With consideration of elements of environmental, economic and social sustainability, in an Australian first Access' social enterprise AES has partnered with Lendlease on the construction of a sustainable home at 17 Darrau Avenue in Yarrabilba.
 
While the design and construction of a sustainable display home is not a new initiative, Lendlease engaging AES, a Logan-based social enterprise operated by Access Community Services to undertake the build as an opportunity to upskill the area’s long-term unemployed and fringe community members – is, showing buyers and builders alike that it is possible to reduce costs associated with sustainable living and building. 

ABOUT THE PROJECT
Lendlease has putting owning a sustainable home within reach of more homebuyers with the construction of a sustainable, affordably priced display home at its Yarrabilba master-planned community.

The three bedroom, two bathroom, single car garage display home demonstrates low-cost design solutions featuring innovative products and materials, and is priced between $375,000 and $390,000. 

Positioned to take full advantage of natural passive solar heating and cooling to reduce electricity consumption and incorporating shading, insulation, polished concrete flooring and high performance windows to achieve an 9 NatHERS rating, Yarrabilba’s sustainable display home shows buyers and builders alike that it is possible to reduce costs associated with sustainable living and building. The materials used to construct the display home have been carefully chosen to minimise waste and environmental impact. Lendlease partnered with Arkistruct in the design of the display home to maximise the latest in building systems and technology.

The end result is a house that creates long term savings of thousands of dollars per year for the home owner through energy efficient design and technology.  
 
The coup de grace though is that to ensure social sustainability was built into the home, Lendlease engaged AES, a Logan-based social enterprise operated by Access Community Services as an opportunity to upskill the area’s long-term unemployed and disadvantaged groups. In part this was done through the employment of participants in the Queensland Governments ‘Skilling Queenslanders For Work’ program.

ABOUT AES
"Access is all about 'Creating Equal Opportunities'. More than just a blue ribbon construction company, AES is a social enterprise and as a part of the Access Group, is committed to creating social impact. A Part of the Access Group, invests its profit margin back into assisting struggling families and residents to live the great Australian dream of home ownership and provide real support, advice and education throughout the entire process.

With each build we’re also addressing barriers amongst people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, growing opportunities for collaborative communities whilst fostering a sense of inclusion and empowerment for newly arrived migrants and refugees." - Access CEO Gail Ker OAM.