WINDELL STREET, INNALOO
THE BUILDERS CHOICE Windell Street, Innaloo
Focus on
Social Housing
T
he project was funded through the State Government’s $394 million METRONET Social and Affordable Housing and Jobs Package. “A timber-frame construction method was utilised to deliver the housing as quickly as possible” “All apartments are spacious, functional and designed to reduce energy use for thermal comfort” “The aim is create a sense of community and belonging to ensure that the common spaces are well used and maintained, day to day” “We tried to create opportunities for residents and visitors to cross paths in welcoming spaces” A small but significant part of a major State Government housing initiative was recently completed on an unassuming residential street in suburban Perth. Where once stood a modest THE TEAM
Phone: 9537 6205 www.rapley.com.au
Phone: 9226 3236 www.whitehaus.com.au
74 The Builders Choice Magazine – December 2021
brick home able to accommodate only a single family, there is now a purpose-built social housing complex consisting of eight modern apartments carefully considered to meld good design with comfort, functionality and dignified living. The three-storey development at 11 Windell Street, Innaloo, was a collaboration between the Department of Communities and a private sector architect and building company to deliver high-quality social housing. The project was funded through the State Government’s $394 million METRONET Social and Affordable Housing and Jobs Package – a major investment in housing aimed at building liveable and connected communities close to transport infrastructure. It is also part of the State Government’s WA Housing Strategy 2020-2030 which plans to connect 150,000 West Australian households to safe, stable and sustainable homes within the decade. Developed, managed and constructed by veteran Perth builder and developer Rapley Wilkinson, the Windell Street project supported more than 70 jobs, including trade subcontractors and building suppliers. Rapley led the design team of two award-winning Perth architects, Leanhaus and Whitehaus, the latter engaged post-design to provide documentation and construction support. Housing diversity boosted The development, which is managed by the Department of Communities, has increased housing diversity in the area and is intended to help address the shortage of smaller homes in Perth. A Department spokesperson said the housing program aims to meet the demand for social housing in Western Australia by providing people with comfortable, well-designed and well-located homes.
