Social housing at North Parramatta by Housing NSW
The project involves the demolition of three existing houses and the construction of two three storey residential buildings consisting of 24 two bedroom units, to cater to the needs of a variety of residents and to take advantage of nearby parks and playing fields.
The two buildings are separated yet functionally connected by landscaped common open space and with basement car parking. The design addresses the street with a varied and inviting external facade, to optimise solar exposure and cross ventilation and to provide each unit with private, useable open space (balcony or terrace) directly accessible from internal living areas. The design details minimise adverse privacy, overshadowing impacts and staggered elevations, reducing the bulk and scale of the development.
The development will provide affordable high quality social housing for people in need, of varying ages and mobility. All ground floor apartments are wheelchair accessible, and the southern block has two other levels of adaptable units accessible by lifts, photovoltaic panels have also been included in this quality development.
Aesthetically, the project will contribute positively to the area’s urban design and residential development, as well as providing improved amenity for residents.
Judges Comments
This development provides affordable high quality social housing for people in need. A total of 24 two bedroom apartments are accommodated in two, three storey buildings linked by a landscaped courtyard. All units have very efficient layouts, with cross ventilation and living space facing north. The overall design and architectural treatment is straightforward and uses simple elements with bold colour to create a presence in the street. The development continues to follows the high standard set by the adjoining social housing development, which was a UDIA NSW Award recipient in 2008.