NIGHTINGALE HOUSING KDS Loves

As we navigate through the seemingly endless design phase of our Ikigai house project (stay tuned for some exciting updates very soon!), I’m eager to share with you all this incredible organisation that has profoundly inspired us here at KDS.

Nightingale Housing isn’t merely constructing homes; they’re pioneering a movement towards sustainable urban living in Australia. Nightingale’s core principles serve as a blueprint for the future, their dedication to ethical building practices, such as minimising environmental impact and ensuring fair labour conditions, is truly commendable.

It’s no wonder they’ve captured attention not just across Australia, but globally, as they epitomise the values we strive to uphold in our own projects. Nightingale fosters connected communities by selling apartments to local residents and prioritising shared amenities, they incorporate passive design principles to implementing renewable energy systems, while prioritising minimising environmental impact at every stage of development.

By building “at cost” and reducing long-term ownership costs, Nightingale makes sustainable living accessible to all, regardless of income level. Nightingale pre-allocates homes to community housing providers and key contributors, ensuring access to safe and affordable housing for all, addressing housing security and inequality.

The concept of creating a future where homes are genuinely built for people, not profit, is not only inspiring but also humbling. Nightingale sets an extraordinary standard—one that we should all aspire to in our building and renovation endeavours. The importance of healthy homes cannot be overstated, and it’s imperative that we come together to advocate for improved building standards from our local councils and governments in Australia.

Let’s work hand in hand to pave the way for a future where sustainable, affordable, and community-focused living is the norm. Together, we can make a difference and build the homes we all deserve.

Photography by Pablo Veiga