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Industry hub partners with modular housing manufacturer to expand local manufacturing capabilities
Moov Modular, situated in Gosford, is collaborating with industry partners through the AMGC’s (Australian Manufacturing Growth Centre) Prefabrication Hub initiative to further develop modular housing building processes and systems. The government/industry collaboration aims to address various aspects of modular construction, including the development of modular volumetric structures, bathroom pods, modular homes, and smart housing projects. (main pic: Moov Modular completed townhouse development in Booker Bay, New South Wales.)
Aside from delivering completed volumetric buildings to site, Moov Modular building processes offer further advantages over traditional onsite construction. These include improved thermal, acoustic, and fire safety ratings, along with significant reductions in waste and build times.
Dr Jens Goennemann, the managing director at Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), emphasises the potential of modular and prefabricated dwellings to tackle housing availability and energy efficiency challenges in Australia. Dr Goennemann believes that by embracing innovative housing construction methods, the industry can provide safe, high-quality, sustainable, and efficient buildings to meet ambitious Federal and State housing initiatives.
Additionally, Dr Goennemann highlights the potential for job creation throughout the manufacturing value chain, encompassing research and development (R&D), design, logistics, production, distribution, sales, and services.
Mike Grogan, the AMGC Director for Victoria and leader of the Prefabrication Feasibility Study, points out that prefabricated and modular buildings currently constitute only around five percent of housing builds in Australia, in contrast to other nations where the figure reaches over 80 percent. Grogan suggests that greater adoption of prefabrication could lead to an additional 20,000 new jobs and contribute over $20 billion to the economy in the long term.
Nick O’Neill, the managing director at Moov Modular, joined AMGC to collaborate with industry partners through the Prefabrication Hub program. He recognises significant opportunities for offsite constructed and modular building in Australia, emphasising that offsite construction is a form of advanced manufacturing. O’Neill highlights the wealth of intellectual property involved in the construction of modular structures, including connections, panel fitting, insulation, and coordination of multiple trades during both factory production and on-site assembly.
According to company sources, Moov Modular delivered projects ranging in size from four to five townhouse projects through to larger scale seniors living and co-living projects.
Moov Modular is also actively engaging with industry partners, developers, and charities to deliver its modular offering, with a focus on providing housing solutions that cater to diverse needs. The company also sees potential in partnering with larger investors to contribute to addressing the housing crisis.
