Many of us take time over the holiday period to do some soul searching and creative thinking as we set our sights on achieving more from the new calender year.
Myself I began to wonder, with building activity here on the coast finally predicted to increase after a slowdown forced upon us by external pressures, will we continue to provide only residential buildings the market will accept or strive to provide what a community really need in terms of liveable, sustainable housing?
With our desire to be recognised as the most sustainable region in the nation, we cannot rely on local government alone to achieve this, we need to embrace our area and our lifestyle with a concerted effort to design and construct quality homes and units that provide maximum liveability for minimal cost to the environment.
Many of our newly developed areas are being populated with budget priced homes that meet energy efficiency codes but fail when rated by core elements of liveable housing design and long term maintenance requirements.
Are we taking the notion of a disposable society too far when it extends to the homes we live in? Unfortunately most new homes are now viewed as a stepping stone to the owners future aspirations.
Research suggests we need to embrace higher density housing solutions with the added bonus that longer planning periods allow passive design and energy efficiency to be incorporated at inception which delivers a user-friendly product with integrity, style and longevity.
Unit Developments though require a concerted effort by a number of interested parties outlaying considerable sums of money over extended periods for an uncertain return on investment which reduces the number of eager participants.
Opportunity abounds for those who are prepared and a major part of the prep will be to gather a team of trusted professional partners with the skills and experience to complement your own because with proper research the rewards are satisfying in more ways than one.
Never be so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.