Ageing in Place – WPI Older Women’s Housing Project by Studio Bright
Women’s Property Initiatives (WPI) Older Women’s Housing Project is a pilot study for well-designed shared equity housing. Designed by Studio Bright, the project delivers four modest yet high-quality dwellings for women over 55 at risk of ageing into poverty – offering residents security of tenure and ongoing affordability.
Tasked with developing a new housing typology for one of WPI’s most vulnerable cohorts, Studio Bright saw the project as an opportunity to support the lived experience of older women and contribute to Melbourne’s built fabric in a positive and generous way. “We strived to transcend the functional requirements of the brief, ensuring the homes feel robust, generous and high quality, while remaining simple and affordable,” reflects Mel Bright, Director of Studio Bright. “We concentrated on the little things that make a big difference.”
Women’s Property Initiatives worked closely with Studio Bright to unpack the complex economic, political and societal forces shaping Melbourne’s housing affordability crisis and the experiences of older single women. “The key was to create homes where women could age in place, without depleting their assets,” says Jeanette Large, CEO of Women’s Property Initiatives. Creating privacy and security was paramount, particularly for tenants finding a new start after experiencing family violence. “It is essential for our homes to blend in with the streetscape and not be readily identified as social housing,” says Jeanette.
The suburban pilot site in Beaconsfield, south-east of Melbourne, inspired Studio Bright to pursue masonry brick construction – a modest, enduring and low maintenance material that harmonises with its surroundings. Lightweight, timber-clad elements replace the need for steel lintels while lending a mellow warmth and grain to the architecture. Sloped roofs, neatly finished with eaves gutters, produce a graphic rhythm for each dwelling and craft a lofty internal volume that expands the compact homes’ sense of scale.
The roof pitch draws sunlight into each living space, opening to north-facing private gardens. “With solar panels, rainwater tanks and efficient cross-ventilation, the ongoing running cost of each dwelling is minimised,” explains Mel. These measures contribute to a sustainable built outcome for the site, complying with Gold Liveable Housing Guidelines and the NDIS Improved Liveability Standards.
Internally, Studio Bright embraced an adaptable layout to suit the changing needs of the residents, giving them the opportunity to age in place. The second bedroom intentionally adjoins the light-filled living space, separated by bi-folding doors. “This arrangement allows the room to act as a living room extension or a bedroom for guests or caregivers if ever needed,” says Mel.
Internally, Studio Bright embraced an adaptable layout to suit the changing needs of the residents, giving them the opportunity to age in place.
In collaboration with Eckersley Garden Architecture, the development’s communal outdoor spaces are enlivened with garden beds, stepping stones and circular concrete planters set to brim with herbs, vegetables and fruit trees over time. Complementing the architecture’s naturalistic palette, Mel believes the landscaping “provides a generous offering to the street and fosters a strong sense of community among the four residents.”
Indeed, WPI Older Women’s Housing Project is testament to the power of architecture in fostering improved wellbeing, personal safety, independence and social inclusion. Studio Bright has cleverly defined an agile housing typology that can flex to suit other suburban and inner-city sites. “The hope it that this project offers a precedent for a new model of preventative action housing that is desperately needed now more than ever,” reflects Mel.
Women’s Property Initiatives Older Women’s Housing Project was enriched by generous contributions from Brickworks Building Products, BlueScope, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, Mercy Foundation, Homes for Homes and Gandel Philanthropy.
