The Site
The project at Wollert is another collaboration with Beyond Housing, who provides housing for disadvantaged and vulnerable members of the community in regional Victoria. Due to the significant lack of affordable and social housing in the Whittlesea area, Beyond Housing took the opportunity to develop the site in Wollert as soon as it became available. The site, owned by Whittlesea City Council, was leased to Beyond Housing for the sole reason of building community housing.
The site is located in the new housing estate at Wollert, 26km north of the Melbourne CBD. This large, vacant site of roughly 5000 square metres has easy access to the region’s main transport corridors, shops, schools, and medical centres, yet is situated in a quiet corner of the neighbourhood, making it ideal for a new low-rise residential development.
The Brief
We were tasked with designing a precinct of 25-30 dwellings, trying to achieve the maximum number of dwellings on the site while allowing sufficient open space for outdoor activities.
Of course, these dwellings would need to meet all current design standards, including Liveable Housing Australia guidelines which dictate accessibility requirements for new homes. This would allow the dwellings to accommodate any person, which is essential for community housing.
The Design
We were able to provide a total of 27 dwellings on the site, including 17 one-bedroom dwellings, 7 two-bedroom dwellings, and 3 three-bedroom dwellings.
After consultation with Whittlesea City Council, Beyond Housing, and the community, the chosen proposal was one which would maintain the streetscape rhythm with recognisable elements such as single-storey forms, varying pitched rooflines, driveways, and a new smaller street within the complex.
Going with the most cost-effective construction method, we chose to design multiple timber-framed brick veneer buildings. Not only did this benefit the budget, but it allowed the new dwellings to fit seamlessly into the existing streetscape.
With effective landscaping and the inclusion of an open community area, the new precinct is an inviting, inclusive, and comfortable space that many people can call home.
