News

We’re happy to announce that Nightingale Preston won The Best Overend Award for Residential Architecture — Multiple Housing at the 2025 Victorian Architecture Awards.

Jury Citation:

“Nightingale Preston sets an elevated benchmark for apartment living, prioritising the fundamentals while establishing a lively neighbourhood — both within and to its surrounds. Positioned on a challenging corner site bounded by an elevated train line and tram depot, its robust precast façade addresses this context. The building quickly softens on approach, revealing considered details in the balconies, drainage, metalwork and brickwork. The north-facing ground floor café opens onto a pocket park, providing the ingredients for success. Street frontages are enlivened by ‘Teilhaus’ micro terraces, designed for means-tested first home buyers. These inventive, affordable homes take advantage of a taller ground level and offer layered facades that successfully balance privacy and passive surveillance. The lobby is breezy and welcoming and each floor has light, fresh air and orientating views.

True to the Nightingale model, sustainability is embedded in every design choice, from major services to joinery details. Finishes are deliberately pared back but are warmed up by timber, brick, colour, and hand-painted signage. Residents’ personal expression is evident throughout, with niches in the corridor plan leaving space for an expanded sense of ownership. Shared spaces — workshops, laundry areas, and gardens — are not just amenities but integral parts of daily life. Even a trip to the bin room feels thoughtfully integrated into the overall experience.”

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