One local senior, two new ideas. Many seniors could benefit
Christine Doan, founder and driving force behind OnNaturesEdge, believes the housing crisis is not simply about building more houses.
It’s about using the homes we already have more creatively — while finding new, affordable ways to build.
Christine is pursuing downsizing into a smaller home - potentially freeing up a larger home for someone struggling to find affordable accommodation, including the essential workers our communities need. This idea is at the heart of OnNaturesEdge.
Two Ideas. One Site.
At 8 Rifle Range Road, Atherton, two housing approaches are being explored side by side.
Making Better Use of an Existing Home:
The one-bath, three-bedroom 1950s family house is being renovated with novel ideas to provide accommodation, including:
multiple private bathrooms,
private outdoor spaces,
shared living areas,
opportunities for connection and for alone time.
The question is:
Can we create more affordable housing from existing assets without losing the qualities that make them feel like home?
Finding New Ways To Build:
At the same site, OnNaturesEdge is preparing to trial a cyclone-rated flat-pack home – a first on the Tablelands!
With construction costs rising, this approach is rethinking whether new building can be more affordable, reducing construction time, waste, and complexity. The flat-pack concept is already evolving. Like any new idea, it is being refined as the project develops — learning, adapting and improving along the way.
More Than a House
A home is more than bricks and mortar.
The project builds on lessons from the Ginn Road Collaborative Housing Project, where affordable housing was combined with the social infrastructure of living together.
Clear communication, shared expectations, resident support and connection help create supportive households, while still respecting privacy and independence.
Because people can live surrounded by others and still feel safe.
8 Rifle Range Road will become a demonstration and learning site, with the team sharing what is discovered:
What does it really cost?
What works?
What could improve?
Could it be replicated elsewhere?
The project is being trialled with Startup Tablelands and PeoplePurposePlace, building on the Ginn Road experience.
Christine’s story is just one example.
But perhaps it asks a question worth considering:
Could one move create two housing opportunities?
A smaller home for a senior who wants to downsize, while freeing a larger, renovated home for teachers, nurses, and other essential workers.
The conversation is only just beginning.
Follow the OnNaturesEdge Facebook page for updates on the arrival of the flat-pack home, upcoming open days and future community events. OnNaturesEdge — creating homes, supportive households and connected communities.
For further information, please contact the project team.
Christine (Investor): 0419 656 247
Janie (Ambassador): 0415 462 418
Jana (Ambassador): 0439 229 169
https://www.facebook.com/OnNaturesEdge
https://www.facebook.com/PeoplePurposePlace/
This initiative is part of ST Member Projects: innovative for Tablelands
