Using the post-war suburb of Watson as a case study, the research analyses the characteristics of Canberra’s “ex-govie” suburbs, where redevelopment pressures are intensifying. Four design scenarios were developed using a real urban section in Watson to test how Bluefield housing principles could be applied to Canberra’s context.

This report responds to the critical shortage of social and affordable housing in Australia, where over 800,000 people live in 436,300 dwellings - 62% of whom are women.

The report offers a series of principles to guide a new era of affordable and social housing in Australia, helping to shape future housing policy and investment through the lens of good design.

This is the first research report to compile a global catalogue of precast panel refurbishment projects, aiming to inspire a shift in how aging public housing stock is viewed and managed.

A discussion on recent prefabricated houses in Australia with Trias, Fabprefab, Archier, Candour, Otetto, Alexander Symes, Vokes and Peters, and Blok Modular. The symposium featured four thematic sessions—CLT, systems, sustainability, and stereotypes—moderated by USYD faculty. 

Papulu-ku Nyinjjiki (seeing houses) exhibition set out to document the harsh realities of remote indigenous housing in the Northern Territory. It was about telling the story of Tennant Creek through housing injustice and art—revealing these lived realities to the broader public. The exhibition was also about meaningful engagement and collaboration; celebrating the homes at Emu Springs and the establishment of Wilya Janta housing collaboration.

The project AT HOME transformed a suburban Melbourne home in Wyndham for three days in December in 2023 into a dramatic art intervention, which hosted a series of public talks, events and programs that interrogated the home.

The project looks to improve sustainability and affordability for first home buyers, affordable housing clients and marginalised demographics, contributing towards establishing additional pathways towards property ownership for low to middle income earners. It provides a dwelling type that has the flexibility to change as the circumstances and expectations of the residents evolve.

This research was prompted by the growing movement towards small footprint homes and the confusion experienced by many who are trying to simplify their lives or just have an affordable roof over their heads.

The intent of this research project is to conduct a literature review to ascertain if and how, the Build to Rent (BTR) model has had an effect on housing supply and affordability.