project - Trademax Publications

DEVELOPMENTS
Major innovation in the
concept of Affordable
Housing
UrbanSpace Housing, a joint venture property company owned by Space Developments,
Old Mutual and Vuwa Investments, a black empowered investment company, have
announced a major breakthrough in the evolution of the affordable house in South
Africa with the launch of its new project in Randfontein.
20
Oasis Manor comprises 300 architect designed, full
title two- and three-Bedroom single family residential
homes situated on Main Reef Road, touching the
fringe of the Randfontein Central Business District.
Oasis Manor is essentially designed for first time home buyers
who earn a gross salary of R10, 000 a month, individually or
jointly with a partner.
Current market criticisms
Industry critics have for some time called for more innovation in
the field of Affordable Housing and specifically, for a change
of plan from the 40m² affordable homes which they say date
back to the 1950’s.
They ask why developers can’t “give people out there, the
chance of a decent and proper life? Offer four to six different
plans for variety with finish options,” they suggest, “and break
the monotony by painting the houses different colours. Give
people a garage,” they add, “orientate the house more to the
north and use a roof overhang to at least shade some of the
summer sun.”
Oasis Manor – refreshingly different
Like a breath of fresh air, UrbanSpace Housing, using the skills
of architectural practice Messaris Wapenaar, has come up with
a concept that is totally unique for this type of market and
refreshingly innovative and different. One of the first points of
difference is the size of the fully serviced stands which, on
average, measure 300m². Oasis Manor additionally offers a
choice of five different designs and plan layouts to suit most first
time home owner needs, be it for a couple, or even a family.
One has the choice of a 46m² two-Bedroom, single bathroom
home with an open plan kitchen, dining and living room; a
48m² two-Bedroom, single bathroom open plan kitchen,
dining and living room, using a different layout; a 56m²
three-Bedroom, single bathroom home with open plan kitchen
and living room; a 65m² three-Bedroom, single bathroom,
separate toilet with open plan kitchen, dining and living room.
The largest plan, which is the Oasis Manor flagship model, is
an 82m² three-Bedroom, single bathroom home with an open
plan kitchen, dining and living room, separate toilet and a
single lock-up garage.
SA Affordable Housing November/December 2009