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Deakin Home Research Centre
Innovative research to solve complex problems around affordable housing, homelessness and social inclusion
Housing research that builds stronger neighbourhoods
An under-supply of secure, affordable and appropriate housing is negatively impacting the health and wellbeing of many Australians. The Deakin Home Research Centre brings together communities, not-for-profit organisations, industry and government to co-design unique and effective housing solutions.
Our story
Since 2018, the Centre has connected interdisciplinary researchers across Deakin faculties and schools to develop evidence-based housing strategies tailored to the communities we serve. We address critical issues like housing stress, inequality, rapid urban population growth, new patterns of housing demand and an ageing population.
Our research informs housing policy and practice, shapes design and builds healthier housing solutions across cities, regional and rural areas, suburbs and neighbourhoods.
Our research themes
We conduct research aligned with our vision to provide ‘a home for all’ across four key themes:
- Home for life – building safe, secure and suitable housing.
- Home we can afford – creating affordable and sustainable homes.
- Home where we know neighbours – fostering social connection and wellbeing.
- Home that’s connected – connecting homes to people’s needs.
The transdisciplinary methodologies and community collaboration arising from our partnerships is translating research into innovative solutions to deliver affordable, accessible and sustainable housing. Our research has already resulted in local and state government policy change to support the design of housing that better meets the needs of residents.
Co-Directors, Deakin Home Research Centre
Help us build stronger neighbourhoods across the world
A PhD with Deakin Home Research Centre will provide you with access to a stimulating and supportive environment where you can conduct innovative and high impact research. As a PhD student, you’ll be part of a globally connected, interdisciplinary research community with access to industry experts and collaborators across all Deakin faculties and disciplines.
Our research leaders
Deakin Home Research Centre combines researchers from all Deakin faculties in one interdisciplinary group. Our team has expansive research expertise spanning architecture, health, economics, business, law, anthropology, the creative arts and more. The executive team has representatives from each faculty and is led by our two co-directors.
Professor Richard Tucker is from the School of Architecture and Built Environment and the co-leader of Deakin Home Research Centre. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed publications on sustainable, universal and urban housing design, as well as on accessibility and inclusivity in built environment design, and design education.
Associate Professor Fiona Andrews is from the School of Health and Social Development and the co-leader of Deakin Home Research Centre. Her research is focused on the relationship between the built environment and health, including how the design of places (neighbourhoods, housing and home environments) affects family wellbeing. She has produced impactful academic outputs that have informed housing policy change at local and state government levels.
Our partnerships
Deakin Home Research Centre is a trusted partner of government, industry, philanthropic and community organisations, with strong ties to world-leading research institutions focused on housing diversity, affordability, homelessness and high-density living. Our collaborations span leading organisations across sectors, reflecting the breadth and depth of our impact, such as:
- Victorian State Department of Health and Human Services
- Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
- Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation
- Geelong Community Foundation
- The City of Geelong
- Give Where You Live
- Samaritan House
- Formflow
- Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association
- University of Antwerp, Belgium
- Avans University, The Netherlands
Featured projects
Discover some of the ground-breaking research projects conducted in collaboration with our researchers, partners and community stakeholders.
Microvillage
This project explores the viability of affordable small homes for people with limited resources, prioritising minimal use of materials, land, and energy while strengthening community connections. Developed through partnerships between philanthropy and industry, the project moves from research to policy and design, culminating in the implementation of housing solutions.
Family-friendly apartment design
In partnership with the former Victorian Department of Environment, Water, Land and Planning, our research supports a new approach to boosting family-friendly apartment supply in Victoria. We advise on design and planning, resulting in exemplar models that enable the faster delivery of more liveable apartments.
Accessible and inclusive Geelong
Our research identifies what is required to establish Geelong as a leading, accessible and inclusive city. This project informs a collective plan of action – supported by a wide range of community stakeholders – to ensure Geelong can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people.
