Case Study: Affordable Housing - KubUnity
Bluebird is passionate about housing affordability and helping young people get on the property ladder.
So, we are sharing a Case Study of KubUnity, which won the 2021 QLD UDIA Award for “Affordable Housing”.
We are proud to have been involved in this project and hope it will inspire future generations of property developers to "DO MORE” for our industry.
Project Overview
KubUnity is a community of 34 one and two bedroom apartments purpose built to cater for the undersupplied local first home buyer market and long-term renters, who never imagined home ownership was within their grasp.
Developer: Paul McManus
Builder: SandSky Developments
Superintendent & External PM: Bluebird Property Partners
Testimonial from the Developer
I had the pleasure of working with the Bluebird Property team on our award-winning development KubUnity. From the very beginning, it was clear to see that the team was very passionate about our project to deliver good quality affordable homes to the community and they went above and beyond to ensure the project was a great success! The team's knowledge and attention to detail throughout the process ensured that our project remained on track and delivered to our happy owners before Christmas! Highly recommend the Bluebird team!
- Paul McManus | KubUnity
Affordability - Highlights
Affordable Price Points
The apartment prices ranged from $236,000 to $352,500.
Mortgage repayments were $169-$249 per week, which presents a more affordable option than renting.
Housing prices in Capalaba have grown consistently the past decade, with a median unit price of $430,000 in 2021.
Prior to launching KubUnity, there was no new one-bedroom stock in Redlands City available.
Flexible Deposits & Low Body Corporate Fees
Flexible deposit options from $1,000 enabled purchasers to pay off the balance deposit during construction.
Low body corporate fees between $29-34 per week.
Sustainable design elements, solar panels and battery storage provides lower electricity and operating costs.
First Home Buyers & Direct Sales
82% of all purchasers were first home buyers.
We sold direct to purchasers, which eliminated third-party sale costs and created an average saving of $25,000 per apartment. This saving was directly passed onto the buyers.
Sustainability - Highlights
Design & Landscape
All apartments are fully insulated and feature LED lighting and energy efficient appliances.
Orientation and glazing contribute to solar gains in Winter.
Bioretention basin to improve water quality discharge
Native landscaping and vegetation have been used throughout to minimise reliance on water.
Energy Efficiency
Solar panels fitted to every rooftop.
Solar batteries used to store excess electricity for night time use.
All apartments are located on corners to maximise cross ventilation and breezes, reducing reliance on air-conditioning.
Balcony details provide shade and screening.
Waste
During construction all waste was collected and recycled by Applied Waste Services to be reused on other sites.
“Containers for Change” initiative has been set up to encourage tenants to separate their recyclables and the cash will be contributed to community events.
Diversity & Inclusion - Highlights
Accessible Homes
The site is fully accessible for people of all abilities.
Four NDIS compliant homes were provided in the complex.
The dwellings were designed and constructed to the High Physical Support Specialty Disability Accommodation (SDA) Design Category.
They are designed to incorporate a high level of physical access provision for people with significant physical impairment and requiring very high levels of support.
Female Buyers
47% of buyers were females.
This is almost double the national average of female home ownership, which is sitting at 24% (sole ownership).
First Home Buyers
82% of all purchasers were first home buyers.
33% of the buyers were aged between 18-25 years old.
Construction & Engineering - Highlights
Lightweight Construction
Class 2 lightweight construction the unique design and use of gyprock and timber has achieved a durable, appealing aesthetic and achieved savings of $1,000 per sqm during construction.
For buyers, this equates to savings of $50,000 to $60,000 per apartment.
Hot Water Systems
A large HWS is shared between 2-3 apartments (metred individually).
This minimised the upfront capital cost by approx. $1,000 per unit and reducing ongoing costs by $1,000 per annum for residents.
Natural Ground
We maintained the natural ground levels and reduced the initial cut and fill to the site.
This allowed us to reduce upfront earthworks costs and heavy materials for retaining walls.
Local Trade & Suppliers
KubUnity supported local businesses, engaged a local builder and sourced materials and trades from within the community.
Structural & Fire Engineering
The upstairs apartments were cantilevered to create the undercover car parking.
The Hybrid portal frame with double cross brace was a unique engineering design is featured throughout the site and allows us to minimise the number of posts in the car parks.
Firecheck gyprock was used to allow fire compartments between dwellings. This meant we didn’t need to use concrete slabs.
Design Customisation
Purchasers had the opportunity to opt for upgrades/custom designs, which resulted in 34 very unique and individual designs for each home.
This was a lot of work for the team to coordinate with the builders. but the outcome is that our owners are very proud and all have a genuine connection to their first home.
Community Engagement - Highlights
Community Engagement
Personal introductions and meetings with site neighbours.
Monthly newsletter distributed to all site neighbours and future residents.
Community Dinner
Community Dinner Event with Mayor, local Councillor, key consultants, future residents and their families.
Facilitated resident participation in Council’s community consultation on the neighbouring Birkdale Community Precinct.
Communication & PR
Regular social media updates.
Six purchasers participated in a focus group to design the pool and communal barbecue/lounge area.
Testimonials
“My family and friends are so happy for me, I’ve always wanted this and my niece calls it my kubbyhouse””
“KubUnity has provided a wonderful starting point for our 19-year old son. Keep up these amazing opportunities for young people!”
“It’s great to see finally someone doing the right thing for our community and building quality housing that is affordable and eco friendly!”