Our mission is to solve the Housing Crisis in Northern NSW - FigTree Farm Collective soon to announce Social Enterprise certification
Our mission is to solve the Housing Crisis in Northern NSW - FigTree Farm Collective soon to announce Social Enterprise certification
FigTree Farm Collective has been working quietly since 2019 to establish a scalable model of delivering quality, affordable, Future Proof Homes in the Northern Rivers of NSW.
Our systems and processes for designing safe, affordable housing have evolved organically since we started. We have learned a lot. And now we are ready to scale our impact and set our sights on solving the Housing Crisis in Northern NSW. We have completed an exhaustive R&D process and achieved build times from as little as 12 weeks. All designs are engineer approved existing designs modified to use case and custom floor plans. Our vision is bold - Solve the Northern Rivers Housing crisis.
“At FigTree Farm Collective we place the wellbeing of the community at the heart of what we do. We know that if a young family or a single mother has housing security they can thrive as a tenant and make plans for the future that benefit themselves, their family and the whole community”
Our next chapter
In early 2025 FigTree Farm Collective will officially become a Social Enterprise.
What is a social enterprise?
“Social enterprise is business at its best. They are innovative businesses that work to create a fairer and more sustainable world. There are an estimated 12,000 social enterprises in Australia contributing to 206,000 jobs and $21.3 billion to our economy.”
A social enterprise:
Has a defined primary social, cultural or environmental purpose consistent with a public or community benefit
Our purpose is to end the Housing Crisis in Northern NSW
Derives a substantial portion of income from trade
We have been trading since 2019 investing in the creation of safe, affordable, Future Proof Homes for residents in the Northern Rivers
Invests efforts and resources into purpose such that public/community benefit outweighs private benefit.
We are blessed to have many tenant success stories that demonstrate community impact time and time again. We believe that people need community connection and housing security as a basic human rights to thrive.
Once housing security is established, our tenants create circular social and economic outcomes for the greater good
Operate across various industry sectors
Our focus remains on superior design, building materials and the creation of beautiful, functional Future Proof Homes within the Northern Rivers.
Homes are designed to utilise renewables lowering cost of living expenses and blend natural interior palettes with highly functional design.
Advanced technology and integrated resource systems demonstrate affordability, more predictable build times (12 weeks on average) and resilience over traditional building process, materials and methods, meeting FigTree Farm Collective’s Social Ethos.
Harnessing the circular economy Future Proof Homes attain positive social, economic and environmental outcomes.
Through thoughtful engineering and design, Future Proof Homes are arguably more resilient to climate change and increasingly destructive weather events, simultaneously improving occupant comfort and security.
Future Proof Homes exhibit improved social ,financial and environmental outcomes that both enrich and support local community while re-investing profits into solving our Housing Crisis
Container Home Community in Germany
More natural disasters mean Government housing policies need to adapt - AHURI research paper highlights the need for ‘Future Proof Housing’ in Australia’s changing climate - FigTree Farm Collective
More natural disasters mean Government housing policies need to adapt - AHRI Research paper highlights the need for Future Proof Housing in Australia’s Changing climate - FigTree Farm Collective
Container Homes are an excellent example of ‘Future Proof Home Design’, superseding current home building methods and regulations. FigTree Farm Collective
In today’s research released by Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (UHURI) - More natural disasters mean Government housing policies need to adapt; The need for co-ordinated, rapid and systemic change in how we build the homes of the future is surprisingly clear.
In this excellent research, all levels of government are urged to make rapid changes to policy and act in unity to end the suffering and personal tragedy that results from the increase in adverse weather events that have ravaged Australia in recent years.
Natural disasters like floods, fires and cyclones already destroy many Australian homes, and climate change will make this worse. Two new AHURI research reports examine how government housing policies can better prepare for natural disasters, and how governments can share housing data to lower disaster risks.
Private renters are most vulnerable to natural disasters
Temporary housing helps families return to normal life. Support might be needed for years while permanent homes are rebuilt. ‘The quality, cultural fit and location of temporary housing matter greatly for recovery’, says Dr Kroen.
“‘Our research found private renters are most vulnerable to disasters’, says Dr Annette Kroen from RMIT University, who led one research project. ‘They often live in lower-quality housing, earn less money and lack insurance. Many renters struggle to find temporary homes because most support programs don’t include them.’”
