A low-rise housing typology in Perth consisting of collective households sharing high quality common spaces such as kitchens, laundries and outdoor areas. A mix of public, private and transitional spaces support social cohesion and collective living patterns.

Affordability

1. Cut out the Fat achieve affordability targets by removing second bathrooms, individual laundries, dedicated dining rooms, basement car parking and air- conditioning. Cost savings are passed onto purchasers and also reinvested in high-quality communal facilities.

2. Small footprint houses complemented by shared open space and facilities.

3. Shared infrastructure and efficient services reticulation to reduce ongoing maintenance and utility costs.

Design Quality and Efficiency

An adaptable framework for apartments to be upgraded and downsized over time. This ensures residents can remain part of the community over the long-term. Universal design principles improve comfort and accessibility for persons with a disability and the elderly.

Environmental Sustainability 

Cost-effective passive design principles underpin the design, and are supported by active technologies.

Transport and food consumption constitute 52% of the average Australian household’s ecological footprint.
In addition to household energy and sustainable construction practices, we propose some on-site food production and alternative modes of transport.

Build community around a variety of courtyards and communal spaces defined by pedestrian footpaths, laneways, bridges and voids to enrich resident experience and encourage informal interaction, improved quality of life.

Social Sustainability

“Even a less-than optimal daily dose of social contact can have a deleterious effect on our wellbeing, our mental acuity and our outlook on life: nothing keeps us on our toes like random, unplanned conversations.” Hugh McKay, The Art of Belonging

Staggered laneways, voids and garden courtyards enrich the internal street experience, enabling natural social groups to emerge at a variety of scales, from personal friendships to larger community organizations.

A multi-generational demographic of residents can assist with caregiving and financial needs, and also provide built-in opportunities for familiar relationships.

The current marketplace is lacking socially sustainable housing. We see a huge potential to reimagine living spaces with an increasing emphasis on public rather than private space.

This project was undertaken in collaboration with Jack Hawkins Architect.