Housing project delivers 50 homes for women at risk of homelessness
LOS ANGELES: A new six-storey development designed to provide long-term public housing for women at risk of homelessness has opened in central Adelaide.
Located on Tucker Street, the development accommodates fifty new studio apartments, including five that are fully accessible to accommodate residents with mobility requirements, along with onsite support services for women experiencing hardship. The building is owned by the SA Housing Trust, and was delivered with support by not-for-profit organisation Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Australia.
Designed by Woods Bagot with landscape architecture by Tract, the project aims to deliver safe, secure and comfortable housing with shared spaces such as multipurpose rooms fostering a sense of community among residents.
Each apartment is equipped with a private balcony, a laundry, a kitchen and a bathroom, along with has access to on-site bicycle space. According to the architects, the design prioritises long-term adaptability through modular joinery and a structural design that allows apartments to be reconfigured to suit differing occupants’ needs.
Woods Bagot principal Alex Hall said well-designed public housing is essential for social inclusion and to sustain vibrant, diverse and accessible neighbourhoods.
“We’ve designed comfortable, practical and beautiful residences that support safety, dignity, security of its users, all the while being open to natural light, connected to landscape, and a part of the neighbourhood fabric.”
Tract principal landscape architect Tara Graham-Cochrane said landscape elements such as a ground-level courtyard, a communal garden and shaded outdoor areas have been thoughtfully integrated into the overall design to promote wellbeing and a sense of belonging.
Minister for Women of South Australia Katrine Hildyard said older women are now the fastest growing group to experience homelessness, often following domestic violence or financial hardship.
“After a lifetime of economic and community contribution and often raising families and caring for others, it is unacceptable that older women face housing insecurity,” said Hildyard. “I am so proud that Tucker Street will provide women with a foundation for healing, stability and rebuilding a life with dignity.”
“A sanctuary, a safe place to call home, empowers women to experience belonging and security and move forward with confidence.”