Proper Planning is crucial for reducing disaster risks
Good planning can stop building in dangerous areas, guide house design and help emergency responses. However, it's hard to balance lowering risks while meeting economic and social needs..
“‘Take “managed retreat” policies, where households or whole communities are moved from high-risk to safer areas’, says Dr Kroen. ‘It’s often politically difficult and rarely popular because of its emotional impact on families.’”
Housing and planning agencies need better awareness of disaster risks, and risk reduction needs to be a bigger focus in planning rules.
Fragmented data increases disaster risks
The second research project, led by Dr Francesca Perugia from Curtin University, highlights that disaster-related data is very fragmented, making it even more difficult to manage disaster risks.
The research found significant gaps in how flood, bushfire and cyclone data is recorded across states and sectors, because there is no standardised approach to recording the information.
“‘The lack of coordinated data is a barrier to designing policies to reduce risks. Government agencies often operate in silos, creating a dangerous disconnect between disaster planning and housing policy. As a result, planning systems can’t keep up with new risk data. This holds back the development of housing that is more disaster resilient,’ says Dr Perugia.”
“This collection of great research pinpointed on the structural challenges of Housing Policy re-affirms FigTree Farm Collective’s (FTFC) Social Enterprise ‘Ethos’, ‘Theory of Change’ and R&D pilot; Future Proof Homes. Tenants and Homeowners already feel the effects of changing weather and instinctively know that design changes in housing policy must take place now to ensure that they are not left paying the price for poor planning. By working collaboratively, I believe we can record and report the correct data to support greater resilience within our community and contribute to a seismic shift in the National Housing Policy”
Collaboration for impact
FigTree Farm Collective & Sonic Steel R&D collaboration on the Mark Twins project in the Northern Rivers is an excellent example of a pilot housing project that demonstrates the clear shift needed in housing strategy and policy.
‘Future Proof’ Container Homes are:
Constructed from recycled steel containers that withstand high wind ratings, while remaining relocatable
Prevent moisture accumulation and mould through pur-insulation, attaching directly to the wavy steel wall construction (this is administered in a climate controlled space, offsite), thus preventing ‘air gaps’ that produce condensation. Research has shown the superiority of pur-insulation over other foams including its environmental break down at end of life.
Substitute standard plaster board cladding for cement sheeting on internal walls to inhibit mould growth.
Include internal fire proof doors to reduce any fire damage while creating an essential sound barrier between bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas
Utilise light weight, double-sided laminated ceiling panels to decrease moisture damage and prevent mould growth
Comprise double glazed doors and windows creating a near air tight structure to maximum internal climate control;
Utilise awning windows to maximise updraft for ventilation and abate heavy rain from entering the interior space
Have Zehnder H-vac systems installed to enhance clean air ventilation and improve internal climate control
Exceed current building code ratings set for fire and water proofing
Include Pan Fan systems to exceed current hygiene expectations within bathrooms
Surpass minimum ceiling height requirements, increasing ventilation and internal spatial comfort and storage capacity
Are built inside to lock up stage, thus minimising environmental and external factors which delay/interfere with the quality, cost and time of a build
Are simply positioned onto a prepared site by crane preventing damage to the natural surroundings and reducing negative environmental impact that occur with traditional construction methods
Decrease reliance aging public unfastened and promote use of renewables by inclusion of an over arching roof, allowing for rain water capture, solar panel installation. Thus this ‘green build’ continues to capitalise on renewables, increasing the health and wellbeing of occupants, the natural environment and surrounding community
Circumvent flood risk by many adaptions i.e smaller homes can be tethered and employ floatation devices, be stacked with lower levels built to pressure clean (garage + open plan living space with internal living higher still), or placed on stilts where flood risk is mild
Builds are constructed offsite within a six week time frame, and fitted out within one to two weeks onsite. This provides occupants with a swift build option, reducing building waste, time and labour costs sitting nicely within a circular economy model
Include order to meet aesthetic and regional housing style, exterior sections exposed to ‘high traffic areas’ allow the additional of aesthetically pleasing features, such as recycled wood cladding, vertical and landscaped gardens, repurposed wood/glass/stone fixtures.
