MODEL has been shortlisted within the ‘Future Residential’ category at this year’s World Architecture Festival Awards for its Lithgow Street and Johnston Street schemes in Abbotsford. The developments are the only Australian schemes shortlisted in the category.
MODEL aims to counteract Australia’s housing crisis and the planet’s climate crisis at the same time through its work. In April, the developer appointed Multiplex under an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) agreement for both of the shortlisted schemes.
“Being shortlisted twice, for projects still on the drawing board, tells us that purpose-first, decarbonisation-led Build to Rent is the right direction.
“Very excited and thanks to Warren and Mahoney for being part of this one with us.”
Statement, MODEL
Johnston Street, which comprises around 240 homes, is set to become Australia’s tallest timber residential building, while the Lithgow Street project (approximately 150 homes) will adaptively reuse the 100-year-old landmark – the Schweppes cordial factory – to create a sustainable living hub.
Led by Warren and Mahoney and supported by a wider team of engineering, sustainability and delivery partners, the design approach for the schemes underscores MODEL’s strong environmental ambitions.
Both developments are targeting six Star Green Star, nine Star NatHERS and Certified Passivhaus outcomes, with mass timber and all-electric design central to a low-carbon delivery strategy.
