Tailored designs reshaping Queensland’s housing landscape

A leading design team is committed to addressing the state’s housing affordability crisis, one residential development at a time.

South East Queensland faces a significant housing challenge as its population surges with projections indicating an increase of two million people over the next 20 years, reaching six million by 2046.

According to experts, lifestyle changes are further complicating this challenge.

Households are becoming smaller, people are living longer, and work patterns are evolving. These shifts necessitate different kinds of housing, and more of it. Additionally, there’s a pressing need to manage the cost of living by strategically planning new homes close to work, shops, schools, and transport.

To meet these challenges, design firm Plus Architecture is advocating for a placemaking approach – creating quality places where people want to live, work, play and learn – a strategy they say is crucial in addressing the state’s housing affordability crisis and diverse demographic needs.

Plus Architecture's Drift Residences offers luxury whole-floor apartments designed for those seeking a premium coastal lifestyle.

Plus Architecture director Danny Juric emphasised the importance of thorough research and community consultation.

“Without understanding the specific needs of the diverse demographics that make up society, we risk creating developments that fail to meet both the short-term needs of occupants and the long-term placemaking needs of the city,” he said.

Plus Architecture principal Chrisney Formosa said Australia was seeing a significant uptick in international students and an ageing population.

“These are just two examples of different groups in society who have varying needs, and the housing being designed for them should respond accordingly,” she said.

“A one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work.”

The Old Dayboro Road student accommodation project, located near the University of the Sunshine Coast's Moreton Bay campus.

Plus Architecture’s commitment to this approach is evident in their current work across Queensland.

With two studios in the state, the firm is engaged in 80 multi-residential developments, totalling 7000 dwellings. These projects span a range of housing typologies, including purpose-built student accommodation, retirement living and aged care facilities, social and affordable housing, townhouses, build-to-rent, and boutique multi-residential developments.

Three projects highlight Plus Architecture’s approach to designing for different demographics while incorporating placemaking principles.

The Old Dayboro Road student accommodation project, near the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Moreton Bay campus, is designed to support the needs of the growing student population.

Ms Formosa said the 203-bed facility offered modern amenities and spaces that encouraged both academic and social engagement.

Director at Plus Architecture Danny Juric and principal Chrisney Formosa.

“Our design blends functionality with a vibrant community spirit, inspiring and engaging its residents,” she said.

“We’ve drawn inspiration from the local cultural and educational context to create a space that’s both iconic and contextually significant.”

Ms Formosa said the project featured entertainment spaces, study areas, and green spaces that promoted a balanced lifestyle. Its engaging street frontage connected with the wider community, contributing to the area’s development as a student hub.

Near Main Beach on the Gold Coast, Drift Residences offers luxury whole-floor apartments designed for those seeking a premium coastal lifestyle.

“From the outset, we were tasked to design a lifestyle rather than just an apartment building,” Mr Juric said.

An artist impression of Drift Residences at Main Beach on the Gold Coast.

“Every detail is considered in curating an experience inspired by the coastal location. Privacy and comfort are paramount, complemented by unprecedented views and a supreme location.”

He said the development included amenities such as a private day spa and spaces designed to offer the convenience of suburban living with the advantages of a prime beachside location.

Ms Formosa said The Kedron Avenue project in Miami represented an innovative approach to more affordable housing options.

This build-to-rent development has 109 apartments over seven levels, with an emphasis on shared amenities and sustainable living.

“This new model of housing will provide a more accessible option in the area, allowing new demographics to find a home here,” she said.

The Kedron Avenue project in Miami on the Gold Coast.

“We’ve incorporated various sustainable initiatives and communal spaces to foster a sense of community and promote environmentally conscious living.”

The development includes amenities such as a gym, co-working space, and productive garden.

“Its design responds to the site’s unique form and flood susceptibility, while still creating an inviting street-level interface,” Ms Formosa said.

Recent research by Place Score, in their 2023 Australian Liveability Census, highlighted that Australians value green spaces, walkability, well-maintained environments, and proximity to amenities — emphasising the need to refocus attention on outcomes as opposed to just outputs.

“By tailoring designs to specific demographics and prioritising placemaking, we can create housing solutions that not only meet immediate needs of residents but also contribute positively to the broader community,” Mr Juric said.

Originally published as Tailored designs reshaping Queensland’s housing landscape