Affordable housing complex proposed for Sydney

A state-significant development application has been submitted for a 14-storey affordable housing complex in Sydney's Macquarie Park.

Designed by SJB with Land and Form Studios, the development at 6 Halifax Street will be part of a masterplanned community at the Lachlan's Line precinct on Wallumedgal Country. It will comprise 135 affordable housing units across two towers, separated by a large breezeway.

The breezeway is designed to minimise visual bulk by dividing the building's massing in two, as well as create cross ventilation through the site. As a result, eight of the 12 units on each floor of the development will have dual aspects.

"On the ground plane, the breezeway allows the building to open up and be stitched back into the landscape of the urban context, creating generous community open spaces," the architects said in a design statement.

"The ground floor breezeway is sheltered, designed with native landscape and multiple gathering opportunities throughout. Places for resting, gathering, listening and sharing, a deliberate and thoughtful extension of the private apartment living spaces."

The project will also include bike parking, a communal rooftop garden on each of the two towers, and shared car spaces. The building will also be gas free, fully electrical and with provision for solar panels on the roof.

"The project aspires to connect to Country not only through elements of its physical form but through the spaces created and the experience within these spaces," the proponents said.

"The building will comprise of a variety of materials, textures and colours which draws inspiration from the walk on country where the Angophora tree was identified as a sacred tree to the local Indigenous community. This inspiration is evident within the brick and stone paving selections and the patterns created. Further, the colour selection for the balcony ceilings compliments the pink gum of the Angophora tree and will be visible to pedestrians at street level. The upper levels will be clad with light metal and incorporate sunhoods for increased thermal protection."

The development will comprise 78 one-bedroom units and 57 two-bedroom units. It will be owned and managed by Link Wentworth.

The state-significant development application is on exhibition until 25 March 2024.