Strathnairn Charity House

The house built, designed and sold by women for charities that support women.

What is the Strathnairn Charity House project?

The Strathnairn Charity House project provided a significant boost to a range of local community organisations in West Belconnen while providing a platform to promote the growing participation of women in the construction sector.

The Strathnairn Charity House was sold at a very rainy auction on 25 March 2023 for an incredible $1.596 million. This figure means that Hands Across Canberra will receive $509,000 for distribution to three local charities.

The project saw Master Builders ACT and the Ginninderry Joint Venture collaborate on the design and construction of a premium home in the fast-growing suburb of Strathnairn.
MBA members, led by Kane Constructions, donated (or provided low-cost) materials and labour for the construction of the house.

The Strathnairn charity house project had a specific focus on facilitating opportunities for women in construction and was designed and built by women for women.

Photo credit: Kiernan May

Why is this house important for the Canberra community?

From a design and construction point of view, the project will be led by a female architect and builder. Every trade used has had at least one female apprentice and participants on Ginninderry’s SPARK Women in Trades program have used the project as a live training site.

From the proceeds of the sale of the charity house, $509,000 will be distributed between four local charities:

Hands Across Canberra – providing a cost effective, flexible and financially secure vehicle to contribute to local charities
Pegasus Riding for the Disabled – teaching children with disability about horse riding, horse handling, safety around the farm and all aspects of horse care
Karinya House – providing safety, shelter and a positive support network for women who are pregnant or parenting
Canberra City Care – providing practical help for people experiencing financial hardship (e.g., food and clothing).

The sod has officially been turned on the Charity House

Project Milestones

Build Like a Girl joined the project
CK Architecture and Light House Architecture & Science deliver rendered images of their finished design
Axis Plumbing completed the drainage works onsite
The sod is turned on the Charity House
Boral completed the onsite pour of concrete for the foundation
The structural steel was erected
Roofing, guttering and flashing was completed by Delnas Metal Roofing
Construction was completed by the fantastic team led by Jo Farrell from Kane Constructions
Landscaping was completed by Gold Creek Landscaping Services
The MBA Allstars and ACT Meteors raised over $23,000 at the The Strathnairn Charity House Cricket Fundraiser; all funds raised were donated to Hands Across Canberra
The Strathnairn Charity House is officially opened
Zango managed the 1.5 hour auction and the house was sold for $1, 596, 000
Hands Across Canberra receives $509,000 to distribute to local charities: Canberra City Care, Pegasus RDA and Karinya House