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Affordable Housing Solution with Integrated Community Spaces

Author:
James Apple
Affordable Housing Solution with Integrated Community Spaces
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Situated in East Melbourne, the development combines a Tower, Mid-Rise, and Low-Rise structures to provide a diverse array of affordable housing options, seamlessly integrating communal spaces like a library and green areas to foster community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Tower, Mid-Rise, and Low-Rise structures designed for varying demographic needs.
02
Community rooftop enhances social interaction among residents.
03
Modern library serves as a central hub for communal activities.
04
Integration of public green spaces encourages environmental sustainability.
05
Affordable housing options significantly lower average unit costs.

The design in East Melbourne responds to the growing need for affordable housing through three distinct residential forms: the Tower, Mid-Rise, and Low-Rise. Each element addresses specific demographic needs while emphasizing community and accessibility. The location is integral, situated to serve a diverse population. Overall, the concept encourages a balance of private living spaces and public amenities, fostering a sense of belonging and interaction among residents.

Residential Configurations

The Tower serves young professionals, who make up 31% of the local population. It features one-bedroom units that maximize limited space through a vertical layout. These units provide comfortable living for busy individuals. The communal rooftop offers green space, creating places for socializing and relaxation. This design element encourages residents to engage with each other and enjoy their surroundings.

The Mid-Rise section focuses on growing families, accounting for 21% of the residents. It offers two-bedroom units across two stories, designed with family life in mind. The architecture encourages connections through landscaped courtyards where children can play and families can gather. This adaptability makes the Mid-Rise suitable for varying family needs, responding to changes over time.

Affordable Housing Integration

The Low-Rise section includes three-bedroom units aimed at established families seeking affordable options. By combining several single-family lots into a larger development, the design enhances housing density without feeling crowded. This approach promotes accessibility and reinforces commitment to cost-effective living. It serves as a practical solution for those looking for family-friendly environments in a competitive housing market.

Community and Public Amenities

A vital aspect of the design is its integration with public amenities. A modern library stands at the heart of the development, serving as a resource and gathering place for residents. This library distinguishes private housing from public retail and office areas, creating a hub for community activities. Other features, such as a community garden and an existing church, contribute to the neighborhood's social cohesion and support an engaged lifestyle.

Efforts to combine residential living with community services are evident throughout the design. The balance of private and public spaces aims to enhance daily life for residents, encouraging interaction and shared experiences. This focus on community makes the East Melbourne development a model for future housing projects.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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