The Affordable Development category was this year awarded to Camperdown Common Ground Model Project by NSW Land & Housing Corporation in conjuction with Grocon Constructors (NSW) Pty Ltd. 

The Judges felt that this sensitively designed building, which provides 104 units for homeless and low income people in the heart of a rapidly gentrifying inner suburb, more than matches in architectural quality in the nearby recently developed high quality residential complex. They congratulated the entrants on the spectacular full height atrium which provides a uniforming focus for the seven levels of units that include community and break out spaces.

In their nomination to the Awards, the entrant gave an overview of the development:

“The Camperdown Common Ground Model Project adopts the ‘street to home’ approach of the Common Ground model that originated in New York, U.S.A. The project addresses chronic homelessness by providing stable, high quality, permanent housing.

The building is indistinguishable as social housing or an institutional building, but rather presents as a contemporary and comfortable living environment. The 104 units establish a social mix, integrating previously homeless people along with others on low incomes. A 24-hour concierge provides security and casual surveillance for residents, visitors and support services, ensuring residents are receiving appropriate support to maintain their tenancies.

The project is targeting a five-star Green Star design rating and is one of the largest residential developments in Australia that has 100 per cent of its units with barrier free access to aid accessibility.

The project is a collaborative effort by NSW Land & Housing Corporation and Grocon, the builder (with its architect Hassell) on a pro bono basis to prepare feasibility studies, full design services and construction. Many other specialists also contributed to the project on an ‘at cost’ basis which fostered the collaborative approach throughout delivery. Grocon completed the project ahead of time, within budget and returned $1.4m saving to NSW Land & Housing Corporation.”