HousingFirst is a multi-award winning, regulated, not-for profit organisation providing social and affordable housing to over 2000 people across Melbourne, and is recognised as one of Victoria’s fastest-growing CHP’s.

Partnering with HousingFirst, the design transforms a Council owned car-park into a mixed-use multi-level facility providing 46 new homes. These will be allocated to people from the Victorian Housing Register, including those living with a disability.

The development consists of ground floor retail units to accommodate a social enterprise, a basement public car park, a new public realm facing Balaclava train station and four high physical support-capable NDIS units. A nolli-plan artwork lives within the ground floor entry foyer area, celebrating the local Balaclava / St Kilda area.

Sustainability has been high on the agenda, with naturally ventilated corridors, integrated solar shading and a high proportion of dual-aspect, cross-ventilated apartments. These have achieved a respectable 8.3 Star NatHERS average rating.

Lighting: Industrial Light. Finishes: Versol, Laminex, Porta Timber, Tarkett, Shaw Contract. Fittings & Fixtures: Harvey Norman Commercial, Howards Storage World.

Photography: Nicole Reed, Elizabeth Schiavello