Swinger Hill

 

This three-dimensional view of 'Area 1A' of the Swinger Hill complex was part of Ian McKay and Partners' drawings. Provision was made for two cars, storage facilities and gardens in all houses.

How to get there?

From the Visitors Centre continue south across Commonwealth Bridge. Take Capital Circle around Parliament House and stay on this road for 6 km veering left onto Yamba Drive and past the hospital. Turn right onto Hindmarsh Drive and first left into Swinger Hill.

From Callum Brae Nature Reserve continue west on Narrabundah Lane and turn right into Mugga Lane. At the lights turn left into Hindmarsh. After 4 km turn left into Swinger Hill.

Why is this interesting?

Early in the 1970s the National Capital Development Commission recognised a need to provide a wider range of residential dwelling types, particularly medium density housing. Even back then questions were being raised about the very wasteful land consumption of the individual house and garden.

As a result, the Swinger Hill Cluster Housing was built in 1972. It is a notable example of medium density housing demonstrating semi-attached and attached dwellings, low maintenance yards, courtyards and exterior communal space. The site was planned by Ian McKay and Partners.

Although there are other good, intact examples of medium density housing in the ACT dating from this period, including Urambi at Kambah and Wybalena Grove at Cook, Swinger Hill is the only one which adapts to the hillside location.