This project comprised the design and construction of 207 apartments across four buildings located in the inner city Melbourne suburb of Richmond. Kane Constructions was awarded the $65 million contract in May 2011.
The new homes help to address the high levels of demand for affordable rental housing in the inner city. The improved architecture and landscaping make the surrounding area a more enjoyable place to live for both new and existing residents.
The 207 units are spread out over four buildings between four and six storeys tall (including the ground floor), with a variety of treatments to break up the facade.
The development has been designed with functional, safe and attractive streetscapes around all buildings. Individual street frontages, a roof top garden and semi-private courtyards encourage a sense of community and interaction between neighbours. This is complemented with each new unit having either a balcony or a private garden.
The new homes achieve an average six star energy rating and include stormwater collection and reuse facilities, thermal glazed windows, hydronic heating, solar gas boosted hot water and bike racks.
This has resulted in savings for residents and has ensured the development is comfortable to live in and better for the environment.
Twenty per cent of the units have disability access.
Works commenced on site in July 2011 and reached practical completion in May 2013.
Richmond represents one of a number of affordable housing projects either completed or currently under construction by Kane. Others include Prahran, Altona, Fleet St Mornington and Kilgour in Geelong.