City West Housing recently completed its latest affordable housing project, Boronia Apartments, in Green Square’s Dank Street precinct. We have been welcoming prospective residents from our waitlist to view the 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, with residents moving in shortly.
The 5-storey building offers 74 rental homes for very low to moderate income earners, increasing City West Housing’s affordable housing portfolio to 964 apartments.
Boronia Apartments exemplifies City West Housing’s resident-focused development approach, informed by our comprehensive Concept Design Guidelines. It is our first fully electric building, developed with long-term sustainability in mind, both in terms of operational efficiency and resident affordability.
The project began with original design architects DWP Suters, with City West Housing subsequently collaborating with TURNER as the design development and delivery architects.
TURNER prioritised resident amenity and incorporated passive design principles to improve resident comfort and reduce energy costs. External shading and screens help to manage heat from sunlight, while also facilitating privacy. The majority of apartments are cross ventilated to help keep them cool in the summer.
Being an all-electric building, residents can avoid relying on costly natural gas. This means lower energy bills, healthier indoor air quality, and futureproofing against rising gas costs and climate change.
The design facilitates social interaction through shared open spaces, such as a central north facing courtyard, helping to build a stronger sense of community. The resident-focused approach to design has resulted in high-quality, liveable homes, using sustainable, efficient materials.
It’s the second collaboration between City West Housing and TURNER, following the design and delivery of Blackwattle Apartments in Glebe five years ago.
Lisa Sorrentino, Head of Development at City West Housing said that the need for quality affordable housing in inner Sydney has reached an unprecedented demand, especially for individuals and families living on lower incomes.
“We’re tirelessly working with our partners to make this much-needed housing a reality. We’ll continue to deliver our secured pipeline of over 700 long term affordable housing apartments,” Lisa added.
TURNER Director Dan Szwaj said the project reflects their belief that “Design is for everyone,” emphasising the impact of thoughtful architecture on residents’ lives.
“We were thrilled to collaborate once again with City West Housing. Our design team is always enthusiastic and motivated when they are working on affordable housing projects, because as an architectural practice we understand the wider societal benefits that they bring.”
