HORNSBY will soon be home to a collection of new residences tailor made for people living with disabilities. The bespoke accommodations are equipped with state-of-the-art inclusions and have been specifically designed to foster independence and security for tenants and their families.
Neighbouring properties, Red Robin and Blue Gum, were launched at a grand opening event in Hornsby in early December.
Attended by Good Housing, Disability Services Australia, Hornsby Cr Nathan Tilbury, future residents and their families, the launch marks an important milestone for the region.
Good Housing’s mission is to radically transform and disrupt the traditional ‘group housing’ model by curating purpose-built houses, villas and apartments (shared and independent) with ergonomic design and beautiful interiors.
Mr Julian Leeser, Federal Member for Berowra, said that the development is a welcome addition to the local area.
“I am delighted that Hornsby will soon have its own purpose built, modern disability housing facility. Projects like this are essential in supporting both individuals with disabilities and their families, and I look forward to seeing many similar facilities built across NSW,” said Mr Leeser.
The innovative homes have been developed to address the unique needs and requirements of residents requiring high level physical access provisions and enhanced spatial flexibility. Key design elements have been closely considered to meet tenants' needs while minimising potential triggers (such as high noise levels, overcrowding and light sensitivity).
Good Housing’s General Manager and co-founder Antony Anisse said the highly anticipated property will be another step in the right direction to meet the needs of those living with disability in the Hornsby region.
“We identified a need and, through our commitment to continuous improvement, sought to produce another brilliant home for our residents. After the success of our first property Oak Tree, which opened in Mount Colah in late 2020, we had an incredible level of inquiry that we just couldn't accommodate at that site,” he said.
“We've allowed for five-one bedroom ‘robust’ villas to respond to the most challenging categoryof SDA. This approach allows for an independent sensory space; a place for tenants to deescalate and potentially reduce the frequency of challenging behaviours, which are typically triggered when living in the old, shared group home model.”
Disability Services Australia will provide a team of highly trained staff support to work with residents in the homes.
“We’re delighted to partner with Good Housing to add these purpose-built homes to our portfolio.
We’ve got an amazing team who deeply understand disability and are ready to support people to have independent and meaningful home lives,” said Lee Carpenter, Chief Operating Officer NSW Scope/DSA
Located on Amor Street in Hornsby, opposite Hyacinth Street Park, Red Robin and Blue Gum are on a grand 1400sq m site acquired by Good Housing in February 2021.
Sam Graiche, Co-founder and Chief Innovator for Good Housing said the robust design elements have been hand-picked.
“The robust villas will feature safety glass, strategically located stainless steel mirrors for a clear line of sight around corners, high-impact plaster board, acoustic panelling on the ceilings, highwearing soft impact vinyl floors, and the properties are assisted-technology ready. Importantly, every room also has an alternate exit for support providers in the event of an emergency.”
As part of Good Housing’s Project Good Feeling, residents will be additionally offered a curated package of ergonomic furniture and appliances allowing them to make a ‘fresh start’.
The goal for Good Housing is to build around 300 homes across New South Wales and Victoria over the next five years, offering families relief by providing NDIS-registered disability accommodation to dramatically improve the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of tenants.
