Modular by SHAPE delivers new housing at Biyani House for Women’s Community Shelters

A double-storey modular housing project has been installed at Biyani House in Revesby, Southwest Sydney, expanding crisis accommodation for women and children escaping violence. Delivered by Modular by SHAPE, the project was officially launched during Homelessness Week 2025 under the theme Action Now. (main image: Modular by SHAPE delivers new housing at Biyani House. Supplied.)

The expansion includes eight prebuilt modular units—four studio dwellings, a two-bedroom unit within a refurbished house, and a central support hub. Designed to be fast to deliver and easy to mobilise, the project was funded through the NSW Government’s Core and Cluster program, with Women’s Community Shelters overseeing delivery and ongoing management.

“Yesterday was a significant day in South West Sydney—for the local community, for SHAPE, and most importantly, for the women and children impacted by domestic violence,” said Cameron Aitken, Group Manager – Modular by SHAPE.

“We proudly installed a double-storey modular housing project in the backyard of an existing women’s refuge. Modular construction proves its worth in moments like this—fast, efficient, and with minimal disruption to existing services. A huge effort by the team. We are all very proud to be involved and excited to keep supporting meaningful work in the social and community housing space.”

The project is among the first Core and Cluster refuges in metropolitan Sydney to be delivered using modular construction, enabling faster delivery than traditional building methods. The units will be ready for occupancy in six to eight weeks, expanding Biyani House’s capacity to house six women and their children in safe, self-contained accommodation.

NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said modular delivery is a critical tool in addressing the dual crises of domestic violence and homelessness. “The NSW Government supports innovative solutions to build more homes faster for people who need them the most,” she said.

Women’s Community Shelters CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM said the demand for safe accommodation is outpacing available beds. “These modular units are time-efficient to build, mobilise and make into homes. The need is urgent, and this is a smart, immediate response,” she said.

The project was delivered through a collaboration between key industry and community partners. Modular by SHAPE prefabricated the units offsite and managed their delivery and installation. DAS Studio provided architectural design, focused on creating warm, dignified spaces. DT Infrastructure managed construction delivery pro bono, while landowners Revesby Workers Club supported the shelter by providing access to the site.

“Modular construction will enable SHAPE to deliver this vital project in half the time of traditional methods,” said Ryan Brown, Strategic Director at SHAPE Australia. “We are proud that this first-of-its-kind project paves the way for scalable modular solutions that can help meet rising demand for social and affordable housing across New South Wales.”

Funded by a $2.4 million allocation from the NSW Government’s Core and Cluster program, the Biyani House project stands as a practical demonstration of how modular construction can expand the reach of Women’s Community Shelters and provide a faster pathway to safety for women and children in crisis.

See: Women’s Community Shelters

See: Modular by SHAPE