Rebecca Mallaby

The proposal is a medium-density co-housing precinct located in suburban South Caulfield, Melbourne. The site is situated along the Rosstown Rail Trail and adjacent to Aileen Avenue Park.

The precinct responds directly to the surrounding environment based on optimising frontage to Aileen Avenue Park, protecting from overlooking constraints to the neighbours on the north, and providing equal amenity for solar access and views to all apartments. Additionally, the existing bike trail is continued through the site introducing a new link to York Street.

Investigations of the typical South Caulfield residence has led to a meticulous breakdown of spaces within a suburban home and how this can be adapted for co-living, with each area divulging in level of intimacy and frequency of use. Less-used and less private facilities are shared communally between the entire precinct - the study (co-working spaces), garage (storage, bike parking, and car sharing allotment), and the gardens are integrated across the ground plane.

Each apartment block denotes a test to a different mode of sharing between direct neighbours, as well as testing different block configuration and circulation methods. The first test (south block) depict two adjacent apartments sharing a spare room, what may be used as a ‘rumpus’ room, studio, office, or guest room. The second (east block) introduces a shared kitchen arrangement between two apartments, whilst allowing for private living spaces. The final test (west block) shares all communal facilities - living, dining, and outdoor spaces, with neighbouring private bedrooms, bathrooms and outdoor access for each dweller.

The three apartment blocks, made of pre-fabricated CLT (and ashcrete for external floors), each feature rooftop communal spaces, creating micro-communities to share facilities such as outdoor entertaining areas, laundries, and clothes lines.

The site aims to situate itself within the existing landscape, protecting existing trees within and surrounding the site, and act as an extension of Aileen Avenue Park through a counter-park on the west, and a more private central courtyard for dwellers. The three apartment block tests placed within the site showcase the opportunity for a forward-thinking, neighbourly community that offers a distinctive living experience, with the potential to be replicated throughout the wider suburbs of Melbourne.