“Housing adaptation is essential given global warming, increasing damage from unpredictable and more severe weather events and natural disasters. Traditional builds are wasteful, expensive, slow and inherently fail to meet scientific predictions of what we are already facing.
Without inherent change Australians will continue to face housing insecurity and environmental risk until building methods and policy adapt.
Not only is the Australian dream of home ownership increasingly out of reach but we are flirting with serious repercussions to our society’s social, emotional, economic and environmental demise. ”
FigTree Farm Collective is committed to social, financial and environmental impact. Our continued investment in R&D, building strong partnerships with industry leaders, research partners and government departments seeks to work collaboratively on producing science backed data to inform best practice building methods for Future Proof Housing.
Get in touch to discuss collaboration, research or if you are ready to start your purchase journey
Buyers rush to secure bargain Port Neill Container Home as FigTree Farm Collective launches in the Northern Rivers with Future Proof Container Homes
Buyers rush to secure bargain Port Neill container home as FigTree Farm Collective readies for launch in the Northern Rivers with Sonic Steel Container Homes
“The recent mainstream media coverage of Sonic Steel’s container home being sold in Port Neill South Australia is a signal in the market we should pay very close attention to in the Northern Rivers of NSW. Locally our affordable housing situation is dire. We have locals that have lived here all of their life struggling to find accomodation when they move out of the family home. FigTree Farm Collective is a Social Enterprise actively engaging with council, Philanthropic organisations, advocacy groups and community organisations to facilitate the development of Future Proof Container Homes in Northern NSW and provide affordable housing” Chelsea Veitch, CEO FigTree Farm Collective.
Completed Port Neill Project.
“Like Rundle Mall’: $360k container home sold in 30 minutes”
THE CURRENT SITUATION:
Our recent post highlights the problem in the Northern Rivers. If you have lived in this area or are currently looking to rent or buy you know how hard it is. FigTree Farm Collective has been tackling this.problem head on for the past 6 years and this year we have some exciting news……..
FigTree Farm Collective R&D Project:
For over 6 years, FigTree Farm Collective (FTFC) has dedicated itself to investigating and researching circular economy innovations in sustainable, high quality, Future Proof, housing solutions. Our research has taken us from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and abroad. FTFC soon to be completed Sonic Steel Mark Twins was the real genesis of FTFC commitment to advanced, circular economic builds which are apparent in their superiority to traditional build models, not just in build time and affordability but in quality, occupant comfort and real time economic savings.
Not just another developer - Figtree Farm Collective is a Social Enterprise:
2025 is an exciting year for FigTree Farm Collective. As a Social Enterprise our efforts are aligned around our core purpose: Solving the Housing Crisis in the Northern Rivers.
After completing applications, our pending approval as a Social Enterprise with leading agency Social Traders marks a big milestone for our growth and sends a strong signal to Northern Rivers residents that we are committed to solving the Housing Crisis through action and impact.
Future Proof Container Home designs now available in the Northern Rivers
FigTree Farm Collective offers full service design, logistics, engineering, local trades, council approval, project management and optional asset management services for buyers in Northern NSW.
Deal with a Social Enterprise that specialised in Future Proof Home designs
We have a team ready to discuss your Container Home project
Options include DIY right through to complete solution including design, planning, approval, connection to services and more
Increase the value of your property
Help us solve the housing crisis
Existing designs ready to customise or design your own with our team of experts
Want to know more? Enquire Now
About FigTree Farm Collective
FigTree Farm Collective is a Social Enterprise dedicated to disrupting the traditional housing market by delivering high quality, Future Proof, sustainable housing solutions to residents in the Northern NSW.
Since 2019, FigTree Farm Collective has been developing our Social Enterprise model of Affordable Housing and have helped many previous clients achieve housing affordability, security and predictability in a market that has been unstable, expensive and highly stressful. This announcement marks a new stage of growth for FigTree Farm Collective as we offer state of art, Sonic Steel Future Proof Homes to the Northern Rivers Market.
About Sonic Steel
Sonic Steel has been leading the Shipping Container Housing industry in Australia since 2014. With an structural and internal understanding of shipping containers, Sonic Steel brings our clients' vision for a container home to life, focusing on the individual's specific needs, including desires to create a personalised design and living space. Sonic Steel’s unique approach to container home building ensures that each client not only gets the opportunity to have their container home built in an average of 12 weeks from design sign off, but ensured their solid mark in Australian Container Home Market, producing investments that will last generations.
