- Minister launches Tiny Home education program
- Apartment living trial scheduled to start in Rivervale in February 2019
A tiny home will hit the road tomorrow as part of a public campaign to raise awareness of housing choice in Western Australia.
Housing Minister Peter Tinley officially launched the not-for-profit group WA Apartment Advocacy’s (WAAA) Tiny Home education program today at an event in the Supreme Court Gardens.
The public can now view the tiny home at shows, expos and fairs across Perth and visitors can offer feedback on the alternative accommodation option via a survey provided to relevant local government councils and design groups.
WA’s changing population demographic has seen housing needs shift in recent years and has challenged the government, industry and not-for-profit sectors to create more affordable and diverse housing options in responsibly planned and liveable communities.
In partnership with WAAA, the Department of Communities will run an apartment living trial at the Arbor North development in Rivervale.
The three-month trial, starting in February 2019, will involve three candidates – each living in the apartment for a month. Each candidate will provide feedback on their experience which will help inform the development of future designs.
Earlier this year, the Verge Microlot Precinct in Ellenbrook won the best Small-Scale Infill Development Award at the 2018 UDIA WA Awards for Excellence.
Verge is WA’s first micro lot precinct consisting of 11 double-storey homes with 10 of these on 80 square metre size lots. Located within 500 metres of the future train station and shops at Ellenbrook, Verge demonstrates the potential of small lot infill for WA.
The WAAA was established to advocate for housing choice and offer a voice to those who prefer apartment living in WA.
As noted by Housing Minister Peter Tinley:
“The McGowan Government sees it as a priority to increase the amount and quality of infill in the right locations in Perth.
“This priority is a targeted response to the Perth and [email protected] million framework and is driven by uncompromising desire to promote economic growth and community regeneration.
“WAAA and its partners are helping to further develop a much-needed conversation about housing choice though their Tiny Home education program.
“These tiny homes are functional and sustainable, enabling more people to live in their preferred locations, to stay connected to family and to be close to facilities and amenities that encourage them to actively participate in, and contribute to, their communities.
“They (tiny homes) may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I am certain that compact, affordable, low maintenance and sustainable homes will form part of our future urban fabric.
“Finding an affordable home is a daunting prospect, but this project shows you don’t have to compromise on liveability or quality.
“The Tiny Home education program will hit the road from November 2 and I urge everyone to check out what is possible in design and innovation.”
