Prefab 21

The design developed during a process that included research into historical and contemporary approaches into prefabrication and synthesizing this knowledge into a real-world design/build project. We provided a prefabricated system design that is materially innovative and satisfies the client needs. Students provided design and documentation for the prefabricated system as part of a collaborative design and construction team that emulated professional design process, interacting with builders and clients to realise the project. The functionality, form and sustainability goals that developed for the project directed the outcome of a unique exterior shape that has passive high performance at its core.

With Prefab 21 we demonstrate that this design addresses fundamental social needs in a way that is both ecologically and economically sustainable, access to beautiful and functional sustainable housing. The Prefab 21 team integrated the project goals of providing shelter and addressing  Australia`s housing affordability crisis; providing solutions for reducing the carbon footprint of future homes (during the build and lifetime of a house); the reduction of waste by the application of industry 4.0, lean manufacturing principles and prefabrication and the reduction of waste and carbon footprint via modular design for reuse and the application of recycled/recyclable materials – circular economy.

Prefab 21 explores the next generation of the design and manufacturing of houses for the 21st Century. The design tests the future of manufacturing creating through sustainable, smart and efficient advanced manufacturing. The students design demonstrated FormFlow’s unique material technology and prefabrication modular construction is ideal for social housing. Industry and University collaboration and research is an opportunity to question and test new experiments in an effective way. This project demonstrates a model for more design/build transdisciplinary projects that can transform how we teach students, embracing an experimental and experiential making culture and engaging our communities in a positive way

Samaritan House Geelong has a vision to provide crisis accommodation and work alongside their guests to transition to a better and stable future. This Independent Living Unit project, this first of its kind in our region, provides homeless men an opportunity to experience self – sufficiency via affordable rent in supported accommodation for a nominated period, with the aim of transitioning to their own independent Public or Private Housing, thus breaking the homeless cycle. The interactive process of developing this new housing type included investigation into sustainability, user experience and social/economic awareness of providing transitional housing for the homeless.