The Andrews Labor government is delivering 114 energy-efficient prefabricated modular homes to provide housing for those at risk of homelessness across Victoria.
Designed by prefabricated architecture practice Arkit, the sustainable modular homes will be concentrated in regional areas, where construction shortages and supply issues can often impact the building of new houses. Homes are currently being dispatched across Warrnambool, Horsham, Glenelg, East Gippsland, Swan Hill, Mildura and the Colac Otway shire.
The state government has committed $30 million to Arkit to build the 114 homes, which are currently under construction, in the process of being assembled onsite, ready to move into or already tenanted.
A spokesperson for the premier said a modular method was selected because homes can be constructed quickly, easily transported, and permanently placed on vacant or underutilized land to immediately address housing shortages and reduce reliance on emergency accommodation and transient housing.
To ensure comfort and reduce costs for the tenants, the houses have been fitted with solar panels, heat pumps and energy-efficient appliances. They are also oriented to capture the northern light for effective passive heating.
“Modular homes are addressing a need to provide housing for those who need it across Victoria, while also employing both local and non-local businesses,” explained housing minister Richard Wynne.
“These homes will provide hope, dignity and stability for people living here so they feel part of a community and get ahead and thrive.”
The 114 homes are part of the 1,000 new public housing properties promised under the state’s Building New Homes to Fight Homelessness program. In addition, the government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build is set to deliver more than 12,000 new social and affordable homes.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
