Tailored accessibility strategy for landmark student accommodation project.
Written by: Vibhika Valimbe, Access Consultant
Located directly opposite the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus, Journal Campus House sets a new benchmark for student accommodation in central Melbourne. This 14-storey development, delivered by Multiplex Constructions, offers 446 sole occupancy rooms (comprised of a mix of single, twin and cluster rooms), with a strong focus on community, wellbeing and inclusive design.
Access Consulting from Concept to Construction
Architecture & Access was engaged early in the project by Wynn Management and Citiplan, continuing through to construction under Muliplex. Our team provided accessibility consulting services from the schematic design stage through to final construction, ensuring accessibility was embedded throughout the design and delivery process.
Innovative Access Strategy for Diverse Needs
Rather than following a standard Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) approach under the National Construction Code (NCC), the project adopted a customised Student Accommodation Access Strategy developed by Architecture & Access. While the NCC would have required 18 fully accessible rooms, our strategy delivered a broader and more inclusive solution by providing rooms tailored to a range of impairments:
- Type A Rooms – Primarily for students with mobility impairments but also catering for multiple disabilities, fully compliant with AS 1428.1, including accessible bathrooms and circulation spaces.
- Type B Rooms – For students with hearing and speech impairments, featuring visual fire alarms and light-emitting doorbells.
- Type C Rooms – For students with vision impairments, incorporating luminance contrast and dimmable lighting.
This approach resulted in more rooms overall with accessibility features, better reflecting the diverse needs of students with disabilities.
Accessible Common Areas and Amenities
The building includes a wide range of communal spaces designed to foster connection and support wellbeing, including:
- A double-height atrium, entertainment lounge, library and study zones
- Basement-level courtyard, gym, games and music rooms
- Communal terraces on level 3 and 8
- All-gender / unisex toilets for greater flexibility
Operational Planning for Long-Term Accessibility
As part of the Access Strategy, we also advised on operational management conditions;
- Distribution of different types of accessible rooms throughout the building to allow inclusivity
- Development of evacuation plans for residents with disabilities
Architecture & Access ensured compliance with all relevant legislation and standards, including:
- Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010
- National Construction Code (NCC)
- Australian Standards AS1428.1
Our services included reviews of documentation, site inspections, and the preparation of a Statement of Construction Acceptance to confirm compliance with all benchmarks.
Journal Campus House demonstrates how thoughtful, strategic access consulting can go beyond compliance to create an inclusive environment.
Image descriptions:
- Common areas can be utilised by all users and include a variety of seating options offering support for students with varying disabilities.
It also shows the glazed doors and walls clearly defined using significant frames and visual indicators ensuring visibility and safety. - Room layouts feature essential furniture for the students and include elements for accessibility, such as visual contrast, elements within an accessible reach and ample circulation spaces.
