A Bold Vision for Melbourne’s Housing Future: Navigating Density, Sustainability and Community

The Victorian Labor government is set to seize planning control of some of Melbourne’s affluent suburbs, with plans released to transform and fast track hundreds of thousands of new homes across 50 neighbourhoods.

The bold and polarising plan will reshape the skyline and focus on medium to high density housing across some of the Melbourne’s more expensive areas, including Toorak, Brighton and Armadale. 50 new activity centres, many located in the east and south-east, are designed around close access to public transport.

The planning takeover will clear the way for “taller buildings” of between 10 and 20 storeys near the stations and “gentle, scaled height limits and more low rise apartments and townhouses” of between three and six storeys, along side existing homes in the walkable catchments around them.

The government's plan will likely face strong opposition from local councils, many of which have already criticized the 10 existing activity centers where 60,000 new homes are set to be built by 2051. The Greens are pushing for the inclusion of social and affordable housing in the proposal, while the Coalition has accused the government of limiting choices for homebuyers by focusing solely on apartment developments. They argue that this approach removes public opinion and reduces the availability of stand-alone homes, advocating instead for a more balanced housing strategy.

One thing is clear though, Melbourne is grappling with significant hurdles related to housing and affordability. The construction industry is under immense pressure, with a 40-60% increase in build costs and the population is continuing to grow, with a strong demand for housing.

If Melbourne adopts a more assertive approach to medium- and high-density living, it is crucial to prioritize quality, sustainability, and thoughtful design for the future. Rapid growth often leads to expedited development, resulting in local governments and developers cutting corners for short-term gains, which ultimately leads to long-term consequences. Melbourne has a history of struggling with this issue, evident in the prevalence of poorly designed and constructed apartments.

If we are to continue with this approach, which by some extent is necessary, we must navigate about our social and environmental responsibilities.  Projects like MODEL on Johnston, Slate House and ParkLife are perfect examples.

MODEL on Johnston, showcases the immense potential of Passive House principles in large-scale apartment developments. The innovative approach by MODEL combines sustainability with affordability, addressing both housing shortages and environmental concerns. Not only does the project’s focus on reducing carbon emissions set a new benchmark for environmentally conscious construction, but it also promises healthier living environments through superior thermal performance, air quality, and energy efficiency. This is a win-win, offering both financial returns and a resilient, sustainable future for residents and developers alike.

This move signals a much-needed shift towards truly sustainable urban living, paving the way for a future where comfort, community, and climate responsibility intersect seamlessly.

Slate House, by Austin Maynard Architects, is a 14-apartment building in Melbourne's Bayside, exemplifies how medium-density housing can be introduced without public backlash. The $27 million all-electric development, with an 8.2-star energy rating, fits the local character, resembling nearby churches in scale and materials. The project successfully increased housing density while addressing community concerns, suggesting that thoughtful design can bypass opposition to new developments. This model could potentially be replicated across Melbourne, contributing to the solution for Australia’s growing housing needs. It’s encouraging to see that thoughtful urban planning can provide much-needed housing without sparking "NIMBY" opposition. As Melbourne faces growing housing demands, replicating such projects could reshape the city's future while respecting its past.

Finally, again by Austin Maynard Architects, ParkLife offers a zero-emission, community-focused housing model. Through its 100% green electricity usage, flexible living spaces, and shared amenities, it exemplifies how sustainable design can coexist with urban density. Projects like this demonstrate that addressing the housing shortage doesn't have to come at the cost of environmental degradation. This model, combining renewable energy with social equity, offers a blueprint for future developments across Melbourne.

As the city faces increasing demand for affordable housing, it’s critical that such projects, which prioritize both sustainability and community well-being, become the norm. By replicating models such as these, Melbourne can evolve into a greener, more equitable city, providing much-needed housing without sacrificing the environment.

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