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Higher productivity is at the top of the national agenda — and for good reason. It’s the key to improving living standards and strengthening Australia’s economic resilience.
In the lead up to the Federal Government’s Economic Reform Roundtable in August 2025, I was privileged to participate in two preliminary roundtables: the Construction Productivity Roundtable and the Housing Productivity and Innovation Roundtable. Both were an opportunity to share some truths about Australia’s building industry with key government decision makers: - Building hasn’t changed much in 100 years.
- Construction costs have risen 65% in a decade.
- Productivity has fallen by half.
- Yet the Australian building industry doesn’t have a new ideas problem – we have an implementation problem.
That’s why Building 4.0 CRC’s focus is on demonstrating what’s possible.
The Homes NSW MMC Program Showcase brought this to life. The two-bedroom Demonstrator Apartment launched in collaboration with Homes NSW proves that modern methods of construction can deliver quality homes faster, safer and at lower cost AND create new jobs and local supply chains. Flipping traditional building – with 80% manufactured offsite / 20% assembled onsite – the Demonstrator applies a standardised and repeatable approach to housing construction.
The Launch, Open Day and workshops attracted over 800 attendees from government, industry, research and the community. We were particularly pleased to welcome Hon. Rose Jackson MLC (NSW Minister for Housing), Hon. Daniel Mookhey MLC (NSW Treasurer), Hon. Clare O’Neil MP (Federal Minister for Housing) and Hon. Andrew Charlton MP (Federal Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy).
The CRC’s other research projects are also demonstrating what’s possible: - Two new projects are investigating how to apply circular economy principles to building.
- Four new reports outline new ways we can improve building industry productivity – testing new materials for windows, using the whole tree, testing tools to automate building design, capturing the benefits of digital twins.
- Mark Farmer, Founder of Cast Consultancy, shares lessons about MMC in the UK in a new episode of the Future Building Podcast.
- We’ve welcomed new partners, expanding our network of collaborators and influencers.
You can read about these activities and more below, as we continue our mission to instill a growth mindset in Australia’s building industry. If you have questions or are interested in working with us, don't hesitate to contact us.
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Prof. Mathew Aitchison CEO, Building 4.0 CRC | | | |
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HOMES NSW MMC PROGRAM SHOWCASE | |
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The CRC and Project #95 partner Homes NSW launched the Demonstrator in September. This 2-bedroom apartment showcases how MMC can provide high-quality, scalable and sustainable housing more quickly and cost-effectively, with a strong focus on social and affordable housing.
The launch (5 September) attracted ~210 visitors, including special guests Hon. Dr Andrew Charlton MP (Federal Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy), Hon. Rose Jackson MLC (NSW Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, minister for Mental Health, Minister for Youth, Minister for Water), Michael Wheatley (Homes NSW) and Yvonne Weldon AM.
Accompanying the Demonstrator, a Supplier Hall showcased innovative building and construction businesses.
The Demonstrator and Supplier Hall were open to the general public Friday 19 September. This event attracted around 400 visitors. Before the event opened, Hon. Clare O’Neil (Federal Minister for Housing) toured the site. Min. Jackson and Hon. Daniel Mookhey MLC (NSW Treasurer) also attended the Open Day. | |
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Due to popular demand, we are opening the Demonstrator for a final walk-through, giving interested parties an opportunity to see it before it is dismantled. | | | |
Event Details Date: Wednesday, 29 October 2025
Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Location: Mascot, NSW (secure location details provided upon confirmation)
RSVP: ASAP. Early confirmation is appreciated as attendee numbers are limited. | |
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MELBOURNE BUILD EXPO 2025 | |
Building 4.0 CRC is pleased to be a partner at Melbourne Build Expo 2025, Victoria's largest construction and design show.
Prof. Tuan Ngo and A/Prof. Duncan Maxwell are among the speakers at this year's event, which also features 175+ Exhibitors, 10,000+ Registered Attendees, Networking Parties, Government Hubs and much more. | | | |
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Ep 22. MMC in the UK: A decade of learning Mark Farmer, Founder of Cast Consultancy, speaks with Prof. Mathew Aitchison on what he's learned about applying Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in the UK. | | | |
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The launch of 2 new projects brings the number of active projects to 26: | |
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Partners are A.G. Coombs and Monash University. | |
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Partners are Airmaster, Arup, Green Building Council of Australia and the University of Melbourne. | |
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Computational design – integrating and applying software tools to automate building design – can support modular building by facilitating design changes early.
Project #4 tested several modelling tools to assess their potential and capabilities for automating modular design and construction. | | Low-grade timber has untapped potential – it can be used in structural applications like trusses, framing and stress-laminated timber.
Find out how we can better utilise the entire tree to support a more sustainable, efficient and innovative construction industry.
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Double glazed windows significantly reduce heat loss, yet account for only 10% of window installation, in part due to their high cost.
Project #26 explored the use of polymers as lower-cost alternatives to traditional glass.
| | Digital twins can help make buildings more sustainable, efficient and resilient, but their widespread adoption poses several challenges.
Lighthouse Project #1 proposed a digital twin design and development framework to help capture benefits and address challenges. | | | |
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Established in Melbourne in 1988, Airmaster combines HVAC&R, building automation, electrical and fire systems to create smart buildings that comply with regulations and optimise energy and resource efficiency.
They strive to create buildings that are comfortable, functional and tailored to support clients' needs. | | | |
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Arup adopts a holistic approach to all projects. Sustainability drives all designs as they seek to minimise environmental impacts, maximise economic and social benefits, and embed efficient consumption of natural resources.
Their desire to shape a better world is fundamental to everything they do. | | | |
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Building 4.0 CRC Executive Members have presented at a range of conferences and events. See below for some examples. | |
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Unpacking Modern Methods of Construction: Fast-tracked and factory-made, 20 August 2025 | |
Prof. Mathew Aitchison joined Clinton Ostwald (Urbis), Caryn Kakas (ANZ), Sarah Kay (Woods Bagot) and Leah Singer (Entwine) to explore how modern methods of construction can improve productivity. | | | |
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Factory to Future: Accelerating Australia's MMC transformation, 28–29 August 2025
Two of the CRC's leading researchers contributed to the PrefabAUS Offsite25 conference. | |
Prof. Tuan Ngo facilitated Workshop 2: How to embrace AI and digital technologies for modular construction to improve productivity and sustainability.
Adjunct Professor Daryl Patterson presented A new kit-of-parts approach to Australia's housing crisis – System 600. | | | |
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Constructonomics, 17 September 2025 | |
Prof. Chris Knapp joined Bill Lewis (Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works) and Andrew Chapman (Queensland Major Contractors Association) at the Property Council of Australia's inaugural 'Constructonomics' event, to discuss the cost pressures that loom over the industry and chart a practical path forward. | | | |
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Become a partner We are looking for forward-thinking project partners to help shape the future of the building industry. As a partner you'll: - Contribute to cutting-edge research and innovative solutions that will position your organisation as a leader in the field
- Get involved in ground-breaking projects, driving real-world change
- Collaborate with leading Australian universities and industry experts.
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You are receiving this email as you are on the Building 4.0 CRC mailing list. If you have any questions about this event, please contact info@building40crc.org | |
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