As a proud local company that has delivered major design and construct projects worth more than $500m in South Australia, there are many factors that influence Buildtec Group’s decisions to pursue projects.
We have always been driven by the desire for construction excellence: to do great work. And there are certain partnerships we enter into because our drive to do great work extends beyond the need to deliver a tangible outcome. Our collaborations with community housing providers are driven by the will to deliver great buildings – for good. Work that makes a meaningful difference to our community by building homes for disadvantaged South Australians.
Junction Australia – Camden Park
In 2020, Buildtec Group will commence construction on a new $20m housing development along ANZAC Highway at Camden Park in partnership with Junction Australia; one of the state’s leading providers of social and affordable housing. This four stage project, set for completion in 2023, will consist of two five storey apartment complexes featuring 39 units and 15 townhouses. A proportion of the apartments and townhouses will initially be sold on the open real estate market to eligible buyers who meet the South Australian Government’s criteria to purchase affordable housing. The remaining townhouses and tenanted social housing apartments will be delivered after the initial market release.
Buildtec Group is responsible for the complete design and construct of this project. This means we are coordinating detailed design, land subdivision and settlements as well as sales and marketing activities in keeping with Junction Australia’s project principles and ethos. This is not a small project; it involves a high degree of collaboration with building and landscape architects as well as other consultants to realise Junction Australia’s vision for this prime location in Camden Park. We look forward to keeping you updated on its progress.
The delivery of social and affordable housing is not new territory for Buildtec Group. In the past six years, we have successfully completed multiple design and construct projects in partnership with community housing providers. One project is Nexus Apartments in Bowden which we delivered with Unity Housing.
Unity Housing – Bowden
Bowden has undergone a radical rejuvenation in the past 10 years. What was once a semi-industrial heartland is now a city fringe ‘hot spot’ with its vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere and easy access to public transport.
2020 marks five years since we completed the $14m Nexus Apartments: a medium density affordable housing project on Seventh Street. We developed Nexus in collaboration with Unity Housing who provide community and affordable housing as well as group homes and independent housing for people living with a disability in South Australia.
Our brief for Nexus was to deliver 42 dwellings containing a mixture of ground level soho townhouses plus one and two bedroom apartments and upper level lofts. Similar to our new project with Junction Australia at Camden Park, we were responsible for the design and construct of Nexus. A proportion of the homes were sold on the open real estate market and Unity retained the remaining residences to manage as long-term rental properties. The need to follow multiple guidelines and principles was paramount to the project’s delivery. These included working within the parameters of the South Australian Government’s Affordable Homes Program. We also had to respect the Bowden Precinct’s Urban Design Guidelines which required us to deliver a low maintenance building with high architectural merit.
We delivered exactly what was asked – and more. Using oxide pre-cast panels, exposed and polished concrete paving, pre-finished metal cladding and exposed bondek, we created a building that’s easy to look after – and to look at. Nexus is also easy on the environment and achieved a 5 Star Green Star Rating with its range of sustainability features including a private communal garden and BBQ area for residents on the building’s first floor. To create this shared space, the building was split above the first floor to create a large common area straddled by two towers with urban walkways joining the towers. This created a new environment for apartment living where each residence has a front and back yard. Recycled carpet tiles and polished concrete floors were also selected for the interiors to help achieve the Green Star Rating. The project also generated ten work placement positions for school leavers through the Western Futures Program to support local economic and community development.
Nexus was completed on time and on budget in 2015 boasting high architectural standards and enabling affordable home ownership and rental opportunities for South Australians earning modest incomes.
Community housing partnerships for purpose
We have played a key role in enhancing South Australia’s building landscape for 55 years and we are committed to delivering local economic and community outcomes through our collaborations with community housing providers. Our track record demonstrates that we have the design and construct expertise to work effectively with providers, and the South Australian Government, to ensure housing is accessible and affordable so vulnerable South Australians have places to call home.
Like to know more about our experience working with community housing providers?
Download our Capability Statement showcasing our past and current projects.
