Rapid Interim Housing

Architect: Summer Foundation and Oscar Building with the support of allied health professionals and 2019

City of Melbourne | C65

Building Description

The Rapid Interim Housing prototype gives people with newly-acquired disability affordable, relocatable, prefabricated and wheelchair accessible accommodation so that they can get back to life in the community as soon as possible. A lack of accessible housing available at the right time and in the right area can leave people stuck in hospital, rehab or being admitted into aged care.

The Summer Foundation (with philanthropic and TAC funding) has teamed up with Oscar Building and Stretchy Tech to create this prototype that could be rapidly installed behind a family home or as a small cluster of units on other parcels of land. Housing like this supports people’s ability to live independently and maintain their community connections while they wait for modifications to be done on their existing home or suitable alternative housing to become available.

While accessible housing and the integration of smart home technology are not new, incorporating them into a relocatable unit is an exciting development. The 1-bedroom unit features wide doorways and generous circulation space to suit motorised wheelchair users, a kitchenette with adjustable cabinetry, other accessible features, and assistive technology that will increase the occupant’s independence, safety and security. When no longer required, the unit can be relocated and reused.

What's On

Experience life in an accessible, portable home.

Location