Habitation's response to the brief was driven by the history and culture of the Leichhardt area. The design had to be functional and suit a limited budget and a staged construction timetable. The upgrading of Norton Street involved devising a paving concept with minimal impact, custom designed seating, a planting palette identifiable to the area, multi use trellis structures that framed key pedestrian nodal points, additional street tree planting and a lighting concept that was a combination of safe street lighting and feature lighting for trees, footpath and key buildings. The project involved extensive consultation with Council, the Chamber of Commerce, and key community groups.  

Habitation's response to the upgrade of King Lane and the development of a gateway structure to King Street was determined by identifying key principles.

They included:

- The requirement of statement structure to provide and identity to the street and   Rockdale region.

- Provide an adaptable solution that responds to current and future uses of the laneway. - Encourage pedestrian activity and provide a safe engaging environment at night.

- Highly durable materiality that ages well to minimise maintenance.

- Integrates and compliments concurrent works at King Street by other consultants.

The project included development of a design brief and Masterplan intended to take the council accomodation to 2035 and beyond. The design intent is to provide a building that improves Council's ability to service the community and strengthens Council's position as a quality employer, while reflecting the values of the community along the Nature Coast. Fundamental elements of the brief include reduction of operating costs, conservation of natural resources, and provision of a healthy work environment. The first stage construction works consist of new customer service area, foyer, and expansion of the existing office accommodation by 360sqm.