The proposed strategy aims to increase the current density of the typical block in Pasadena from 25 dwellings per hectare to 35 dwellings per hectare. Using this density allows for the gradual densification of surrounding blocks, whilst as demand increases further density on the site is able to be added vertically. Building next to and around the existing walk-ups using the 1m setback, space can be separated and more efficiently used. In order to maximise foot traffic from Pasadena Shopping Centre, footpaths can then be widened along a 6 metre setback, providing opportunities for seating, shading, and vegetation. Building massing is also heightened along the North-East and optimised in order to minimise noise pollution from Fiveash Drive, with housing located along the sites perimeter providing privacy and safety for internal courtyards. Parking on the site is located underground with a total of 1.3 cars per dwelling.

 

Based a co-housing model of suburban living, the design of new developments on the site aim to encourage shared activity whilst managing public, communal and private space across neighbouring housing. Using building frontage and overhead thresholds, social spaces on the site are formed using internal courtyards in order to create various levels of public, communal and private space. Public and private circulation are located separately, with Public stores located along ground level street frontage. Public amenity such as a small basketball court and market also act to encourage local participation and attract users beyond the confines of the site to surrounding blocks. Private residences are then accessed through protected entrances and via a raised thoroughfare, used to provide views and entry to communal amenity. Servicing the majority of the dwellings on the site, this thoroughfare is intended to be used for both access as well as a meeting and play space for communal amenity. A portion of the existing walk-ups have been allocated to the walkway, providing communal laundry facilities and acting as a hub for meeting and social activity. These shared services as well as SOHO and small studios are used in detached buildings, promoting cross pollination between social groups.

 

A small multi use market space can be used by the community to sell local produce, with communal and private rooftop gardens servicing the residents and the co-op. Other communal amenity includes a book share, meals on wheels facilities, a hobby workshop, and multiple green spaces for relaxation. Individual dwellings each provide occupants with a private courtyard, accessible through bi-fold doors which act to extend the living areas of each home. The privacy of each home is also partitioned using wooden privacy screens, featuring planter beds and creeper plant varieties for visual amenity. An attempt has been made to retain significant existing trees on the site, which have been integrated into the design of the public meeting and seating areas. Sustainable energy and water collection practices have also been implemented, with dedicated roof space to cater a mixture of urban agriculture and solar power. The existing walk-ups and new development together also provide 4 x 27000L rainwater tanks which can service the majority of the site.