DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
In the last century, the rapid rise in the density of urban life has intensified the challenge of affordable housing immensely. In Australia, the ongoing conversation of housing affordability addresses its core complex issues and challenges across the country. At the forefront, the basic human need for shelter highlights the important role of architects and designers to create human-centric solutions that solve the past, present and future matters of affordable housing within the urban landscape.

It is in the inner-city suburb of Lutwyche, Brisbane, where a new model for affordable housing sits. Spectrum Apartments on Lutwyche Road is the brainchild of BHC Creating Liveable Communities in collaboration with Cottee Parker Architects. An inspiring example of solutions-based architecture, the three-story development is designed to reimagine the standard of affordable living.

Spectrum explores the relationships between humans and their built environment through a considered, inclusive and problem-solving design. Opened in 2017, the innovative affordable housing development won the coveted 2017 UDIA Queensland Mitchell Brandtman Award for Excellence. The award-winning project was praised for its engineering complexity, cost-effective mixed-tenure model and strong architectural presence along Lutwyche Road.

“Our Government is happy to see land owned by the people of Queensland, used by Queenslanders who really need it,” expresses the former Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney. “This development will provide housing for those in need and delivers on our election promise to provide better infrastructure and grow the construction sector of our economy.”

Cottee Parker Architects designed the $13 million residential development to reshape the present landscape of housing affordability towards a stronger and brighter future for the residents of Queensland.

BHC Chief Executive Officer David Can’t says, “Spectrum Apartments will provide a path back to the inner-city for those who haven’t been able to keep up with Brisbane’s rising rents. They’ll be able to live closer to their jobs, family, friends and community, while having enough money left over to contribute to the local economy.”

DESIGN SOLUTIONS
The development features 60 units that accommodate a diverse range of people – individuals with disabilities, low-income earners and private and commercial renters. It offers units that are designed with the utmost consideration in supporting and improving the lives within them. Situated on 4,370 sqm of prime state-owned land on Lutwyche Road, each apartment displays an open-plan layout and functional design that makes it a highly sought-after investment.

Along with the design, the development is fitted with meticulously engineered solutions for a space which is both practical and high performing. Designed with a balance of functionality and architectural finesse, products and finishes have been selected for high performance, usability and efficiency for residents. In each of the apartments, a Zip Instantaneous Hot Water CEX-U provides simple and cost-effective instant hot water solution for the home. The state-of-the-art system delivers heated water on demand while saving energy on a daily basis – elevating the experience of everyday living.

 
Former Treasurer and Member for Clayfield, Tim Nicholls expresses, “The Spectrum Apartments project will give a helping hand to the many Queensland families who’ll be able to call it home and forms another part of our government’s strong plan for a brighter future for Queenslanders.”

The Spectrum development is much more than just a block of residences – it’s a vision for an affordable future for every Australian. An inspiring project designed to revitalise the frontline services and housing solution for the Queensland community, BHC delivers an attractive, functional and accessible answer to the housing affordability crisis.

PROJECT: Spectrum Apartments on Lutwyche Road, QLD
SPECIFIED BY: BHC with Cottee Parker Architects
PHOTOGRAPHY: Graham Philip
PRODUCTS SPECIFIED: Zip CEX-U Instantaneous Hot Water