RETROFITTING THE PUBLIC HOUSING TOWERS

Climate Action Show

CLIMATE ACTION SHOWJune 17th 2024Produced by Vivien Langford and Rosie GaninoRETROFITTING THE PUBLIC HOUSING TOWERSGuests:Chris Barnett – The Australian Institute of ArchitectsGeorge Avraam – Peddle Thorp Architects Melbournehttps://pta.com.au/our-people/Simon Knott - B_K_K Architects - https://b-k-k.com.au/projects/tower-turnaroundReimagining the 44 public Housing towers set for demolition inMelbourne would result in a boon for the climate. We discuss theembodied carbon in these buildings and the carbon emissionssaved in NOT demolishing them.It has been estimated that with demolition, about 70% of the currentresidents would never return. A key benefit of retrofitting would beto keep communities together.Reimagining these inner city homes with services nearby, muchmore amenity and a huge carbon saving would address thehousing crisis and the climate crisis in one go.The Supreme Court of Victoria dismissed a class action by tenantsto defend their human right to shelter. Both Government andindustry know that we need Net Zero Emissions and buildings likethese 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 butthey’ve done many similar.https://www.lacatonvassal.com/index.php?idp=80The Housing All Australians Report is herehttps://housingallaustralians.org.au/what-we-do/give-me-shelter/