Green

Our feature article in this issue is reflective of our society and its diversity of needs. As we grapple with a shortage of affordable housing, some shining examples come to the fore. A build-to-rent- to-own model developed by Assemble and designed by Hayball offers a solution whereby a pathway, with set rental and purchase prices, allows residents to live in the home they are saving to buy. In Sydney a community housing provider engaged architects Collins and Turner to design 20 secure, yet open and light-filled apartments, giving the mentally ill and homeless dignity and access to beautiful homes. Elsewhere medium density architecture that responds to climate and engages with the streetscape is adding character and community to our neighbourhoods. 

The passive house movement is gaining ground. We include two, one in Perth and one in Sydney, both incentivised by the prospect of low energy consumption and the comfort of a well-sealed house. They also both use cross-laminated timber panels, prefabricated and installed with very little waste.