204/170 Sydney Road

WINNER of Residential Architecture Multiple Housing award Welcome to 204/170 Sydney Road, Coburg where sustainability is seriously cool. Sitting pretty on Sydney Road and overlooking the buzz of Brunswick, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom home has industrial edge with thoughtful, future-focused design elements it's the kind of place that feels good to live in. You're greeted by exposed concrete, visible piping and engineered hardwood floors that lean right into that much-loved Nightingale aesthetic. The open-plan kitchen and dining zone is airy, flowing straight out to a balcony that's big enough for a dining set perfect for morning coffees or sunset dining with friends with the hum of Brunswick below. The kitchen is sleek and functional with stainless steel benchtops, an electric oven and cooktop, and loads of cabinetry and open shelving just waiting for your favourite cookbooks and nick-nacks. Air conditioning and a ceiling fan keep the space comfy year-round, and there's even a cheeky little study nook tucked away for work-from-home days or creative projects. Both bedrooms are light, bright and comfortable, each fitted with built-in robes, ceiling fans and pendant lighting all working together to set the mood for perfect rest and reset. The bathroom is a standout wrapped floor to ceiling in terrazzo tiles for a spa-like feel, with a walk-in shower, mirrored vanity, shelving for personal touches, and sleek porcelain and brass fixtures that elevate the space. Beyond the good looks, this home is doing the hard work behind the scenes. It's completely fossil fuel-free, with a minimum 7.6-star NatHERS rating per apartment and a 21.3kWp photovoltaic solar array powering an embedded electricity network running on 100% GreenPower. Heating and cooling are handled by high-efficiency systems, hot water by an energy-efficient heat pump, and appliances are certified carbon neutral. Low embodied energy materials were used throughout, and rainwater is harvested for landscape irrigation and commercial tenancy toilets. There's also a commercial-grade embedded internet network, because sustainable living shouldn't mean slow Wi-Fi. Residents share a rooftop complete with veggie patches, communal laundry and an electric BBQ a natural meeting point for like-minded neighbours, family catchups or relaxed afternoons under the sky while cooking up a few sizzlers. Secure bicycle parking makes car-free living easy, with public transport and car-share options close by and no private car spaces to weigh you down. This is modern apartment living with heart, style and a whole lot of intention. It's a place where industrial style, community spirit and sustainable values all live happily under the same exposed concrete roof. Link to 2026 Victorian Architecture Award: https://architectureau.com/articles/2026-victorian-architecture-awards/#