Prize-winning unit block is a social surprise

A 58-unit Housing Commission apartment block in Liverpool, has won the NSW Premier’s Architecture award for a multiple occupancy residential award.

According to a story in the Sydney Morning Herald, locals are surprised to discover that the striking edifice in Bigge Street,was built for social housing.

The block’s architect Stephen Cox, a director from Turner, said: “You wouldn’t know it is social, you wouldn’t have a clue.”

He added that the apartments were built to last, cost less to run, and age well.

Costing $28 million, the winner of this year’s Premier’s Prize for architecture was developed by the NSW Land and Housing Corporation, constructed by Hutchinson Builders with design by architects, Turner Studio.

The apartments’ size, light and ventilation easily matched expensive units in Sydney’s CBD, leading Sydney architect Professor Philip Thalis, the chair of the jury that judged the NSW architecture award for apartments, told the SMH.

The units don’t have all the fancy finishes that are standard in other blocks. But the apartments were so well planned that Prof. Thalis said there had been no question that it deserved an award.

“Bigge Street answers NSW’s urgent need for social housing, particularly in Liverpool, where the wait time exceeds 10 years,” the Australian Institute of Architects said in announcing the win.

“This NSW Government’s Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) social housing project showcases the possibility of providing high-quality and cost-effective design outcomes simultaneously.

“The character and materiality of the project is driven by the long-term performance of the building, including maintenance, longevity, and the sensitive needs of social housing residents. Durable materiality was selected, such as the precast facade and minimised paint usage.

“The lobby, distinctly identifiable from the street, features an oversized address imprinted into the precast panels. The interiors are softer, including coloured highlights and plenty of storage.

“The ground floor landscaped areas and communal open spaces provide amenities that respond to the diverse needs of the residents.

“Overall, the strong form and refined material palette offer a handsome architectural building that the occupants and neighbourhood can be proud of.”

Meanwhile, if the Premier’s Prize seems like the government patting itself on the back, it should be noted that the project was begun by the previous incumbents.