AFFORDABLE SOCIAL DISABILITY HOUSING | Not-for-Profit Tier-One Community Housing Provider

Marsden QLD – unique SDA design with spacious living inside and out

Acting as developer for investLogan, BlueCHP has celebrated the completion of a further two High Physical Support SDA dwellings in Marsden QLD as part of Logan City Council‘s continued investment into the community of Logan.


Last year we were joined by Jon Raven, Deputy Mayor of Logan, investlogan Board Chair Steve Greenwood, investlogan CEO Medy Hassan OAM FRSN FAIB and Alexandra McColl​ – Executive Manager Brisbane, Compass Housing Services Co Ltd, sharing the joy of witnessing a well-made project come to life.

SDA housing of this standard requires large blocks of land to cater for adequate backyard space, wider hallways and higher ceilings, which we can accommodate in Logan. …This project has been perfectly balanced when it comes to the SDA requirements, the needs of the residents and the commercial viability of an investment.”
City of Logan Deputy Mayor and Division five Councillor, Cr Jon Raven

The large outdoor spaces were a benefit born from a challenging block, due to a power easement through part of the property. In the end, it was better than we initially imagined. We were able to create a large backyard space, with winding garden beds planted with bushes and trees that will grow to divide one large space into multiple private spaces to enjoy. The entire yard is still accessible, garden beds have concrete paths to provide access from one area to the other and permanent seating is in multiple locations to provide the opportunity to sit and enjoy.

These large outdoor spaces are directly accessible via bedrooms and living areas in the home, with decorative panels added for privacy along external walls. As the gardens continue to grow this will only enhance the spaces, allowing for the residents to enjoy a home that is spacious with plenty of outdoor space, as well as private, supporting the quiet enjoyment of their home.

“The front and backyard and alfresco area allow them to feel like they’re at a recreational park in their own home. They’re out in their backyard, out in the community, doing activities in their yard, so that outdoor alfresco area is critical,” investLogan Chair Steve Greenwood.

Getting the design right for this type of project relies on specialist knowledge and the ability to collaborate.  “This site held some particular challenges that the development team at BlueCHP were able to resolve, using skills honed over several years delivering more than 70 SDA dwellings, as well as through engaging with the tenancy and property manager Compass Housing and leading consultants including idearchitecture in Brisbane,” Darren Mew, Queensland Senior Development Manager, BlueCHP

Social Housing provider, Compass Housing will now be delivering ongoing tenancy and property management of the new dwellings. BlueCHP has previously partnered with Compass Housing on other SDA projects including Home4Life, delivering 69 homes as part of the Hunter Residences Program to provide appropriate accommodation to people moving out of large residential institutions.

Operations Manager of Specialist Services Larissa Bridge said Compass was proud to be involved in such an important project.

“Of all the flaws in Australia’s housing system, the lack of suitable accommodation for people with a disability is among the worst,” Ms Bridge said.

“Everyone has a right to live as part of the community and to have choice and control over their own housing.”

“SDA projects like this one help make that possible.” 

Thank you to Hutchinson Builders, idearchitecture and all construction trades for their contributions to the project.

A very special acknowledgement to George Giannes, BlueCHP‘s National Build to Rent Manager. His outstanding expertise, attention to detail and commitment to the sector are on display!