Design principles that support liveability and inclusion
We believe great housing design fosters dignity, inclusion and wellbeing. All our developments—whether social, affordable or integrated with private housing—are guided by the following principles:
- Tenant-centred design that supports comfort, functionality and privacy
- Integrated outdoor and communal spaces that encourage placemaking and social enterprise
- Universal design to accommodate diverse needs, including seniors, people with disability and multigenerational households
- “Tenure blind” communities where homes look and feel indistinguishable across market, affordable and social housing, promoting equality and cohesion
We collaborate with experienced architects and values-aligned development partners to deliver long-lasting, low-maintenance homes that tenants can be proud of.
Environmental Performance
Our developments are designed with sustainability at their core. Through contemporary passive design techniques and targeted environmental upgrades, we are working towards net zero ready homes and reducing the long-term operational costs of our buildings.
Key environmental design practices include:
- Maximising natural light and ventilation
- Solar shading and northern orientation of living areas
Designing roof space for future solar PV integration - Use of low-VOC and recycled materials
- Daylighting to reduce reliance on artificial lighting
- Efficient building envelopes and smart appliance selection
We target an average 7-star NatHERS rating across developments and support higher ratings where possible. These performance standards help residents lower utility bills and improve health outcomes while reducing carbon emissions.
Our Evolving Green Program
Driving sustainability. Lowering energy bills. Empowering our residents.
Since 2017, our Evolving Green Program has helped us deliver real environmental, social and economic benefits. By investing in clean technology like solar and heat pumps, we’re reducing carbon emissions, lowering costs for residents, and building healthier, future-ready homes.
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Phase 1 – Establishing impact
137 dwellings upgraded with solar PV and heat pump systems installed across our housing portfolio.
- $1.27M in energy savings projected over 10 years
- 734,410 kWh generated – equal to taking 217 cars off the road annually
This phase laid the groundwork for our scalable sustainability efforts.
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Phase 2 – Scaling and innovating
57 additional residences received solar systems, including a trial of Allume solar sharing technology.
- 398,930 kWh saved annually
- $76,070 per year in cost savings
- 395 tonnes CO₂ reduced – like removing 116 cars from the road each year
This phase proved solar sharing works—even in multi-residential buildings.
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Phase 3 – Supporting the most vulnerable
55 more homes upgraded with 120kW of new solar capacity. Focused on:
- Residents with disability support needs
- Older tenants vulnerable to heat stress
- 150,000 kWh generated annually
- Residents save ~$650 per year
- Expanded trial of Allume tech for broader benefit
We’re continuing to roll out upgrades to ensure our homes are efficient, equitable and environmentally responsible.
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency and conservation
Sustainable energy sources (e.g. solar)
Smart energy procurement and demand management
Efficient building designs
Planning for a changing climate
We are integrating climate resilience into every stage of design, development and operation.
Our homes are built to perform well in extreme conditions, and we participate in research collaborations such as the Western Sydney Heat and Social Housing Project to improve thermal comfort and heat resilience for vulnerable populations.