Monash University Student Housing
Project info : Location / Monash, Australia Year / completed 2011 Budget /68.7 $ M Designer / BVN General info/
o Monash University Student Housing, Clayton, comprises two 5 storey buildings, each containing 300 student studios, flanking a central, common courtyard. o Fundamental to the project was the need to create a community whilst supporting the individual; therefore, the courtyard is the meeting point and entry to each building. It refers to traditional college accommodation where students interact from private spaces to the common. o Shared spaces and vertical circulation are located at the centre of each building encouraging interaction. o The buildings provide additional shared space by way of kitchen facilities for every 30 students and double height common rooms. o The idea was to create as much opportunity for the students to connect as possible in order to encourage community and collegiality, and minimize the chance for anyone to feel lonely or isolated.
o The main communal spaces are double storey volumes playing an important role in connecting all levels. o Each wing of the building has a cohort of 30 studios per level. o Studios contain a kitchenette, ensuite and living/sleeping space. At 20m2 the studio module was refined to create a sense of spaciousness,
o incorporating extensive operable floor to ceiling windows and exposed ceilings 2.7 metres in height, with services contained at central risers. o The articulated facades feature timber paneling to give movement to the volumes and help them blend in more with the surrounding woodsy landscape. o Stormwater run-off was reduced through selection of surface materials and appropriate planting. o The roof harvests rainwater and stores it in an 100,000 liter tank, while grey water from baths, showers and kitchen sinks is collected, cleaned, and stored for use in toilet flushing and irrigation.
o A 2,000 m2 solar system on the roof provides electricity for the buildings. o The project is also the first university project to be completed under the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS), which was established as part of the nation building fund formed in response to the Global Financial Crisis.
o This project has achieved a 5 star Green Star As Designed rating and is in the process of assessment for an As Built 5 Star rating. It has been identified as the new benchmark for the National and State Government for Affordable Housing. 
Awards / 2012 RIBA International Award. 2012 RAIA Victoria Residential Architecture- Multiple Housing Award.
Site plan /
Plans /
Views and shots /
 Interior shots /
Studio lounge area. VOIP phone included in every room. Books, lamps, bedding, computer and items on shelf and desk are not provided but have been included for illustrative purposes.
View from entry door. Kettle and toaster are not provided but have been included for illustrative purposes.
Kitchen facilities will include 2 burner hotplates, convection microwave oven, sink, bench space and pantry cupboards. Kettle, toaster, cooking utensils are not provided and are included for illustrative purposes.
Lounge and desk area. Posters, lamps, computer, books and desk and bookshelf assortments are not provided but have been included for illustrative purposes.
Bathroom area. Shower cubicle is not shown but is located to the right of the towels which are not provided but included for illustrative purposes.
Bed area. Bed linen, lamp and clock radio are not provided but included for illustrative purposes
Criticism /  Belongs to which category / user group. o Particular character / Monash University Student Housing, Clayton, comprises two buildings flanking a central, common courtyard. The idea was to create as much opportunity for the students to connect as possible in order to encourage community and collegiality
 Main Features / o Two 5 storey buildings. o Each containing 300 student studios. o Each wing of the building has a cohort of 30 studios per level. o The courtyard is the meeting point and entry to each building. o Shared spaces and vertical circulation are located at the centre of each building. o The buildings provide additional shared space by way of kitchen facilities for every 30 students and double height common rooms.
o Studios contain a kitchenette, ensuite and living/sleeping space. At 20m2 the studio.
 Own opinion / In my opinition the project is Succeed in : o provides care, support and enrichment for the residential community in academic, cultural, personal, social and recreational matters o creates opportunities for mutually beneficial interaction between the members of the residential community