield Boathouse is a popular choice for lunch or dinner on the banks of the Yarra River and surrounded by native bushland.

Residents can savour their picnics on the lawn, barbecue in the public area, or enjoy the panoramic views from the top-floor verandah while taking advantage of the freshly made fare from the tea room, grill, and kitchen.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G4im_OEGP7s?si=zsXVRT77FgxueVKk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Easily recognisable with its imposing Victorian-era facade, the 1854 Peacock Inn at the corner of Bastings and High Streets stands as one of the area's grandest, oldest, and most renowned pubs.

The Peacock's front room is perfect for dinner with friends or a Sunday lunch with family, while the multi-screen sports lounge is the ideal spot to watch teams in action, challenge others at the pool, or indulge in arcade games.

Another local gem is the heritage-listed and oldest operating purpose-built cinema in Melbourne, The Westgarth, offering an alternative entertainment option to mainstream multiplexes.&nbsp;

Housed in an Art Deco building, it now features five cinemas and two bars open day and night for pre- or post-movie drinks and snacks.

Bastings Community offers a diverse selection of two, three, and four-bedroom plans, the majority spanning four interconnected levels. Each residence includes a private, lockable basement garage with up to 30 sqm of multipurpose space, while those in the fourth row enjoy sweeping city views.

The development is slated for completion in October 2025.

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The family buyer was considered from the outset of the development, when Lucent Capital was identifying the perfect location which would suit families

Urban Editorial

Why Northcote's Bastings Community offers the perfect inner-city family location

Developer Lucent Capital is bringing a fresh new to townhouse living in Northcote.

They've recently launched Bastings Community, a collection of less than 50 architecturally-designed townhouses by&nbsp;Kavellaris Urban Design (KUD) in the heart of one of the most family friendly precincts in Melbourne.

Immediately drawn to the architecture, we headed down to the onsite display suite&nbsp;of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/bastings-community-westgarth-88-bastings-street-northcote">Bastings Community at 88 Bastings Street</a>, where we also had a chance to speak to Lucent Capital Founder Panos Miltiadou and Billy&nbsp;Kavellaris from KUD to hear about the project in more detail.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G4im_OEGP7s?si=XvoGvmhW15C4eS-F" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

What we saw were developer and architect working in tandem with one another, passionate about the project they've been able to produce for their future residents.

Miltiadou says they're lucky to have Kavellaris on board, and that the product int he display suite represents exactly what they're trying to achieve.

Every detail has been considered at Bastings.

Often in townhouse developments there are a number of different directions which dictate. But at Bastings, every townhouse faces north.

"We didn't want to turn our townhouses in an east and west direction and avoid this opportunity to have sun through the course of the day" Miltiadou says.

"All of our private open space faces north. that's where you entertain, and that's where the largest private open space is for every home."

"From&nbsp;living we enter the dining then kitchen, so that sun is fully utilized through the majority of the day through the north sun aspect.

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Bastings Community is committed to achieving Operational Carbon Neutrality for at least a decade.&nbsp;Carbon neutrality means&nbsp;having a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere in carbon sinks.

KUD have ensured that Bastings is centred on creating a sustainable home and lifestyle for its future residents.

"Bastings Community is all about environmental sustainability. With a 7.5 NatHERs Rating and a carbon neutral footprint, our core focus was to ensure we have above best practice environmental sustainability credentials.

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"We wanted to ensure that the environment was at the forefront of every architectural decision and intervention."

Not only is Bastings Community creating an environmental and architectural statement, it is ideally located in the best pocket of Northcote.

It's within close proximity to a number of schools, the popular Johnson Park, and a few minutes walk to Dennis Train Station on the Hurstbridge line and the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/northcote-vic">Northcote</a> Train Station on the Mernda line.

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Joel Robinson

Inside Bastings Community: Urban's video tour of Northcote's newest off the plan townhouse development

Lucent Group has launched a new sustainable townhouse collection in Melbourne's inner-city suburb Northcote.

Lucent Group, led by Founder and Managing Director&nbsp;Panos Miltiadou, secured the 6,131 sqm site at 84-96 Bastings Street, located in the family-friendly Westgarth neighbourhood near Johnson Park, in 2021.

Since then they've been putting together plans for Bastings, just&nbsp;47 townhouses designed by Melbourne architecture firm Kavellaris Urban Design (KUD).

