Wurundjeri Woiwurrung
Victoria
Stirred by a lack of housing for the most vulnerable and the pressures of a worldwide climate emergency, our client approached us to retrofit an inner-city 1960s six pack apartment building to provide sustainable, emergency housing. Situated in the centre of walkable and vibrant Brunswick, we worked to materialise the client’s vision to maximise liveability through a series of holistic strategies. Relocation of the external common stair and construction of a hit and miss screen provides both a secure and identifiable entry while creating a brise soleil to protect the western elevation from the summer sun. A trellis of new balconies and gardens accessed through sliding glazed doors provides connection to the outside, enhancing emotional well-being and filling the apartments with daylight. The apartments have been electrified, insulated, double glazed throughout and powered by a comprehensive solar system to reduce the carbon footprint while offering energy independence to the residents.
Housing is just so critical. I think more and more about the destruction of people’s lives when they suddenly find themselves in need of accommodation and just don’t have it. It wrecks them. So, we thought we could do something about this – plus, we like creating things. (Simpson Family Foundation)
This philanthropic effort and community-driven project serves as an innovative example of what can be achieved when people come together to address the critical issue of housing insecurity. The block will not only provide shelter, but a true sense of home for people who need it most. (Launch Housing)