CLIMATE ACTION SHOW

June 17th 2024

Produced by Vivien Langford and Rosie Ganino

RETROFITTING THE PUBLIC HOUSING TOWERS

Guests:
Chris Barnett – The Australian Institute of Architects

George Avraam – Peddle Thorp Architects Melbourne
https://pta.com.au/our-people/

Simon Knott - B_K_K Architects - https://b-k-
k.com.au/projects/tower-turnaround

Reimagining the 44 public Housing towers set for demolition in
Melbourne would result in a boon for the climate. We discuss the
embodied carbon in these buildings and the carbon emissions
saved in NOT demolishing them.

It has been estimated that with demolition, about 70% of the current
residents would never return. A key benefit of retrofitting would be
to keep communities together.

Reimagining these inner city homes with services nearby, much
more amenity and a huge carbon saving would address the
housing crisis and the climate crisis in one go.
The Supreme Court of Victoria dismissed a class action by tenants
to defend their human right to shelter. Both Government and
industry know that we need Net Zero Emissions and buildings like
these are being retrofitted for thermal comfort all over Europe.

Mentioned in the podcast:
The French firm is Lacaton and Vassal. This is an example of theirs but
they’ve done many similar.
https://www.lacatonvassal.com/index.php?idp=80

The Housing All Australians Report is here
https://housingallaustralians.org.au/what-we-do/give-me-shelter/