Anya Hou

The current housing model in Australia, typically featuring a rectangular block with a central core, often results in insufficient light and poor ventilation for some residents. To address this and ensure equal amenities for all spaces and residents, we have arranged the units linearly, creating narrow building footprints that run from west to east across the site.

Located in Hawthorn, Melbourne, this social housing project aims to provide affordable, safe housing with ample amenities. The design promotes a sense of belonging for both short-term and long-term residents, with accessible community spaces on the ground floor and private rooms. Collaborative elements encourage social interaction while allowing residents the freedom to control their level of engagement, and operable façade panels enable them to adjust privacy as needed.

The project footprint responds to the site's landscape, integrating the buildings into the land with minimal adjustments to the existing terrain. This creates a community area on the south side of the site, beneath the elevated units.