The Northern Rivers flood of 2022 presents a striking irony: sometimes it takes a disaster to show us a better way forward. When thousands of residents were displaced from their homes, it didn't just expose the region's vulnerability – it created an unexpected opportunity to completely rethink how we live in flood-prone areas. While nobody would choose this path, the crisis has made possible new approaches to housing that might have seemed unrealistic before the floods.

The impact of this work reaches well beyond the Northern Rivers. The housing approaches we pioneer here could offer practical insights for other regions dealing with increasing flood risks. This isn't just about building stronger houses – it's about understanding how our homes can work better with changing environments.

This work must also be seen in the context of a broader housing crisis where ordinary Australians are unable to access appropriate housing without hardship. New housing approaches, such as those explored in this research, must address social and economic resilience in the context of a circular economy.

Design research

We collaborated with UTS School of Architecture to reimagine housing that works with – not against – the unique landscape of the Northern Rivers. Our research explores alternatives that are environmentally appropriate, economically accessible, and designed for our diverse community needs.

Through intensive design studios in 2023, Masters students investigated three key areas: house raising and retrofitting, alternative housing types, and transitional housing solutions. Each studio put the landscape first, challenging conventional approaches to infrastructure and land division that often ignore our local conditions.

The work drew on knowledge shared by Indigenous Elders, conversations with local stakeholders, and detailed site analysis across Lismore, Lismore Heights, East Lismore, Goonellabah and Bangalow. The resulting designs offer practical alternatives that could transform how we approach housing resilience, affordability, and community connection in our flood-prone region.

Guiding Principles

The following principles emerged from the design studios, offering a framework for future housing development in the region. They challenge 'business-as-usual' approaches and prioritise housing forms that better meet people’s needs, community, and climate resilience..

1. Leading with Landscape
   Landscape isn't just something that surrounds our homes – it's the foundation of how we should design them. This principle emphasises using natural systems for infrastructure, creating identity through local landscape features, and extending living spaces into the outdoors. Think of your garden as another room of your house, and the land beneath a raised house as a multi-functional space for both nature and community.
2. Dwelling Configurations and Materiality
   How we organise and build our homes matters as much as where we put them. This principle explores flexible floorplans that can adapt to different household types, compact detached housing that maintains privacy while increasing density, and smart material choices that reflect local character. It's about creating homes that can evolve with changing needs and weather patterns.
3. Neighbourhood Connections
   Good housing design thinks beyond the individual block to consider how people move through and interact with their community. This principle covers everything from making homes accessible to all, to clever ways of handling car parking that don't dominate the landscape. It's about creating neighbourhoods that feel connected and inclusive.
4. Beyond Design
   Sometimes the biggest barriers to better housing aren't physical – they're regulatory and financial. This principle addresses the need for updated planning codes, alternative ownership models, and new approaches to insurance and financing that can make innovative housing possible.

Research team

Read more about the team who curated and led the design studios, and developed the final report.