A primary goal of Tiny Homes Foundation's is to develop a model that may be scaled and adapted by Government, private or not-for-profit organisations.
As we journey through the stages of each tiny home project we will detail our experience. Some of the obstacles include: navigating the planning codes; legislative requirements; insurance covers; fostering pro-bono relationships; partner agency agreements; off-grid vs grid builds; construction pitfalls; project management plans; and that's all ... before a tiny house can become a tiny home!
We can testify, that there is genuine enthusiasm around Australia for using tiny homes as a genuine solution to homelessness. Many are keen to see similar projects evolve to help the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in their community. Our discussions with partner agencies whose expertise is in property management and human services will progress throughout the build process. As a team, we will profile each project, consult with the local community and, at the earliest opportunity, involve a resident in the building of their own tiny home. Once they have moved in, continuing support will be provided via a partner agency to enable the best possible outcome for each tiny-homer.
We are currently crowdfunding for our second project – Tiny Home Project for Women and Children
Our Gosford pilot project timeline:
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19/05/15 |
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Concept presentation to Gosford City Council |
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Land options were reviewed with consideration of: zoning; access; location to services; and character of the area. |
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22/09/15 |
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Gosford City Council Councillors unanimously approved a two year lease for two properties: 25 Racecourse Road, Gosford and 50 Neera Road, Umina Beach |
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Tiny home design, architectural plans, site concept plan, landscape plan were developed by NBRS Architecture |
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28/01/16 |
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25 Racecourse Road, Gosford surveyed by Chase Burke and Harvey. |
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24/02/16 |
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DA for 25 Racecourse Road lodged with Gosford City Council |
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11/05/16 |
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DA approved for Australia’s first urban tiny home project for the homeless |
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27/05/16 |
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Hunter TAFE develop a Tiny Home Build Course |
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01/07/16 |
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WFTD (Work for the Dole) program #1 start date at The Skills Generator workshop West Gosford |
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06/09/16 |
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TAFE Outreach Tiny Home Build Course start date |
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06/10/16 |
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Section 96 submitted for site plan revision to avoid building over the sewer main, tree removal and tiny home roof/dimension revision. |
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04/11/16 |
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Section 96 approved |
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09/01/17 |
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Construction Certificate received |
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06/02/17 |
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Onsite works and WFTD program #2 begin |
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27/03/17 |
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Water, sewer and electrical connections and footings complete |
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24/04/17 |
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Sub floor, frames and roofs complete |
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18/07/17 |
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Fitout of home #4 and laundry completed |
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24/08/17 |
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Solar installation completed |
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26/11/17 |
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Fitout completed for remaining homes and lounge |
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04/12/17 |
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Leveling and turfing completed |
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17/01/18 |
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Safety rails completed |
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22/01/18 |
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Fencing completed |
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07/02/18 |
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Project launch and Open Day |
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19/02/18 |
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Paving completed |
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23/04/18 |
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Planting and landscaping (sans veggie beds) complete |
| 01/05/18 |
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Lease signed, residents MOVE IN! |
| 01/10/18 |
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Five months in and residents are sustaining their leases and settling in. |
Typically, this was a long build but we had some pretty lofty goals. The two things that primarily slowed progress were the difficult access to the site which meant all materials had to be walked on and; given the project's uniqueness it was challenging demonstrating compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act, ... but we got there in the end!
How to replicate a similar project?
From our experience to date, a project can be separated into five stages. They are:
STAGE 1 • Pre-Planning
STAGE 2 • Planning and Development (3 – 6 months)
STAGE 3 • Pre-Construction (1 – 3 months)
STAGE 4 • Construction Off/On-Site (6 – 9 months)
STAGE 5 • Tenancy/Property Management
Click to launch our Replicator Program guide – its focus is STAGE 1 • Pre-planning – Council endorsement, land and funding.
If you would like to establish a similar project to our pilot in Gosford, complete as much of the Replicator Program guide as you can and email it to [email protected]. We'll then be able to consider how we might collaborate in order to progress your project and importantly support your endeavours to solve homelessness.