A Glebe social housing redevelopment by Homes NSW is set to become one of the first and largest cross-laminated timber (CLT) social affordable apartment (Class 2) buildings in New South Wales when it is completed in early 2025. 

The $65 million development at Cowper St and Wentworth Park Rd will provide 75 new fit-for-purpose social homes across two eight-storey towers and separate three-storey terraces. 

Designed to achieve a 6 Star Green Star rating, the renewal project will set a precedent in construction methodology for future built forms using CLT, while addressing critical housing needs in Sydney’s inner west.

GroupGSA was engaged as the executive architect to deliver the pioneering project from tender to construction, in partnership with the builder, Kane Constructions. Since the initial concept, designed by Johnson Pilton Walker, the project has undergone several DA amendments to accommodate the use of CLT.

GroupGSA Associate Director and project lead Noura Thaha says that the built form would comprise 85 percent CLT, which was manufactured offsite. Less than five percent of the whole building was steel.

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