Jinndii Waijung: Building Dignity and Safety Through Design

Jinndii Waijung, meaning “Mother’s Nest” in Yugembeh language, is a purpose-built housing complex in Queensland that provides safe, secure housing for women and children escaping domestic violence and homelessness. The project is a testament to what can be achieved when technical innovation and social purpose come together.

The Property Industry Foundation played a pivotal role, assembling a pro bono project team that included the award-winning Blight Rayner architects. Their design intent was clear: create a space that balances privacy, security, and healing, while fostering a sense of community.

“Women with lived experience of homelessness and domestic violence were included in all stages of the project,” said Victoria Parker, CEO of The Lady Musgrave Trust , underscoring the importance of ensuring the final product met the needs of future tenants.

James Hardie was honoured to donate $50,000 worth of Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding and Versilux™ Lining. Our partnership with McNab, who generously constructed this project at cost, was vital in making Jinndii Waijung a reality.

By supporting the project team with resilient, low-maintenance materials, James Hardie helped ensure the building would meet the needs of its residents and stand up to Queensland’s climate, while respecting the priorities of privacy, security, and dignity of the residents.

Design Brief and Planning

The brief received by the architects was for four apartments - one fully accessible - and a community space enabling mothers and children to come together and connect with others who have endured similar experiences.

However, the more attuned 'brief' was developed in consultation with women with lived experience of homelessness and disadvantage. These conversations elevated particular priorities such as real and perceived security, autonomy, ability to connect with others while also valuing privacy, continuous surveillance of children, and the sense of having a 'home' as distinct from merely being housed.

The corner site had an irregular configuration that led to the planning solution, providing the apartments, a central community space with communal kitchen and courtyard, car spaces and gardens. The addresses to the apartments are configured so that residents can access their homes privately or through the communal courtyard as desired.

Build Approach and Material Selection

Blight Rayner determined that the construction of the building should be lightweight, creating a contemporary version of the classic Queenslander because it instantly conveys the identity of home.

Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding was chosen for several reasons: the sense of security and robustness it would convey, the size of its sheets, the fine-grained surface texture complementing other materials, fine resistance and simplicity of installation. The latter was important as the majority of contributors to the project were also working on a pro-bono or minimal cost basis, and it was important that construction time was minimised.

Versilux™ Lining was used on to the soffits and other surfaces to complement Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding effortlessly. Both materials being weather resistant and durable, a further criterion of the client group.

Resident and Practitioner Feedback

Tenant and practitioner feedback highlights the impact of thoughtful design:

“Since moving into Jinndii Waijung the tenants have been able to plan into the months and years, articulating dreams for their families’ futures they were never able to consider before… Jinndii Waijung has created a possibility where the life changing work starts to happen, where healing commences, where we build capacity and equip people for the future, this is the space where intergenerational cycles are broken.” — Amy, Program Manager YFS

“Securing housing at Jinndii Waijung has allowed a single young mother and her children the opportunity to rebuild their lives, where for the first time, the family feel safe and secure in their housing… Being housed at Jinndii Waijung has allowed this young family to shift out of survival mode, to begin healing and move towards thriving.” — Family Resource Practitioner, YFS

Government Support

The Queensland Government provided essential funding to support this initiative through its Housing Investment Fund. This support highlights the Queensland Government’s commitment to addressing domestic violence and homelessness, ensuring that vulnerable families have access to safe and secure housing.

Jinndii Waijung stands as a model for future developments, demonstrating how technical excellence, collaborative design, and advocacy can converge to address urgent housing needs. By combining durable materials, expert design, and a collaborative approach, the project sets a new standard for community-focused housing.