At VIA, our work is underpinned by an ethos that one size never fits all. Whether we’re masterplanning new communities or challenging the traditional approach to social housing, we shape our design responses to each project’s unique circumstances and purpose.

In 2022, the Community Housing Industry Association Victoria (CHIA) recorded that 146,100 Victorian households couldn’t afford the homes they needed, and that this figure is expected to increase up to 223,200 by 2041 if there is no intervention.

CHIA says that new figures show the current record high rents in Melbourne highlight the urgent need for a long-term funding pipeline and delivery plan for more social and affordable housing.

We are proud to have designed a 120-apartment social housing development that is set to provide life-changing secure housing for approximately 170 Victorians who need it most. The newly completed Cheltenham project was a joint initiative of National Affordable Housing (NAH) and Homes Victoria, and was developed by our long-time partner Pitard Group.

It was an honour to work alongside the project partners in achieving the desired balance of commercial, social and environmental outcomes, and to have received a personal acknowledgement from NAH consultant and project lead, Rob Hudson, for our design.

“I am so proud to be part of team [who] delivered this outstanding [development]. The NAH Board and management team have had the vision, courage and capability to drive this project along and see it to completion,” said Rob.

“I want to pay tribute to VIA Architects led by Frank Bambino and Mark Allan for their thoughtful design work,” he concluded.

Each home was designed to maximise liveability and natural light, incorporating contemporary finishes and additional study areas to the spacious open-plan layouts.

The apartments are positioned for convenience, located next to Westfield Southland Shopping Centre and only a short walk to bus and train services.

Photography by: Jaime Diaz-Berrio