Somerville Palmerston & Katherine
April 12, 2023
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Housing for high dependency occupants
We recently completed a rewarding project for Somerville, constructing 7 houses for high dependency occupants in Palmerston and Katherine.
Our goal was to not only meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) but also go above and beyond the standard recommendations in the National Construction Code (NCC) by catering to the specific needs of each individual with disabilities.
This project brought a new challenge for us because homes like this had never been built in the NT before.
We recently completed a rewarding project for Somerville, constructing 7 houses for high dependency occupants in Palmerston and Katherine. Our goal was to not only meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) but also go above and beyond the standard recommendations in the National Construction Code (NCC) by catering to the specific needs of each individual with disabilities. This project brought a new challenge for us because homes like this had never been built in the NT before.
Meeting unique accessibility requirements
While we're no strangers to building high-end houses, this project needed some additional expertise to ensure we ticked all the compliance boxes. We worked closely with our building certifier to follow the NCC requirements, and to tackle the complexities of meeting the unique accessibility standards, we brought in an independent certifier who's a highly experienced in SDA compliance. Through our collective efforts we were able to address all design challenges.
House features
The houses constructed were a combination of steel frame houses and blockwork homes. Each home features open plan living spaces, as well as an office, and all bedrooms have a private patio.
We also built a large outdoor space and pool, where residents can gather and socialise—creating an important sense of community.
Other features include:
- Polished concrete throughout
- Ropox benchtops which have the ability to move up and down, allowing people in wheelchairs to use the bench and cooktops
- Allowance for hoists to be installed throughout the property
- Louvres in the hallway – allowing for breeze to flow through the house
- Solar/PV Panels installed to all 7 houses
- High venting ceilings with louvre windows high level
- Natural light into the centre of the buildings
- Venting roofs
Somerville Palmerston
Somerville Katherine
Thank you to the following subcontractors and suppliers
Subcontractors:
- ASAP Cabinetry
- Prodigy Painting
- Dabsco
- Wigg Plumbing
- Danlaid
- Olympic Concreting
- AM Cranes
- Outback Pest Co
- Mobility Pool Company
- AKJ Services
- Murray Ostle Bricklaying
- Meales Concrete Pumping
- Advanced Plumbing
- EJA
- Ferguson Bricklaying NT
- Arc N Saw
- Northern Renewable Group
Suppliers:
- Hire Power NT
- Bunnings
- Territory Steel
- Stratco
- Trade Building Supplies
- NT Fasteners
- Nortruss
- Hy-Tec
- Steel-line Garage doors
- Bianco
- Kennards Hire
- Laundry Gallery
- DPO
- Mitre 10 Katherine
- Waste Away
- Infrabuild Construction Solutions
- Katherine concrete
- Hanson
- Nighthawk Transport
- 1300 Temp Fence
Recent projects
The recent completion of the KFC in Stuart Park highlights our ability to meet the demands of a high-profile franchise while maintaining a focus on quality and efficiency. The Project Situated at 43 Stuart Highway, next to Sweet Brew Café, the new KFC Stuart Park stands on a site that was once a vacant single allotment. We transformed the unused land into a fully operational restaurant designed to meet KFC’s strict global specifications. The project was completed on time, and the restaurant opened its doors in November 2024. Key Achievements Franchise Standards: Meeting KFC’s global requirements, we ensured every detail—from kitchen equipment to interior finishes—aligned with their brand identity. Efficient Design: The layout was optimised for high-volume service, durability, and operational efficiency. Local Impact: The project created 50 new jobs, contributing to the economic growth of the Darwin community. Why M+J Builders? We specialise in delivering complex commercial projects. Whether it’s a national brand or a bespoke development, we bring the same level of dedication to every build.
