Xingyu Zhao

The project proposes the reconfiguration of a Disability Housing Victoria owned share house in Cranbourne. This image shows the proposed redesign of the frontage defined by a new brick garden bed that creates a new, more accessible pathway to the house, whilst maintaining privacy to the front bedrooms.

"The animation shows a series of strategies for reconfiguring the house."

View full video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GOdRt0bJ1I

One of the key issues of the existing site is the large set-back of the house from the main road and the entire site being almost completely fenced off.
The main issues of the existing house are the narrow and complicated internal layout, the way public spaces lack light and interaction with their surroundings, there not being adequate hallways and doors to get wheelchairs through the building and, there is not enough bathrooms for residents.

The focus of the reconfiguration is to provide better interior space for disabled residents. The interior of the building was expanded to accommodate more functional areas. The bedrooms have been enlarged and each now has its own bathroom. Due to the structure of the space, wider passages have been created, public spaces expanded, and the main entrance moved to the middle of the house to shorten the paths of travel.

In addition to the internal reconfigurations, external spaces around the house have been modified to form better outdoor spaces and improve visual connections from within.

The existing living room was enclosed by a closed brick veneer wall, with only one south-facing window, making the space small and dark. In the scheme, brick walls will be opened up and replaced by timber frames where glass can be installed. The living room will gain open space and good views to the outside environment.