Studio GL developed an integrated medium density housing typology and neighbourhood master plan for the Density and Diversity Done Well ideas competition run by the Queensland Government in 2017. The competition explored the ‘missing middle’ of housing choice in Australia, between apartments and detached dwellings, and was looking for new housing types to meet Queensland’s community, environmental and urban challenges.

Our scheme proposed a finer grain of new public laneways through an existing suburban block, which enabled a more accessible and walkable urban structure to support increased density. The aim was to encourage walking, creating increased opportunity for people to meet informally, build social connections and support local services. The affordable housing module provided in-built potential for expansion, adaptation and change of use and living spaces on the upper levels responded to the climate, maximising natural ventilation through high ceilings and capturing local breezes. The small building footprint allowed increased deep soil zones supporting mature trees and vegetation, which provided privacy screening, increased amenity and reduced the heat island effect.

Client: Queensland Government 

Project date: 2017

Services: Strategic Thinking & Planning, Residential Design, Research

Similar Projects: Medium Density Study, Medium Density Housing Code Analysis