Cullen Bay has always been a favourite spot for locals and visitors, offering a laid-back, tropical waterside lifestyle just moments from Darwin’s CBD. Recently, the precinct has undergone a revitalisation aimed at strengthening the connection between the beachfront and marina, while enhancing the area’s appeal with new greening and cooling initiatives. Role in the Revitalisation As part of the Cullen Bay revitalisation project, M+J Builders played a key role in transforming the precinct into a more vibrant, accessible space: Shade Structures: We installed three new shade structures around the marina, providing much-needed relief from the harsh tropical sun and creating spaces for visitors to relax in comfort. Seating & Gathering Spaces: Our team worked on installing informal seating areas, paving, and concrete works, plus arbours over shops to create inviting spots for social interaction and relaxation. Artistic Lighting: To bring the precinct to life at night, we added lighting that creates stunning art effects, making the space a lively destination after dark. Accessibility Improvements: We made sure that Cullen Bay is accessible to everyone by building pathways for disabled access to the beach and gardens. Overcoming Challenges This project came with its share of challenges, including managing pedestrian traffic, navigating council property constraints, and coordinating works around busy roads and local businesses. With careful planning and execution, our team ensured the area remained accessible throughout the process, minimising disruptions to the public as the site always has high numbers of foot traffic. A Collaborative Effort The revitalisation was a joint effort led by the Northern Territory Government and Cullen Bay Marina Management Corporation, with funding and oversight focused on creating cooler, more attractive spaces that would draw both locals and tourists. The goal was to improve liveability and bring more visitors to this prime location in Darwin. Experience the New Cullen Bay Cullen Bay now features a refreshed streetscape with shade trees, lawns, and tropical plants, making it a much cooler and inviting place. The improvements not only enhance the look and feel of the area but also support local businesses by encouraging more foot traffic. We invite you to visit Cullen Bay and see the transformations for yourself. Whether you’re relaxing by the water, dining at one of the local cafes, or soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, Cullen Bay offers something for everyone. At M+J Builders, we’re proud to have contributed to this exciting project and helped make Cullen Bay an even more special place. 
Sustainability has become a cornerstone of modern construction, serving as a vital component in building structures in harmony with our environment. As a Darwin based construction company, where our tropical climate presents unique challenges, sustainable building practices are a core part of how we deliver projects that stand the test of time. Designing for the tropics Building in Darwin’s tropical climate means more than just making durable structures. It’s about designing buildings that are adaptable to the intense heat, humidity, and heavy rainfall. Sustainable designs incorporate features that mitigate the environmental impact while keeping operational costs down for residents and businesses. Passive cooling solutions: One of the key elements of sustainable construction in the tropics is minimising energy consumption through natural cooling techniques. Large overhangs, ventilated roofs, and shaded windows help reduce the need for artificial cooling. In Darwin, well-designed ventilation allows buildings to harness the breezes while minimising the use of air conditioning, reducing energy costs. Sustainable materials Using locally sourced and environmentally friendly materials is crucial in tropical environments. It not only reduces transportation emissions but also ensures the building materials are suitable for local conditions. These materials can include: Treated timber from renewable sources, which is both durable and effective in the wet-dry tropical cycle. For example, we’ve used Gumatj timber on various projects, from a local NT owned mill. Recycled materials like steel or concrete can lower the carbon footprint of the construction process while maintaining structural integrity. Bamboo as a fast-growing and strong alternative to traditional hardwoods, we use bamboo for decorative finishings. Cool roofing materials, such as reflective tiles or metal roofing, which deflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption, helping to lower indoor temperatures in tropical areas. Energy efficiency in construction Energy efficiency is a pillar of sustainable building. Implementing solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and smart building systems can significantly reduce the overall energy consumption of a structure. In Darwin, where sunlight is abundant, solar energy is a natural choice. Projects that embrace solar solutions help reduce the reliance on non-renewable energy, making buildings more resilient to both environmental and economic challenges. Water management Given the heavy rainfall in Darwin’s wet season, effective water management systems are crucial. Sustainable buildings feature rainwater harvesting systems and permeable paving to manage stormwater runoff, preventing floods while providing an alternative water source during the dry season. Building for longevity A sustainable building is one that lasts. Durability is key when facing Darwin’s harsh weather conditions, from tropical cyclones to extreme humidity. At M+J Builders, we focus on using high-quality materials and construction methods that ensure our projects withstand the challenges of a tropical climate while requiring minimal maintenance. Case study: Somerville Palmerston and Katherine M+J Builders constructed 7 houses for high dependency occupants in Palmerston and Katherine. Here’s some key features that made this project energy efficient and sustainable. Energy efficiency: These homes were rated 7.4 in energy efficiency. Features included: High venting ceiling with high level louvre windows to allow ventilation Venting roofs Shading wall classing of masonry over windows around the property Breeze corridor with louvres throughout hallways Breeze corridor with both homes opening onto deck Natural light into the centre of the building Solar/PV panels with 2 hour battery backup power for vulnerable tenants to use in an emergency Water efficiency: We upgraded showers, taps and appliances to maximise water efficiency throughout the homes which transferred water usage from approximately 25L a minute to 4.5L a minute for each fixture. Resource efficiency: Locally sourced Gumatj timber though an Indigenous supplier in the NT Maintained a waste register throughout the build which documented the split between recycled materials and waste materials Donated off-cuts of timber, steel and iron to HPA - Helping People Achieve, a disability service.
