Archicentre, the Building Advisory Service of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, and Frankston City Council have combined to implement a unique rescue plan for a 100 year old historic Moreton Bay tree which was threatened by development.

The $800,000 Year of the Built Environment project will receive a boost when the Minister leads a community group sod turning with the Mayor of Frankston City Council, Cr Barry Priestley and Robert Caulfield, Managing Director of Archicentre.

Mr Caulfield said that the two homes represent the sort of challenge frequently facing architects, designing buildings to suit specific site conditions within the context of planning and community design guidelines. Both homes will be designed by local Architect Colin Mitchell and built by leading home builder Devine Homes, reflecting the best practice in building near significant trees and each home will have a distinct theme.

Both homes will have an environmental theme with one specifically designed as a KIDSAFE home to promote child accident prevention in the home.

Once completed the homes will be auctioned with the profits being allocated to Kidsafe for Child Accident Prevention programs and the Environment Fund of Frankston City Council.

"Documentation is nearing completion and we expect to commence construction work soon with the project being completed by early December," Mr. Caulfield said.

Mr Caulfield said that Archicentre would use an electronic Archicentre Bulletin Board to post updated information and promote the project nationally to the community, all Councils and Members of Parliament on a regular basis.

Anyone wanting to get the latest news on the Tree House Project - the Saving of Moreton Bay can register at the Archicentre website www.archicentre.com.au

Media Enquiries:
Robert Caulfield Managing Director Archicentre
(03) 9819 4577 Mobile: 0412 381 306
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications
0417 329 201