The Demonstration Housing Project responds to an ACT Legislative Assembly resolution passed in June 2017. This led to the ACT Government’s engagement with the community to seek housing proposals that showcase best-practice in one or more of the following areas:
- excellence in construction and design quality
- carbon neutral buildings
- medium density infill
- innovative planning and engagement approaches
- innovative housing products and typologies
- close partnership with industry bodies and
- options for public and affordable housing.
The Project closely aligns with the Housing Choices project which considered future housing needs for all Canberrans. Recommendations from the Housing Choices Collaboration Hub helped develop the evaluation criteria for the Demonstration Housing Project.
Why are we doing it?
Increased housing choice is an integral part of the ACT Government's priority for urban renewal that creates viable, safe and attractive communities. The social, environmental and economic changes in Canberra provide an opportunity to rethink housing design and delivery methods. By considering sustainability and the needs of our community, we can support these changes while respecting our Garden City character.
The Project aims to highlight a range of housing types which delivers increased density that are not permitted under the current planning rules. It aims to show that density can be achieved through built forms which complement and enhance the existing neighbourhood environment.
The ACT Government's Planning Strategy details the need for housing that addresses the needs of younger and older people. This includes providing:
- affordable and social housing along transport corridors;
- housing options suitable for ageing in place; and
- infill housing catered for families closer to the city centre.
Canberrans have told us that there is a 'missing middle' in our housing market. This includes types of housing that are suitable for people at different life stages. Canberra currently caters well to people wanting to buy a family home or an apartment. However, there are a lack of options for low rise, medium density housing types. Examples of missing middle housing include:
- Dual occupancy
- Townhouses
- Terrace houses (dwellings built in a continuous row with adjoining walls)
- Manor houses (up to 4 dwellings within a single dwelling footprint)
- Co-housing developments
- Integrated Tri-occupancy
- Duplexes (two attached or semi-attached dwellings)
- Surveillance dwelling (above garage)
- Shop top housing (above commercial tenancy)
Feedback from the Housing Choices Collaboration Hub found that the missing middle products need to address the following:
- Affordability
- Existing suburb character
- Environment
- Different lifestyles and diversity requirements
- Maintain a high quality of design and construction
The Project offers an opportunity to test the effectiveness of different housing types through post-occupancy evaluation. It also aims to demonstrate how we can best deliver a compact, sustainable, and accessible city. The Project would support ACT Governments’ commitment to:
- 70% of new housing to be within Canberra's existing footprint;
- achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2020 and net zero emissions by 2045;
- a 15% social and affordable housing target;
- provide a diverse mix of housing types and choice;
- enable innovative design and delivery mechanisms; and
- encourage well designed, environmentally sustainable and accessible housing.
Lessons learnt from the Project will inform future government policy and Territory Plan changes. The goal is to encourage and support improved housing choice and housing quality in Canberra.
