Advanced manufacturer FormFlow has been at the centre of a unique collaboration which has created sustainable housing for men experiencing homelessness in Greater Geelong.
The four-way collaboration between Samaritan House, Deakin University’s School of Architecture, and the Victorian Government, saw Geelong’s FormFlow design, build and install seven prefabricated units for homeless men. The new medium-term independent living units – which opened this month in Moolap – will increase Samaritan House’s capacity by 50 per cent.
Matt Dingle, FormFlow CEO said: “It really has been a wonderful project, demonstrating the potential of collaboration between multiple organisations to deliver outcomes for people who really need help. The Samaritan House, Deakin, FormFlow team worked very closely on all aspects from concept to completion.”
“Key people from Samaritan House, FormFlow and other relevant organisations were present at every design session to provide input and guidance,” he said.
The units’ design reduces the impact on the environment by using off-site construction, natural ventilation, solar energy and water tanks, with native landscaping reducing irrigation needs.
The collaboration has enabled students undertaking apprenticeships in horticulture and landscaping at Gordon TAFE to gain practical experience working on site.
The project was been supported by a $500,000 grant from the Victorian Government. Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas and Geelong MP Christine Couzens visited the newly opened homes in early October.
Picture: Geelong MP Christine Couzens, Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas and Samaritan House board member Brian Sherwell outside one of the new units.