Construction is underway on 15 rapid timber frame homes in Perth's south, part of the McGowan Government's $2.1 billion investment in social housing over the next four years.
$4 million is being invested to deliver the 15 homes, which are being constructed in Beenyup Grove Estate in Byford by Dale Alcock Projects.
Investment in timber framed homes is part of the reforms being delivered by Housing Minister John Carey, aimed at diversifying and accelerating delivery of social housing.
All 15 of the homes will be three-bedroom, one-bathroom single dwellings and are expected to be completed by the middle of the year.
In the current market, timber frame homes provide faster delivery timeframes than brick homes due to the current high demand on the bricklaying trade.
They also have a range of benefits including the sustainability and environmental properties of timber, providing flexibility for future modifications and an appealing aesthetic variation to traditional brick homes.
The Byford development will have a modern look and differing colour schemes and finishes. There will be native landscaping and attractive bushland views.
All dwellings will be built to a minimum of 7-star energy rating.
The homes will be targeted at families on the public housing waitlist, with access to the Lakeside Plaza shopping precinct, the Byford town centre, Armadale and Kwinana train stations and local primary and secondary schools.
The project will support up to 200 jobs and will provide three additional indigenous apprenticeship opportunities.
As stated by Housing Minister John Carey:
"In the current heated construction market, rapid timber frame homes are a great solution to meeting increased demand for social housing - especially for families.
"As we have already seen in other social housing projects delivered by the McGowan Government, timber frame homes can be delivered quickly and efficiently in much less time than traditional brick builds.
"Our recent experience with timber frame builds means we can use and adapt the design of past projects, yet still incorporate the individuality of differing internal colour schemes and finishes.
"On top of this, these homes have a range of sustainable and environmental benefits.
"The State Government is investing $2.1 billion into social housing over the next four years, which includes the recently announced record investment of $875 million as part of the 2021-22 State Budget.
"Through this investment, we will deliver up to 3,300 new social housing properties and carry out refurbishment and maintenance work to thousands more."
As stated by Darling Range MLA Hugh Jones:
"These 15 homes are a direct result of the McGowan Government's record investment in social housing, which will deliver around 3,300 new social homes during this term of Parliament.
"Our Government is acutely aware of the challenges in the housing construction sector, which is why the Housing Minister has been focused on diversifying investment, to ensure we get housing out as fast as possible.
"Not only will these properties provide a home to 15 vulnerable families in our community, they will help boost the local economy during the construction phase, with around 200 jobs created as a result of the investment."
