Defence Housing Australia (DHA) has trialled climate conscious modular homes for Defence members posted to a remote Far North Queensland (FNQ) defence base.
The properties were prefabricated on the Sunshine Coast by Queensland company Oly Homes, and have this month reached set up completion at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Scherger on the Cape York Peninsula’s west.
The three-bedroom properties were separated into sections across nine semi-trailers and transported 2,350 kilometres over 5 days on the Bruce Highway and Peninsula Developmental Road to reach RAAF Base Scherger.
This is the first time DHA has trialled the modular application for Defence housing in Queensland, with the properties to provide the same modern and comfortable accommodation that members would expect from site-built traditional construction.
The approach has supported a new way of delivering housing to a remote and often weather‑impacted location, with the prefabrication reducing material, transportation costs and delays from weather disruptions. DHA’s Managing Director Andrew Jaggers said the process has also improved delivery time.
“Prefabrication of the modulars in a controlled environment has enabled DHA to improve build time certainty and on-site installation efficiency when delivering the properties on behalf of the Department of Defence.”
The three Colourbond-finished properties were customised from Oly Homes’ designs, with Oly Homes Managing Director Dale Funston saying the builds considered the FNQ climate and tropical weather events.
“This project demonstrates what’s possible when innovation, collaboration and practical delivery come together. Working with Defence Housing Australia, we’ve been able to design and deliver high-quality homes that respond to the unique challenges of remote Far North Queensland, without compromising on comfort or durability.”
With Defence and member input, design measures included raising the properties and the hot water systems and air conditioning units to mitigate potential flooding impacts, selecting specific air conditioning units to extract moisture, and applying non-timber durable decking and high-sheen, mould-resistant paint.
Use of a modular application has enabled DHA to meet Defence families’ dwelling preferences of modern and climate-appropriate housing, while ensuring remote bases receive the same quality dwellings as metropolitan locations.
“Modular gives us a smarter, more adaptable way to deliver homes to remote bases, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see these come together so well in a challenging location,” Mr Funston said.
With on-site set up, including construction of detached garages, connections, fencing and landscaping now complete, the properties are ready for members posted to RAAF Scherger to select.
“Members will move into the brand-new properties in the coming weeks, and we’re looking forward to hearing feedback on how they find the modular lifestyle,” Mr Jaggers said.
The trial reflects DHA’s focus on Environmental, Social and Governance considerations through improving environmental performance and delivering innovative housing solutions for the portfolio.
DHA will continue to explore innovative solutions to deliver suitable, high-quality housing for Defence members and their families across the nation.
