Environment Citation

Rear (north) elevations of the public housing, seen from the parking court. Image: Richard Stringer

Cotton Tree is a pilot housing project at Maroochydore, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, which provides a prototype for affordable units that are environmentally, socially and aesthetically appropriate for this semi-tropical region. Built on two adjacent blocks with separate titles held by the government and a private owner, the development comprises a mix of attached and detached dwellings built around existing trees (a strategy which required cooperative revision of the properties’ boundaries) and supplemented by paved courts and covered parking. The architecture reinterprets the planning, spatial and elevational treatments of the region’s early beach houses, using light materials (steel, timber, light masonry cladding panels) instead of the bricks and roof tiles which have been consistently used for housing in all regions of Australia.

Private dwelling on the north side of the block. Image: Richard Stringer

Jury Verdict
Cotton Tree is a project that deals with environmental issues at various levels. The retention of existing landscape determined the site planning and resulted in resubdivision of the sites. Whilst the overall site planning strongly acknowledges orientation in relation to climate and streetscape, the layout of each particular unit further reinforces these priorities. The plan or section within each dwelling creates a breezeway space allowing light and air to be conveyed through to the opposite side.

The planning also creates a variety of transitional zones between public spaces and private areas, creating buffers to encourage openness and privacy as required. The landscape has been designed to strengthen aspects of both community living and privacy.

Construction methods (combining lightweight framing and reverse masonry veneer) and materials have been carefully considered and detailed for durability and for their thermal properties. A density of 63 dwellings per hectare has been achieved with each unit having natural ventilation and light available to all spaces. The project is seen as a socially and environmentally appropriate response to the Sunshine Coast region.

South facade of the public housing. Image: Richard Stringer