Within a tight budget, the aim was to build generosity into the everyday experience of residents—finding moments of openness, light and connection wherever possible. Common circulation spaces open onto landscaped courtyards, with wide, low walls that double as informal seating and encourage neighbours to use the shared spaces. Inside the apartments, simple gestures such as full-height doors, generous glazing and small private balconies expand the perception of space and bring in natural light.

The architecture is deliberately robust, using a long-life, low-maintenance palette suited to the demands of affordable housing. A single design move defines the building: the raking parapet line set against the horizontal aluminium screen. This screen wraps much of the structure, acting at once as sun shading, privacy filter, balcony balustrade and stair enclosure. Its presence allows setbacks to be minimised, increasing the number of dwellings while still creating protected courtyard spaces at the heart of the plan.

Responding to an irregular site and natural contours, the building steps up with the terrain, clearing existing service levels and settling comfortably into its suburban context. At two storeys, it feels at home among its neighbours yet quietly signals a more contemporary, community-focused approach to housing.