Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples
Victoria
The North Melbourne Public Housing Renewal Program (PHRP) presents a deep commitment to the destigmatisation of social housing. The development is intricately integrated with the fabric of its urban context. Social and private housing that is contextual, tenure blind and enriches the soul. The project comprises of 127 social housing apartments and 17 private townhouses.
The design response is an artful conglomeration of housing typologies – the small tower, the row house and the courtyard – into something new, providing high quality public and private housing; a well-mannered streetscape to Haines St; and a memorable urban street between the development and the primary school on the new Kirner Street. A generous colonnade with parabolic openings to sit-in and jump-through; lush garden courtyards; and vibrant, native-flora inspired foyers are focused on creating a sense of connection and identity – opportunities for the activity of everyday life – moments that uplift and inspire.
Academy was designed to foster community engagement and cohesion. As a mixed-housing project, it was imperative the design appeared integrated architecturally, and that the public realm worked to facilitate social and private resident engagement to foster a successful community.
Design highlights such as the communal garden connecting the private homes with the social housing and primary school; and the colonnade which links the social housing buildings, provide opportunities for neighbourly interaction. Frequent social interaction leads to improved long-term mental health – a key design focus – and even in the early stages of settlement, the community benefits are evident
Robert McBride, Director
Debbie Lyn Ryan, Owner
Bahman Andalib, Senior Associate Architect
Dylan Morgan, Project Architect
Nelson Teo, Architect
Yoana Doleva, Architect
MAB, Developer
Mordue Engineering, Structural Engineer
Stantec, Engineer
TCL, Landscape Consultant
Codus, Building Surveyor
Acoustic Logic, Acoustic Consultant
MGAC, DDA Consultant
DCE, Civil Engineer
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.
