On Friday 12th of September 2014, the Hon, Heidi Victoria MLA, Minister of the Arts, Minister for Women’s Affairs and Minister for Consumer Affairs, launched the Laughlin Avenue unit accommodations in Nunawading; the latest accommodations in the Housing Choices Australia Projects for people with disabilities living independently.
The units showcase another successful project by CMSArchitects, who were commissioned by Housing Choices Australia to alter two existing outdated single storey units, and convert them into four independent contemporary units. Director Chris Shields and his team at CMSArchitects seized the opportunity to revive the current units and provide their design expertise and acumen to meet the request of the initial brief.
While turning an existing five-bedroom house into 4 independent units is not a typical request, it was one that held incredible potential for the CMSArchitect team. The external brick shell of the two existing units was to remain intact, with most of the changes and constructions taking place internally, adding another level of complexity to the project.
Chris Shields approached this commission with finesse, accounting for numerous requirements and considerations in the initial design principle at the outset of the project. With such comprehensive design and planning to leverage from, Chris managed to demonstrate an economical and innovative solution to redevelop the site to meet newly identified needs.
Detailing of the properties is finely crafted and again well considered, which reflects the architect’s experience in providing spaces for people who have disabilities who wish to live independently. Upon completion, the building satisfied the requirements of the affordable housing project, whilst also upholding the character of the street of Laughlin Avenue.
The true pleasure for Chris Shields and his team at the conclusion of this project, is seeing how happy the residents are with their new homes.
Detailing of the properties is finely crafted and again well considered, which reflects the architect’s experience in providing spaces for people who have disabilities who wish to live independently. Upon completion, the building satisfied the requirements of the affordable housing project, whilst also upholding the character of the street of Laughlin Avenue.
The true pleasure for Chris Shields and his team at the conclusion of this project, is seeing how happy the residents are with their new homes.
