Nightingale opens first rental development in Sydney

An innovative social housing project has been opened in Sydney's Marrickville by the New South Wales housing minister Rose Jackson.

Designed by SJB and Dangar Barin Smith, Nightingale Marrickville is a unique partnership between Fresh Hope Communities, an arm of the churches of Christ in NSW and ACT, and not-for-profit housing provider Nightingale Housing.

The project utilises church-owned land to provide 54 small-footprint apartments to eligible residents at 80 percent of the market rate for rent. The project is Nightingale Housing's first rental development.

The studio apartments, which range between 22 and 31 square metres, are designed in a "Teilhaus"-style, or German for "part of house." They are complemented by a range of shared spaces, such as a large kitchen, dining area, laundry and a garden terrace, aimed at fostering community, as well as two commercial spaces on ground floor earmarked for a hospitality venue and a gallery.

"We can all agree that we're living in a housing crisis. The potential for quality, intelligent and community-centred design to address it has been under-appreciated for far too long. Nightingale Marrickville is an example of how mid-rise developments can be a potential solution, by providing high density, comfortable, affordable, and beautiful homes for the community," said SJB director, Adam Haddow.

Residents of Nightingale Marrickville were chosen through a ballot system, and were subject to income caps of $97,000 for individuals and $126,125 for couples and $145,500 for single-parent families. In addition, First Nations people, single women over 55, and people living with disabilities were given to the ballot. In all, 177 people applied and successful residents began moving in early April.

The development is also fossil fuel free and car free, thanks to its close proximity to Marrickville railway station. It also uses a range of sustainable materials that reduce waste, including kitchen surfaces and robes that are made from a recycled paper product, flooring made from raw cocoa husks and natural binder, and a wall system made from proprietary materials set out using original dimensions avoid construction waste.

"It's been great to team up with Fresh Hope Communities on a shared vision to address the pressing need for affordable housing in Sydney's Inner West. We hope this is the first of many projects like it," said Nightingale Housing CEO Dan McKenna.

The proponents hope that the project would inspire other church and charity organisations, that own land, to initiate similar projects. "This project embodies our collective vision of creating affordable communities that lower barriers so that people doing it tough can find 'home' and a sense of belonging," said Fresh Hope Communities CEO Dan Dwyer.