The three-story building known as Owen Flats contains 12 one and two-bedroom apartments and was incorporated in the Embark development. Due to its heritage status, the building façade has been preserved while the interiors were completely refitted for contemporary living conditions.
About NV
Find something special
With inspiration drawn from the character of the surrounding inner-north neighbourhood, our ambition is to foster an environment that honours the diversity of people and place. Through considered design, we are building a new neighbourhood that will take on the spirit of our predecessors at this remarkable site.
Masterplan
In building a community that celebrates diversity of people and demographics, we have designed a mix of homes to meet the aspirations of residents from many stages of life. Building heights will vary to reflect the character of surrounding established streetscapes.
Drawing on inspiration from the existing heritage structures, apartment buildings façades will feature high-quality materials, with extensive use of precast concrete and no combustible cladding. Abundant gardens will surround the precinct, providing residents with new green spaces, outdoor seating and barbecue facilities.
History of the site
When Federal Government departments relocated from Melbourne to Canberra in the 1950s and 1960s, housing was in short supply. On the site where Northbourne Village is emerging, a medium-density development was constructed to house the influx of public servants. Considered ground-breaking for its time, the Northbourne Housing Precinct in Lyneham was designed by Sydney Archer, one of the leading architects of the mid-century modern movement.
Building began in 1959 and was completed in 1962. Several of the heritage listed buildings will be retained and re-purposed as part of the Northbourne Village precinct, breathing new life into this historical part of the nation’s capital.
Owen Flats
Bachelor Flats
Originally designed as bedsitters (studio apartments), the Bachelor Flats were built in four-storey blocks, one located in Lyneham and the remaining three in Dickson. One of these buildings will be preserved and form part of The Sullivan development at Northbourne Village. The external building will retain its heritage form while the interiors will be transformed to contain seven stylish studio apartments with modern fittings and fixtures.
Pair Houses
The Pair Houses are located to the west of Northbourne Avenue and comprise of 11, two story blocks, each containing a pair of semi-detached homes. This group of heritage dwellings will be incorporated in Stage 3 of the Northbourne Village precinct.