Home design the key to supporting long term security for those sleeping rough

Deakin University research has revealed the important role an accessible, community-focused and user-friendly home plays in supporting recovery for people experiencing homelessness.

This new Deakin Home Research Centre (HOME) study showed the many benefits of purpose-built transitional housing to assist in rebuilding what has been lost through long term homelessness, well beyond just a place to sleep.

Deakin HOME works to solve complex problems around affordable housing, homelessness and social inclusion, with researchers from law, arts, architecture, health, economics and other key disciplines.

While most homelessness research to date has focused on service delivery models, there is growing recognition that the built environment plays a significant role in residents' mental health and wellbeing.

The research has revealed transitional housing microvillages, clusters of compact homes, with houses built using a Supportive Design Framework, are a promising new way to provide a faster, more effective and lasting transition away from rough sleeping.

As part of the study, Deakin researchers identified 18 key design principles to follow, informed by various best practice trauma recovery frameworks.

Design principles fell into categories including dignity and self-esteem, identity, empowerment and personal control, hope and choice, sense of community and collaboration, beauty, meaning and order, safety and security, stress management and coping, among others.

Researchers then interviewed residents of an Independent Living Units Program (ILUP) run by The Salvation Army, together with ILUP facilitators.

Deakin HOME Co-Director Professor Richard Tucker said that while it is well known that stable housing has benefits, as does easy to access support services, the design of the accommodation itself has rarely been looked at in this way before.

‘Interestingly, we found the built environment helps create the social and emotional one, and the Independent Living Units Program demonstrates this idea in practice,’ said Professor Richard Tucker.

‘In particular, we identified important factors including appropriately sized self-contained units, planned activities, semi-open spaces and clustered unit arrangements. Our research also shows how these factors need to function together to create a sense of home after homelessness, especially when such a place is temporary.

'When thoughtfully designed and paired with the right support, transitional housing can become a stabilising environment, where people can rebuild confidence, routines, relationships and a sense of control before moving into longer-term housing.

‘This is especially important for people who have experienced long-term homelessness, where recovery often depends as much on trust, safety and belonging as it does on having a roof overhead,’ Professor Tucker said.

The 18 design principles were translated into a tailored Supportive Design Framework covering both the individual homes and the wider microvillage setting.

Units include features such as lots of natural light, views of nature, noise-control measures, open-plan living, multiple storage spaces, good-quality furniture and appliances and opportunities for residents to personalise their homes.

The microvillage also encourages connection through the ‘clustered’ unit placement, and easily accessible communal areas, while avoiding an institutional feel. The space includes well lit, sheltered outdoor areas, raised vegetable gardens, barbecue facilities and areas suited to group outdoor activities. The design also emphasises safety and accessibility.

Researchers found the designs resulted in several positive short-term outcomes for residents beyond immediate homelessness relief, with residents noting reduced levels of anxiety, improved sense of safety and security, consistent daily routines, improved hygiene, diet and overall wellbeing.

‘I think we often view homelessness in a sort of vacuum, that if only we could give someone a house their problems would all be magically solved,’ said Associate Professor Fiona Andrews, HOME Co-Director and researcher on the project.

‘This oversimplifies what is an incredibly complex issue and also takes any agency away from the individual themselves. Homelessness is not just a lack of housing but a loss of identity, stability and connection.'

Residents also recorded boosted self-confidence and self-reliance in their capabilities, a sense of worthiness, motivation, and empowerment over their life. This was paired with increased knowledge of rental market and their rights, meaningful and deep friendships and growing sense of community.

‘When we approach the design of these dwellings using a trauma lens, you begin to understand that the home itself can actually meet some of the complex needs of someone who has had unstable housing for a long time,’ said Associate Professor Andrews.

The recent Deakin HOME study was made possible in 2021, when Geelong-based company FormFlow worked with Samaritan House Geelong and Deakin’s School of Architecture and Built Environment to install seven one-bedroom prefabricated independent living units for local men experiencing homelessness.

This microvillage then became the site of the Salvation Army Independent Living Units Program where, in addition to housing, residents can also access a suite of social, medical and community supports. The compact houses are intended to be a six-month stop gap solution while public housing or other long-term accommodation can be secured.

Associate Professor Andrews is convening the “Converging Crises: Mental Wellbeing and Home” Symposium alongside Deakin HOME on 9 June in collaboration with the Deakin Science and Society Network. Professor Tucker and Associate Professor Andrews will present HOME’s research on the Microvillage project as part of the symposium.