Modular construction has been gaining attention as a way to build homes more quickly and efficiently. Architect Tone Wheeler emphasized the importance of creating “skinny” modules that can be easily transported on trucks. Despite the potential benefits of modular construction in terms of speed and sustainability, it has often been associated with temporary and unattractive structures such as school demountables. However, a modular home in Belongil Beach, designed by architect Burnett, aims to challenge this perception by providing a flexible and functional space that meets local council regulations for demountable buildings in coastal erosion zones.
The Belongil Beach modular home features entertaining areas and a main bedroom upstairs, while additional bedrooms, living space, and a bathroom are located on the ground floor with separate outdoor access. This layout allows young adults and their friends to come and go without disturbing the parents upstairs. In the event of a coastal emergency, such as severe erosion at nearby Belongil Beach, the modular home is designed to be quickly disassembled and transported via trucks, offering homeowners a practical solution for relocation within a short time frame.
Modular construction offers significant advantages over traditional building methods, including faster construction times, higher quality finishes, reduced waste, and greater cost control. Architect Burnett noted that construction in a factory setting is twice as fast as on-site building, with added certainty over costs from the initial design stage. Despite the challenges faced by the construction industry, such as weather delays in Sydney, modular construction presents a more efficient and reliable alternative for building new homes.
The Blok Modular team, in collaboration with Vokes and Peters, received the 2023 Houses magazine national award for best new house under 200m² for their Stafford Heights modular home. This project showcased innovative design solutions that resulted in a low-cost, high-quality home, demonstrating the potential of modular construction to address housing affordability issues. The success of this project highlights the growing interest in modular homes and their ability to deliver efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective housing solutions.
Federal minister for science Ed Husic has also recognized the potential of modular construction to address the ongoing housing crisis by increasing the supply of homes. Despite its benefits, modular construction continues to face challenges in gaining acceptance from the public, who often associate it with unattractive and temporary structures. Architect Tone Wheeler emphasized the importance of redefining the perception of modular homes through innovative design and high-quality finishes, as demonstrated in projects like the Belongil Beach modular home.
As a lay juror on the NSW Architecture awards for new houses, Julie Power will be involved in selecting the winners to be announced in late June. The recognition of modular homes at national and state awards reflects a growing interest in this construction method and its potential to transform the housing industry. By showcasing the success of projects like the Belongil Beach modular home and Stafford Heights modular home, architects and builders aim to demonstrate the value of modular construction in delivering efficient, sustainable, and affordable housing solutions for communities in need.
