Agency by Design - prefabricated housing - modular house

The Modular

The modular (also known as 'Podular') house was a concept that began out of a collaboration between the Aboriginal Housing Office, Corrective Services Industries Affordable Housing Unit and University of Technology. As with many research-creation projects the catalyst for the idea of the modular started as a student design studio at UTS. The project evolved over the years with support and collaboration of AHO and CSI.

The driving factors of the modular concept was for CSI to have a housing product that was unique in the prefabricated housing industry. AHO wanted a design that was culturally responsive to their clients way of living. CSI wanted a simple design that could be efficiently produced and offered opportunities for learning trade skills for the Aboriginal inmates that were part of the Gundi Program.

Advantages of the design

The modular house is unique in its advantages over traditional housing construction through its capacity for many configurations using standardised components. Where traditional houses offer predetermined living plans and a declining built asset, the modular has the advantage of being culturally responsive (end-user as designer), flexible in its plan, scalable over time, resilient through production quality control (+ the capacity to exchange and refurbish modules), sustainable through efficient construction and predictable recurrent cost expenditure.  

How the house fits together

Two component types enable the modular multiple configurations. The ‘straight’ module is two standard sized components that can house bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry, or entry. The ‘knuckle’ is also a standard component that houses either the living space or the kitchen and dining. The knuckle module allows the plan to be configured in multiple directions, whilst the straight modules dictate the passageway through the house.

Value propositions of the Modular

The following value propositions were established as the drivers for design:

Specific to individual client – Designed by the client

The modular house has the capability to be configured to an individual family or extended family. Scaling of a house can include enhanced amenity with the addition of living spaces and wet areas depending on requirements.

Specific to site

the smaller scale of the house components are more easily configured to site conditions over the traditional prefabricated house. It can be installed on a sloping site or site with complex ground conditions.

Scalable 

The modular house has the capability to be scaled at the design stage and after initial construction depending on the needs of the household. 

Known quality

Standardized modules will be constructed in a consistent way. 

Certainty of (timely) delivery

Modules can be batch constructed to house delivery program. 

The potential of the smaller modules will rely less on heavy lifting equipment that may not be available in more remote areas. 

Known Costs

QS will develop costs along with design development. The cost framework will be driven by the module as a single entity and applied for concept budgetary purposes to a number of house configurations.

Potential for streamlined maintenance

Maintenance can be streamlined as modules contain singular functions. Wet areas are contained within a module, as are other less maintenance intensive functions.

As each module has a specific function, it is possible that whole modules (and functions) could be replaced over time if required.

More opportunity for Indigenous people.

Standardized modules can offer more structured training in smaller groups and on specific trades.

Batch manufacturing will allow for concentrated trade programs and learning outcomes.

Modules, rather than whole houses, allow for trade groups to work on identical units at the same time.