Why This Architect’s Own Apartment Feels More Like a Home
Why This Architect’s Own Apartment Feels More Like a Home
What does housing look like in the face of a climate crisis? At Skye House, the answer is clear—right-sized, high-performing, and people-focused. Sitting within Nightingale Village in Brunswick, this project by Breathe sets a new standard for sustainable urban living.
Designed with a philosophy of ‘build less, give more’, the building is fully electrified and powered by rooftop solar. Apartments balance functionality with warmth—recycled hardwood floors, timber joinery and a palette of raw, natural materials create a home that feels both grounded and adaptable.
More than just an apartment, Skye House is a statement on the future of housing—one where comfort, sustainability, and the feeling of home exist in harmony.
Located in Nightingale Village, Skye House by Breathe is the answer to the difficult question of what housing looks like in the face of a climate crisis and housing affordability crisis. ‘Build less, give more’, a simple philosophy that is seen in every floor plan, planting, exposed duct, door handle and tap.
Madeline Sewall, Director of Houses at Breathe, is the project architect and a resident of Skye House. ‘We knew it needed to be right-sized, sustainable, low in embodied energy, liveable and lovable long term, and a place that puts people first.’
Madeline’s lives in a 78m2 two-bedroom apartment with a generous 28m2 outdoor terrace, with a few personal touches to make it feel more like home. The bathroom, art studio (converted from a bedroom) and bedroom are on the right when you walk in, along with a quilt and landscape painting from her mother.
A custom joinery piece sits to the left, creating a space for her piano, and enclosing the living area to feel more intimate. With no TV, Madeline has arranged her furniture to be more social and engaging without needing to face a blank wall.
‘Something I really love about the living room is the way it's oriented to the kitchen and dining room, so it gives it a really social feel.’ Madeline explains.
The kitchen features a long stainless steel benchtop with induction cooking, an integrated fridge and timber joinery. An elevated balcony gives the living area a sunken lounge feel, with a planter box around the perimeter.
As you’d expect from a Nightingale project, there are no second bathrooms or laundries, allowing for larger living areas and opportunities to meet your neighbours at the rooftop laundry. The apartments are 100% electric with rooftop solar and Greenpower, sustainable materials and high performing with an average of 8.2 stars.
‘I think when it comes to making apartments super liveable and lovable long term, it all comes down to access to amenity. So natural light, natural ventilation, access to sky, also just really meaningful connection to greenery and green space.,’ Madeline explains. ‘But also I think it's just the quality of construction, Living here is tremendously comfortable. And I find that it feels like an absolute sanctuary when I walk in the door.’
Skye House by Breathe, project architect and home of Madeline Sewall, landscape design by Openwork.
Produced by Simple Dwelling, filmed, edited and photographed by Anthony Richardson, words by Anthony Richardson.
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