Be a good neighbour, build a good neighbourhood (QCompanion)
Over the past year, Wilson Architects has designed 230 social housing homes across 8 sites.
Many of these projects replace single detached houses on large allotments with multi-residential developments. For many neighbourhoods, this is a significant jump in density.
So how do we densify sites for social and affordable housing while being a good neighbour and creating great neighbourhoods?
In partnership with the Department of Housing and Public Works, we're replacing 2 detached houses in Mt Gravatt with 12 social housing homes.
Gentle density is the key theme.
A humble architectural approach
We took cues from the neighbouring houses for the roof form and used weatherboard as an accent, so the new development feels like part of the existing building fabric.Watching over both streets
We utilised the corner allotment to provide views to both streets, improving passive surveillance and neighbourhood safety.Working with the slope
We stepped the building mass down the hill, reducing the overall height. We also set the apartment floor levels slightly above the street, so sightlines from the footpath look upward, rather than into dwellings. This protects resident privacy without screens that block light and views.
Good density is about more than yield. It's about fitting in, looking out for one another, and giving residents a home they're proud of.
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