On the first day of Homelessness Week 2025, double-storey modular units for the first modular construction response to crisis accommodation in metropolitan Sydney arrived on site.
Eight modular units were lifted by crane into the backyard at Biyani House, an existing Women’s Community Shelters crisis shelter in Southwest Sydney, having arrived on truck from SHAPE’s Victorian modular manufacturing facility.
To mark this key project milestone, the installation was attended by the New South Wales Minister for Women and Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison, Mayor of Canterbury Bankstown Bilel Al-Hayek, Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson, and Member for Prospect Dr Hugh McDermott.
This double-storey modular housing project is funded by a $2.4 million NSW Government Core and Cluster funding and will create four one-bedroom homes to provide support for four women and their children escaping violence.
Ryan Brown, Strategic Director – Modular at SHAPE Australia, said modular construction enables faster delivery and is less disruptive than traditional building solutions.
“Modular construction will enable SHAPE to deliver this vital project in half the time of traditional methods, fast-tracking urgently needed safe havens for women and children and allowing Biyani House’s current services to remain operational for longer,” he said.
The units will be ready for occupancy in six to eight weeks, expanding Biyani House’s capacity to house six women and their children in safe, self-contained accommodation. SHAPE will also conduct a refurbishment of the two existing units at Biyani House.
Peter Marix-Evans, CEO at SHAPE Australia, said: “This crisis accommodation centre is a great example of how modular solutions can respond quickly to urgent community needs. Congratulations to our teams across Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales who collaborated on this critical project.”
The project was delivered through a collaboration between SHAPE and key industry and community partners. Das Studio provided architectural design, focused on creating warm, dignified spaces that feel like home. DT Infrastructure provided pro bono project management, while landowners Revesby Workers Club made their property available for this innovative community solution.
Ryan believes this innovative and efficient solution can help address the dual housing and homelessness crisis in New South Wales.
“We are proud that this first-of-its-kind project in Sydney paves the way for innovative, scalable modular solutions that have the potential to transform crisis accommodation and help address the growing demand for social and affordable housing across New South Wales,” he said.
