As a result of high demand for contemporary homes at affordable prices, an innovative new concept in living, Adaptus, has been unveiled by Delfin Lend Lease, Melbourne, Australia, giving homeowners one of the most affordable and flexible house and land packages on the market.

Adaptus is one of a number of new housing products at Caroline Springs, Melbourne, the largest and most exciting urban land development ever undertaken in Victoria. It allows buyers to live by their own rules by eliminating all but the essential internal walls and providing maximum space for adaptable open plan living. The homes follow a modern style with a striking roof made from COLORBOND^® steel that will appeal to new and older home owners alike.

As there are few walls, spaces within the home can be tailored to suit individual needs. Furniture can be moved around without restriction and be positioned in many different combinations as living circumstances change.

The Adaptus floor plan features a carport, utility, contemporary bathroom, separate toilet and gallery kitchen. It also features three large spaces which can be adapted to accommodate multiple uses including two bedrooms, study, dining or lounge room, home office, guest room, home theatre or craft studio.

Stephen Birrell, Principal Architect for Delfin Lend Lease, explains: "We began work on Adaptus two years ago we conducted extensive market research which revealed that consumers were bored with the range of affordable housing on the market. They wanted something fresh, new and modern. Adaptus has taken flexible living to a new level. Homeowners are no longer forced to use a particular room in a set way but can easily adapt it so it can be used for a variety of purposes."

To maintain the contemporary feel of the houses, COLORBOND^® steel has been chosen for the roofing and parts of external walling. Birrell added: "We chose COLORBOND^® steel for Adaptus as it is a lightweight material that is easy to install and comes in a range of colours that tie in with the modern aesthetics of the homes. COLORBOND^® steel is a product that I often choose for housing products as it is very flexible in its application."

George Plionis of BlueScope Steel, manufacturers of COLORBOND^® steel, added: "By using roofing made from COLORBOND^® steel, Adaptus homes really appeal to the young singles and couples that the development is aiming to attract, as well as the mature couples who wish to downsize to an affordable and flexible home. Roofing made from COLORBOND^® steel is very aesthetically pleasing as well as being renowned for its durability and strength, a big concern for new home buyers. It is also incredibly energy efficient and will keep the heat in on the cold Victorian winter nights."

Caroline Springs is an 800 hectare development situated 22km west of Melbourne's Central Business District. The site features thirteen residential villages, lakes and waterways, a town centre, schools, sports and recreational facilities and public transport.

The home's success in Melbourne has spurred a national rollout that will include New South Wales and Southern Queensland.

Key information

Number of storeys	1
Living area (m2)	98.5 - 115 m2
New-build home

Location of steel solutions

Exterior walls
Interior walls
Roof
Light steel sections

Types of steel used in the building

Long carbon steel
Metallic coated flat carbon steel

Adaptable Low Cost Living