Aug 3 2007
Low-cost, ecologically sustainable apartments could be built for as little as $70,000 under designs launched today by University of Sydney architecture staff and students.
The five models, all three-storey urban apartments for low income singles and couples, will be unveiled at the Home Ideas Centre in Alexandria this morning.
"We've managed to keep construction costs to between $70,000 and $100,000. At the same time we've included a number of environmental features," said Col James, senior lecturer in architecture.
A total of 138 students were involved in researching and designing the models, supervised by eight professional architects and in co-operation with Marrickville Council.
"The designs are for the former Marrickville Hospital site, currently owned by Marrickville Council," said Mr James.
"The apartment basements would remain council-controlled and be used for parking small cars, scooters and bikes, and for recycling and power generation."
Other features include:
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Open plan, flexible space (40m2/60m2), conventional construction by not-for-profit builders.
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Maximum DIY input using caravan and boating technology, prefab kitchens and cupboards.
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Three-storey water storage tanks and grey water recycling loos and gardens.
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Use of government subsidies for solar technology, water retention, rental subsidies or first home purchase funds with rent/buy options.
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Potential for cross-subsidisation for housing through multi-zoning.
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Housing management by co-operatives.
"The young students who worked on the project are in the same age bracket as those they are designing for - an age group that is finding it hardest to own their own homes. But it is also a group that is keenly interested in environmental building technologies," said Mr James.
The models will be presented to the council, which is currently conducting its own feasibility study for redevelopment of the entire site.
Tanya Plibersek MP, Shadow Minister for Human Services, Housing, Women and Youth, will attend the launch along with Mr James and students.