Waranara Living by the XD-Volumetrix, Western Sydney University (NSW)
Waranara Living is a five-storey mixed-use development in Blacktown, NSW, that reimagines modular housing through inclusion, innovation, and storytelling. Named after the Aboriginal word meaning “to seek” or “to explore,” the project embraces a universal design ethos, prioritising equitable access and lived experience. Anchored by a central spiralling ramp—A Bridge Beyond Walls—and a sculpted biophilic void, the design ensures intuitive, step-free navigation and passive climate comfort across all levels.
The project’s innovation lies in its human-centred design process. Six personas—including Nora and her guide dog—shaped decisions around corridor widths, sensory zones, roll-under workspaces, and digital integration. These narratives led to ARIA, the Automated Residential Intelligent Assistant, offering multilingual, device-level smart control for lighting, climate, and information systems—ensuring digital inclusion for all.
Delivered via a full BIM workflow using Revit, Navisworks, Robot, Insight, and Forma, the design leveraged digital twin technologies and DfMA strategies, including 3D printing and immersive VR walkthroughs. Prefabricated materials enhanced sustainability and construction efficiency, while ground-level maker spaces and eateries foster a vibrant, inclusive community.
Waranara Living by the XD-Volumetrix team is more than a building—it is a platform for future-ready urban life, blending smart technology, universal design, and real human stories to redefine modular housing.