Foyer Oxford, Australia's first purpose built youth Foyer, comprises 98 units to house up to 122 disadvantaged young people aged 16 to 25 who are homeless or in housing need, including 24 single parents and their children.
The building is grounded in social sustainability by its very nature; helping disadvantaged people to set and achieve goals and positively contribute to the broader society.
The successful transformation of these individuals directly translates to economic sustainability through the re-direction towards a positive future as independent members of the community, free from a cycle of welfare dependency, healthcare and housing assistance.
With a 50-year lease on the site, Foundation Housing has taken a longer-term focus not only social but also environmental and economic sustainability, implementing passive environmentally sustainable design elements including solar orientation, natural ventilation, light voids and thermal chimneys.
KEY INITIATIVES
- No mechanical ventilation or air conditioning for residential units
- Naturally ventilated car park below grade
- Openable windows in residential units, offices and training rooms
- Light voids and thermal chimneys
- Removal of coal tar contamination
- 50 year lease on the site show the project has taken a longer-term focus on economic sustainability
