A moment that reflects what is possible when community, government and industry come together to create safer futures for women and children.
On 24th November 2025, the eve of ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women’, SHAPE Australia proudly celebrated the opening of the first modular solution to crisis accommodation in metropolitan Sydney, at ‘Biyani House’ in Revesby, alongside Women’s Community Shelters (WCS), community leaders, project partners, and supporters.
This milestone project was designed and built specifically to support women and children fleeing domestic and family violence and was made possible by a $2.4 million NSW Government Core and Cluster funding program.
Over the past year, the demand for crisis accommodation has surged, with Women’s Community Shelters reporting a 20% increase in women seeking support. Thanks to SHAPE’s modular solution, these homes were delivered significantly faster than traditional building methods, meaning Biyani house can now service even more women and children seeking safe refuge.
SHAPE constructed and prefabricated the eight modular units, which form four one-bedroom homes, at it’s modular manufacturing facility in Kinglake, Victoria over a 10-week period. They were then transported by road and lifted by crane onto the property of ‘Biyani House,’ an existing crisis shelter in Southwest Sydney, in August 2025. After just 16 weeks of building works onsite, the units are now ‘move in ready’.
A modular solution was appropriate for this project as not only is it scalable and fast to build and mobilise it is environmentally sustainable and high quality, making it a smart, efficient solution to help address the dual housing and homelessness crisis.
The opening was attended by the New South Wales Minister for Women, Seniors, and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, The Hon Jodie Harrison, Mayor of Canterbury Bankstown Bilel Al-Hayek, Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson and included a tour of the modular homes as well as a traditional Smoking Ceremony to bless the site and welcome guests.
Working together from concept to completion, Das Studio created the architectural design, focused on creating warm, dignified spaces that feel like home. DT Infrastructure offered pro bono project management, while landowners Revesby Workers Club generously made their property available for this innovative community solution.
Peter Marix‑Evans, SHAPE Australia CEO, reflected at the opening: “SHAPE was able to deliver this vital project in half the time of traditional building methods, fast-tracking urgently needed safe havens for women and children and allowing Biyani House’s life changing services to remain operational for longer.
“We’re proud to have been part of Sydney’s first modular crisis accommodation project, which paves the way for innovative modular solutions that have the potential to play a big role in meeting the growing demand for social and affordable housing across New South Wales.”
To create a homely atmosphere, Temple & Webster provided beautiful furniture and homewares, and Alinta Energy supplied new electrical appliances to boost energy efficiency and sustainability efforts. The detail in the design process, as well as high quality finishes, has resulted in a building that changes preconceived ideas of what a modular building can look like. The combined efforts ensured each unit would represent and safe and welcoming home.
Biyani House was named after the Wiradjuri word “Biyani”, meaning “light”. This name symbolises hope, safety, and a fresh start for women and children escaping domestic and family violence. With the homes now ready for occupancy, Biyani House will continue to light the way for women and children seeking safe refuge, living up to its name in every way.
To find out more about the amazing work this Women’s Community Shelter does please click here: Women’s Community Shelters
