Innovative housing shells inspired by IKEA
Darwin-based Aboriginal construction company Warle Construction has created innovative housing ‘shells’, inspired by IKEA kits and manufactured using innovative Howick FRAMA™ roll-forming technology.
The $1.55 million project has been awarded a $392,000 co-investment by the Northern Territory Government through its Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF), administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC).
It is expected the project will create 20 full-time jobs and generate up to $16.4 million in revenue within the first five years of operation.
A manufacturing facility for the homes will be created, which will also be used to train and upskill staff.
Advance Manufacturing Growth Centre Territory Director, Charmaine Phillips said “Warle’s project brings together local skills and knowledge to solve a growing issue – housing affordability and durability.
“Seeing innovative manufacturing in the NT deliver affordable, high-quality housing and create jobs is a win-win-win.”
The multi-bedroom shells are easily assembled onsite and installed within days and made from light-gauge steel components, including wall frames, trusses and a cassette flooring system.
They are designed to withstand the harsh climates of the Northern Territory, including cyclones and also address housing affordability and availability for residents in remote communities and homelands.
Warle Construction Director Tilman Lowe said “Warle was founded to address a growing need to provide sustainable and cost-effective housing solutions for remote areas of the Northern Territory.
“Our housing solution will also address the key issues of overcrowding, usability and durability for remote and regional communities.
“Through co-investment from the Northern Territory Government, the assistance of AMGC and the support of our project partners we will be able to commercialise more practical and affordable homes that can be quickly constructed and deployed to improve living standards while also generating jobs and new capabilities for the Top End”, said Lowe.
Warle Construction is collaborating with Annge Consulting, Troppo Architects, Rapid Engineering, Stantec and Howick Group to deliver the new building system for the homes, as well as a manufacturing and training facility.
Warle, which takes its name from the Eastern Arrernte word for house, building or wall, is initially targeting demand for the rural and remote regions of Northern Australia.