Project Introduction
City Collective partnered with Unity Housing Company to lead the Henley South Residential Development, a project that reimagined a critical site in Adelaide, South Australia. The plan focused on delivering 70 dwellings, including apartments and townhouses, designed to enhance density and diversity while preserving the area’s livability and walkability. With a focus on sustainability and community integration, City Collective’s work emphasised high-quality design and public open space to create a vibrant, inclusive neighborhood.
Key Project Challenges
The Henley South project faced several challenges, including accommodating diverse housing typologies within a compact site and meeting stringent design standards to maintain compatibility with the surrounding residential context. Managing the balance between housing density and green space was essential, as was ensuring traffic flow, parking accessibility, and minimising the visual impact of multi-story buildings. Achieving sustainability goals, including green infrastructure and community-focused amenities, added further complexity.
Key Project Innovations
City Collective implemented a range of innovative design strategies to address these challenges. The master plan featured a mix of two- and three-bedroom townhouses and apartments, each optimized for natural light, ventilation, and privacy. Green spaces, including a 1,300 m² community park with shade trees, picnic areas, and a playground, were central to the development. The integration of shared pedestrian zones and rain gardens enhanced connectivity and sustainability, while the design of internalized parking reduced streetscape dominance by vehicles. The use of high-quality, durable materials ensured both aesthetic and functional longevity, creating a neighborhood that seamlessly blends community living with environmental stewardship
Client
Unity Housing Company
Location
Henley Beach South, SA, AU
Primary sector
Housing & Mixed-Use
Value
$48M AUD
Project years
2019 – 2025
Services provided
Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design
Project team
Project Director – David Cooke
Design Lead – Sam Wiechula









