Bangalow is a place defined by community and creativity. Known for its vibrant arts and crafts culture, the town has a strong spirit of togetherness, set within a backdrop of rolling green hills and farmland. Yet the site also carries an older story – once part of a red cedar rainforest, where the strength of the earth below supported a lighter, layered canopy above.

The Bangalow Townhouses project draws directly from this natural structure. The sculpted masonry ground plane recalls the solidity of the rainforest floor, while the lightweight forms above evoke the vegetation canopy. Together, these elements bring the site’s history into the present while strengthening the sense of community that defines Bangalow.

Our architectural response is more than just a metaphor, it is intended to find a balance between privacy, openness, and connection. At ground level, daily life is enhanced by shaping pathways, communal thresholds, and connections between pedestrians and vehicles. This foundation becomes the framework for neighbourly encounters, encouraging the kind of community interaction that is at the heart of Bangalow.

Above the ground floor, the townhouses are positioned to open toward landscape views, filtering light and air much like a forest canopy. This upper layer offers privacy and retreat while maintaining a strong relationship to the natural setting.

The design for the 23 townhouses carefully balances the need for private living with opportunities for connection. Homes are oriented to capture views and natural ventilation, while shared outdoor spaces create moments where neighbours can meet informally. This layering of individual and collective experience reflects the dual character of the site providing both a place for solitude and community.