Melbourne Families Transform Single Property into Thriving Shared Co-Housing Project

Quick Brief
Residents in a Melbourne suburb have successfully redeveloped a single residential property into three architecturally designed townhouses. The innovative housing project, known as the Davison Collaborative, pools resources and time to foster a strong sense of community. Completed in 2020, the development triples the original lot's density.
What Happened?
In the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick, a past-its-prime brick veneer house was replaced by a novel townhouse development called the Davison Collaborative. Initiated by architect Chris Gilbert, property developer Liam Wallis, and participating families, the project involved pooling time and finances to transform one dwelling into three three-bedroom family homes.
Why It Matters
This collaborative housing model offers a creative solution to modern urban housing challenges by trebling lot density and future-proofing the site for decades. It demonstrates how cooperative property development can successfully blend sustainable architecture with tight-knit community living.
Key Facts
- The project replaced a single brick veneer house in Brunswick, Melbourne, with three townhouses.
- The development was completed in 2020 by the Davison Collaborative.
- Participating residents pooled their time and finances to achieve the build.
- The site's density was trebled, creating three-bedroom family dwellings designed to last for decades.
- Involved professionals include architect Chris Gilbert and Liam Wallis from Hip V. Hype.
Compiled from 1 outlet
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