EcoLiv enters liquidation leaving modular homes unfinished and creditors owed $1.6 million

Victorian modular home builder EcoLiv Buildings Pty Ltd has entered liquidation, leaving at least seven modular homes unfinished and creditors owed more than $1.6 million.

The Bass Coast-based company was placed into liquidation following a general meeting of members on 22 June, with Andrew Schwarz and Benjamin Conrad of AS Advisory appointed as joint liquidators the following day.

According to an initial circular issued to creditors, the company ceased trading immediately upon the appointment of the liquidators after it was determined there were insufficient funds to continue operating. All employees were terminated, with eligible staff directed to the Federal Government’s Fair Entitlements Guarantee scheme.

The liquidators confirmed that seven modular homes were under construction at EcoLiv’s manufacturing facility at The Gurdies when operations ceased. The homes remain at various stages of completion, creating uncertainty for homeowners awaiting delivery and completion of their projects.

Government backed expansion preceded collapse
AS Advisory has advised trades and suppliers to cease all work and cancel outstanding orders. Creditors have until 14 July to lodge proof of debt, while the liquidators are seeking expressions of interest from builders that may be willing to complete existing residential building contracts.

Founded in 2010, EcoLiv established a national presence as a manufacturer of energy-efficient modular homes, supplying projects across Victoria and interstate. The company promoted sustainable building practices and low-carbon housing, receiving industry recognition for its residential designs and operating a manufacturing facility in The Gurdies.

The collapse comes less than four years after EcoLiv secured $1.58 million through the Victorian Government’s Regional Jobs Fund to expand its manufacturing operations. 

Announced in 2022, the funding was intended to increase production capacity, create 14 regional jobs and develop an off-grid demonstration home showcasing the company’s sustainable housing systems. At the time, the expansion was expected to double EcoLiv’s manufacturing output and strengthen regional modular construction capability.

The liquidation represents the latest insolvency affecting Australia’s residential construction sector, where rising costs, constrained margins and reduced housing activity have placed pressure on many builders in recent years. While modular construction continues to attract government support as a means of improving housing productivity, the sector has experienced the same commercial pressures affecting the broader building industry.

Built Offsite has sought comment from AS Advisory regarding the liquidation process and the status of existing customer contracts.