Energy efficiency at the forefront of another completed Nation Building project

One of Defence Housing Australia’s (DHA) latest Nation Building funded projects to be completed is in the delightful Brisbane suburb of Ferny Grove.

Darryl Meehan, General Manager of local building company Prospero Homes, was able to shed some light on building new houses for Defence families and the positive impact of the Federal Government’s Nation Building-Economic Stimulus Plan in the Brisbane region.

‘The most important thing we found with Ferny Grove in particular was that orientation was a key component in compliance with energy efficiency,’ Mr Meehan said.

‘We are also driven from an affordability point of view to keep the construction costs down but still provide high quality housing for Defence members and their families.’

Prospero have also taken time out to consider how Defence houses need to fit in with the community. After a few years of trying different designs in conjunction with the various specifications that accompany a DHA house, they have now got it down to a fine art.

‘The difference between the specification that we build for our “mum and dad” owner/occupiers and DHA is one air-conditioning unit, that’s it,’ Mr Meehan said.

‘DHA is working with builders, listening to them and fine tuning their specifications to meet the end user and marketplace requirements. This helps both DHA and us when looking to sell in the future.’

Although Prospero have been working with DHA for around five years now it has been their joint objective of building quality housing for the ADF members that has really solidified the relationship these two companies have.

‘ We work within the guidelines to provide economical, cost effective, energy efficient housing which also must take into account street appeal and not only be acceptable to the end user, the tenant or Defence member but also when selling to investors that it must meet the current marketplace..’ Mr Meehan said.

The thing Mr Meehan also likes about projects like Ferny Grove is that they have a chance to employ local builders who are much more comfortable working in that region.

‘We use local trades in the regions that we build. We have found it beneficial to all parties when local trades and suppliers are used which employ local residents and support the local district. ,’ Mr Meehan said.

‘I think it is important for the economy and for the community to keep the locals working, it’s always nice to have work in your own backyard.’

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