Why modular housing is on the up

Yesterday, a cross government taskforce met for the first time to provide industry advice to the NSW government as it begins to explore modular housing.

In recent years, experts have increasingly pointed to prefabricated housing as a potential way to ease housing pressures on Australians. Entrepreneur Michael Doubinski recommended prefabricated dwellings for granny flats and home offices, while architect Mun Summ Wong suggested that machine-made homes could help mitigate the climate crisis.

Representatives from major shelter and property bodies, architects, suppliers, union representatives and social housing residents have now come together to explore how modern methods of construction (MMC), including modular housing, could help NSW deliver social homes.

The taskforce will give particular focus to regional areas, where planning regulations are reportedly already in place.

“Everyone deserves access to safe and secure shelter,” said NSW Premier Chris Minns. “With a growing population and an already extended waitlist for housing, we need to get moving.”

The state Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson, stated: “Addressing the state’s housing crisis is our top priority and we need to explore new ways to boost housing as quickly as possible.”

“I’m confident that modular housing will be a vital tool to achieve this,” Ms Jackson asserted.

Exact locations for the modular houses have not yet been finalised, though the NSW government reported that “there are several local councils who have expressed interest to be a part of this exciting project.”

Last week, the CEO of a modular construction company claimed that modular construction methods can slash home building times in half.

“Our build times are measured in weeks and months rather than years, which is of vital importance for people who are doing it tough,” said Bruce Nicholson, Fleetwood Australia chief executive.

He also claimed that factory-controlled builds offer unique opportunities to minimise waste and reduce construction delays.