The project involved the design and construction of four individual group homes on a single site, specifically designed for aged residents with special needs and requirements. Through government leadership, the group home project in Kellyville has provided disabled members of the community with newly built, tailor-designed homes.
UrbanGrowth NSW master planned the project, and together with Ageing, Disability and Home Care, joined with industry and the community to raise the benchmark for group home projects. Commenced in 2016 and completed in early 2017, the project delivered four five-bed group homes for disability and aged-care residents. The social benefits of the Kellyville project go well beyond the houses themselves. By renewing the look of the suburb through provision of improved aesthetic streetscapes, it has changed the way people view their local area, leading to greater social interaction and a happier neighbourhood.
The project also features energy-efficient house designs with low-maintenance gardens, wheelchair ramps and wider entrances. Internal design features include the use of carpet in bedrooms, lower window sills and easily accessible built-in-wardrobes. The benches in kitchens are more accessible, with a lower section in the island bench enabling people to sit and be more involved with kitchen activities and food preparation. The height of the benches needed to be individualised for each house to accommodate customised wheelchairs.
Providing housing and socio-economic diversity within the Kellyville area will allow social housing residents to live in nicer homes and aim to boost their overall confidence and wellbeing.