Cowper Street Social Housing

Designing for Community

Location
Glebe, NSW, Gadigal Country
Status
Under Construction
Client
NSW Government Land & Housing Corporation (Homes NSW)
Type
Residential

Situated within a heritage conservation area, the Cowper Street Social Housing project revitalises its richly layered surrounds—harnessing excellent solar access, established open spaces, intricate laneways and a vibrant neighbourhood—to create an integrated and inclusive place to live.

Comprising 75 new social housing residences, the design sensitively balances preservation and renewal. Mature trees and existing solar amenity are protected, while new public, communal and private spaces cultivate connection, wellbeing and a sense of belonging for residents and the broader community.

Initiated as the Glebe Midrise Project, Cowper Street Social Housing—developed in partnership with Homes NSW and The Kings Trust—is due for completion in late 2025 and exemplifies resilient, community-centred urban living. It sets a benchmark for future social housing that is equitable, environmentally responsible and attuned to local character and wellbeing.

“The ongoing challenges of increasing urban density, housing affordability and climate change mean we are all responsible for improving urban livability and minimising development impacts on our natural environment. This project will help address these and other challenges.”

Dominic Richards
Princes Trust Australia Trustee

Cowper Street Social Housing site visit showing CLT structure
site visit to cowper street social housing showing CLT structure

Pioneering the use of innovative Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) construction paired with fully electrified building systems, Cowper Street achieves a 6-Star Green Star rating. This advanced approach minimises both embodied and operational carbon while enhancing occupant comfort, health and longevity.

This project represents a significant step forward for Sydney’s expertise in sustainable, timber-based construction—realising a vision for inclusive, future-focused living embedded within a dynamic, connected urban fabric.

 

street view of brickwork with people in context of cowper street social housing in glebe
view of brick work at Cowper street social housing project with people in context on balcony.
Collaborators

The Kings Trust
Turf Design
File Planning
Van der Meer
Donnelly Simpson Cleary
Integral
AECOM
Arup
Kane Constructions
Group GSA
TTW
IINGEN
Scientific Fire Services
Jensen Hughes
Pulse White Noise
Philip Chun

JPW acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country and honours their continuing connection to lands, waters, skies, and communities.

We offer our respect to Elders past and those present – as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work.