Summerhill Village

Summerhill Village in West Footscray demonstrates how social housing can combine density, quality, and community impact. Developed on the site of former Lions Club retirement units, the project replaces aging housing with 49 thoughtfully designed apartments that prioritise resident wellbeing, independence, and connection. The Village primarily supports older women on the Victorian Housing Register, while exploring an intergenerational model that accommodates younger women with children, strengthening community ties.

Project Information

Client: Lions Footscray

Location: West Footscray, VIC

Country: Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong people

Year: 2020

Size: 49 apartments

Programme: Social Housing, Multi-residential

Status: Completed

Team

Architect: Tandem Design Studio

Designer: Priscilla Finn, Bee Horsley, Andrew Nicholson, Annie Crone, Carey Landwehr (Feasibility only), Kathi Holt, James Murray, Mery Samsir, Tim Hill

Builder: DEVCO Project & Construction Management

Imagery: Tom Ross

Recognition

2026: Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture shortlist, Victorian Architecture Awards — Steel Architecture. Credited to Tandem Design Studio. Carey Landwehr — feasibility.

Disclaimer

Early project feasibility only undertaken at Tandem Design Studio in 2020-21.