Canberra launches design competition for smaller homes that skip planning
Canberra wants pre-approved house designs that skip planning approval. This speeds up building smaller homes.
Canberra is reviving an old idea: the pattern book. Mid-century Canberra grew quickly using pre-designed government houses built over and over.
Now the government wants new designs for townhouses, duplexes, terraces and dual-occupancies. Townhouses, duplexes, terraces and dual-occupancies sit between single houses and apartment blocks.
Planning Minister Chris Steel said the pattern book would speed up approvals. Applications from architects and building designers close on December 4.
About 16 professionals and about six students will be selected to submit designs. The winning entries will be shown publicly and refined for the final pattern book.
Once complete, developers and homeowners will be able to build homes from the book. They won't need a separate development approval.
- Chris Steel
- Planning Minister
- December 4
- Applications close
- about 16
- Professionals selected
- about 6
- Students selected
Why it mattersA simpler approval path for smaller homes could speed up housing supply. It could also give Canberrans more choices between detached houses and apartment blocks.
AustraliaCanberra residents and developers could build more compact, affordable homes faster. The designs will reflect Canberra's local climate and landscape while encouraging denser, more efficient suburbs.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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