Gadigal
NSW
The adaptive reuse of a former furniture factory in Summer Hill, The habilis project exemplifies the role of architecture in addressing urgent social issues through thoughtful design. By transforming an underutilized industrial site into a place of dignity and security, the project embodies a transformative approach to social housing, designed to provide secure, long-term accommodation for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and mental illness.
Habilis, in Sydney’s Summer Hill, demonstrates that the challenges of our cities and communities are not insurmountable. A model for supported housing, Collins and Turner have transformed a former warehouse site and its embodied carbon into dignified homes for people facing homelessness and mental illness. High performance, 100% electric studio apartments wrap around a courtyard garden, providing protection from a harsh urban site as they face into the adjacent greenway. The architects’ approach demonstrates great sensitivity, humility, and intelligence.
Penny Collins, Design Architect
Huw Turner, Design Architect
Barbara Lau, Project Architect
David Janson, Project Architect
Greg Williams, Senior Consultant
Gallagher Studio, Landscape Consultant
Structure Engineers ( Rob Mcgowan), Structural Engineer
Acor, Services Consultant
Neoscape, Project Manager
Inclusive Places, Access consultant
Vista, Access Consultant
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
