Economic Development Queensland
Southport, Queensland
Bundjalung Nation
2022-2023
Architecture
Landscape Architecture
Urban Design
105 dwellings, on site health & employment services, support services to transition residents from social-assisted living to independant living
Dedicated supported housing tower, developed as part of a larger housing master plan for EDQ
During2023 Archipelago worked with RPS and Economic Development Queensland to provide urban design, architectural and landscape architecture services to develop the business case for the transaction and go to market strategy for state owned land in Southport, Queensland.
This reference design explored the potential of sites for two 25 storey towers. Early on in the process Archipelago identified the additional opportunity for a third development site, and identified opportunities for integrating public realm and improved permeability from the nearby G-Link light rail.
Leveraging the under realised landmark address of the site, Archipelago crafted a compelling urban proposition which repositioned this development proposal as a significant entry for the wider precinct.
By integrating a clear construction strategy with a development footprint sympathetic towards several adjacent high density development proposals during the project due diligence phase, then led on to the development of a reference design for a supportive housing model for the West tower. This reference design, led by Archipelago in liaison with a supportive housing operator, integrated and tested unit layouts within the development envelope.
Currently under procurement, the west tower project is set to deliver at least 150dwellings to Queenslanders in need.
What were the challenges?
Archipelago collaborated closely with Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) to explore and capitalize on the opportunity presented by an existing state-owned land parcel.
Working alongside a supportive housing operator, the team quickly analyzed site constraints to determine an optimal yield for a supportive housing tower and two additional sites. Despite the challenging site dimensions, the team maximized development potential through a variety of strategies, including market build-to-sell, build-to-rent, and social and affordable housing.
What were our solutions?
Once a comprehensive masterplan was established, the first stage was tested with a concept design for the supportive housing tower. Key innovations focused on how the architecture of a high-density tower could foster social clustering at different scales, encouraging the formation of sustainable social bonds and ‘subcommunities’ within the building. The Southport ‘West Tower’ has since advanced to the detailed due diligence phase.
How did we add value?
Archipelago collaborated with Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) to deliver additional value by introducing a laneway that holds the potential for future extension, supporting adjoining developments. This strategic initiative contributes to the uplift of surrounding sites and enhances overall connectivity.
The project was guided by a series of stakeholder engagements with both the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and EDQ, ensuring alignment with broader development goals.