Markham Avenue is a pioneering development under the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build initiative, setting a new standard for social and affordable housing. This vibrant community comprises five buildings, housing a total of 178 homes, designed with a ‘tenure blind’ approach. This means that the homes are arranged and designed to be indistinguishable from one another, regardless of whether they are social or affordable, promoting inclusivity and equality within the community.

The project was developed in collaboration with Homes Victoria, with a focus on universal accessibility, equity, and social sustainability. These values are reflected in every aspect of the design, which prioritizes creating desirable and attainable homes with excellent access to the city. Markham Avenue was conceived with a client- and user-centric approach, ensuring that the spaces are well-scaled, safe, and equitable, meeting the diverse needs of the community.

A key focus of the project was ensuring longevity and seamless integration with the surrounding environment. The buildings are designed to align with the local context, using natural brick in varying hues, complemented by metal windows, balustrades, and other durable materials. This robust design choice not only ensures the buildings’ durability but also harmonizes with the surrounding landscape and existing architecture.

Markham Avenue is bordered by an established community garden, reserve, and creek, and the project takes a landscape-led approach to balance development with biodiversity protection. The buildings are thoughtfully nestled within an accessible landscape featuring courtyards, communal open spaces, and newly planted trees. Great care was taken to preserve many mature trees on-site, and the buildings are oriented to offer stunning views of the adjacent parkland, ensuring a strong connection with nature.

Internally, Markham Avenue fosters a nurturing and inviting environment for residents. The apartments and common areas are filled with natural light, and inviting balconies provide views of the surrounding greenery, creating a seamless flow between the interior and exterior spaces.

This project is the result of a truly collaborative effort, bringing together various allied disciplines to achieve an integrated and harmonious outcome. Markham Avenue sets a new benchmark for social and affordable housing, demonstrating how thoughtful design and a focus on community and sustainability can create homes that are both functional and beautiful.

Photography by Shannon McGrath, Peter Clarke