A Queensland-based prefab homes company, Happy Haus, is installing a subtropical community house and garden that is “distinctly Australian” in Brisbane’s South Bank.
The “urban living experiment”, by local architects Owen and Vokes, will include a crop garden specifically designed for time-poor people.
The house will be displayed for 12 months on the future Southpoint site, at the corner of Grey and Tribune Streets.
Custom made on the outskirts of Brisbane, the house will be delivered on a truck and craned onto the site.
Happy Haus founder, Toby Lewis, said: “We’re delighted to have an opportunity to exhibit our unique homes in this ideal location; we have received a very positive response with over 600 enquiries from across the country since our launch in May.”
South Bank Corporation chief executive officer, Malcolm Snow, said the development would activate the Southpoint site until construction begins.
“This project demonstrates great urban culture and promotes great ideas that we can all use to lead more sustainable lives, particularly for those of us who live in inner-city locations,” Snow said.
The garden will feature fast growing crops that require limited maintenance, which is perfect for couples and families who may be time poor, or have limited space.
“Visitors can expect to discover species that are easy to grow, such as bananas, sugar cane, lemon grass, pumpkins and peas. We welcome visitors to explore the garden and sample the fruit — perhaps some will be inspired to grow similar gardens in their own backyard,” Snow said.
The display home, featuring white weatherboard cladding and large cut away window will integrate perfectly with the subtropical landscape, demonstrating the viability of prefab homes for Australian environments.
The display will be furnished by Small Australian Projects, a furniture business also owned by Toby Lewis.
