Terrace House by Austin Maynard Architects
In Brunswick, an inner-city suburban pocket in Melbourne, a revolutionary structure reaches skyward, redefining urban living. Terrace House, a brainchild of Austin Maynard Architects, is a beautiful tribute to sustainable architecture and community-focussed design. This 100% fossil-fuel-free building not only challenges conventional housing norms but sets a new standard for environmentally conscious urban development.
Stepping into the role of both developer and architect, the team at Austin Maynard set out to deliver a multi-residential project that served both community and environment in the most equitable and cost-effective way. A tall order for most, this dream was brought to life through funding from the team, ethical investors, and past clients all eager to help house others within their community.
A vertical village rises
Amidst the cacophony of city life, Terrace House emerges as a sixstorey love letter to Brunswick’s heritage. Its façade, a harmonious blend of recycled brick and tubular steel arches, pays homage to the area’s industrial past while embracing a greener future. Twenty residences stacked like a carefully arranged bouquet offer a unique perspective on the urban landscape below. While its roots draw nourishment from Melbourne’s rich architectural soil, Terrace House looks firmly into the future. It reimagines the close-knit communities of yesteryear’s workers’ cottages, transplanting their essence into a modern, sustainable structure.
New terrace on the block
On a slender plot measuring 10 m by 57 m, Terrace House defies the constraints that typically plague inner-city apartments on such compact sites. Unlike conventional developments that often resort to inward-facing homes, saddlebacks, or compromised bedroom spaces, Terrace House offers a more innovative approach. It features studies that open to front verandas, inviting conversation and community engagement. Every square metre is a testament to thoughtful planning and sustainable living, challenging the outdated notion that bigger is better.
This project fills a crucial gap in the housing market, catering to families seeking ample living space while fostering shared resources and community encouraged by apartment living. It reimagines the terrace home typology known for its efficiency and elevates it to meet contemporary needs.
Writing a communal future
At its core, Terrace House is a showcase of urbanism at play, prioritising deliberative design over profit. By collaborating closely with residents throughout the design process, the team at Austin Maynard has built a sense of shared authorship. As the community blossoms, so does its commitment to environmental protection. This architectural marvel doesn’t merely aspire to touch the sky; it reaches for the stars — six of them, to be precise. With a prestigious 6-star Green Star rating, equivalent to LEED Platinum and BREEAM Outstanding classifications, Terrace House sits proudly among some of the world’s most sustainable buildings, setting a new benchmark for multi-residential developments in Australia. This commitment to sustainability is evident in low VOC materials and natural ventilation, energy efficiency through insulation and LED lighting, and incorporating a solar PV system.
The living façade
The metal mesh façade, designed to be embraced by climbing vegetation, is set to transform into a living, breathing entity. This green veil not only offers protection from the Australian sun but also provides residents with a lush outlook — a rare commodity in this concrete jungle. The roof, with expansive views of the city and distant hills, serves as a space for both individual and communal use. Private balconies all have planter boxes with a reservoir and wicking system, complemented by light screening plants. The landscaped areas are easily maintained, irrigated with harvested rainwater. By using simple materials, proven planting, and bold forms, the landscaping amplifies the building’s character.
As the sun sets over Melbourne, casting long shadows across the cityscape, Terrace House stands tall. It’s not just a building; it’s a blueprint for a greener, more connected urban future. Here, we find hope that our cities can evolve to meet the challenges of tomorrow while honouring the community spirit of yesterday.
This article is an extract from our August Issue. Read the full issue here.