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134979 project_image_fid=231078]

The townhouses offer a mix of configurations, with two, three and four-bedrooms on offer across either two or three-levels.&nbsp;

Prices for the townhouses range&nbsp;from $1.38 million to $2.4 million.

Arranged in four rows on either side of a pedestrian boulevard off Bastings Street, one of the area's historic residential streets, all 47 townhomes are north-south aligned, with north-facing secluded private courtyards. Those along the fourth row also enjoy sweeping views of the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134979 project_image_fid=231064]

Bastings Community is committed to achieving Operational Carbon Neutrality for at least a decade.&nbsp;Carbon neutrality means&nbsp;having a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere in carbon sinks.

KUD have ensured that Bastings is centred on creating a sustainable home and lifestyle for its future residents.

Sustainably sourced, environmentally responsible materials predominate throughout the two distinct interior schemes.

Each townhouse is equipped with a private lockable basement garage that offers up to 30 sqm of multipurpose space, along with provisions for hydronic heating and individual electric vehicle chargers.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134979 project_image_fid=231075]

Maximised natural light access and cross-flow ventilation, as well as a minimum of six rooftop solar panels, are some of Bastings' key sustainable features.&nbsp;

Every other aspect of this sustainable design encourages connection, embraces individuality, and contributes in a meaningful way to its setting.

The development has a large centralised communal open space piazza to build a community amongst the residents.

Lucent's portfolio consists of mostly sold-out apartments across Melbourne. They've previously had success in Northcote's neighbouring Brunswick East, where they are currently construction the sold-out, 69-residence Stewart Collective.

Some of Lucent's other developments include boutique townhouse collections No. 121 Chomley Street in Prahran and the under-construction Slate House in Brighton.

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Bastings comprises just 47 townhouses designed by Melbourne architecture firm Kavellaris Urban Design (KUD).

Lucent Group launch Northcote townhouse community, Bastings Street

When completed last year, the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/brighton-vic">Brighton apartment development</a>&nbsp;Slate House&nbsp;became&nbsp;Brighton’s first fossil-fuel-free multi-residential apartment building.

Developer Lucent engaged Austin Maynard Architects to design the three-level development of just 14 apartments, with the project team, led by&nbsp;Andrew Maynard, Mark Austin, Mark Stranan,&nbsp;focusing on aesthetics, context and sustainability.

Panos Miltiadou, Managing Director of Lucent, said they chose Austin Maynard Architects due to their varying design.

"All the design concepts we saw in the early stages came back the same, except Austin Maynard Architects who came back with a pitched roof," Miltiadou said.

"Placed in the context of the street, and specifically the heritage home next door, it resonated with us. The monolithic look is popular in Brighton but we knew that market was very well looked after. What didn’t exist was an apartment complex that felt like an architecturally designed home."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21522 project_image_fid=79528]

Local downsizers have made up a majority of buyers in the 8.2 star, NatHERS rated building on Bleazby Avenue.

"It’s frequently assumed that sustainability comes with a certain roughshod aesthetic - exposed services, rough and raw finishes, but, as our project Garden House testifies, it can be wonderfully luxurious,"&nbsp;Miltiadou added.

"Slate House is a high-end residential apartment building with interiors that are suitably sophisticated and refined."

The affluent and distinctive Melbourne suburb, famous for its brightly-coloured bathing boxes, is home to mostly larger houses of either contemporary modern builds, Victorian villas or Edwardian homesteads. New apartment buildings typically take on a monolithic approach, with off-white concrete structures favoured in lieu of the heritage that has made the suburb what it is.&nbsp;

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The architects at Austin Maynard said in designing Slate House, the 'where' was paramount.&nbsp;

"Recognising and appreciating the suburb’s long-standing and prevailing character led to a building that sits quietly within its context; sensitive to the size and scale of houses in the area, and to its direct neighbour Kardinia House, a heritage protected home of historic significance," they said.&nbsp;

Slate House is one apartment building arranged into three seperate blocks, connected by common entry walkways.&nbsp;Situated on a T-shape block, allowing for two frontages, each of the buildings exhibit a different identity.&nbsp;

"The concept of dividing the larger form into three seperate elements ensure greater efficiency and resulted in light filled corridors with only three front doors on each level."

