Many homes in the future will be designed to accommodate two
completely separate living areas which will allow people to build a
home and rent part of it as a way of funding the great Australian
Dream.
Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Royal
Australian Institute of Architects said clever design of the ZONE
HOMES would capitalise on modern building and design techniques
which would be attractive to young singles or professional couples
wanting to get a foot hold in the housing market.
Managing Director of Archicentre
Robert Caulfield said, "Australia is faced with a dramatic social
crisis that will see the basic need of shelter out of reach for many
people, and many of those who have purchased homes losing them due
to worsening economic conditions.
Image right: Robert Caulfield Managing Director of Archicentre
"The ZONE HOME concept should be encouraged by Government with
the development of special planning provisions, establishment of
contracts that people can use to set up arrangements with family and
friends to enable large existing housing stock to be utilised.
Mr Caulfield said that the Government is allowing tax breaks
to encourage people to build flats and apartments to increase the
rental market. ZONE HOMES should be considered as part of the
options available.
"The ZONE HOME concept is also a way of increasing density of
populations without dramatically changing the visual appearances of
many of Australia's heritage suburbs with high rise units in
established single or double storey neighbourhoods.
Mr Caulfield said the concept of ZONE HOMES would not only appeal
to the young people buying their home but also people whose children
lived at home longer or who wished to have an additional income as
they aged.
"By designing the ZONE HOME with two separate entries and
facilities for cooking, laundry and bathroom areas, plus private
outdoor spaces, a new homebuyer can build in a rental return to help
pay for the new home, which in the future can be expanded at a later
time into a full size home by a simple renovation that joins both
ZONES.
"The flexibility of the ZONE HOME and the current housing
affordability crisis will drive this concept which should be one of
the options the Rudd Government promotes as part of its housing
sustainability and social policies."
Mr Caulfield said that whilst the ZONE HOME concept may not suit
everyone, for those people wanting to break into the housing market
it could become an increasing option.
