Callaghan St

PROJECT NAME

Callaghan St Project

TYPE PROJECT

Accommodation

Independent Living Homes

SECTOR

Accommodation

Accessible Housing

CLIENT

Cootharinga North Queensland

Martin Locke Homes and Cootharinga North Queensland expanded the scope of our partnership to also include the Cairns region for the first time.

Our first Cairns construction has was completed in 2017.

It duplicates Architect Ken Tippett’s successful design for the Townsville Hooper Street Project with two two-bedroom pods including private ensuites and patios, plus shared entertainment areas, kitchens and laundries as well as a carer’s pod located strategically in between.

It meets the most stringent accessibility requirements, yet looks and feels like a typical, but stunning, new home.

It also boasts the state-of-the-art built-in hoist system which enables safe and easy transitions from the living space through to the bedroom and ensuites for those with high physical support needs.

Built to meet the Platinum Level of the Livable Housing Australia Guidelines the home is as functional as it is beautiful.

The kitchen is specifically designed to enable wheelchair access with lower-set, side access oven and microwave, benches brought down to the optimum level with cavities included below to allow comfortable use while in a wheelchair. Plus the remote controlled, fully adjustable kitchen bench to accommodate different people’s needs and abilities.

The ensuites are again stylish yet accessible, with access via the ceiling hoist system, through wider doors, with space to safely transition from wheelchair or sling to shower and toilet.

Covered pathways with automated sensor lighting enable safe and seamless access between pods for tenants and carers, while the remote controlled front doors allow easy access and automatic locking – removing that initial hurdle to the home which can be such an obstacle for those living with disabilities.

As the first time Martin Locke Homes has built outside of its base in the Townsville Region, this project has required an innovative approach and concerted effort by the Martin Locke Homes team to ensure a smooth schedule and building process while maintaining the utmost high standards in workmanship which Martin Locke Homes has built its reputation on.

Striking up new partnerships with like-minded trade partners and suppliers in the Cairns region has enabled the Martin Locke Homes team to successfully undertake this project. It has been Co-ordinated exceptionally well by Townsville-based Construction Manager John Pritchard who has been able to pass on his extensive knowledge and experience gained through the construction of the Hooper Street project.

Despite some rain delays, the Callaghan Street project was delivered on schedule.

Martin Locke Homes is appreciative and respectful of the assistance offered to us by Cairns industry participants for this project and is hopeful of establishing a longer-term presence in the Cairns area, particularly in the accessible homes space.