News and Media
9 July 2010
DHA learns lessons to build into the future
When Defence Housing Australia (DHA) unveiled its first “tropical” style demonstration home in Lyons this year the reaction was positive. It was described as a “way forward” for housing in the Top End, and a “new era” for construction. Now, several months after the house was completed, DHA is again looking to the future.
In the months since the home was opened DHA has made a conscious effort to listen to the opinions of Defence members, builders and NT locals. This, in combination with lessons learnt during the construction process, has allowed DHA to reassess the design to ensure future housing meets the needs of our tenants.
DHA intends to use some of the more successful design elements from the demonstration home in new constructions of low-set housing that is planned for the ever-expanding Darwin suburb of Lyons.
‘One of the key lessons we have learnt from the tropical house trial is to maximise breezeways. This means creating more space between houses,’ said Mr Michael Del Gigante, Managing Director of DHA.
‘We have been working closely with builders in Darwin to try and address housing styles across the Territory not only for Defence housing but also the rest of the community.’
In the past DHA had received criticism for housing in the Northern Territory that was heavily reliant on air-conditioning. This, along with the other formal and informal feedback, has lead DHA to create new designs for homes being planned in Lyons.
The dwellings at Lyons will have a tropical living focus, but in the majority will be low-set housing situated a little further apart than previous houses in Lyons. It will be this small difference that will help to create breezeways. These breezeways are a key feature used in keeping houses in the Territory cooler.
The houses will have cross flow ventilation through the living areas. This key feature, will add to the houses Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) and in turn lead to more cost effective housing in the NT.
DHA understands that every family is different, and that not every house will suit every family. In each new development DHA assesses and addresses the individual needs of members in that location. Frequent consultation is the key and DHA will continue to gather feedback to create better homes for Defence families.
The construction on the new houses at Lyons is expected to begin in August 2010.