Community News: Easy Living

Innovation is often the product of adversity and for Byron Bay builder Scott Allen the building industry slowdown that accompanied the GFC in 2009 was the catalyst for Smartflat, his new concept in small, affordable luxury living spaces.

“At the time I faced some very serious financial issues with a couple of major contracts falling over,” he said.

“I needed to be innovative about what I did next and Smartflat was the product of that situation.”

A Smartflat is a fully optioned contemporary 60sqm living space constructed onsite in about 4-5 weeks. It can be combined with its 32sqm smaller brother, the Smart pod, to create a complete dwelling.

“At Smartflat our goal is to offer people the possibility of having their own house on a block in the Byron Shire for under $400,000,” he said.

“We are not the cheapest but we are certainly the cleverest with space and have the most luxurious finish compared to other micro builders.”

“With rents going through the roof, Smartflat will make it easier for people looking to expand the size of their residences to provide rental accommodation,” he said.

“The price of a Smartflat includes all council approvals and purchasers can hire their own builders and build under their licences or we can do it under our licence.”

It has taken Mr Allen 18 months from concept to having a website and a display home built in Byron Bay.

“We have had a huge response to the website and we are currently working with about a dozen people on quotes,” he said.

Mr Allen also sees the end of the giant so-called McMansion style of house.

“But most people still want to live in a beautiful space with all the mod cons of modern life.

“And that’s what we give them, I could definitely see myself living in a Smartflat.”

(article from Northern Star)