By NICOLE VALICEK
A SMART concept of affordable housing that incorporates affordability and creative design is among the field of entries for a top architect award.
The 69-apartment complex was designed and built to provide safe, affordable homes to people over 55 years old experiencing housing insecurity and was nominated for the 2013 Royal Australian Institute of Architects Awards.
The building was designed by Melbourne based MGS Architects who wanted to incorporate not just excellent design and sustainable materials, but a sense of identity and a feeling of home.
A shortage of affordable housing is currently a critical issue for Melbourne.
This impacts heavily on the entire community, particularly anyone facing additional physical and financial challenges.
The Altona Social Housing development demonstrates the role architecture can play in helping to solve social challenges, such as housing shortages, with sensitive, thoughtful design.
In accordance with DHS objectives the building provides independent living accommodation for residents with disabilities.
The design includes communal spaces, community garden, private open space and disability access throughout.
“Creating denser development on the land close to shops, transport and services is the right way to go,” said MGS Architects director Eli Giannini.
“But gaining community acceptance depends on how well you do it.”
A fundamental consideration of Ms Giannini’s design approach was to respect what was already there – the existing building setbacks, the street view, the housing types, the neighbourhood and community.
