Geelong Microvillage Project

Design and pilot a community-led microvillage housing project in the Geelong region

This project was launched by Christine Couzens MP in March 2019 during Geelong’s inaugural Design Week. A planning taskforce has been meeting regularly since to progress this ambitious project. GS is pleased to be collaborating with Deakin HOME on this exciting project.

The project vision is to design and pilot a community-led microvillage housing project in the Geelong region in order to validate a new housing model that facilitates more affordable housing, more liveable suburbs and more connected communities, in which the universally designed small houses have a small carbon footprint and minimal environmental impact. This project aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

SDG Goal:
Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Project Objectives

To develop, pilot and evaluate an affordable housing model in Geelong that caters for people with limited financial means and/or people with a genuine desire to live with a smaller than average carbon footprint.
To increase the diversity of housing types permitted within the planning regulations to better satisfy the community’s needs.
To demonstrate that a Live Small ~ Live Eco housing model can be financially viable, environmentally leading edge and socially successful for its residents and the wider community.

Progress to date and current activities

Investigate co-housing models and legal structures
Search for and assess potential microvillage sites
Develop 1BR and 2BR prototype designs
Look for social impact investors, potential residents and development partners
Determine construction costs of prototype designs
Consider building materials and modular construction options

Jun-20: Draft client design brief prepared
Feb-20: Draft project brief prepared
Oct-19: Site assessment criteria developed
Mar-19: Geelong Microvillage project launched and Taskforce established

Project partners & supporters

Resources, references and definitions

City of Greater Geelong Social Housing Plan 2020-2041 - In Feb 2020, Council endorsed a long-term plan to increase the amount of social housing across Greater Geelong - webpage + Plan

Affordability - According to the Planning Scheme and the Planning and Environment Act 1987, “Affordable housing is housing, including social housing that is appropriate for the housing needs of very low, low, and moderate-income households.” - link

Universally accessible – Universal design is the design of buildings, products or environments to make them accessible to all people, regardless of age, disability or other factors. A livable home is designed and built to meet the changing needs of occupants across their lifetime. Refer to the Livable House Design Guidelines - link