Indigenous company’s unique building framing system

Indigenous construction company Warle Construction is addressing housing affordability and availability through a project commercialising its innovative house framing system.

The project will establish new manufacturing capabilities and jobs in the Northern Territory while delivering affordable housing designed to withstand harsh climate conditions such as cyclones, according to a statement.

Warle’s process makes use of roll forming technology for light gauge steel in a manufacturing process inspired by flat pack furniture retailer IKEA.

Employing detailed drawings, a kit of parts, and clear labelling, Warle’s housing kits are easily and efficiently assembled onsite and installed within days.

The collaborative project is being supported through a $392,470 co-investment from the Northern Territory Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF), administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC).

The Managing Director of Warle Constructions and Annge Consulting Lewis Knibbs said: “The unique approach is set to change the field of modular construction, providing scalability, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to different environments and client requirements.

“Warle Construction and its partner organisations have identified a significant opportunity to address a multifaceted problem within the construction industry in remote and rural areas of Australia, including issues of labour and material costs, durability and environmental considerations, and logistics.”

The project involves Warle, which is 51 per cent Indigenous-owned, as well as Annge Consulting, Troppo Architects, engineering business Stantec, and software specialists Vertex Australia.

A 12-month project will lead to an estimated 20 jobs and $16.4 million in revenue within five years and consists of R&D on Warle’s manufacturing system, and design and build and implementation of a manufacturing and training facility.

Warle estimates that it can produce structural frames for a standard four-bedroom house in three to four days with a team of four – a significant competitive advantage over traditional construction methods.

Warle, which takes its name from the Eastern Arrernte word for house, building, or wall, is initially targeting demand from the rural and remote regions of Northern Australia.

The initiative is part of a five-year, $8.75 million partnership between the Northern Territory (NT) Government and AMGC to grow the NT’s manufacturing capabilities.

Picture: AMGC