Plus Architecture, in collaboration with not-for-profit organisation St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland, has revealed the design for a social and affordable housing project in Nerang, that offers a thoughtfully considered solution to the pressing need for social and affordable housing on the Gold Coast.
Comprising a total of 60 apartments – the mid-rise residential development offers a balanced mix of housing options for individuals impacted by homelessness, domestic violence, disability, or medical conditions. A number of apartments will be made available in the affordable housing rental market at subsidised rates for low-income households.
A first-of-its-kind development for Nerang, the St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland’s first foray into the mid-rise social housing typology has been informed by Plus Architecture’s extensive experience in crafting landmark social, affordable and built-to-rent projects across Australia and New Zealand.
Anthon Tai, Principal at Plus Architecture, said the project’s three key design drivers — durability, sustainability, and community — were identified to embrace and address the unique requirements of Nerang’s local community and environment.
“From day one, this project was about more than just creating housing — together with St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland, we saw it as an opportunity to create a truly site-specific design that boosts community, wellbeing, and importantly sets a benchmark for what’s possible in social and affordable housing in Queensland,” Tai said.
Kevin Mercer, Chief Executive Officer at St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland, said, “This development is a testament to what can be achieved when we combine innovative design with a shared commitment to tackling housing insecurity. To meet this growing need, Vinnies Queensland’s 500 Homes project will provide vulnerable Queenslanders with access to both secure housing and wrap-around support services to help break the cycle of homelessness. With additional projects in Bundaberg and Toowoomba expected to start construction later this year and more developments in the pipeline, Vinnies Queensland is set to exceed its initial 500-home goal, with 562 homes now planned as part of this long-term program of work.”
Architecturally, the design focuses on embracing outdoor living in Queensland’s subtropical climate, maximising natural ventilation and providing robust materials and construction details that ensure the 40-year operational life-cycle of the project.
At the heart of the design is a series of thoughtfully positioned breezeways, which provide access to apartments while fostering a sense of community through communal outdoor spaces of varying scales and privacy. These spaces are carefully oriented to optimise connections to the street and offer panoramic views of the Surfers Paradise skyline from the upper levels.
A robust and understated material palette underscores the building’s durability and design longevity, with expressed precast panel construction complemented by navy blue balustrades and screening—paying homage to St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland’s brand identity. This provides a visually calming backdrop for the lush subtropical landscaping that will soften the building’s edges and enhance liveability.
Located in a highly connected area, the project will deliver much-needed housing in a prime location, offering immediate access to public transit and essential services — a unique offering for the Nerang community and a significant step forward in addressing housing challenges across the Gold Coast.
The project was funded by the Queensland Government and St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland in partnership with its subsidiary community housing provider Vinnies Housing, and with the help of community fundraising from the annual Vinnies QLD CEO Sleepout events on the Gold Coast.
The project was awarded to Plus Architecture through an Expression of Interest process led by project manager Turner & Townsend. The builder, GFG Projects Pty Ltd, has commenced construction works on site.