Innovative Disability House being built in Oran Park

Say goodbye to traditional disability group homes and hello to a modern and accessible new standard of disability housing.

Specialist Disability Sousing Provider DPN Casa Capace has partnered with Northcott as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Supported Independent Living (SIL) care provider and design collaborator for a first of its kind disability housing hub in the South-west Sydney suburb of Oran Park.

Construction has just begun on this unique disability house, and tenants are expected to move in from August. Northcott’s Accommodation Project Manager Simon Breakwell joined other Northcott staff and customers, DPN staff and the local Member for Macarthur Dr Mike Freelander at the recent sod-turning event.

“It was a real pleasure to attend with our customers. The past 12 months has been about the theory. Yesterday saw the reality of how we can offer customers a unique way to choose how they live in the community, in a property that is a reflection of what they want it to be,” Simon said.

Its semi-detached housing prototype is designed for two to three NDIS participants with a disability to live on each side of the property, including those with complex needs, who can have each room tailored to their needs.

Through architect Aaron Stevens’ simple, clean and elegant design style, the single-level, semi-detached houses at first glance look like a typical family home, challenging existing expectations for disability group homes. The homes are fully compliant with NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) design requirements, featuring oversized doors and corridors, larger and open-plan spaces to allow for mobility devices, and robust construction.

The house will include customisable fittings, such as supports in ceilings to accommodate hoists and adjustable kitchen benches, sinks and basins for wheelchair usage. The homes will feature the latest in technology, using Apple’s Homekit platform for privacy and control with the option for remote-controlled lighting, blinds, doors, heating and cooling for each room, as required, to assist residents.

The $1.5 million prototype home is funded by DPN and already has people talking. Each resident’s NDIS SDA payment will fund their tenancy.

Sam Khalil, DPN Founder and Managing Director, says the private sector is equipped to develop the housing needed to meet Australia’s growing demand for SDA homes.

“DPN is sourcing capital from institutional investors – and our supply chain has the capacity to build hundreds of homes each year,” he said.

“We are taking on the responsibility and cost of the homes, allowing the care providers to focus on placing tenants and providing the required support and care.”