Episode 1.5: From roof to home - Airspace development for housing supply and decarbonisation with Warren Livesey

Could the rooftops above us hold a sustainable solution to Australia’s housing crisis and efforts to decarbonise our cities?

In my recent conversation with Warren Livesey we discussed the potential of airspace development in Australia, converting unused rooftops into housing. Our discussion explored the economic and environmental benefits, challenges with heritage buildings, lessons from international practice and the legislative landscape.

Key questions explored:

• Could 150 million sqm of unused rooftops nationwide unlock new housing supply?
• Can airspace development deliver new housing at around 25% lower cost?
• How should rooftop housing work with heritage protections?
• What risks exist around construction defects and airspace banking?
• Could this model work beyond major cities and into regional centres?

The discussion also considers whether gentle density could create new housing without displacing communities or consuming more green space, while helping fund building repairs and upgrades.

Listen to the full discussion on what it would take to turn this overlooked space into new homes.

#AirspaceDevelopment #RooftopHousing #HousingSupply #HousingDevelopment #GentleDensity