The North Melbourne Public Housing Renewal Program, located in the inner-city suburb of North Melbourne, comprises 133 social housing apartments (ranging from 1-bedroom to 3-bedroom units) and 17 private townhouses. This project is part of a larger masterplan, which includes a school at the centre of the site, with private housing located in the north-west, forming the second stage of development.
The underlying principle of the design is to destigmatise social housing. To provide social housing that is not only functional and enduring – but inspires a sense of optimism in residents and the broader community.
The development is broken into distinct parts to reflect the diversity and permeability of the local context. Five-storey social housing apartment blocks are strategically positioned away from the main road, while three-storey townhouses front Haines St, facilitating a smooth transition between the project and the key urban interface.
Internal courtyards serve as a communal space for residents to interact, forming a central hub of activity. The design bridges the gap between the local community and the nearby school, incorporating public thoroughfares and a grand colonnade to connect the parts and promote a sense of community.
Internally, the apartments are designed with a focus on individuality, maximizing natural light and providing comfortable living environments. Common areas, such as foyers and corridors, are carefully detailed with distinct interior themes based on native flora, creating clear wayfinding for each apartment tower. This holistic design approach is extended to the finer architectural elements, from the grand façade to smaller details like door handles and signage, resulting in a cohesive and expressive design narrative.
A bespoke brick pattern on the main façade, instead of a traditional brick cladding, provided both cost savings and a unique design element, adding character to the building’s exterior while meeting budget requirements.
Sustainability was a core principle embedded throughout the project. The design strategically breaks up the building mass, providing a variety of apartment orientations for improved thermal comfort. Carefully selected materials enhance the building’s energy efficiency, while elevated courtyards help reduce heat island effects and provide natural cooling. Furthermore, renewable energy initiatives such as PV panels and rainwater harvesting systems contribute to the project’s environmental performance, supporting its sustainability goals.
