The Wilam Ngarrang apartment building is doing something that feels remarkably fresh. The truly surprising thing about the project is the fact that it hasn’t happened sooner.
Located in Fitzroy, Wilam Ngarrang is a 70s apartment block, consisting of 15 apartments. Rather than tearing the building down, developers Tripple worked with architects Kennedy Nolan and environmental consultants Finding Infinity to transform the building into a space with a list of essential, sustainable features that would focus on minimising carbon emissions, zero waste during construction and net-positive energy. Upgrades such as making sure the building was thermally efficient and include double glazing and added insulation were priorities, while a 33kW solar array would provide power for centralised hot water, heating, cooling and electrical appliances. Even more than that, Wilam Ngarrang will generate more electricity that it uses (plus minimising water usage and reducing waste through onsite composting.)
Developers, Tripple, saw the opportunity and potential in the building as just one example of how Melbourne’s plethora of 60s and 70s apartment buildings can be transformed and retrofitted while appropriately responding to the environmental, sustainable and financial needs of tenants.
“This should mean that tenant bills should be incredibly low as the apartments are incredibly efficient,” says Jake Milgrom-Marabel of Tripple.
It has been estimated that through Kennedy Nolan’s clever design and Finding Infinity’s recommendations, renter’s bills will be reduced by 80%, not only highlighting the potential of all future redevelopment of existing small to medium apartment buildings, but the ability to offer smarter solutions to tenants that make life easier, like reducing the cost of living and minimising our environmental impact.
With Kennedy Nolan’s signature style and design aplomb, Wilam Ngarrang’s 30 square metre apartments demonstrate the potential of buildings such as this. It also highlights the greater intentions of developers like Tripple and consultants like Finding Infinity to set an example for other developers to be better and do more for tenants, the environment and our communities.
Wilam Ngarrang’s interiors feature Laminex Moroccan Clay in the kitchen alongside recycled Victorian Ash timber and bold use of warm colour and tones. It’s another way of proving what’s possible with existing buildings, that retrofitting and recycling offers an alternative to the construction of brand-new sustainable buildings.
In consultation with Elders of the Wurundjeri council, the name Wilam Ngarrang is a phrase in the Woiwurrung language meaning - appropriately enough - “Place of Thought”. Each rental is managed by the not-for-profit agency HomeGround, adding to the unique nature of this project. The success of the design, message and sensibility means that hopefully it doesn’t remain unique for long.
Learn more about this project and explore Kennedy Nolan’s portfolio in more detail here.
Credits:
Design: Kennedy Nolan
Environmental Consultants: Finding Infinity
Consultants: Elders of the Wurundjeri council
Photographer: Eve Wilson
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