Modular wall system from XFrame chosen for 650 CBA branches nationwide

Wellington-born modular construction firm XFrame has secured another significant foothold in Australia with a large-scale contract for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA). The deal will see the company deliver CBA’s prefabricated modular ATM chassis used in around 650 branches nationally over an 18 month period. (main image: XFrame modular wall system under assembly, demonstrating reusable timber framing and panel integration.)

Founded in 2017 by architect Ged Finch while studying at Victoria University of Wellington, XFrame was established to reduce construction waste and support a transition towards circular building practices. The system uses interlocking plywood panels that click together, enabling adjoining wall layers such as linings and claddings to be reversibly connected. The approach is designed to eliminate end-of-life waste, cut embodied carbon, and allow components to be reconfigured or reused.

From early beginnings in New Zealand, XFrame has grown to establish its headquarters in Adelaide, supplying projects across Australasia, Europe and the US.

Ged Finch (left) and Carsten Dethlefsen, XFrame.

Collaboration with CBA and Diadem
The CBA project has opened a new chapter for the business. Integrated practice Diadem, working with the bank, supplied the design for a new ATM wall chassis, which XFrame was engaged to manufacture using its automated prefabrication processes.

“Diadem and CBA came to us with a design, and our role was to refine it into a kit of parts that could be pre-manufactured and pre-assembled,” said Carsten Dethlefsen, Co-Founder and Managing Director of XFrame, in conversation with Built Offsite. “That meant the bank could refresh a wall of ATMs over a weekend rather than demolishing and rebuilding.”

XFrame’s interlocking timber system in assembly, designed for disassembly, reuse and circular construction.

He added: “It’s opening up new markets for us. We’re producing someone else’s product, but using our technology platform in a way that delivers speed, flexibility and far lower embodied carbon.”

The solution reduces disruption for CBA while also delivering measurable ESG outcomes. “Up front, we were 20 times lower in carbon compared with the light gauge steel alternatives CBA had in parallel,” said Dethlefsen. “From their ESG reporting perspective, it was a major win, and at the same time we were cost-competitive.”

Housing pilot with Homes New South Wales
Beyond banking, XFrame is being evaluated for a housing innovation programme led by Homes New South Wales. The government agency has developed prototype fit-outs that bring together multiple suppliers, with XFrame included as one of them.

“What they’re trying to do is demonstrate a different way of putting projects together,” said Dethlefsen. “We’ve been invited to be part of that programme, and the next step could be rolling it out in live housing projects.”

While XFrame originally explored the residential sector in New Zealand, Dethlefsen says the company has refined its focus. “We never stepped away from housing altogether, but we stopped competing with stick-built framing. Where we see the opportunity is in multi-storey buildings, where we can provide internal wall framing quickly and with precision.”

Prefabricated XFrame wall section, demonstrating the interlocking timber structure designed for reuse and adaptability.

Circularity and adaptive reuse
Circularity remains central to the company’s proposition. “Circularity is often misunderstood,” said Dethlefsen. “Once clients see that our system can be reconfigured rather than demolished, the value becomes clear. It’s no longer just about a one-off project — it’s about planning for the next lifecycle.”

The firm is also working with Melbourne University to apply its modular wall system to laboratories. “The idea is that labs can be reconfigured year to year as student needs change. That’s really powerful when people grasp it,” he said.

Completed office fitout using the XFrame modular wall system, combining adaptability with a high-quality interior finish.

Adaptive reuse extends into retail, with XFrame supplying Uniqlo stores. “We can install quickly and cleanly, out of hours, with full flexibility to add or subtract based on store demand,” said Dethlefsen. “Unlike imported systems, ours is locally made, ESG-aligned and reusable.”

For Dethlefsen, XFrame’s modular wall system delivers more than speed and sustainability — it challenges conventional construction models. “Retail and commercial fit-outs are our sweet spot,” he said. “But the bigger picture is about building systems that live multiple lives. That’s the essence of what we’re doing.”

See: XFrame