The Northcote Townhouses are built on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation.
Victoria
Reimagining medium-density living, The Northcote Townhouses transform an underutilised inner-suburban site into three sanctuary-like homes that respond sensitively to their established streetscape while offering unexpected scale and amenity.
Three couples—neighbours, friends and industry peers—formed a consortium to redevelop the site into family homes that carefully balance light, privacy and connection. Their collaborative approach made inner-suburban development both viable and enriching, with each member contributing specialist expertise.
Located between Northcote’s bustling High Street and the Mernda train line, with a heritage-listed Greek Orthodox monastery beyond, the generous site originally contained a single Italian brick veneer home. Recognising the opportunity to increase density without compromising amenity, the team undertook a detailed feasibility study to challenge the conventional townhouse model.
Painted recycled brick bases and weatherboard-clad upper levels give the homes a restrained, unassuming presence, allowing the development to integrate seamlessly with the rhythm, scale and character of the surrounding street.
Commendation For Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
Northcote Townhouses presents an intelligent response to the contemporary challenges of housing affordability and home ownership. Conceived and realised through the collaboration of three couples, the project demonstrates the power of collective development, drawing on shared design knowledge and construction expertise to deliver a model of housing that is both economically and socially sustainable. Scaled and detailed with restraint and character, the development sits comfortably alongside neighbouring heritage cottages, contributing positively to the existing streetscape. Thoughtful, replicable and community-minded, this project establishes an inspiring new benchmark for townhouse living.
Commendation For Residential Architecture - Multiple Housing
Northcote Townhouses presents an intelligent response to the contemporary challenges of housing affordability and home ownership. Conceived and realised through the collaboration of three couples, the project demonstrates the power of collective development, drawing on shared design knowledge and construction expertise to deliver a model of housing that is both economically and socially sustainable. Scaled and detailed with restraint and character, the development sits comfortably alongside neighbouring heritage cottages, contributing positively to the existing streetscape. Thoughtful, replicable and community-minded, this project establishes an inspiring new benchmark for townhouse living.
Brett Wittingslow, Design Architect
Sarah Birthisel, Director
Sarah Cosentino, Director
Stephen McGarry, Director
Measure Engineering, Engineer
3Core Technologies, Electrical Consultant
Traffix Group, Traffic Consultant
Ratio, Town Planner