A groundbreaking social housing redevelopment in Glebe, Sydney, is set to become one of the first and largest cross-laminated timber (CLT) social affordable apartment buildings in New South Wales.
Scheduled for completion in early 2025, the $65 million project, located at Cowper Street and Wentworth Park Road, will offer 75 new social homes across two eight-storey towers and separate three-storey terraces.
The development, designed to achieve a 6 Star Green Star rating, represents a significant advancement in sustainable construction methodologies.
It aims to set a precedent for future buildings using CLT, addressing critical housing needs in Sydney’s inner west.
GroupGSA, serving as the executive architect, is leading the project in collaboration with Kane Constructions.
The initial concept, designed by Johnson Pilton Walker, underwent several amendments to incorporate the use of CLT.
Noura Thaha, GroupGSA Associate Director and project lead emphasised the project’s innovative use of CLT, which comprises 85 per cent of the building materials.
“This building is a high-end product in terms of sustainability,” Thaha stated, highlighting its role in advancing CLT adoption in Australian residential developments.
Despite being a premium product, the project showcases CLT’s safety and environmental benefits, positioning it as a viable option for future residential projects.
The Cowper Street project is classified as a Type A construction under the Building Code of Australia, requiring the highest level of fire resistance.
This classification underscores the meticulous planning and technological innovations involved in ensuring compliance and efficiency in construction.
GroupGSA utilised BIM software and clash detection tools to address potential construction challenges, setting a new standard for future CLT apartment buildings.
In addition to its architectural innovations, the project respects Glebe’s heritage by retaining historic sandstone kerbs and transforming the existing site into a diverse housing offering, including studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and three-bedroom terraces.
The development also promotes sustainability with zero-car parking and dedicated bicycle facilities, enhancing local amenities and encouraging green travel.
GroupGSA’s extensive experience in delivering socially responsible developments is evident in this project, which is poised to become a benchmark for sustainable social housing in Australia.
