Located in Strathfield adjoining Parramatta Road, this affordable rental housing development contains 44 boarding rooms over 4 levels. The proposal is respectfully sited with the street setback aligning with neighbouring buildings and the rear and side setbacks maximised in relation to the nearby buildings.

The plan is articulated efficiently with east and west facing rooms off a naturally-ventilated central corridor. All floors can be accessed by a lift or two sets of open stairs. A series of framed projecting balconies to the west contrasts with the screened continuous linear balconies to the east.

All rooms are carefully sized between 23-25sqm with five accessible rooms between 27-29sqm. The caretaker’s room and common rooms are located at ground level with direct access to outdoor landscaped recreational spaces. All rooms have balconies and many are cross ventilated with windows in bathrooms and in the end walls. All top level rooms have raked ceilings with additional highlight windows for extra daylight access and ceiling height.

The basement has 13 car spaces, 9 motorcycle spaces and spaces for up to 12 bicycles with ample storage areas for occupants.

Trees to the front and rear are carefully selected for their character, privacy screening and shading characteristics.

The proposal responds to Sydney’s crisis of housing affordability. It enhances the character of the existing street, while anticipating the likely intensification of the area due to the West Connex Project and its adjacency to Strathfield Station.