Sustainable Design: Parkside as an Ageing-in-Place Solution

With Australia’s ageing population and the growing desire for downsized, sustainable living, Melbourne’s Parkside project has emerged as a remarkable example of environmentally adaptable architecture designed for ageing in place.

Built as a compact two-storey residence in the owner’s backyard in North Fitzroy, this innovative home combines retirement goals with urban infill, offering an alternative housing solution for retirees who wish to stay rooted in their communities.

GALLERY  

A significant number of older Australians resist leaving their familiar suburbs and social networks. In response, many are seeking downsized yet sustainable living arrangements that not only reduce costs but also foster simpler lifestyles and environmental consciousness. Parkside’s owners had planned this shift long ago, initially purchasing their single-fronted Victorian terrace nearly two decades ago, drawn by the vibrant North Fitzroy location, deep block, and dual street access. Recognising its potential, they devised a thoughtful subdivision plan, aiming to downsize into their own backyard while retaining views of the park—blocked for years by a garage—on a heritage-protected street north of Melbourne’s CBD.

Parkside stands as a testament to efficient, flexible, and sustainable design. Its architecture champions connectivity and liveability, offering features that allow the owners to age comfortably and independently. Light control and ventilation are meticulously integrated through operable panels, skylights, and louvres, ensuring the house adapts to both seasonal and daily light changes. Full-height timber and glass panels alternate along the facade, creating a rhythm of fixed and operable elements that provide complete control over sunlight, privacy, and air circulation. Operated by remote, the panels and blinds allow custom adjustments, enhancing comfort and ease.

Compact yet dynamic, Parkside’s interior design balances simplicity with sophistication. A central courtyard draws natural light and ventilation into the open-plan layout, while the vibrant yellow spiral staircase provides both aesthetic interest and easy access to a guest bedroom, bathroom, and art studio upstairs. The courtyard’s greenery and the nearby park serve as extensions of the home’s “garden”—a lush environment that requires no maintenance from the residents.

Far from a quick-fix solution to Melbourne’s housing shortage, Parkside is a thoughtful response to the demand for adaptable, resilient housing that meets personal, environmental, and community needs. The project shows how small-footprint, sustainable homes can offer retirees a path to retain their cherished lifestyles, all while making a positive impact on the urban landscape.

Images by Tess Kelly via ArchDaily

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