BLI BLI VIEWS
Experience a thoughtfully designed and community-driven social housing project nestled in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, providing affordable and sustainable living solutions
Situated at 14 Oyster Bank Road, Bli Bli, the proposed social housing community of 'Bli Bli Views' embraces the natural beauty of its surroundings, with its abundant ecosystem and rich biodiversity. Recognizing the importance of preserving this natural environment, the design team has carefully considered these factors, ensuring that the construction and development of the community will have minimal impact on the local ecosystem. One of the notable advantages of the site’s location is its proximity to the Maroochy River, offering residents and visitors opportunities for boating, fishing, and various watersports. The community enjoys convenient access to essential amenities such as healthcare facilities, schools, public transportation, and recreational spaces. This accessibility contributes to an enhanced quality of life for residents, reducing barriers to education and employment. It creates an ideal environment for social housing residents to access crucial services, ultimately promoting their economic stability, fostering a sense of community and improving residents' overall well-being.
SITE CONTEXT
In terms of the site conditions, several factors relating to wind direction and natural light play significant roles in the design and orientation of buildings. Understanding these elements helps maximize energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and overall building performance. The identification of prevailing wind patterns allowed the design team to make informed decisions regarding building layout, orientation, and the placement of windows and openings. The site experiences north to south-easterly breezes in the summer, with cold south -westerly and southerly-easterly winds in the winter. A north to north-easterly orientation is the most favourable for optimizing solar performance of materials, increasing natural light and reducing reliance on artificial heating / cooling systems.
The concept design of Bli Bli Views drew inspiration from the site’s historical context and embraced the values of inclusivity, sustainability, and community engagement. The primary aim was to create an environment that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape while meeting the needs of vulnerable individuals, offering them a pathway to a more secure and prosperous future. During concept development phase, design strategies were explored to foster social interaction, such as shared common areas, gardens, parks, and walkways, encouraging residents to build relationships, support one another, and engage in communal activities. To minimize the project’s environmental impact and promote energy efficiency, sustainable building design strategies were carefully considered. This included the use of renewable materials, implementation of energy-efficient systems, and incorporation of passive design principles. By prioritizing sustainability, the project not only reduces its carbon footprint but also contributes to the long-term resilience and resource efficiency of the buildings. Additionally, the modular homes were designed to be durable, adaptable, and capable of withstanding the challenging coastal conditions, ensuring their longevity. By considering site conditions, respecting historical context, mitigating climate impact, and incorporating sustainable design principles, the holistic approach to design establishes a socially and environmentally responsible social housing community. It not only provides a safe and supportive environment for residents but also promotes a sense of belonging and harmony with the natural surroundings.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
As residents and visitors enter the secure and welcoming environment of Bli Bli Views, they are greeted with generous parking provisions and a thoughtfully designed reception area/cafe, serving as a prominent hub of connection and interaction. The design team ensured the reception area was designed to reflect the inclusive and welcoming nature of Bli Bli Views. The clerestory windows and extensive glass curtain walls that divide the reception and cafe, allow for an abundance of natural light to flood the interior, creating a bright and uplifting atmosphere. This natural illumination not only reduces the need for artificial lighting but also contributes to a sense of openness and spaciousness. The cafe, known as ‘The Bakehouse’, can be regarded as a catalyst for social interaction, a gathering place for residents, a platform for additional services, and a source of convenience. It creates a vibrant and inclusive environment where residents can connect, engage, and find support amongst one another.
Lining the streets of Bli Bli Views are three different single storey modular homes, ranging from one to three bedrooms, catering to individuals or small families. The advantage of building at ground level is that these homes all retain a close relationship with the natural environment and provide a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments, ultimately allowing residents to connect with the landscaping design elements of gardens, pathways and various lakes. The low skillion roof profiles allow for unobstructed views of the surrounding waterways, forests and vegetation. This connection with the landscape not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the homes but also promotes a sense of tranquility, serenity, and well-being for the residents.
The construction of these modular homes takes place in a specialized off-site prefabrication hub. A few weeks prior to the delivery of the homes, site preparation work including excavation and foundation pouring will occur in anticipation for delivery of the modular components. Following assembly, the completion of outstanding work including site fit-off, and connection to services will take place. The additional structures including carports and composite garden sleepers will be built on site. The cost savings achieved through streamlined production and bulk purchasing of materials will contribute to the project’s affordability. The flexibility and customization options provided by modular construction enable tailored designs to meet the specific needs of social housing residents. Additionally, the sustainability features incorporated into the construction process align with the project’s commitment to environmentally conscious practices.
DESIGN APPROACH
1 BEDROOM HOUSE
2 BEDROOM HOUSE
3 BEDROOM HOUSE
Consideration to privacy and screening was given when determining the site plan and positioning of houses in relation to one another. As evident in the site plan, homes are positioned to not face directly to street frontages and the positioning of carports acts as screening devices between properties. Careful planning of the street layout has contributed to increased privacy. The curved and meandering streets create a sense of seclusion, while the incorporation of features like setback carports, garden areas, and front porches create visual barriers and buffer zones between the street and living spaces. Landscaping has also been employed to soften the visual impact of neighbouring structures and create a more private atmosphere. To maintain the safety of residents, the community is gated, and offers controlled access points with limited entry, to help deter unauthorized persons from entry. The design team implemented other security measures, such as well-lit pathways and surveillance cameras, to enhance safety within the community. Though privacy and screening are important aspects for a social housing environment, we acknowledged that is equally essential to foster a sense of community and encourage social interaction within the housing development. By providing adequate privacy measures without excessive fencing between houses, residents have the opportunity to engage with their neighbours, build relationships, and create a supportive community atmosphere, particularly with the abundance of connecting walkways. The presence of a large timber framed shed at the heart of the community serves as a catalyst for bringing residents together and fostering a sense of community. This multipurpose facility, featuring barbeque facilities, toilets, storage facilities, a pool, playground, and various lakes, provides a central gathering space where residents can come together. By providing a communal space, Bli Bli Views aims to break down social barriers, combat isolation, and foster a strong sense of belonging. It encourages the formation of support networks and friendships among neighbours, promoting a supportive and inclusive community.
Bli Bli Views is a transformative social housing project that addresses the pressing need for affordable and secure accommodation in Australia. The design resolution effectively meets the needs of occupants by incorporating environmental, psychological, and socialization strategies while ensuring safety and privacy. The project embraces sustainable design principles, maximizing energy efficiency, and utilizing eco-friendly materials. Thoughtful consideration has been given to the site’s location and context, integrating with the natural surroundings and offering convenient access to essential amenities. The design strategy fosters a sense of community and belonging, promoting social interaction and well-being. With its inclusive and welcoming environment, Bli Bli Views sets a new standard for social housing, providing residents with a safe, comfortable, and sustainable place to call home. Overall, the design exemplifies a progressive approach to social housing, demonstrating that affordable housing can be aesthetically pleasing, sustainable, and supportive of the residents’ overall quality of life.
