More than 90% of us live in blocks. A solution that frames and links blocks is very powerful from both an aesthetic and networking perspective. Power distribution is organized into parallel circuits- reducing resistance. Communications networks are organized into rings- making them almost indestructible.  Rain water is kept clean and valuable. There are 162,000 established residential blocks in Australia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Cost Analysis

The primary construction unit determining capital costs is the residential block. A typical block is illustrated above.

NINA has modeled key metrics for the national average block as a basis for determining the costs of construction. We are unique in our ability to do this as we have a credible estimate of the national average block and are the designers of the solution.

 

Construction Metrics

Civil works, digging of streets trenches, laying of ducts, and installation of poles dominate the capital costs of distribution systems and are a major barrier to entry of new service deployment. Recovery of these costs is included in consumer costs. In order to create a clear picture of the economics NINA has undertaken a detailed survey of the metrics of over 300 residential blocks across the country.



The findings are that the “national average” block:

a. Is generally rectangular
b. Is mostly flat
c. Has 36 building lots
d. Contains approximately 50 residences. The residences are a combination of single dwellings, semis and blocks of flats
e. Has perimeter at the curb of approximately 800 metres
f. Bounds a surface area (within the boundary of the curb) of approximately 32 thousand square metres
g. Receives a weighted average rainfall of approximately 900mm per annum. The rainfall volume (32,000 m2 x 0.9m) is equivalent to 215% of total household consumption on the block.



Households within blocks represented 91% of the National Housing Stock in 2010. This value excludes homesteads, remote dwellings and small “hamlets”

We have estimated there are currently approximately 163 000 residential blocks in Australia. They contain some 8.2 million households. This number is forecast to rise to 191 000 by 2023. This estimate is based upon the National Housing Supply “medium growth scenario” forecast.