Freecity reaches level 12 on Australia’s tallest VMC building

The 528-unit project at 169–171 Herring Road began module installation on 12 June. Twelve levels have since been installed in around 13 weeks, averaging close to one floor a week.

Parallel manufacturing drives construction program
The project is being delivered with Space Labs Australia, Freecity’s modular integrator and a specialist in high-rise volumetric modular construction.

Each module is manufactured and fitted out in China before being delivered to site, with internal finishes and facade elements already installed. Space Labs Australia is providing the specialist VMC integration capability supporting the delivery of the modular system at Herring Road.

Freecity Co-Founder and Joint CEO Lawrence Zheng said the installation process was continuing to be refined as the building rises.

“What is particularly exciting about this milestone is that we expect the program to become even more efficient as we progress. The team is continually refining the stacking process, logistics and coordination on site, so the experience we are gaining at Herring Road will also inform how we deliver the next generation of VMC projects.”

Unlike conventional construction, the VMC approach allows module manufacturing and fitout to proceed while site preparation, foundations and other construction work occur simultaneously.

Zheng said the project demonstrated the potential of running manufacturing and site construction in parallel.

“Australia needs to find ways to deliver housing faster and more efficiently. Herring Road is showing what can be achieved when manufacturing and construction are able to happen concurrently rather than one after another.”

Freecity Associate Director of Development Benjamin Brown said the shorter construction program was particularly relevant given pressure on Sydney’s rental market.

“With Sydney’s rental market under enormous pressure, getting 528 purpose-built student rooms into the market faster will have a real impact. Every student who can access quality accommodation close to university is one less person competing for scarce private rental stock alongside families, professionals and key workers.

“The pace we’re seeing at Herring Road shows how VMC can help bring new housing supply online sooner.”

Located about 100 metres from Macquarie University, Macquarie Park Metro Station and Macquarie Centre, the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating and has achieved WELL for Residential precertification.

Herring Road is the first of three Freecity PBSA projects progressing in Sydney. Construction has also started on an eight-storey, 117-unit development at Frederick Street, Rockdale, while its Forest Lodge development is expected to commence shortly. Together, those projects are planned to add another 235 units.

Freecity is also designing a proposed 60-plus-storey Build-to-Rent VMC tower in Parramatta and three residential VMC towers at Rouse Hill comprising a further 548 rental homes.

The company says its wider development pipeline exceeds 6,000 units across Sydney.

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