Geelong Prefab 21 Microvillage Receives Government Funding

Deakin’s Chair in Architecture, Professor James Doerfler, is delighted to announce Prefab21 a social housing initiative between Deakin, Samaritan House and Geelong-based manufacturer FormFlow has received funding from the State Government of $500 000  to proceed with the development of a Microvillage.

The Microvillage will include seven single small dwelling units to provide accommodation to homeless men in the Geelong region, utilising the Prefab21 prototype, a small house unit developed by Geelong-based manufacturer FormFlow and Deakin’s University School of Architecture and Built Environment.

Funding for the social housing project is part of the Victorian Government’s ongoing commitment to support regional communities through the impacts of coronavirus.

Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens announced funding for the project, which is among a suite of new shovel-ready initiatives expedited to support economic and social renewal across rural and regional Victoria.

Christine Couzens congratulated Samaritan House, FormFlow and Deakin’s School of Architecture and Built Environment for this innovative social project and said “Ensuring our region has the support needed to move through the current challenges unique to this community is paramount in the current environment.”

New projects across the state include investment in mental health resources, from supporting young people adversely affected by coronavirus to providing new opportunities for industry innovation. All projects focus on getting shovels in the ground and creating opportunities that drive investment back into local communities.

Investment in projects like Prefab21 will support the creation of new jobs and, by investing in local projects and priorities, will help to ensure that regional Victorians are on a level playing field as they navigate the consequences of coronavirus.

The School of Architecture and Built Environment is proud to be part of such an important project.

Picture Alison Wynd: Lino Bisinella, left Christine Couzens, MP, FormFlow managing director Matt Dingle, Keith Fagg, Samaritan House’s Brain Sherwell, FormFlow chief operating officer Bernald Brussow, and Deakin University, Chair in Architecture Professor James Doerfler with the prototype for house units in the Microvillage. 

Article courtesy of https://blogs.deakin.edu.au/ab/