Innovation in affordable housing

KDL Property Group and its building division Ryse Construction are pushing the boundaries of what affordable housing can look like in southeast Queensland. A vertically integrated approach and “builder-led” design philosophy are helping Ryse deliver housing models that combine cost-efficiency, sustainability and long-term liveability.

The company’s innovation is being increasingly recognised at industry level. The Ryse Construction work on a Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) project at Jimboomba has been submitted for the HIA Affordable Housing Award in 2025, based on the successful delivery of the first 41 completed homes on 22 lots.

Smarter homes on smarter lots

Located in KDL’s Elridge estate at Jimboomba, the homes are predominantly dual-key dwellings purpose-built to suit individual lots while delivering maximum value for owners, tenants and the wider community. Each design responds directly to site characteristics, such as compact or irregular block shapes, through creative layouts, functional floorplans and façade variation.

This approach allows two households to occupy a single lot without compromising on comfort, privacy or architectural quality. The result is higher density without the costs, delays or planning complexity of attached dwellings.

Ryse’s approach reflects a design standardisation model that enables scalability while maintaining individuality. It means that each home is different, with no two neighbouring façades alike, but can still be delivered on time, on budget and to a consistent high standard.

Built-in affordability, not just affordable builds

What makes the Ryse model distinctive is that affordability is not just an outcome – it’s a design and delivery principle embedded in every stage. Each home is a single-contract turnkey package with no progress payments, no interim interest and no variations, providing complete certainty for the HAFF project.

Efficiencies are achieved through:

• KDL’s vertically integrated delivery of both the land the homes
• A competitive wholesale pricing model
• Lot-optimised designs that reduce waste and improve yield
• Builder-designed layouts that streamline materials and labour
• Process-driven operations that support short build times and controlled margins

Energy-efficient features such as DC electric heat pumps and split-system air conditioning reduce running costs for tenants.

Quality that’s visible and lasting

Unlike typical entry-level housing, Ryse homes prioritise architectural integrity and resident experience. These are not generic templates and each of the homes include:

• Stone benchtops throughout kitchens, bathrooms and laundries
• Mirrored wardrobes and overhead cabinetry
• Freestanding baths and contemporary fittings
• Fully landscaped and fenced yards, letterboxes and clotheslines
• Accessibility features that exceed National Construction Code minimums

These higher inclusions deliver long-term durability, enhance pride of place, and reduce ongoing maintenance requirements for housing operators.

Industry recognition and scalable outcomes

Ryse’s innovation and delivery model are now part of KDL’s broader pipeline, with dual dwellings and dual-key homes embedded across multiple estates in Logan and Moreton Bay. The success of the Elridge project has attracted strong support from HAFF consortium partners, including Tetris Capital and Housing Australia.

The 2025 HIA award nomination was supported by both Tetris Capital and Housing Australia, acknowledging not just Ryse’s design innovation but the credibility of its delivery model and its impact on housing outcomes. Judging was completed mid-year, with results pending.

With more dwellings still to be delivered under HAFF, KDL and Ryse continue to lead by example, proving that smart design and considered construction can deliver optimal housing solutions for Australia’s growing population.