260 Bell Street
Client | Unison HOUSING
TYPE | Architecture, Interior Design, Documentation
SECTOR | Residential, AFFORDABLE Housing, Build to Rent
STATUS | Complete (2023)
Location | Heidelberg, VIC
HEIGHT | 20m, 6 Storeys
SCALE | GFA: 5,100 sqm, Site 1,188 sqm, 42 Apartments
COST | $13.7M
PHOTOGRAPHY | TOM ROE
Awards | 2023 UDIA VIC Awards for Excellence - Apartments (Mid Rise) - Shortlisted
New standards for affordable housing set in Melbourne's northeast.
260 Bell Street for Unison Housing redefines the build-to-rent market offering in Melbourne’s northeast by delivering an exemplary multi-residential development catering to renters in Heidelberg Heights.
The 42-apartment, 5,121 sqm development provides excellent quality rental accommodation for key workers and affordable housing occupants, held in one line and managed by Unison Housing as a tenure-blind offering. The project’s contemporary design, commitment to quality, and convenient location challenges the perception of affordable housing. Renters enjoy an outstanding living environment and benefit from a supportive landlord.
Designed by Plus Architecture, the contemporary presentation of 260 Bell Street seamlessly integrates with the surrounding neighbourhood and reflects a distinct, high-quality address for residents to call home.
The elevated multi-unit offering places incoming residents within the natural beauty of Heidelberg Heights, just 11 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD. The property is a short walk from Darebin Creek Forest Park and Cyril Cummins Reserve. Residents enjoy excellent access to service amenities, education facilities and employment opportunities.
Drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape of Heidelberg Heights, the six-storey development gracefully addresses the surrounding natural environment. Incorporating large setbacks to the north and employing staggered terracing, the dynamic sculptural form establishes an original and refined design language, creating a harmonious relationship with neighbouring structures. The elegant and organic shapes follow the natural flow of the land, and the building nestles into the rich topography of its raised site. Curved lines, expressed edges, and wide balconies contribute to its inviting atmosphere.
The facade articulation of the building is a thoughtful interplay of contrasting materials, carefully chosen to harmonise with the surrounding environment. Notably, along the west and south frontages, reaching up to the Bell Street intersection, a solid and rectilinear element has been strategically integrated. This addition not only enhances privacy but also optimises the interior space using triple-glazed windows.
On the western side, a captivating fusion of linear and curved elements graces the structure, infusing it with visual interest and imbuing it with a dynamic composition. Concurrently, the solid elements serve to maintain privacy, creating a tranquil and serene living environment.
The incorporation of tiered levels adds to the overall visual appeal of the project, while also providing residents with a strong nodal expression, further enhancing their experience.
As an affordable housing provider, Unison Housing must consistently balance the tensions and complexities of budget and amenity. Initially planned as a fully private development, the design was carefully assessed before several targeted modifications were adopted to prioritise liveability and affordability, without compromising quality.
Working with a constrained budget of $13.7 million for construction costs, the team has remarkably delivered generous apartment sizes, higher ceilings, and oversized private open space that provide residents with a high standard of comfort and enable flexible, usable living.
Apartments were carefully designed to meet residents' needs, featuring open living spaces maximising natural daylight, high quality kitchens, bedrooms with built-in robes and temperature control, balconies with scenic views, and secure underground parking.
The high-performance building envelope comprises robust materials and finishes which enhance the visual appeal of the development and reduces long-term operating costs, promoting sustainability and efficiency.
Visual appeal and functional amenity are underpinned by Unison’s place making approach, implemented to facilitate a strong sense of community for residents and provide support for more vulnerable community members. Unison’s dedication to promoting good design is evident in every aspect of the development at 260 Bell Street.
The project considers the unique characteristics of its surroundings and delivers a distinct asset that improves quality of life for residents, with all key decisions intended to benefit their rental community.
Unison has successfully navigated contextual challenges and facilitated outstanding architectural outcomes through strong construction and design partnerships, resulting in an architect-led affordable housing development that surpasses the community's expectations and will provide a functional and comfortable place to live for many years to come.
