Building an affordable home on Kangaroo Island presents significant challenges, but one family has discovered a solution that could potentially ease Australia’s housing crisis. Joe and Sarah Relic are nearing completion of their innovative ‘shed’ home on the remote island located off South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula.
Their architectural shed-frame home was delivered flat-packed and pre-punched by Shed House Australia, arriving on a single truck ready for assembly. This approach allowed the Relics to bypass the scarcity of builders on the island and take a hands-on approach to constructing their dream home.
The Rise of Prefabricated Homes
The Relics conducted extensive research into prefabrication and modular homes before deciding that a design from Shed House Australia was their best option. “Builders are in short supply on the island,” Mr. Relic explained. “In the end, I just decided I’d roll my sleeves up and build it myself.”
With the option to either construct the house themselves with support from Shed House Australia or hire a registered builder, the Relics chose to take on most of the work themselves. Friends assisted, but Mr. Relic noted that the core team consisted of himself, an electrician, and a plumber. “I opted to get contractors in to get the roof on and clad the walls outside,” he added.
Local Sourcing and Community Involvement
To fit out their home, the Relics sourced much of their materials locally. The process, which took about a year to build following another year of gaining council approval, has been described by Mr. Relic as a labor of love. “I honestly wouldn’t hesitate to do another one, it’s a very good option to consider,” he remarked. “If you’re willing to learn new skills, you can definitely save lots of money.”
Designs on Shed House Australia’s website range from $52,000 to $145,000, plus GST, with costs varying based on location, site conditions, trade availability, and chosen finishes.
Innovative Solutions to a National Crisis
The concept of turning a simple shed into an architectural home was born out of necessity. Shed House Australia founder Rhys Uhlich, along with property developers Katie and Dave Penfold, sought to create affordable housing solutions after being priced out of the market themselves. Uhlich explained, “I’d never built anything before, I just got in and had a crack.”
These homes, which can be assembled like a Meccano set, are 30 to 40 percent cheaper than traditional builds. The Relics’ successful project demonstrates that even remote locations like Kangaroo Island are viable for such innovative housing solutions.
Modular Homes: A Growing Trend
Meanwhile, modular homes are gaining traction in Australia as the dream of homeownership becomes increasingly elusive. Last year, two modular homes in Kadina were quickly purchased due to their affordability and speedy construction. Built by BoxMod in Chinese factories and shipped to South Australia, these homes can be installed within weeks and cost under $300,000, excluding land.
Industry experts suggest that modular homes could help alleviate pressure on Australia’s property market by providing an affordable alternative to traditional housing.
Looking Ahead: A New Era of Affordable Housing
The success of the Relics’ shed home on Kangaroo Island highlights the potential for prefabricated and modular homes to address housing shortages across Australia. As more families explore these options, the housing landscape may shift towards more sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
With the ongoing challenges in the housing market, innovations like those from Shed House Australia and BoxMod represent a promising step forward. As Mr. Relic notes, “With the way housing affordability is going, it’s a really clever way to build.”
The future of affordable housing may very well lie in the hands of those willing to embrace new methods and technologies, paving the way for a more accessible and sustainable housing market.
