Cowper Street Housing | JPW

Commendation for Residential Architecture - Multiple Housing

Cowper Street housing in Glebe by JPW, initiated by Homes NSW with the King’s Trust, demonstrates sustainable density can be sensitively integrated in a historic neighbourhood. Transitioning to 100 per cent social housing post-approval, it achieves a tenure-blind outcome that supports dignity and inclusion.

Inspired by its heritage context, a combination of brick and cross-laminated timber delivers a durable and contemporary architectural expression.  Exceeding many market housing benchmarks for design and amenity, the project establishes a powerful precedent for social housing—advancing sustainability, liveability and architectural quality.

Commendation for Sustainable Architecture

Cowper Street Housing demonstrates how sustainable density can enrich established neighbourhoods. Carefully blending with the surrounding streetscapes, it offers quality housing that feels welcoming and dignified. Thoughtful layouts, natural light, shared green spaces and small variations across levels make everyday living enjoyable and encourage community connection and pride. 

Three buildings triple the former yield of the site while improving the public domain and supporting diverse households. Brick and CLT construction drove innovation and passive comfort. The project showcases a diverse range of sustainable initiatives and passive building design principles maximising long term flexibility and durability while minimising energy use – exceeding market housing performance benchmarks and setting a new benchmark for multi residential construction and urban social housing.