“The Northern Rivers is such an ideal market for the tireless work Sonic Steel has put into R&D to create sustainable, high quality affordable container homes; Combined with the local expertise and network of FigTree Farm Collective, this partnership is an exciting evolution in the growth of Sonic Steel as the premier choice for Container Homes in Australia ”. Son Voong, Director Sonic Steel
Media Contacts:
Chelsea Veitch
FigTree Farm Collective
hello@figtreefarm.co
Son Voong
Sonic Steel
Son@sonicsteel.com.au
Original Article published by Lydia Kellner on realestate.com.au
FigTree Farm Collective & Sonic Steel Announce Partnership - Bringing Future Proof Container Homes to the Northern Rivers…
FigTree Farm Collective & Sonic Steel announce major partnership to bring Future Proof Container Homes to the Northern Rivers
“This Partnership significantly increases housing options for Northern Rivers residents, who are experiencing an affordability crisis”. Chelsea Veitch, CEO FigTree Farm Collective.
THE CURRENT SITUATION:
Local council statistics reveal only .03% of houses for rent within the Northern Rivers are deemed affordable. The people who live and work in the Northern Rivers, are among the lowest paid; Retail, Hospitality, Social and Health Services… This beautiful sacred area; where the rainforest meets the rivers and sea is facing ever increasing rent that demands between 59% and 66% of household budgets. Older single women face the worst impact of this rental crisis across the region. One third (33%) of community organisations reported that housing and homelessness was the most significant issue affecting their communities over the past 12 months, followed by mental health and well-being (28%). (NRCF 2024 Research). Recently published statistics on the Lismore App digital Newspaper show just how dire the combination of the 2022/2023 flood and cost of living crisis have affected the Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay and greater Northern Rivers regions.
Renting, let alone buying a home or securing a long term, affordable rental in the Northern Rivers since the 2021/2022 floods has become infinitely more difficult with many faced with housing insecurity. At the same time, many landowners in the region have been struggling with their own mortgage, property upkeep and uncertainty of traditional property income sources with climate change and cost of living crisis.
For over 6 years, FigTree Farm Collective (FTFC) has dedicated itself to investigating and researching economy innovations in sustainable, high quality, future proof, housing solutions. Our research has taken us from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and abroad. FTFC soon to be completed Sonic Steel Mark Twins was the real genesis of FTFC commitment to advanced, circular economic builds which are apparent in their superiority to traditional build models, not just in time and money but in quality, occupant comfort and real time economic savings.
About FigTree Farm Collective
FigTree Farm Collective is a Social Enterprise dedicated to disrupting the traditional housing market by delivering high quality, Future Proof, sustainable housing solutions to residents in the Northern Rivers.
Since 2019, FigTree Farm Collective has been developing our Social Enterprise model of Affordable Housing and have helped many previous clients achieve housing affordability, security and predictability in a market that has been unstable, expensive and highly stressful. This announcement marks a new stage of growth for FigTree Farm Collective as we offer state of art, Sonic Steel Future Proof Homes to the Northern Rivers Market.
About Sonic Steel
Sonic Steel has been leading the Shipping Container Housing industry in Australia since 2014. With an structural and internal understanding of shipping containers, Sonic Steel brings our clients' vision for a container home to life, focusing on the individual's specific needs, including desires to create a personalised design and living space. Sonic Steel’s unique approach to container home building ensures that each client not only gets the opportunity to have their container home built in an average of 12 weeks from design sign off, but ensured their solid mark in Australian Container Home Market, producing investments that will last generations.
“The Northern Rivers is such an ideal market for the tireless work Sonic Steel has put into R&D to create sustainable, high quality affordable container homes; Combined with the local expertise and network of FigTree Farm Collective, this partnership is an exciting evolution in the growth of Sonic Steel as the premier choice for Container Homes in Australia ”. Son Voong, Director Sonic Steel
Media Contacts:
Chelsea Veitch
FigTree Farm Collective
hello@figtreefarm.co
Son Voong
Sonic Steel
Son@sonicsteel.com.au