Infill Design Opportunities Lee-Anne Khor, Byron Meyer, Nigel Bertram, Shane Murray, Diego Ramirez-Lovering Monash Architecture Studio, MADA, Monash University Abstract: Small-scale infill housing in the middle suburbs represents 37% of residential developments in Melbourne (DPCD 2013). The quality and performance of typical infill outcomes is inadequate for the sustainable transformation of our cities. Perhaps more importantly, the extent and distribution of such informal redevelopment is having a significant impact on the existing suburban fabric. This presents a challenging landscape for future regeneration opportunities in these contexts. If small infill housing could be improved, the market’s propensity for this scale and type of project offers a potential vehicle for increasing the diversity and sustainability of future dwelling provision. This paper draws on a research initiative of the Office of the Victorian Government Architect (OVGA) and the Monash Architecture Studio (MAS) to examine the opportunities and constraints associated with the small infill housing in middle suburban contexts. Through a speculative design process, the research identifies alternative housing models that could enhance development outcomes on 1, 2 and 3-lot assemblies – the sites most frequently turned-over for renewal. Despite the prevalence of small infill redevelopment activity, it continues to be overlooked by formal strategic policies as a substantive means for sustainable urban transitioning or increasing the quality and supply of affordable housing. In fact, Melbourne’s recently introduced planning instruments may serve to exacerbate suboptimal development outcomes in middle suburban locations. Building on the ‘lessons learned’ through the speculative design process, this paper further explores how Melbourne’s zoning reforms might impact future infill housing delivery, providing insights for local governments currently in the process adopting the new classifications.