High quality apartments help people with a disability achieve independent living

June 18, 2021

The first Summer Housing tenant has moved into a one of ten brand new, individually customised apartments within a large community development. The Arthouse building is a landmark apartment complex in the heart of Joondalup. Foundation Housing is managing the ten apartments for Summer Housing, a Melbourne-based not-for-profit organisation which specialises in accommodation for people with disability.

The beautifully presented single-level apartments have been designed to achieve Platinum level certification under ‘Livable Housing Design Guidelines’ and meet ‘High Physical Support’ or ‘Fully Accessible’ design requirements under the NDIS.

Each apartment is tailored to the user’s particular needs to ensure ease of access and livability. Blinds, lights and even the front door are managed with a controller. A two-way communications system enables tenants to contact support workers (living nearby in another Arthouse apartment) in the event of an emergency or unplanned support need. The apartments are high quality and well located near transport and local amenity such as shops and health facilities, all key factors in independent living.

Kerryn Edwards, General Manager of Operations at Foundation Housing, explained that the organisation would undertake all aspects of tenancy and property management on behalf of Summer Housing.

“This arrangement is a great synergy between two organisations wanting to increase the supply of high quality accommodation for those in need. Supported accommodation doesn’t have to mean inferior and Summer Housing has proven this with their first WA project. We are really excited to work with Summer Housing as we share many of the same aspirations and values. We hope this will be the start of a valuable and long term partnership for both organisations.”

Queenie Tran, COO of Summer Housing, expressed excitement to have their first tenant in Western Australia moved in and settled in their brand new apartment at Arthouse.

“The support and expertise of the exceptional team at Foundation Housing has ensured a smooth and simple process for the participant and our team. We look forward to working with Foundation Housing across WA to continue the delivery of high-quality housing and outcomes for those with complex needs”.

Summer Housing are currently accepting applications for the remaining Arthouse apartments – click here to apply.