K5 speaks with Jade Whittaker of Breathe Architecture, a sustainability and circularity expert and the lead on the INDE Influencer shortlisted project, Park Street.

Park Street, a 1970s brick property, remained with the original owners who managed the serviced apartments and maintained meticulous upkeep until their last day. The development transitioned from the family estate to Milieu, marking its first-ever sale and one of many firsts in the life of this project.

Milieu, a property developer renowned for high-end luxury new builds, pivoted with this project by hiring Breathe Architecture, trailblazers in sustainable architectural practice. Whittaker recalls, "[Milieu] came straight to Breathe because of our close relationship with the Brunswick neighbourhood and our sustainability position… we didn’t have to drive the vision; Milieu were on board from day one." This synergy was imperative to meet the tight timeframe of only one year from design to completion.

Another first was the renovation, retrofit, and renovate-to-rent model that the property developer was trialling. There was also a reduced budget (compared to new builds) of only $1.5 million to complete the upgrade of 17 apartments, which limited the options for increasing green initiatives. The ideal would be to create a fully sustainable building (creating it’s own renewable energy, increased insulation, etc), a process they deemed unsustainable with the restriction for this project.

Breathe managed to work around these constraints using ingenuity and their tried-and-tested strategy of retrospectively removing gas. The building was electrified and seamlessly integrated with the help of Goodbye Gas. Tenants will also be offered 100% GreenPower at a competitive rate from Momentum Energy, allowing the building to be carbon neutral in operation. A rooftop solar array, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, ceiling fans, induction cooktops, efficient appliances, and lighting were also installed.

The property, mostly in good shape, did receive some upgrades to improve privacy, landscaping, and social areas for the residents. "The whole carport at the back was turned into a big lawn and barbecue area, creating a space for everyone to gather. There are community garden-style beds all around for growing vegetables, and we also added a little dog wash out the back."

While a project has architectural significance on theory side, the overall project is very aesthetically pleasing. This project was very selective in what was removed, exploring options for upcycling, recycling, rejuvenation, and repurposing where possible. The two buildings are distinguishable with orange or green door signifiers. This sense of identity is carried through each of the fitouts with kitchen or wall detailing. The buildings were in “such good nick, it made it easy to restore to their original charm”, Whittaker explains. The project required “new carpet, the rooms were repainted, including bathroom, wardrobes and fittings were painted…replaced the toilets and shower heads to increase water efficiency.”

The overall result is a welcoming and location-appropriate development.
The strong relationship and trust between Milieu and Breathe is evident throughout the project. Park Street ultimately caters to the residents of Brunswick, honours the original owners, and tests a concept that could be expanded by this developer and others.

When Whittaker was asked what was special about this project, "Retrofit is a hot topic right now, and Park Street is a beautiful example of how it can be done quickly and easily. With the high housing demand and the abundance of six-storey walk-up apartments in Melbourne and across Australia, it’s a great example of how retrofitting can be scaled. I believe it could have a significant impact if people adopt a similar approach."

K5 is the proud sponsor of the INDE Influencer category in the 2024 programme. The shortlisted projects, such as Park St, embody our company ethos; create only when necessary and always consider the impacts on the future. Congratulations Breathe.

Park Street with Breathe

K5 speaks with Jade Whittaker of Breathe Architecture, a sustainability and circularity expert and the lead on the INDE Influencer shortlisted project, Park Street.