Yivone Chelsea Hendoro

This semester’s studio, Re-Commission, focuses on the Victorian Government’s public housing renewal project, which plans to replace 44 aging high-rise public housing towers in Melbourne that no longer meet modern standards. Our studio is specifically examining the Carlton, 20 Elgin St and 141 Nicholson St Redbrick Towers. The studio aims to advocate for sustainable alternatives to demolition by exploring options to repair and retain these structures, enhancing their social, environmental, and economic contributions to the community.

Proposed Site Axonometric

This project focuses on minimising tenant displacement in public housing, which is why I implemented numerous small, strategic changes. Many of these adjustments were informed by community input, as residents expressed a need for more communal spaces and interaction areas, along with concerns about inadequate maintenance.

141 Nicholson St Ground Floor Plan

In Stage 1, a section of the wall near the lift maintenance area will be removed to create an open back entrance, ensuring residents can still access the main entry. The plant room will be downsized to make way for a common lounge, and the old security room will be repurposed into a food co-op and community room.

20 Elgin St Ground Floor Plan

Stage 2 focuses on clearing the ground floor center to establish a passageway, with temporary access provided via the back entrance. During this phase, a new receptionist/security room will be added, along with play and sports areas.

Proposed Level 1 Floor Plan

In Stage 3, residential units will be updated one level at a time, with residents temporarily relocated to vacant units. This stage includes removing single-unit walls, replacing carpets, windows, and doors, updating services, extending balconies, and upgrading the rooftop.

Proposed Level 2 Floor Plan

The design for the typical floors alternates balcony extensions by floor, creating a pattern that enhances resident interaction. On "level 1" floors, single-unit balconies are extended, while on "level 2" floors, two and three bedroom unit balconies are extended. This pattern repeats every two floors, allowing balconies on alternating levels to overlap. This configuration lets tenants see and interact with neighbours across from them, encouraging more outdoor connections and a sense of community.

Single Unit Studio

The single-bedroom unit has been converted into an open studio by removing the bedroom wall, creating a more flexible living space. A curtain wall has replaced the existing balcony windows to allow more natural light, and both the kitchen and bathroom have been upgraded to meet modern standards.

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