why passive design matters in social and affordable housing

In Brisbane's climate, a poorly-designed home is almost unbearable to be in for many months of the year. This inevitably leads people to turn to air conditioning to make their home feel liveable—which means higher electricity bills, a greater environmental impact, and living in a space sealed off from its surroundings.

We never want to deliver a building where residents have to choose between staying comfortable in summer and being able to afford to live. This is important for any project, but it's perhaps most crucial in social and affordable housing, where the cost of constant air conditioning can place real financial pressure on the people who can least afford it. A home that cools itself is much more than good design—it can have a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of the people who live there.

Designing to optimise passive temperature control, and therefore reduce reliance on air conditioning, is a fundamental part of our process. At The Curwen, we put this into practice across the whole building.

Photography: Kate Mathieson Photography

How It Works at The Curwen

The building and each of its openings are carefully oriented to capture breezes. Air flows through the generousopen corridors and is channelled throughout the building—all day, all year, at zero cost. The floor plans of the apartments are arranged so that residents can leave their front doors open without feeling exposed.

Secure screen doors make this possible while maintaining privacy and safety. This allows the breezes channelled through the corridors to flow into each home and out through the balcony door. The resultant cross-ventilation is a highly effective cooling tool, even during the hottest months.

Photography: Kate Mathieson Photography

The benefits extend well beyond keeping the building cool. Living with doors open enhances the feeling of neighbourliness throughout the building. Residents can use their balconies, communal spaces, and rooftop area all year round, rather than being confined indoors in summer. And with less reliance on active cooling, electricity bills are reduced—freeing up funds that residents can direct elsewhere.

Having access to a home that is comfortable to live in and economical to run can be nothing short of life-changing for many residents. That's the standard we hold ourselves to.

The Curwen was delivered by a BHC QIC consortium, with funding from the Queensland Government and financing through Housing Australia and the Australian Retirement Trust.

You can see more of this project at https://www.koandcompany.com.au/curwen-terrace.