Tools & Resources
Public Housing Designed for Life
NSW architects Deena Ridenour and Michael Grave, of Ridenour Grave
| Location: | Marden, South Australia |
| Country: | Australia |
| Client: | Michael Findlay, South Australian Housing Trust, Ph: 08 8207 0567 |
| Architect: | Deena Ridenour and Michael Grave, Ridenour Grave, NSW, Ph: 08 8364 6888. Anthony Donato Architects, South Australia |
| Products Used: |
Fencing Roofing AQUAPLATE® steel for water tanks |
| Awards: | 2001 Royal Australian Institute of Architects Housing for Life Award based on energy efficiency and ease of access for occupants |
A new housing development by the South Australian Housing Trust is set to redefine low cost public housing in Australia. The new, architecturally designed housing estate - to be built in the Adelaide suburb of Marden - brings style, efficiency and comfort to public housing.
NSW architects Deena Ridenour and Michael Grave, of Ridenour Grave, developed the adaptable, energy efficient housing estate to blend with the suburban surrounds.
"Our aim was to relate the homes to their surroundings, complementing the neighbourhood and improving the quality of low cost housing," Michael Grave said.
The Ridenour Grave design addresses energy efficiency, maintenance, privacy, adaptability and aesthetic issues.
To achieve the required aesthetic appeal and design quality, Ridenour Grave nominated that all roofing, gutters and downpipes be made from COLORBOND® steel, taking advantage of its minimal maintenance, thermal efficiency qualities and its lighter framing requirements.
"We wanted to respond to the local context which combined housing from different periods and to design this housing to be both compatible but also distinctive in its styling," Michael Grave said.
"It also demonstrates the importance of good site design to create good indoor and outdoor living spaces for everyone in a group development."
All fences in the estate will be made from COLORBOND® steel to provide tenants with a semi-private garden space. All windows facing the north and west will be covered by a canopy made from COLORBOND® steel.
As part of the water management of the site, each house will also be equipped with a water tank made from AQUAPLATE® steel, specifically developed and made by BlueScope Steel to provide potable water.
The housing estate design addresses the main concern of "Housing for Life" - the theme of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects National Housing Conference held in Adelaide late last year which called on housing to be suitable for all ages, budgets and lifestyles.
BlueScope Steel funded an architectural competition which encouraged architects from around Australia to submit plans for a public housing estate on the Marden site.
Entrants were asked to design up to four separate living units that could be sub-divided, fitted in with the character of the neighbourhood, met strict budgetary conditions and addressed the major issue of housing for life.
"The housing highlights energy efficiency, safety and accessibility in its design which will cater for a diverse group of tenants," said Michael Findlay from the South Australian Housing Trust.
The competition judges found the winning Ridenour Grave design featured good thermal insulation and natural ventilation, required minimum maintenance, provided suitable disabled access and created a dedicated landscape area.
"The submission demonstrated flexible use of space, the separation of internal and street space and considered environmental issues such as on-site water capture," the judges commented.
Local architectural firm Anthony Donato Architects is now preparing contract documentation for the winning Ridenour Grave design, which will soon be going to tender.
Building is likely to begin in August and completion is expected by early next year.
