Best social housing community design for Global Awards shortlisted
LOS ANGELES: The shortlist for the best social housing community design has been declared.
Over 250 designs have been considered by the awards secretariat. One of the finalists in this category is shown above.
Part of a collection of social housing projects delivered under Victoria’s Big Housing Build program, a new village in Footscray highlights an opportunity beyond the scope of private market development to balance commercial constraints with a clear social purpose.
Located on the site of a former quarry in Footscray, Summerhill Village by Tandem Design Studio involved the replacement of a cluster of deteriorating retirement units, built by the Lions Club in the 1960s, with new housing designed to support former residents and women over 55 on the Victorian Housing Register. Additionally, the community housing provider, United Housing Co-operative (UHC), is exploring an intergenerational model, offering the building’s larger apartments to younger women with children – their aim being to strengthen and support the developing community.
The project also highlights what can be achieved when design thinking is brought in early. Summerhill Village demonstrates “density done well”: an increase in dwellings that respects its suburban context, a pitched-roof form that feels domestic and familiar, and a generous central courtyard that anchors the community. At a time when discussions about density in Australia are often fraught, the project offers a convincing example of how thoughtful design can not only create more homes, but better homes with a strong sense of belonging and generosity to the surrounding neighbourhood and community.
The Global Award winner will be announced in December in London. (Globals)