Climate Change Adaptation Project
- Sustainability
Partnership
This project plays a crucial role in addressing Sydney’s housing crisis by delivering high-quality homes to those most in need. Positioned close to key Sydney Trains and Sydney Metro infrastructure, the development not only brings housing solutions but also contributes to the revitalisation of this vibrant inner-city suburb.
Redfern holds a deep cultural and historical significance for both the Aboriginal community and the broader social housing movement in Sydney. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a wave of Aboriginal migration for work opportunities, it later became the epicentre of Indigenous activism and self-determination. The area’s history is intertwined with the fight for land rights, justice and community control, spearheaded by organisations like the Aboriginal Housing Company, the Aboriginal Legal Service, and the Aboriginal Medical Service, which were all established in the 1970s.
The region’s storied past sets the stage for modern-day social and affordable housing projects like 11 Gibbons Street, Redfern. These developments continue Redfern’s legacy of supporting the most vulnerable, providing essential housing, and revitalising the local community in meaningful ways.
Project
Located in the heart of Redfern, the 11 Gibbons Street project provides 160 social and affordable housing units spread across 18 storeys, with additional parking and ground-floor commercial space. This $90 million development, completed in 2021, was led by Lendlease and SGCH, with Northrop engaged to a comprehensive range of engineering services including Structural, Civil, Building Services and Sustainability consulting.
Key amenities include ground floor commercial space, community recreation areas, a new SGCH office, and a playground. The building also provides 27 adaptable units for residents with disabilities, and 45% of the units are allocated to Aboriginal households, recognising Redfern’s cultural significance.
Delivery
Northrop’s multidisciplinary team was integral to overcoming the project’s unique challenges, from civil and structural design to sustainability, fire safety, and building services systems.
Key achievements included:
Navigating Complex Infrastructure: Our team carefully managed construction near critical Sydney Trains and Sydney Metro lines, ensuring safety and minimising disruptions.
Structural Ingenuity: The design of a curved, loadbearing precast façade presented a complex structural challenge. Our engineers developed innovative solutions that maintained architectural intent while ensuring the building’s integrity.
Sustainability Goals: Northrop played a critical role in achieving the building’s outstanding 8.1-star NatHERS rating, integrating sustainable design principles across mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems to minimise energy consumption and environmental impact.
Maintainability: We kept future maintenance front of mind, ensuring that all building services, including electrical, ICT, fire safety, and mechanical systems, were designed for long-term efficiency and ease of upkeep.
Impact
The project is more than just a building; it’s a cornerstone of community improvement. For SGCH and Lendlease, the project sets a benchmark for delivering sustainable and accessible housing in dense urban environments. The collaboration resulted in a thoughtfully designed space that meets stringent quality and sustainability standards while keeping maintenance practical and cost-effective.
For the Redfern community, 11 Gibbons Street represents a beacon of hope for more affordable living options. With its proximity to transport hubs, local amenities, and commercial spaces, the development creates a lively, connected environment for residents. This project is a testament to how innovative engineering and thoughtful design can significantly impact social outcomes.
As proud partners in this award-winning development, Northrop looks forward to continuing our work in creating resilient, inclusive communities.
Affordable Residential Development in the Urban Taskforce Development Excellence Awards 2021
Winner of the UDIA NSW Award for Excellence in Affordable Development 2022
Winner of the Affordable Housing Category ($50M+) – MBA NSW Excellence in State Awards 2022 (Builder: Lendlease)
Winner of the Best Affordable Housing Development – Property Council Innovation and Excellence Awards 2023 (St. George Community Housing)
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