Construction of our homes is thru conventional methods at present but we are working toward methods of partial factory construction.

Pre-Fab the next time you hear that think "Pretty Fabulous".
Lets explain some common misconceptions about this style of construction.

Prefabrication refers to any components manufactured off site before the building project is completed on site. We are all aware that prenail frames and trusses are manufactured off site along with kitchen cupboards. This has been done for years. But did you know 80% of the homes in Sweden are prefabricated in a factory, flatpacked and transported to site where they are assembled by large cranes and completed over a 10 to 20 day period, turnkey ready to move into. We are essentially following this flatpack system by building timber framed floor and wall panels in the factory almost fully finished. Each panel is built to detailed drawings including interior and exterior cladding, insulation, windows, doors, power outlets and light switches where required. These panels are then craned into position upon delivery to site and securely fastened at wall junctions, floor and ceiling points creating a strong, true building exceeding all code requirements. This method of construction enables us to supervise completely all facets of the building process and maintain the high quality finish we desire.

Prefabrication is not new to Australia. The five star Versace hotel on the Gold Coast was constructed using prefabricated bathrooms from a New Zealand manufacturer, fully finished in a factory with all the marble and expensive fittings. They were then installed as required between suspended concrete floors with only the wiring and plumbing connections completed on site saving on time but most importantly maintaining the quality of finish expected by the project managers. This is why we endeavour to complete our bathroom and ensuite modules in the factory, maximising the quality of workmanship whilst minimising delays and waste materials.

These are not kit homes for the DIY market, our building components are not mass produced but manufactured on a site specific basis. Each home has specification and contract documents, is overseen on site by a licensed builder from start to finish and includes all the structural warranties and defects liability periods applicable to conventional construction. This process is also different from transportable homes which are completely assembled off site and the entire dwelling is then trucked to site, which of course limits the size and scope of buildings capable of travelling down the roads available.



In our experience, a carefully designed combination of lightweight and heavyweight building systems can enhance the homes appearance and livability but can also have long term economic and environmental benefits for the home owner.

Heavyweight construction:

 

• Generally has higher embodied energy.
• Improves thermal comfort and reduces operational (heating and cooling) energy use, when used in conjunction with passive design and good insulation.
• Is most appropriate in climates with high diurnal (day-night) temperature ranges and significant heating and cooling requirements.
• Requires more substantial footing systems and causes greater site impact and disturbance.
• Should be avoided on remote sites where there is a high transport component and therefore costs.
• Is often quarried or processed with high impact.

Lightweight construction:

 

• Generally has lower embodied energy.
• Can yield lower total life cycle energy use, particularly where the diurnal range is low.
• Responds rapidly to temperature changes and can provide significant benefits in warmer climates by cooling rapidly at night.
• Is preferred on remote sites with high materials transportation component.
• Usually requires more heating and cooling energy in cold to warm climates (where solar access is achievable) when compared to heavyweight construction with similar levels of insulation and passive design.
• Can have low production impact (eg sustainably sourced timber) or high impact (unsustainably sourced timber or metal frame).

Optam Building Group homes will be constructed on each site by licensed builders carefully selected and approved by their ability to perform professionally from start to finish ensuring every home is completed to the highest standard of quality.


Royce Beale Builder BSA 48997


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