Modular homes to fast-track affordable seniors housing in SA
- Affordable housing: Cottage Homes starts 14 homes for aged pensioners at Yankalilla
- Modular first: Off-site construction targets Christmas 2026 completion
- Growing hotspot: Fleurieu Peninsula continues to attract seniors housing investment
- Community focus: Residents will live alongside Club Fleurieu's gardens and facilities
Modular construction is being put to the test as a way to deliver affordable rental housing for older Australians more quickly and at lower cost.
Not For Profit provider Cottage Homes has appointed Sarah Constructions to build a $5.8 million community of 14 one-bedroom homes for Age Pension recipients at Yankalilla on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, with the first residents expected to move in by Christmas.
The project will become Cottage Homes’ ninth community and comes as demand for affordable rental housing continues to grow across regional South Australia.
Built on land leased from Club Fleurieu, the homes will allow older people to remain in their local community while paying rent linked to the Age Pension.
Rather than using traditional construction methods, the homes will be manufactured off-site before being transported to Yankalilla for installation.
Cottage Homes said adopting modular construction for the first time would shorten construction time, reduce waste and help overcome many of the workforce and logistical challenges associated with regional building projects.
Designed by John Byleveld Architects, the homes have been planned to support independent living and will include private courtyards, landscaped communal areas and access to Club Fleurieu’s facilities.
Sarah Constructions said it was attracted to the project because of Cottage Homes’ commitment to addressing the growing need for affordable housing for older Australians while embracing innovative construction methods.
The builder said manufacturing the homes at its metropolitan facility would reduce travel costs, minimise weather-related delays and help deliver a more cost-effective outcome.
Since site works began in March, the project has experienced 24 rain-affected days that would typically have disrupted a conventional build.
