Project Introduction
City Collective collaborated with UnitingSA to lead the design and development of the Uniting on Devonport project in Prospect, South Australia. The project aimed to deliver 48 dwellings, including a mix of social, affordable, and market-rate housing, specifically catering to women aged 55 and older who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. City Collective’s approach emphasised community integration, sustainability, and design excellence, aligning closely with Prospect’s urban design guidelines.
Key Project Challenges
The project faced significant challenges, including addressing the irregular site shape, planning constraints on building height, and ensuring compliance with heritage overlays. The limited site dimensions required innovative planning to maximise yield while maintaining high-quality living spaces and functional communal areas. Balancing affordability with Prospect’s sustainability goals, such as achieving a 5-star Green Star rating, added further complexity to the design process.
Key Project Innovations
City Collective employed several innovative strategies, including the design of compact but efficient two-bedroom apartments and townhouses that cater to diverse living needs. The building mass was carefully divided to create distinct forms, reducing the visual impact on surrounding streetscapes and enhancing natural light and ventilation. Sustainability features, such as optimised solar orientation, green infrastructure, and energy-efficient materials, were integral to the project. Additionally, landscaped communal areas and a rooftop terrace were introduced to foster social interaction and support residents’ well-being, ensuring that Uniting on Devonport becomes a model for inclusive, sustainable housing.
Client
UnitingSA, Renewal SA
Client
Prospect, SA, AU
Primary sector
Housing & Mixed-Use
Value
$24M AUD
Project years
2022 – 2024
Services provided
Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design
Project team
Project Director – David Cooke
Design Lead – Sam Wiechula
