First Heritage Townhome Community to Embrace Circular Living

Brunswick Established, a project by leading Melbourne property developer Beulah, will become the first heritage townhome community in the inner north to explore circularity at a grand scale.

Located at 17-23 Hodgson Street behind a beautiful heritage facade, Brunswick Established will comprise 23 two-storey townhomes designed by leaders in social and sustainable architecture, Six Degrees.

A circular economy involves limiting/stopping waste by keeping products and materials in circulation via reuse, refurbishment, recycling and composting. This includes how we manage resources, how we make and use products and what we do with the material afterwards. 

By taking a circular ecosystem approach, residents of Brunswick Established will reap the benefits both financially, socially and environmentally; homes will be more energy efficient, therefore lowering energy costs and utility bills, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Residents will be able to grow their produce and partake in communal composting to aid in the regeneration of nature.

Brunswick Established will be gas and fossil-fuel-free and will include a renewable energy system including solar panels and rainwater harvesting, as well as energy-efficient lighting systems and appliances, and EV Charging. Residents will also have access to an edible garden and composting facilities to assist in the continual growth of produce. 

Throughout the demolition and construction period, the project will seek to reduce its carbon footprint and reduce construction waste: a target of 80 per cent of the waste generated will be recycled and repurposed throughout the development; bricks from the original heritage building on site - home to one of the earliest clothing factories in Brunswick from the 1920s - will be recycled and used for paving, while salvaged timber will be repurposed into pergolas. Additionally, all power consumed during the construction period will be via renewable sources.

Beulah Executive Director Adelene Teh said the vision for Brunswick Established is to create something special for the suburb of Brunswick. 

“Brunswick is an incredibly green suburb and is home to some of the city’s most forward-thinking design projects. Through Brunswick Established, we’re exploring circularity on a scale not yet seen in this suburb, setting a benchmark for future townhome living.

“This is particularly difficult when a heritage component is involved but by working with the right consultants, we have ensured we have gone beyond the take-make-waste model. Instead, we have actively looked at ways we can eliminate waste while designing homes that are restorative and regenerative as a means of creating positive society-wide benefits,” she said.

The development will also feature verdant common spaces inspired by traditional London Mews design, including a private laneway, landscaped courtyards and rooftop terraces. Residents will have the choice of two, three or four-bedroom townhomes.

In celebration, Beulah will be hosting an engaging neighbourhood fair to raise awareness, specifically in the realms of design and sustainable living. The educational community event will be held on March 16, in partnership with Six Degrees Architects and Cirque du Soil, as well as leading eco-conscious brands including Great Dane, Greenspace, Thank You and Great Wrap. Through thoughtful conversations, interactive workshops and pop-up stalls, the event will explore circular living and the future of sustainability.

To find out more about this upcoming project please visit brunswick-est.com.au.