About the project
Conrad Gargett was engaged to design a 22-apartment project for the Department of Housing and Public Works in Ipswich. The project was one of twenty projects chosen to be included in the DHPW’s ‘Demonstration Project’ program.
The brief was to provide accommodation described as the ‘missing middle’ – distinct from high-rise or free-standing suburban houses.
To address the southern aspect of the site the apartments have been designed around a north facing courtyard. The courtyard also provides an outdoor space that allows privacy from the street while also fostering a sense of community for the residents. A multipurpose Community Room is situated on the corner of East and Roderick Streets to engage and enliven the streetscape.
The apartments which are primarily designated for older residents, contain generous accessible bathrooms and private external terraces. Two of the apartments may be fully accessible to wheelchair users.
The site is in a prominent, central location of Ipswich on an intersection facing the old Courthouse (built 1859-1936) and early 1970’s brick Church and this context is acknowledged in the design.
Awards
2023 AIA Architecture Awards — Commendation Residential Architecture - Multi Housing
