Yuggera
Queensland
Brisbane
The Curwen delivers 92 new homes in Chermside, comprising 46 social housing and 46 affordable housing apartments. Situated on a prominent site with parkland views, the project has been carefully designed to respond to its surroundings and the needs of the community.
Embracing the Buildings that Breathe principles, the development promotes comfort, sustainability, and connection, setting a benchmark for subtropical apartment living. Natural light, ventilation, and cross-breezes are central to the design, with open corridors and flexible layouts allowing residents to control their indoor environment while ensuring privacy and security.
The project prioritises social inclusion, offering shared spaces that encourage community interaction, including a rooftop alfresco area and communal zones on every level. Through thoughtful design, the development delivers more than housing—it fosters a thriving, connected community while responding to social, economic, and environmental needs.
The Curwen, Chermside, delivers 92 new social and affordable homes while exploring a “double-loaded” naturally ventilated floor plate that increases density while maintaining resident amenity. Open-air circulation, cross-ventilated apartments and generous thresholds extend living spaces into breezeways and communal edges, fostering neighbourly connection and climatic comfort. Rooftop and level-by-level shared areas foster social inclusion and belonging. Through modest means and careful calibration of everyday moments, the project demonstrates how housing can deliver social, economic and environmental value.
Commendation for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
Given the strong demand for social and affordable housing, the Curwen development has attracted significant interest since its launch. This large, well-designed project accommodates both social and private residents, offering high-quality, thoughtfully planned units. Shared seating areas on each level, including a shaded roof, encourage interaction and connection between occupants. Generous floor plates are punctured to support vertical open-air circulation and cross-ventilation, improving environmental performance. Overall, the project demonstrates a considered response to social needs and residential security, reflecting a careful and comprehensive approach to contemporary housing design.
Commendation for Residential Architecture - Multiple Housing
The Curwen, Chermside, delivers 92 new social and affordable homes while exploring a “double-loaded” naturally ventilated floor plate that increases density while maintaining resident amenity. Open-air circulation, cross-ventilated apartments and generous thresholds extend living spaces into breezeways and communal edges, fostering neighbourly connection and climatic comfort. Rooftop and level-by-level shared areas foster social inclusion and belonging. Through modest means and careful calibration of everyday moments, the project demonstrates how housing can deliver social, economic and environmental value.
COLORBOND Shortlist, EmAGN Project Award shortlist
Commendation for Residential Architecture - Multiple Housing
Given the strong demand for social and affordable housing, the Curwen development has attracted significant interest since its launch. This large, well-designed project accommodates both social and private residents, offering high-quality, thoughtfully planned units. Shared seating areas on each level, including a shaded roof, encourage interaction and connection between occupants. Generous floor plates are punctured to support vertical open-air circulation and cross-ventilation, improving environmental performance. Overall, the project demonstrates a considered response to social needs and residential security, reflecting a careful and comprehensive approach to contemporary housing design.
Karen Ognibene, Design Architect
Cate Meehan, Project Architect
John Kim, Project Architect
Blake Challen, Architect
Ivan Ling, Graduate of Architecture
Katie Flanagan, Architect
Sam Routledge, Graduate of Architecture
Rob Eaton, Architect (UK Registered)
Saunders Havill Group, Town Planner
Bluebird, Project Manager
Jeremy Ferrier Landscape Architect, Landscape Consultant
Irrigation Design Australia, Irrigation Designer
Lambert & Rehbein, Structural Engineer
Lambert & Rehbein, Civil Consultant
Lambert & Rehbein, Traffic Consultant
Ashburner Francis, Electrical Consultant
Ashburner Francis, Mechanical Consultant
H Design, Hydraulic Consultant
Palmer Acoustic, Acoustic Consultant
Knisco, Building Certifier
Walkerbai, Fire Engineer
Ecolateral, ESD Consultant
Douglas Partners, Geotechnical Engineer
Steele Wrobel, Quantity Surveyor