Density & Diversity Done Well Competition
Gresley Abas was proud to be a winner of the Queensland Government's Density & Diversity Done Well design competition, which challenged designers to explore new models of medium-density housing for suburban Australia.
The winning proposal reimagined the suburban house lot as a compact, shared community of diverse dwellings arranged around landscape and communal spaces. Combining the qualities of the traditional six-pack apartment, suburban family home and share-house model, the concept explored how greater housing diversity and density could be achieved without compromising amenity, neighbourhood character or quality of life.
The jury recognised the project's potential to provide flexible, community-focused housing for a broad range of residents, including singles, couples, families, older people and those wishing to age in place within a contemporary, non-institutional setting.
Following the competition, Gresley Abas was commissioned by the Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works to translate the concept into a realised social and affordable housing development in Zillmere, Brisbane. Through a full design, documentation and delivery process, the original ideas were refined for a real site and housing program while maintaining the core principles of diversity, adaptability, environmental performance and community connection.
Now complete, the project demonstrates how familiar suburban construction techniques and materials can be reinterpreted to deliver innovative medium-density housing that balances increased density with landscape, liveability and dignity for residents.
“Every unit offers a range of shared amenities that retain the ‘luxuries’ of traditional suburban home ownership.”
