Umarkoo Wayi – Ganbu Guljin (One community – One Mob), is Aboriginal Housing Victoria’s first multi-residential housing development, delivering 14 x 1 and 2 bedroom apartments as social and affordable dwellings in Melbourne’s north.

Located in Reservoir, the site is well positioned close to public transport, employment opportunities, and key community infrastructure, including the nearby Bell Street Aboriginal Community Services precinct.

It sits within a broader policy context that encourages increased housing diversity and gentle urban consolidation in well-serviced middle suburbs, while also responding to local neighbourhood character considerations.

A key challenge was balancing increased housing yield with a sensitive and appropriate response to the surrounding residential context as well as how to respond to the urgent need for culturally appropriate housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The design response was curated and positioned away from sensitive interfaces to reinforce an emerging built form character along the arterial road and help reconcile a change in built form scale from neighbouring residential properties.

The proximity to services and community networks was a key driver in supporting long-term liveability and connection to Country and ensure future residents would have good access to services, facilities and amenities.

Hansen Partnership supported this project as planning consultants, working alongside the design team and other consultants, to secure a successful planning approval from the City of Darebin.