North Melbourne PHRP

North Melbourne PHRP

The North Melbourne Public Housing Renewal Program (PHRP) presents a deep commitment to the destigmatisation of social housing. The development is intricately integrated with the fabric of its urban context. Social and private housing that is contextual, tenure blind and enriches the soul. The project comprises of 127 social housing apartments and 17 townhouses.

The design response is an artful conglomeration of housing typologies – the small tower, the row house and the courtyard – into something new, providing high quality public and private housing; a well-mannered streetscape to Haines St; and a memorable urban street between the development and the primary school on the new Kirner Lane. A generous colonnade with parabolic openings to sit-in and jump-through; lush garden courtyards; and vibrant, native-flora inspired foyers are focused on creating a sense of connection and identity – opportunities for the activity of everyday life – moments that uplift and inspire.

Completed
2025
Location
North Melbourne, VIC | Wurundjeri Country

The design response is an artful conglomeration of housing typologies – the small tower, the row house and the courtyard – into something new, providing high quality public and private housing; a well-mannered streetscape to Haines St; and a memorable urban street between the development and the primary school on the new Kirner Lane.

The private housing is in the town houses along Haines St. These homes are split over three levels on a shallow footprint to maximise natural light. Each has a private garden and street entry with a shared basement carpark.

The social housing is broken into five smaller communities. Each within a five-story block, arranged to maximise light, cross ventilation and northern aspect. Each community has a unique entry foyer with uplifting interiors featuring flora native to the locality – serving as a wayfinding strategy and providing a sense of identity for the individual communities. The communities are connected by a generous colonnade along Kirner St with a warming spotted gum soffit and parabolic openings for light, view and a place to sit. Between each block are shared garden courtyards – providing oxygen and outlook for the overlooking residents.