Affordable, modern and spacious Schofields duplex finalist in MBA Housing Awards

InspirationNewsProjects

14.10.20

Worthington Homes’ Schofields duplex was a finalist in the Master Builders Association of NSW 2020 Excellence in Housing and Pool Awards.

The MBA Housing Awards attracts the best in residential building, including project home builders, contract builders, apartment constructors and contractors specialising in additions, alterations and renovations. Professional builders have been submitting their best work to the MBA for over 20 years with as many as 20 entrants in the running in some award categories.

Judged by senior members of the Master Builders Association as well as industry specialists, houses are merited based on a range of facets including design, structure and aesthetics.

As one of three finalists within the dual occupancy category, this 4-bedroom Torrens Title duplex built by Worthington Homes was initially constructed in late 2019 and quickly sold in July 2020 following completion.

The modern duplex on Westminster Street Schofields features all the high-quality finishes you would expect in a contemporary suburban dwelling such as 2.7m ceiling height, open plan kitchen, dining and living rooms adjoining an undercover alfresco, stainless steel appliances and walk-in pantry. More than 4000 elements have come together to build a quality home with finishes and fittings from reputable suppliers such as Fisher & Paykel, James Hardie, CSR and Masterwall.

“One of the considerations in a build is its marketability,” says Managing Director, Liam Worthington. “Not only is the workmanship carried out to the highest standard, but we also ensure the new home is attractive to buy and ready to move in.”

Current research commissioned by IGA shows 61 percent of Australian adults believe home ownership is important right now and 2.37 million Aussies (32 percent of millennials) are planning on buying a property within the next two years[1]. Furthermore, young adults are moving out of crowded city apartments and into the suburbs, forging luxury living for larger green spaces.

“There is an upward trend towards building three and four bedroom suburban homes, with our typical ‘mum and dad’ clients wanting to maximise their indoor and outdoor living space – and all with a modern house design that looks sleek,” Liam asserts.

Less red tape and more choice for buyers

While many categories in the MBA Awards saw entrants building luxury homes up to $16m in value, Liam is adamant about making housing affordable and liveable for everyone. Especially for those who cannot easily acquire house and land in Sydney.

“We’re seeing the Government fast track more development of duplex houses, essentially cutting the red tape to build a dual occupancy home,” states Liam. “What this means is more growing families, singles and empty nesters can build high quality homes that require less land area and are therefore much more affordable than traditional freestanding homes.”

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment have implemented a code to encourage alternative housing and give more residents choice where land availability is limited. The new standard of building design requires less land area and is more sustainable for both owner-occupiers and investors. The objectives of the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code include:

• Create liveable and desirable communities
• Encourage good quality design
• Promote housing choice and diversity
• Increase in housing supply

Adaptable and responsive throughout the building process

Worthington Homes are a small family-owned business, which means they take an open and honest approach when building a new home. Ensuring the client has a happy and positive experience throughout the entire building process is key to the company’s success.

When asked if there were intentions of entering into future awards, Liam is optimistic. “As we build a higher volume of quality homes, we will certainly consider it.”

“We would also like to extend our congratulations to the entrants, finalists and winners of the MBA Housing awards. We believe that excellence in housing design and construction is subjective in many ways, as long as we are building beautiful homes that are liveable and sustainable for the future generations.”

[1] Future Focus: Homeownership Report How COVID-19 has revived and re-defined the Australian dream, ING (2020)