HousingFirst Marlborough Street by Baldasso Cortese stands as a testament to purposeful urban development and community-focused design in the heart of Melbourne.
Crafted for HousingFirst, a distinguished not-for-profit organisation providing social and affordable housing to Melbourne residents, this project embodies excellence in creating sustainable and inclusive living spaces.
![HousingFirst Marlborough St](/getmedia/abd19cf6-e8ae-4fd2-b2b0-f20fb3bf158c/HousingFirst-Marlborough-1.aspx)
![HousingFirst Marlborough St](/getmedia/8fb999f7-4753-49a3-907e-3c85daeb1aeb/HousingFirst-Marlborough-4.aspx)
In collaboration with the City of Port Phillip, the Victorian State Government, and the Commonwealth agency NHFIC, HousingFirst, as Trustee for the Port Phillip Housing Trust, has transformed a Council-owned car park into a mixed-use multi-level facility. This development, comprising 46 new homes, addresses the housing needs of individuals on the Victorian Housing Register, including those with disabilities.
![HousingFirst Marlborough St](/getmedia/c7403314-0f8e-4727-a2cd-233443a005c9/HousingFirst-Marlborough-3.aspx)
![HousingFirst Marlborough St](/getmedia/875c1885-221b-4a88-b547-314b66be2fe5/HousingFirst-Marlborough-2.aspx)
Ground floor retail units foster social connection, along with a basement public car park and vibrant public realm adjacent to Balaclava train station. Notably, the project incorporates four high physical support-capable NDIS units, ensuring accessibility for all residents.
![HousingFirst Marlborough St](/getmedia/4530a237-07ea-452a-8352-c3e8b06d19a6/HousingFirst-Marlborough-5.aspx)
![HousingFirst Marlborough St](/getmedia/7c2eedbf-8c56-486b-96c6-139975d621aa/HousingFirst-Marlborough-6.aspx)
An artistic touch graces the entry foyer with a meticulously designed nolli-plan artwork, celebrating local culture. Residents are invited to experience tranquillity on the rooftop garden at Level 4, providing a communal space amidst the urban setting.
![HousingFirst Marlborough St](/getmedia/42bcc039-b9da-4b55-9add-d8559355a081/HousingFirst-Marlborough-7.aspx)
![HousingFirst Marlborough St](/getmedia/4d6c673c-a1e9-4f0a-b213-1b4538f50676/HousingFirst-Marlborough-8.aspx)
Given the immediate proximity to Balaclava train station, acoustic considerations have played a pivotal role in the project, reflected in the robustness of the façade. Sustainability remains at the forefront, as the design integrates naturally ventilated corridors, solar shading, and a significant number of dual-aspect, cross-ventilated apartments. These efforts culminate in an impressive 8.2 Star NatHERS average rating, underscoring the commitment to environmental responsibility.