Four Passivhaus sustainable townhouses by C.Street.
ECHO.2 — OVERVIEW
ECHO.2 is a collection of four townhouses with private garages, thoughfully designed and delivered by C.Street Projects and Forum Studio.
As a project targeting Passivhaus certification, ECHO.2 is optimised to perform – delivering thermal comfort, uncompromised acoustics, and superior air quality with minimal energy requirements.
Designed for net-zero energy outcomes and with sustainable building materials, ECHO is about making responsible choices that will reverberate for generations.
Address
159 Gipps St,
Abbotsford
Residences
5 Townhouses
Status
Construction Commencing April 2025
Price
Please enquire.
Register
Architecture
ECHO.2 is a collection of five bespoke townhouses designed by Forum Studio and Studio Amble.
It is grounded by elegant brick masonry, responding to the heritage context and industrial character of Abbotsford, while softened by curated plantings designed by John Patrick.
The form is clean and timeless, with the quality materials and subtle details showcased to blend in with the local neighbourhood charm.
The dual aspects and generous widths provide an ideal foundation for high-performance design. All units benefit from winter solar exposure while also enjoying cool sea breezes in summer.
Materials have been carefully considered throughout. ECHO.2 uses natural continuous external insulation such as straw panels or wood fiber. Carbon-neutral bricks and a cool roof reflect heat, reducing urban heat island effects.
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Interiors
The interior experience has been curated by Studio Amble, presenting a warm and refined aesthetic that complements the project’s sustainability credentials.
The natural character of materials – porcelain, wood and brick with chalky tones – is expressed with subtle details and designed to age beautifully.
Kitchen
The chef’s kitchen has been laid out for optimal flow and function, featuring Smeg appliances, Liebherr fridges and ample pantry storage.
Foyer, Garage, Laundry
An entry foyer and bench warmly welcome any visitor. A private lock-up garage provides secure and convenient access for parking and storage, with a well-apportioned laundry and indoor drying rack so you don’t need to worry about the weather.
Open Plan
The open plan dining and living flows into west-facing private terraces, accessed by a triple-glazed tilt-turn sliding door.
Materials
The textured porcelain tile floor provides a sense of calm and grounding, while being durable and very easy to maintain. Timber tones through the joinery and floors upstairs create warmth, and porcelain countertops add a touch of elegance. Additional storage is provided with a built-in living joinery and TV unit.
Working from Home
A practical study has been designed next to the Master Bedroom with built-in joinery to serve as a dedicated workspace, which is crucial for today’s lifestyle.
Sustainability
ECHO.2 targets Passivhaus certification, the world’s leading standard for energy efficiency, and features an 8.0 Star NatHERS rating.
Each unit has a dedicated 6.3kW solar system, with 31.68kW installed across the project, coupled with a 9.6kWh battery and a Universal Type 2 NMI EV Charger.
Rainwater is reused across the site for toilets and irrigation, and deep root planting is provided in gardens for urban farming and to improve permeability.
Landscaping
John Patrick Landscape Architects has carefully curated each plant species to thrive in their respective micro-climate and local soil conditions. Key design objectives of privacy, maintenance and aesthetics have resulted in a soothing palette with seasonal bursts of accent colours, perfectly suited for leafy Abbotsford.
Deciduous canopy trees that pop with autumn colour are provided along the western interface, providing welcome shade in summer while maximising solar gain in winter. Summer foliage also serves to filter out any airborne dust or particulates that may be carried on hot northerlies.
The plantings have been deliberately considered to provide shade and light in unison with the high-performance glazing and building envelope.
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Location
ECHO.2 is located on leafy Gipps St in a charming, quiet neighbourhood that is full of character, yet close to a wealth of amenities.
A short walk east brings you to the Yarra River and Main Yarra trail, the Abbotsford Convent, Collingwood Children’s Farm and Yarra Bend Golf Course. Gahan Reserve is a popular dog park and playground just north and is just one of many other green spaces nearby.
ECHO.2 is also a short walk from bustling Victoria Street and popular Smith Street. Residents will be able to enjoy exploring all the hidden gems that Collingwood, Abbotsford and Richmond are known for.
From Collingwood train station, the city is four stops away, and the MCG is within three stops. Twelve bus lines service Hoddle Street, taking you to all parts of Melbourne, and Victoria Street trams are easily accessed. It’s also a short drive to the M1 and M3 on-ramps.
Team
MRM Group
John Patrick Landscape Architects have substantial experience with Melbourne’s various microclimates and undertaking sensitive environmental design responses, and perfectly complement the skills of the built environment team.
Enquire
Register your interest or send us a question. If you prefer you can email us here.
Stephen Bowtell – 0455 038 022