AN apartment complex put together like Lego blocks in 10 days has set a record in Perth and offers a glimpse of the future of housing.
The six-storey development, near Cockburn Central train station, was launched today as a showcase of cutting-edge building methods that could slash construction time in half and yield cost savings of up to 12 per cent.
Housing Minister Bill Marmion said the “innovative” method could be a major boost for affordable housing.
“The one-and two-bedroom apartments — each weighing 22 tonnes and measuring 16 metres by 4.5 metres — are factory fabricated, meaning the apartment complex can go up in just 10 days,” Mr Marmion said.
“The whole project will take 12 months to complete, from sod-turning to market.
“Already there has been keen buyer interest in these apartments and I firmly believe this project gives us a glimpse into the future of quality, affordable housing.
“The apartments go together a bit like Lego blocks and on average, 15 can be erected per day.”
The Adara Apartments are another peg in the State Government’s affordable housing strategy which has delivered 15,400 new homes since 2010.
Located in the Department of Housing’s Stella Village 20 minutes from the CBD, the complex will contain 77 apartments.
The Department will retain an interest in 14 of the apartments with eight of those available through the shared equity scheme.
The units are already selling from $335,000 — $95,000 less than Cockburn Central’s median unit price, according to RP Data’s latest figures.
“This project is an exciting first for both Western Australia and our affordable housing strategy,” Mr Marmion said.
“The modular design is an effective and affordable product for higher density and urban infill projects that will make more housing available at an attractive price for future Perth homeowners.”
News.com.au, 25 July 2014
