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Leading architects propose solution to housing crisis
Media Release
For immediate release
September 13, 2007:
Two leading Australian architects have proposed a solution to the housing affordability crisis with a scheme that sees Australia’s middle suburbs ‘recycled’ to accommodate dwellings where spaces can be shared and reconfigured to suit the differing needs of residents.
Neeson Murcutt Architects have won the national ‘About Face’ design competition for their housing proposal for ‘New’ and ‘Empty-Nesters’ which sees a 900m2 suburban block recycled, tripling its density while allowing greater choice and social interaction.
The three dwellings each have two bedrooms and share a ‘public’ room that can be used by occupants as a crèche, small office or as a space for social gatherings when required.
“We imagined that ‘empty nesters’ might have a million-dollar house in Sydney, for example, that they want to downgrade from, and use that money to see their lives out,” says Rachael Neeson. “We were also thinking that many ‘new nesters’ can’t afford to buy in established suburbs, so we wanted to design something that would allow those two groups to enjoy the benefits of existing suburbs, which offer good facilities.”
Each two-storey, north-facing dwelling boasts two bedrooms, generous ground floor living spaces and an enclosed, double-height porch. Entry is from a semi-public courtyard that faces the walkway, with a private courtyard on the southern side.
Solid doors that separate the dining and kitchen spaces from the courtyard and walkway can be closed or opened depending on the time of day and the desire for privacy, while a bank of reeds along the courtyard boundary screens the living areas from people walking past.
Inspired by the art of Rosalie Gascoigne, the architects scoured brick yards for recycled bricks to be used in the dwellings, illustrating the timeless nature and longevity of the material. The house achieves 9 stars under the AccuRate energy ratings assessment.
About Face is a design competition run by the Australian brick industry’s peak body – Think Brick Australia. Chief Executive Office Linda Ginger believes this year’s competition reveals the widespread concern about the issues of affordability and recyclability.
“Perth’s Iredale Pedersen Hook won a Highly Commended award and although on opposite sides of the continent, their design and Neeson Murcutt’s show that the same problems face all our urban centres.”
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