Newtown Boarding House
ONGOING / Newtown, NSW
Delivering much needed affordable housing in inner Sydney.
Women of different ages and stages will benefit from the modern first steps accommodation in this ‘new generation’ boarding house.
Dignified housing through simple, robust design
Affordability achieved without compromise on function or dignity.
The simple, robust facilities provide quality, cost-effective housing for vulnerable people. Eight 30 sqm self-contained studios each has their own accessible and private living, sleeping, bathroom and laundry facilities on one level. Inside, the studio space is broken up into separate zones for sleeping and living, to allow for privacy and entertaining. There is one fully accessible unit.
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“At the rear is a ground level communal gathering space with zoned lounge and dining seating areas, plus kitchen, and 80 square metres of garden, which is much valued in the inner city of Sydney.”
Sensitively designed to enhance the streetscape, the complex comprises a one-storey section (with a new studio unit, dedicated bike parking and secure entry) plus a two storey section (housing seven studio apartments and the communal living area).
This articulation avoiding bulkiness and reflects the existing mixture of buildings along the street. The gently sloping site and localised flooding required floor levels to be slightly raised.
An increased setback from the street adds a sense of safety and porous balustrades of perforated sheet metal offer both transparency and privacy.
Materials and finishes are robust brick and metal. Various shades of brown brick transition from dark to lighter shades, with grey and green metal finishes evoking the colours of the Australian bush. Inside, the apartments feature warm natural materials such as timber to evoke a sense of a calm safe nest.
The buildings replace a derelict 1980s ‘family style’ house with five bedrooms, shared bathrooms and laundry, and communal living, dining and kitchen.
| Project info | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Sam Crawford, Jordon Blanket |
| Consultants | Engineer (Multi-disciplinary): Northrop Civil Engineer: Stantec Fire Engineer: E-Lab Consulting Hydraulic Engineer: GDC Hydro Traffic Engineer: TTPP Landscape Architect: Place Design Group BCA Consultant: Philip Chun Access Consultant: Morris Goding Arborist: Redgum Horticultural |
| Client | NSW Land and Housing Corporation |
| Completion | Ongoing |
What we do
Multi-Residential
We design thoughtful, context-aware housing that balances privacy, connection and quality of life. From compact inner-city developments to larger apartment projects, our work responds to people, place and purpose. Careful planning, clear circulation and enduring material choices help create homes that are generous, efficient and a pleasure to live in.
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