EP6: The Importance of Design and Beauty in Affordable Housing: A Conversation with Cate Kearney
Description
In 2016, Cate Kearney became the first employee of the Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust, a social landlord and community housing provider established by Christchurch City Council. The Trust has 50 employees and manages 2,500 homes across Christchurch City and Banks Peninsula.
Most recently, the Trust has been working with Naylor Love, a construction company, to develop a new typology of housing that is energy efficient, resilient, and beautiful. The first homes in this typology were completed in 2020, and the Trust is already planning to replicate the design in future developments.
In this episode, you will learn the following:
1. How can we build better quality homes that will last longer and be more affordable in the long run?
2. How do community housing providers support tenants with mental health and addiction issues?
3. How can we ensure that everyone can access beautiful, well-designed homes?