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"The main entrance on Bleazby Avenue is pedestrian, befitting of the quiet and leafy cul-de-sac. The Male Street frontage, a busier and wider vehicle thoroughfare, incorporates the entry to basement parking, but has the appearance of a much more private residence, relative in scale to the larger homes along the street."

The former Primitive Methodist Church (now converted into apartments), along with other churches and school buildings in the area (with similar pitched roofs) together with the Brighton beach boxes, were all important influences in the design of Slate House.

"We looked to architecture that spoke of scale, texture and character to inform the design. We aimed for the building to appear domestic, small and loveable. The intention was a synthesis of the prevailing heritage character and domestic context, to show there was an alternative to the overbearing and clinical modernist box."

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Achieving a NatHERS rating of 8.2 stars, Slate House is Brighton’s first fossil-fuel-free multi-residential apartment building

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Slate House: Architecture and sustainability in Brighton

<html><body>
Approval has been granted for Brighton’s first fossil fuel-free apartments, Slate House, which will consist of 14 residences, featuring two and three-bedroom homes across three levels.

Slate House is set to achieve a NatHERS rating of 7.8 by incorporating a fossil-fuel-free embedded network and utilising energy-efficient appliances, as well as running entirely carbon neutral in operation. 

The project will be delivered by Lucent, who are renowned for the sell-out success of Nightingale and Little Miller apartments in Brunswick East. When asked whether there was a strong buyer demand for NatHERS and Green Star rated homes, Lucent Managing Director, Panos Miltiadou explained that given the response from their previous projects, buyers today held both sustainability and community in high regard.

<blockquote>
“Good design transcends far beyond a project’s look and feel. Drawing on our past experience we know that socially and environmentally led design is at the forefront of purchaser’s minds, particularly owner-occupiers, and therefore we see Slate House as contributing to the shift in challenging the status quo of apartment design in Australia… When looking for socially conscious and environment-led design, buyers want to lower their carbon footprint, as well as live within a community. NaTHERS ratings are a way for buyers to understand the sustainability of a building, through its thermal performance, materials and energy use."
</blockquote>

Panos Miltiadou, Lucent Managing Director

Miltiadou also acknowledged the gap in the market for “rightsized homes” – essentially a compromise for those who aren’t looking for a mansion and are not ready to downsize.  

<blockquote>
"Slate House is “rightsizing” - allowing buyers to reduce their footprint without compromising on function - and is a strong trend in suburbs like Brighton, where people have lived and want to remain. People want to be closer to amenity, shops, public transport, restaurants and parks and for their home to be low maintenance, yet the right size to entertain and lock up while away on holidays. Given its large-format homes, Slate House is an opportunity for both young families and 'rightsizers'."
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
“While we are presenting something quite different for Brighton, the project aligns with our broader project portfolio and will be guided by the fundamental principles of sustainability, design merit, and transparency.”
</blockquote>

Panos Miltiadou, Lucent Managing Director

The development has been designed by the award-winning Austin Maynard Architects, and while renders are not yet available, we know that the apartments will incorporate the following materials and features:

FACADE*

<ul>
<li>Slate shingles</li>
	<li>Timber /Terracotta shingles</li>
	<li>Pod paver balconies</li>
	<li>Brick bagged</li>
	<li>Steel screens and hoods</li>
	<li>Glass sided stairs and common areas – clear</li>
	<li>Pitched roof with vaulted ceilings – not the Brighton wedding cake</li>
</ul>
INTERNAL*

<ul>
<li>Whitewashed timber panelling</li>
	<li>Timber flooring</li>
	<li>Terrazzo benchtops</li>
	<li>Integrated fridges and dishwashers</li>
	<li>Bluestone common areas</li>
	<li>Panel apartment entry doors</li>
	<li>Apartments with vaulted ceilings</li>
	<li>On grade car parking</li>
</ul>
KEY SUSTAINABILITY INVESTMENTS

<ul>
<li>Operates on a fossil-fuel-free embedded network</li>
	<li>High-efficiency appliances</li>
	<li>Rainwater harvesting</li>
	<li>100% carbon neutral in operation</li>
</ul>
*Materials subject to change.

Planning applications for Slate House were lodged in November last year, a month following the land acquisition, with construction and sales due to launch next month. Completion is currently slated for 2021.

Lead image credit: Lucent
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