Modular housing milestones for Perth projects
Tuesday, 22 July 2014
Homes completed in less than three months
Major cost and building waste savings, with indigenous employment spinoffs
A pioneering demonstration of modular housing planned for the northern suburbs’ Banksia Grove estate will deliver 20 affordable modular homes in the next stage of the development.
Launching the modular home concept in Alkimos today, Housing Minister Bill Marmion said a joint venture between the Department of Housing, BGC Modular Pty Ltd and Banksia Grove Estate was the key to determining buyer interest in the modular construction market.
“The potential for modular housing is exciting and the Government is looking to extend this innovative construction method in Western Australia,” he said.
“Modular construction can help address the need for affordable housing in Perth by offering cost-saving, high-quality homes, with substantially decreased construction time.”
The modular construction technique is expected to deliver savings of at least 10 per cent on building costs and can cut construction time by as much as 50 per cent.
The Alkimos homes and those planned for Banksia Grove will be built in BGC’s modular factory in Canning Vale.
“It is also pleasing to hear BGC has formed a partnership with Burnna Yurrul Aboriginal Corporation and Peedac to provide a program where young, at-risk people receive employment and training during the fabrication process,” Mr Marmion said.
So far, 20 people have been assisted by the program, with three young apprentices meeting the Minister at the Alkimos site today.
Mr Marmion said the modular project dovetailed perfectly with the Liberal National Government’s ‘Affordable Housing Strategy 2010-2020: Opening Doors to Affordable Housing’.
The strategy has already passed the halfway mark towards its target of 20,000 affordable housing opportunities. At June 30, 2014, more than 15,400 new affordable housing opportunities had been created.
Fact File
BGC has provided a streetscape of 10 narrow lot (7.5 metre) homes in Alkimos’ Shorehaven Coastal precinct
Homes were constructed in their modular factory in 10 weeks then delivered to site and completed in 10 days
Modular apartments are suitable for urban in-fill in high-density areas and architects can design them to blend with surrounding accommodation
Minister’s office - 6552 6800