VIV'S PLACE AN UPLIFTING NEW PRECEDENT OR FAMILY SUPPORTIVE HOUSING

Designed specifically for women and children escaping domestic violence, Viv's Place is a joint project between ARM and Launch Social Housing and one that redefines the social housing experience for residents across Melbourne.

With an inviting domestic atmosphere and uplifting visual thematics, the project has been designed to achieve the look and feel of home. Residents are part of a secure and nurturing community where the accommodation offering is complemented by a range of on-site support and welfare services.

Asset Features

Located in the heart of Dandenong, the site comprises 60 apartments catering to a range of family sizes and needs, plus shared spaces including a residents lounge, family games area, and children's spaces.

The exterior design concept challenges the idea that social housing should be hidden away from the community. Drawing inspiration from patterns and textures used in domestic settings, the building’s exterior showcases an ornate filigree motif masking the structure’s basic function of security and privacy.

Internally, dual-key apartments represent ARM’s innovative approach to designing for family flexibility and tenant requirements. An extra foyer between a studio apartment and its immediate neighbour allows the two apartments to be combined into one family unit. This arrangement means any floor can be customised to a specific mix without costly structural and service transitions.

The design for Viv's Place also supports a range of on-site support services such as skills classes and access to healthcare, legal and other practitioners.

Residents have access to a generous kitchen and dining area for communal cooking activities, along with a vast community space for functions and meetings.

Further promoting interaction and connection between residents, ARM integrated shared outdoor recreation spaces encourage residents throughout the site, including a terrace, a barbeque area, a rooftop garden, and a veggie patch. garden shed. The site is also located in close proximity to neighbouring retail hubs, public transport, abs community healthcare services, offering residents the opportunity to integrate with the wider community with ease and convenience.

Tenant Demographic

Viv's Place comprises a demographic of residents in the low and low-moderate income bands, who may be on welfare support or Parenting Payment.

Residents span a diverse range of social, cultural, and economic backgrounds, and include:

• Single women with backgrounds of trauma, abuse, or disadvantage

• Single mothers with backgrounds of trauma, abuse, or disadvantage.

• Married women who are seeking refuge from domestic violence or abusive partners.

• Children and young adults who are seeking refuge from abusive domestic environments or disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Residents span a diverse range of social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.

Progress

Launch Family Supportive Housing Dandenong is currently under construction and is due for completion in April 2022. Launch Social Housing will partner with UnitingCare for the on-site support and welfare services offering.

www.launchhousing.org.au