This project explores a new model of medium density housing that utilises disused, contaminated land for public and private use. The site (a former tip) was remediated and developed into a new public park with ten generous town houses at its rear. The remediation and creation of the community park was funded through the residential development.

DESIGN DESCRIPTION

Rather than replicate 10 identical facades, representing the 10 more or less identical units, the building is treated as a whole and the form is broken up across the façade and through the expressive use of deep window reveals and an exposed timber stair. An abstracted idea of interlocking timber blocks is extrapolated across the façade and further expressed within the dwellings, both in the interlocking of the spaces and the detailing of the joinery.

Timber is an integral part of the project. Natural materials are used for their warmth and texture, with timber being used both externally and within the dwellings. 

Recycled ironbark is utilised in random shiplap widths across the façade, providing a durable and expressive finish. Within the dwellings, iron bark stairs tread along with hoop pine and form ply continue the use of timber. The interlocking of the internal spaces and the use of hoop pine ply and form ply in the bulkheads and joinery detailing reinforce this abstracted idea of timber joints and provide a language that can be used across all the spaces within the homes.

Boral concrete blocks and concrete slab construction were used up to the ground floor, with lightweight construction above. Lightweight construction was needed due to the nature of the sub-soil; the building sits on screw piles and CFAs. Various party wall systems were explored with the Hebel party wall system being chosen for its ease of construction, its lightweight properties, fire rating and excellent acoustic properties. 

As a multi-residential development in a public park, it was important that the building sat comfortably within its surroundings. The use of timber on the façade helps with this by softening the building into the park setting while still providing the visual strength a building of its size needs. To lower the bulk of the development, a semi basement was dug with the resulting soil utilised in terraforming the park.

Significant ESD outcomes achieved include the minimal removal of contaminated soil to avoid creating an environmental problem elsewhere, rainwater collection for irrigation of the park, the use of reclaimed timber for the façade and decks, control of summer sun intake, passive heating and cooling and the use of solar panels.

The private terraces at the front of each dwelling are purposefully ambiguous in their public/private nature - paying homage to the way local Greek and Italian migrants inhabit their front porches and interact with the street. 

In blurring the public/private boundary, the family-oriented dwellings can borrow from the public space from the interior edge, while local residents gain agency of a previously inaccessible site. This creates a greater sense of community and a more habitable space for all.

Situated in Brunswick, the project manages to provide two desirable (but often conflicting) outcomes: open green space and increased housing density. 

ACCOLADES

RAIA National Award for Residential Architecture, Multiple Housing, 2012

RAIA National Award for Sustainable Architecture, 2012

RAIA (VIC) Award for Sustainable Architecture, 2012

RAIA (VIC) Residential Architecture, Best Overend Award, 2012

Houses Awards, Sustainability Category, High Commendation, 2012

PIA Small Project Award, 2012

PRODUCTS

WINDOWS & DOORS
CAPRAL ALUMINIUM LTD, 425 SERIES BLACK ANODISED ALUMINIUM

METAL ROOFING
BLUESCOPE LYSAGHT, KLIPLOK HI STRENGTH 700, ZINCALUME WOODLAND GREY

CARPET
CAVALIER BREMWORTH LTD, TROJAN TWIST CONTRACT, COLOURS LABYRINTH BROWN OR CORINTH

BATHROOM FLOOR TILES
CLASSIC CERAMICS, DYNASTY TILE IN NERO

KITCHEN WALL TILES
CLASSIC CERAMICS, WHITE GLOSS TILES VARIOUS SIZES

JOINERY
CARTER HOLT HARVEY, 19MM BLUE EDGE FORMPLY

BLACK MARBLE BENCH TOPS
TTI STONE, CARRARA MARBLE, HONED FINISH

JOINERY
PLYWOOD AC PLYWOODS 17MM B-C GRAD HOOP PINE PLYWOOD

BASIN
PARISI BATHWARE, FLOW 03 WALL MOUNTED BASIN

BASIN MIXER
REECE HVAC, 1500 MIZU BASIN MIXER

SHOWER MIXER
REECE HVAC, PHOENIX MIXU SHOWER MIXER

SHOWER HOSE
REECE HVAC, MIZU STANDARD SHOWER ROSE & ARM

BATH
REECE HVAC, DURABATH

BATH MIXER
REECE HVAC, 1500 MIZU BATH WALL OUTLET

TOILET SUITE
REECE HVAC, PORCER CYGNET TOILET SUITE

TOWEL RAIL
REECE HVAC, 1500 MIZU DOUBLE TOWEL RAIL

LAUNDRY TUB
REECE HVAC, POSH SOLUS 45L STAINLESS STEEL TROUGH

LAUNDRY SINK MIXER
REECE HVAC, POSH SOLUS SINK MIXER

OVEN
BLANCO APPLIANCES
MIELE AUSTRALIA

RANGEHOOD
BLANCO APPLIANCES
MIELE AUSTRALIA

SINK
CUSTOM FABRICATED, DOUBLE BOWL STAINLESS STEEL

SINK MIXER
REECE HVAC

STOVETOP
BLANCO APPLIANCES
MIELE AUSTRALIA

DISHWASHER
BLANCO APPLIANCES
MIELE AUSTRALIA