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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People should be aware that this website may contain images of deceased persons.
“The shortage of larger, culturally appropriate houses that can accommodate kin… in kinship care arrangements means that high numbers of Aboriginal people are in severely overcrowded households.”
Studio Kinship offers the first Aboriginal-designed housing solution underpinned by cultural lore. The houses are prefabricated and trucked to site where families engage in the maintenance of housing like never before. The outcome is large, safer, healthier houses that are also more cost-effective.
Image: University of Melbourne
How it works
The full solution is a complete turn-key model of culturally appropriate housing that can be delivered in any state or territory in Australia. The houses come largely prefabricated ensuring construction is fast and cost-effective. All contracts include lore-based community engagement.
Community
Engagement
Off-site Prefabrication
Site & House Development (Optional)
Cultural
Learning
Maintenance Training
Maintenance Employment
Home
Ownership
If you prefer to minimise risk in the development phase, we can manage the whole process from concept to handover of keys. Or you may elect to manage the development phase of the project using the kit home provided.
Either way, we certify the finished product, ensuring that each stage is completed to the highest quality.
Once the house is built, we conduct cultural learning in tribal lore as it relates to the usage of the house. The maintenance of the house is incorporated into the solution with training and ongoing employment. This means that through a work-to-own program, homeownership can be transferred to families.
The pilot
The pilot program we are running in 2022 in Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia will demonstrate the benefits in financial, health and social terms. It will develop 75 Kinship Homes close to the existing town but provide its own water and power infrastructure. The community engagement process is embedded in cultural lore and the initial stages have already been successfully undertaken.
Testimonials
“The Studio Kinship model of housing is innovative and culturally-driven, challenging the status quo of top-down government planning regimes. Clifton Bieundurry is the change agent in our impoverished community of Fitzroy Crossing. He aims to address the cultural, social and economic impacts of poorly-designed remote Aboriginal housing.”
Joe Ross, Bunuba Elder
"I would like to thank the architect, Lisa Halton. When I walked into this home I felt peace"
Minister Don Punch, Minister for Disabilities. Beautiful homes for people living with disabilities
Download the detail.
But first, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Which best describes the group you’re representing?
We acknowledge the many Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and honour their Elders past and present.
We respect their enduring connection to their lands, waterways and surrounding clan groups since time immemorial. We cherish the richness of Aboriginal’ artistic and cultural expressions. Our office is located on Whadjuk Noongar Land.
Address
1 Agnew Way, Subiaco, WA 6008
Phone
Social
"Lisa doesn’t just know design, she understands logistics and how to source local materials to create beautiful designs. We live on an island in the Bahamas and Lisa ensured that what she designed could be delivered. We sat for many hours while she gained a true understanding of what I loved and the space I wanted to create. She visited the local workshop and worked hand in hand with the contractor. She gave me my sacred space."
Clare & Martin, 'The Sacred Space' Windermere Bahamas
"We feel truly blessed to have had Lisa come into our lives at just the right time. Personable and fun, she listened to each of our families wants and needs, speaking to each of us and getting to know us all. She worked with a difficult brief and block of land to fulfil our dreams in designing our magnificent Fremantle home. Every element is our family to a tee. Lisa is one incredible architect and made our build stress free."
Leslie Stapleton Reid, 'The House on the Hill'
"Lisa as a person is a clear standout, and as an architect she was fabulous to work with. We are people who always seeks value and are discerning in what we do and how we approach things. We had a unique block and an exciting vision for our home. Lisa with her enthusiasm and skill brought it to life, and our home has more than met our expectations. If you are seeking quality, practicality and someone genuine to work with, we highly recommend Lisa"
Simon Reid, 'The House on the Hill'
"I would like to thank the architect, Lisa Halton. When I walked into this home I felt peace'... Beautiful homes for people living with disabilities.
The work that Lisa did for our charity will change the lives of these children forever. She created a place where their mental health will thrive, a place that peaks their imagination as soon as they walk in the door."
Di Wilcox, The Magic Coat
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