Letitia Street Community Housing
Built for Centacare Evolve, the Letitia Street social housing project is a landmark development in the heart of Hobart. This 29-unit project demonstrates the healthy partnership between Centacare Evolve and Fairbrother, achieving a positive financial outcome for the client and solidifying strong relationships.
The design and construct delivery model, alongside a collaborative approach between client and builder, enabled the project to be delivered five months ahead of schedule. The exterior design of the building craws inspiration from the traditional Hobart workers’ cottage, with contemporary materials enhancing its modern aesthetic. The steep-pitched roofs combined with monotone custom brickwork, textured precast elements, and vertical nailstrip cladding create a striking façade. This mix of materials is perfectly complemented by the vibrant green balustrading, adding a touch of colour and character to the complex.
Accessibility was a key consideration throughout the design phase, resulting in the project achieving a Silver Standard in Liveable Housing Design. This includes features such as step-free paths of travel to each dwelling, step-free showers, future-proofed bathrooms to support the installation of grab rails, and unimpeded paths of travel throughout internal doors and corridors. The building also offers dual pedestrian access from both street frontages, a central lift for enhanced accessibility, large private open spaces, and communal social gathering areas.
Fairbrother’s Design Management team played a crucial role in navigating the site constraints, including the redesign of multiple precast concrete panels, to allow manoeuvrability around the overhead powerlines and other restrictions. These redesigns enabled efficient delivery and installation, contributing to the project’s timely completion.
Limited space on site was a significant challenge, with little space available for construction amenities and cranage. Solutions to this challenge came through negotiating and consultation with the neighbouring property, owned by Turnbull Funerals.
“Without leasing Turnbull’s land, it would have made everything so much more difficult,” said Fairbrother
Project Manager, Adrian Tseberg. “We used Turnbull’s car park for cranage work and materials staging, which was crucial for maintaining smooth operations and minimising disruptions.”
The Letitia Street project showcases Fairbrother’s commitment to delivering high-quality social housing that exceeds expectations. The use of custom-made white bricks instead of painted surfaces not only enhances the building’s appearance but also reduces long-term maintenance. Internally, the units are designed to provide a comfortable living environment, with high-quality flooring, clean joinery, and thoughtful colour schemes creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Fairbrother’s ability to complete the project ahead of schedule can be attributed to meticulous planning and seamless coordination among the project team, Centacare, and consultants. The minimal extensions of time and cost-effective design adjustments ensured the project stayed on track and within budget.
The Letitia Street project has been met with enthusiastic approval from the client and the local community.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to about the project is ecstatic,” Adrian noted. “The high-quality design and construction have garnered positive feedback from the client, people walking down the street, and even a guy I was speaking to at Bunnings.”
Fairbrother’s success with the Letitia Street project highlights the project team’s dedication to excellence in construction and community development. As social housing continues to be a critical need in many communities, projects like Letitia Street serve as a model for how to effectively balance functionality, aesthetics, and budget considerations. Fairbrother’s approach to this development showcases the importance of thorough planning, community engagement, and adaptability in achieving successful outcomes. By prioritising quality and resident satisfaction, Fairbrother has created a housing solution that not only meets immediate needs but also supports long-term community development goals.