Innovating beyond traditional products to meet diverse housing needs

Change is one of the few certainties in life and that certainly rings true for Australia’s housing market.   

Residents’ needs, preferences and expectations are continuously evolving along with influences such as affordability, population changes and trends. Within this ever-changing environment, it is more important than ever for developers to be innovative and to be able to diversify their product offerings to ensure they cater to a wider range of individual needs, both now and into the future.  

The diverse needs and life circumstances of residents has increasingly played a significant role in the approach to designing communities, driving a shift towards providing people more than just accommodation, but instead a home within a thriving community. This means developments must include access to established essential amenities, neighbourhoods that encourage connection amongst residents and housing options that support the inclusion of diverse residents.  

Cedar Woods has a long-standing reputation and strong track record for delivering innovative, out-of-the-box housing solutions that are responsive to changing market needs across Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.  

Cedar Woods Managing Director Nathan Blackburne said that the company has been successfully diversifying its product portfolio across Australia to meet these needs, while maintaining its focus on communities that promote the wellbeing of all residents.  

“A cornerstone of our success over the decades is our ability to adapt and grow with the market in a sustainable and future-focused way, recognising where there are gaps in housing and community developments,” he said.  

“Cedar Woods has developed new product types and established strategic partnerships to address some of these gaps and to bring our vision of creating connected and inclusive communities to life.”  

Recently, Cedar Woods has completed a number of specialist disability accommodation (SDA) apartments within two apartment complexes, providing much-needed social benefits for Australians who require independent supported living. The company has also commenced a new concept community for retirement living that gives over 55’s greater freedom for their futures.  

By evolving its product offering and thinking beyond conventional developments, Cedar Woods has been able to rise to the challenge of meeting the diverse housing needs of more Australians.   

Inclusive communities where everyone can thrive 

Across Australia there is a shortage of safe and appropriate housing options for people living with disability. Most of the current and potential residents requiring SDA are under the age of 45 and, according to Summer Foundation, there are currently over 4,000 young Australians with complex care needs living in residential aged care facilities. In addition to this, there is a gap of 10,500 places across Australia due to lack of accommodation supply. 

Recognising an urgent need for appropriate housing in key growth areas, Cedar Woods partnered with Summer Housing to create 11 SDA apartments at the award-winning Jackson Green development and with Guardian Living to deliver eight apartments within the vibrant Williams Landing community, both in Victoria. These residences are major steps which pave the way for additional sustainable disability accommodation in future community developments.  

Through collaboration, the goal was achieved to deliver suitable, contemporary apartments that also have access to established amenities and infrastructure without compromising on quality. Future residents of these apartments will benefit from the great lifestyle within the Jackson Green and Williams Landing communities, which are both centrally located in close proximity to all modern amenities and feature open green spaces within the estates.   

Cedar Woods Chief Operating Officer Patrick Archer said that the SDA projects are about providing much needed housing that gives people living with disability optimum independence and quality of life.  

“We are delighted to partner with like-minded organisations to provide long-term sustainable and accessible accommodation,” he said. 

“The reality is that, due to a lack of suitable accommodation, many Australians living with disability are missing out on those vital interactions and the ability to make meaningful connections within their local communities.” 

Both of the developments offer quality apartment living positioned in the heart of thriving communities, giving residents easy access to local amenities. The apartments are all modified to be wheelchair-friendly and have revisions to features such as kitchen design and doorway widths to cater for specific needs. This extends to structural provisions for ceiling hoists, as well as the necessary communications systems and assistive technology for residential daily living.  

Apartments also have access to communal areas that encourage social interactions and connection, including barbeques, rooftop gardens and a gym for residents. These areas are modified to suit residents’ needs and ensure safety and functionality but, importantly, help to make Jackson Green and Williams Landing great places to call home. 

The success of these projects comes down to the shared vision of Cedar Woods and its partners, working together to create truly inclusive communities.  

“We are passionate about providing housing for all communities across Australia, including all people living with disability,” says Mr Archer. 

Retirement living that is far from retiring 

The over 55’s are a discerning group of homebuyers who prioritise lifestyle, security, community and having freedom – both financially and in decision-making for the future.  

Bloom is Cedar Woods’ first over 55’s community that offers 100% ownership, with all capital growth to be retained by the owner. This is a first-of-its-kind product, both in South Australia and for Cedar Woods, and is a gamechanger for retirement housing.  

Launched in 2022, this new community concept enables residents to have maximum flexibility in their futures, providing an option to downsize while still benefitting from full home ownership. 

Designed by award-winning architects Hames Sharley, the prestigious eight-storey apartment building incorporates 59 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, all created with lifestyle front of mind.   

Amongst the exclusive features are a resort-like swimming pool, pavilion, wine storage, library and BBQ area, all with spectacular views of the state-listed heritage buildings, surrounding parks and gardens. Being only two kilometres from the centre of Adelaide, residents also have easy access the city’s best restaurants, cafes, shops, as well as entertainment and recreational facilities.  

To further meet the needs of its residents, Bloom has lifestyle concierge services on a user-pays basis, including coordination of shopping, restaurant bookings, social gatherings, arts and event bookings, cleaning, pet care, dog walking and vehicle care and maintenance.  

Cedar Woods SA Development Director, Mark Pivovaroff, said that Bloom gives the ‘Boomers’ of South Australia a unique opportunity to live with like-minded neighbours in a safe and secure community setting, all connected to the vibrant city hub. 

“We’re delighted that Glenside will be home to South Australia’s first over 55s community with 100% ownership and the first project of its kind for Cedar Woods, with plans to roll out more in other states,” said Mr Pivovaroff. 

“Bloom residents will add to the growing community at Glenside, which is now home to more than 750 residents, from first home buyers through to empty nesters.” 

Designed to meet future needs

Following an overwhelming response to Bloom with more than 80% sold, Cedar Woods has already commenced designs for ‘Bloom 2’ at Glenside. The company has plans to continue to roll out Bloom in other states, with future over 55’s community developments that give buyers 100% ownership.  

For the SDA projects, tenancy applications are now open for the Summer Housing residences at Huntington Apartments in Jackson Green and Guardian Living’s residences at Lincoln Williams Landing through Housing Hub. Cedar Woods has a strong vision to continue responding to this pressing need by delivering further high-quality disability housing over the coming years.  

Continuing to understand the diversity of residents and changes within the market is key to planning for tomorrow, ensuring future developments meet community needs well into the future.  

Discover Cedar Woods communities across Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia here.