A ground-breaking 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, known as The Victoria Street Collective in Brunswick West in inner-suburban Melbourne, is a ten-apartment development designed by Zen Architects and led by a collective of residents. The project 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 Victoria Street Collective
Born from the collective vision of six families and realised through the innovative expertise of Zen Architects, this residential project reimagines urban living by intertwining sustainability with a strong sense of community. Two apricot stucco buildings house ten unique apartments, each thoughtfully designed to maximise space and comfort, with soaring ceilings and versatile layouts.

The heart of the development beats in its communal gardens and gathering areas, encouraging connection among residents while fostering an ecosystem of collaboration and support.

Additionally, the design pays homage to the surrounding heritage architecture while promoting environmental consciousness by minimising parking, maximising open space, embracing solar energy, and far exceeding current building standards and performance. In doing so, the Victoria Street Collective redefines what it means to live in a city and serves as an inspiring blueprint for future residential projects, showcasing how community, sustainability, and innovation can harmoniously coexist.

Other Award-winners highlight excellence in design, development, sustainability, affordability and community outcomes
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.

PHOTO: The Victoria Street Collective
Image courtesy Zen Architects ©2026