PROJECT
NORTHSEA
Architecture
Completed
Sydney
Multi Residential
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Client:
Traders in Purple
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Location:
Wollongong, NSW
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Size:
38 Private Apartments, 9 Affordable and 18 Social housing
Northsea is the first truly mixed tenure housing project of its kind in Australia, providing social, affordable and private apartments in a single tower in a prime location in Wollongong, NSW. From the outset, the developer, Traders in Purple’s direction was to house an inclusive, diverse and sustainable community.
Designed in collaboration with Jackson Teece and ADM architects, this philosophy drove the architectural design providing floor plates that encompassed the various apartment types while maintaining central and inclusive amenities available to all residents. Common areas are spread throughout the building encouraging and supporting social interaction.
https://www.livenorthsea.com/
Built on the site of a former social housing complex the 13 Storey tower includes 38 private apartments, 09 affordable housing tenancies, 3 of which are dual key and 18 social housing apartments, 8 of which are in dual key arrangement. This housing mix was informed by the social housing operator, the Illawarra Housing Trust’s requirements and expected market demand, the flexible ‘dual-key’ apartment layouts suit a wide array of social housing tenants. A commercial tenancy also occupies the ground floor plan.
The social and affordable apartments are located across the three storey podium. While the private apartments occupy the relatively slender tower with only four apartments on each level allowing for excellent solar access and cross ventilation to the majority of apartments.
At Northsea, social housing provides a supportive community where all residents are treated with respect and dignity. The architecture supports opportunities for social integration and development of a vibrant community, breaking cycles of inequity and providing stable and inclusive housing.
The building has been orientated to enjoy a northern aspect with magnificent views of the ocean to the east and Mount Kiera and Mount Ousley on the escarpment to the west. Rain water harvesting and low energy rated fixtures have also been prioritised to reduce the buildings operational costs.
Residents enjoy shared access to lobbies, lifts and a rich suite of amenities, including podium gardens and roof top BBQ areas surrounded by ocean views. .
The creation of these spaces was supported by an extensive team of consultants. Landscape architects worked to provide low maintenance and native gardens suited to the coastal location.
Northsea is an example of what can be achieved through shared vision and collaboration. The unwavering commitment by Traders in Purple to provide a sustainable solution to the housing crisis though partnership between government and private business to deliver this unique model. The architectural design not only provides the backbone for a thriving community but also supports its ongoing growth, delivering lasting value to both the residents and the broader Wollongong community.
