Breathe has created a hub to draw residents back to the centre of a regional city west of Melbourne, with social, economic and environmental sustainability at the forefront.

The 100% fossil fuel-free project in Ballarat includes 27 apartments and community spaces, and was designed to address the challenges of urban sprawl and climate change.

Where planning and zoning changes over the years have seen residents move to the city’s edges, now Ballarat aims to draw them back to revive the centre and restore vibrancy.

The design is a celebration of the city's 1800s boom-era architecture, recalled in a stunning arched recycled red brick facade. Downstairs, the building has a cafe, deep-root planting, and lush open courtyard, while the residential space above sees 20% of apartments allocated to Housing Choices Australia to provide safe, secure housing to those most in need. The entire building is stepless with flush transitions throughout, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all.

This project has been longlisted in the housing project category of Dezeen Awards 2022.

Architect: Breathe

Project: Nightingale Ballarat