How a 1960s Brunswick West Apartment Was Transformed into a Cosy, Low-Energy Home
An interview with Shaun Tompkins, Owner 380 Albert, Brunswick West.Â
Where is the home, and what’s the backstory?
The apartment is located within an old 60s 6-pack in Brunswick West in Melbourne. Old aerial photographs show the building and surrounding apartments on the edge of the former landfill before it was converted into Gilpin Park.
What first sparked the shift toward a more sustainable home?
At the time I purchased the apartment, I had worked as a sustainability consultant and ESD advisor for four to five years, so I had to put my money where my mouth was. I had numerous conversations with colleagues at the time around the lunch table about materials and ways I could insulate the apartment, which is how I came to find out about the K17 insulation panels for the internal walls.
What are the key sustainability features of the home?
Because the apartment is on the top level and north-west facing it was a (deadly) hotbox! So the main intervention was removing the plaster ceiling and installing R3.5 pinkbatts in the ceiling and then using the K17 rigid insulation panels for the internal north and west-facing walls.
Unable to afford double glazing, I’ve installed white block-out blinds and timber venetian blinds to each window – this helps take the edge off the sun during summer. I am looking at installing RenShade as well this summer to compare against the thermal data I’ve got from last summer.
Luckily for me, the apartment already had a little electric HWS, so I didn’t have to replace that. As I only had limited electrical capacity and live alone (although I love to cook), I opted for a 2-burner induction top, which has been perfectly fine for my needs and heats water quicker than my kettle!
Almost all of the furniture (except the couch) was second-hand, including the wardrobe units and the kitchen benchtop, which was purchased from Urban Salvage in Spotswood. I also installed cork flooring throughout due to its thermal and acoustic benefits, and the fact that it’s a renewable product.
I also rented almost all of the tools I used from the Brunswick Tool Library (highly recommend!).
How does the home feel now compared to before?
When I moved in, it had the landlord special – grey carpet and bright white paint, and felt a little cold. By introducing the warmer tones and splash of colour with the kitchen cabinets, it feels like a home. It’s super cosy, and gets a unique little view of Brunswick West from the third level – including sunsets over Flemington and Moonee Ponds.
What did you learn along the way?
I learnt almost everything on the fly! Between YouTube, having a good friend cheering me on and a beer or two, it was all super manageable! My biggest learning curve was probably the waterproofing and tiling in the bathroom (which I reeled my dad in for).
My respect for interior designers increased considerably throughout the project – the process of internal finishes and material selection, to ensure a balance throughout was challenging at first, but I guess years of watching Grand Designs, reading the Design Files and having a hefty Pinterest board paid off!
What’s next for this home?
I’m considering installing air conditioning (as it currently has no heating or cooling) and continuing to improve the garden around the building. External shading, a rooftop solar system and EV charging would be nice one day!
PHOTO CREDIT: Matto Lucas