Residents Lead the Way: Brunswick Co-Housing Project Wins Top Honour at 2026 Victorian Apartment Awards for Excellence
- Samantha Reece
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
A groundbreaking resident-led apartment development in Brunswick has taken out the coveted Pioneering Category at the 2026 Victorian Apartment Awards for Excellence, announced last night, demonstrating a compelling new model for addressing Australia's missing middle housing challenge.
The award-winning project, a ten-apartment development designed by Zen Architects and led by a collective of residents, showcases how people-led housing can deliver highly liveable, sustainable and connected communities. The two-storey development is centred around a shared garden spine and is home to more than 20 residents, including several families.
In a striking departure from conventional apartment projects, the development includes only two car spaces, prioritising walkability, community connection and sustainable living.
The awards also recognised Matt Berg and Dan McLennan, Co-CEOs of Local Residential, who received the prestigious Jeff Robinson Apartment Sector Leading Light Award for their leadership in delivering impact housing outcomes.
Local Residential has been at the forefront of embedding social impact within apartment developments, initially committing 10 per cent of homes to women fleeing domestic violence, older women at risk of homelessness and people living with disability. Its latest project has increased that commitment to as much as 33 per cent of homes.
Samantha Reece, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Apartment Advocacy (AAA), said the two projects represented the best of what the apartment sector can achieve.
"These projects demonstrate what can be achieved when housing is led with purpose and heart, not just profit," Ms Reece said.
"In particular Matt and Dan have challenged the industry to think differently about housing and who it serves.
"Their work proves that commercial success and genuine social impact can go hand in hand."
The Victorian Apartment Awards for Excellence celebrate outstanding achievement across apartment design, development, sustainability, affordability and community outcomes.
2026 Victorian Apartment Awards for Excellence Winners
Pioneering: Brunswick Resident-Led Development – Zen Architects
Jeff Robinson Apartment Sector Leading Light Award: Matt Berg and Dan McLennan, Local Residential
Refurbishment: Sargood House and Little Collins Street Refurbishments – Shelley Roberts Architects
Diversity in Housing Choice: Pace Development Group and ARM Architecture for The Archer
Enduring Excellence: Republic Tower – FK
Affordability: Local Box Hill – Local Residential
Best Amenities: Melbourne Quarter – Lendlease
Precinct Rejuvenation: Melbourne Quarter – Lendlease
Boutique Apartment Development: Plant Street – Milieu
Luxury Apartment Development: Seafarers Precinct Penthouse
The 2026 awards highlighted the growing importance of innovation, social impact and community-centred design in shaping the future of apartment living across Victoria.
The awards booklet can be downloaded below.
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