Housing Choices Australia (HCA), is a national, not-for-profit housing association that creates safe, quality, affordable housing for people.
The brief for this development was to upgrade the existing 8 unit development in East Geelong to create an accessible and socially cohesive environment where tenants are encouraged and the design inspires the community to casually interact and connect with one another.
The central hub provides informal landscaping, low level vegetation that defines the space whilst keeping a visual connection with the neighbours, in addition to BBQ facilities and a shared garden plot where tenants can gather and create an edible garden together.
The entries face the focal point of the shared garden. Four of the units have been renovated and extended to be fully accessible including upgraded bathrooms, kitchens and extended bedrooms.
The overall development received a significant face lift including; north facing eaves, wall and roof insulation and installed double glazed windows where practical.
The project is an excellent example of urban renewal and refurbishment of housing stock. Hats off to HCA for the vision and forethought in reducing landfill, preserving our resources and creating a thoughtful and considered community housing.
On October 16th it will be open as part of Sustainable House Day Geelong, hosted by Geelong Sustainability.