- The units were installed in just three days
- Sustainability was at the forefront of design for new units
- The official launch of the seven new units was held yesterday
Specially designed with comfort, sustainability and affordability in mind, seven new units have been officially launched at Samaritan House Geelong, a provider of short term accommodation for men sleeping rough or experiencing homelessness.
Local company, FormFlow, were involved in the design and installation of the units which will increase the housing capacity by 50%.
Managing Director of FormFlow, Matthew Dingle, told The Property Tribune that the units were installed just three days after a building permit was received.
He explained that as well as being sustainably built, the unique modular design of the units allow for speed and flexibility of construction.
“There are a number of sustainable features of the units. They are very energy efficient. We’ve used a series of environmentally friendly products in the build.”
Matthew Dingle, Managing Director of FormFlow
“It’s all been designed with passive solar principles to reduced the energy requirements for heating and cooling.
Mr Dingle explained that the steel system used meant the buildings could be used and reused many times. At the end of their lifetime, the steel is also 100% recyclable.
“The design was very collaborative, it was designed by Deakin University architecture students with input from Form Flow and from Samaritan House,” Mr Dingle said.
Project leader, Professor James Doerfler from Deakin’s School of Architecture and Built Environment, said the project showed a next-generation perspective of design.
“Importantly, the project also helps position Geelong at the forefront of sustainable, smart and efficient advanced manufacturing, and demonstrates our commitment as a globally recognised City of Design to the community’s clever and creative vision,” Professor Doerfler said.
The expansion of the homelessness support centre in Geelong has become the latest addition to the Victorian Government’s investment in social and affordable housing.
A $500,000 grant from the government helped support the construction of the new one-bedroom, independent living units at the site.
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens, believes the improvements will be valuable to the local community.
“The Samaritan House project will make a world of difference to people in our community, providing them with stability and safety when they need it most.”
Christine Couzens, Member for Geelong
The units offer affordable rent to men in need allowing them to live independently for three to six months at the facility. The Samaritan House is designed to help them transition into long term housing.
“It really highlights to people that we care about their plight and that they deserve as much respect as anyone else,” said Mr Dingle.
“This is a really fantastic example of collaboration in Geelong and what can be done when you get a group of companies or organisations together to do something meaningful. It’s really quite extraordinary what has been achieved,” he said
“There is a real opportunity here to start seriously addressing housing shortages for people, particularly those in marginalised groups.”
