Innovative Territory company creates jobs while boosting remote housing
The Northern Territory is boosting jobs and creating more remote housing, by backing a Darwin-based Aboriginal construction company.
Warle Construction has created innovative housing ‘shells’, inspired by IKEA kits and manufactured using innovative Howick FRAMA™ roll-forming technology.
The $1.55 million project has been awarded a $392,000 co-investment by the Northern Territory through its Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF), administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC).
It is expected the project will create 20 full-time jobs and generate up to $16.4 million in revenue within the first five years of operation.
A manufacturing facility for the homes will be created, which will also be used to train and upskill staff.
The multi-bedroom shells are easily assembled onsite and installed within days and made from light-gauge steel components, including wall frames, trusses and a cassette flooring system.
They are designed to withstand the harsh climates of the Northern Territory, including cyclones and also address housing affordability and availability for residents in remote communities and homelands.
Warle Construction is collaborating with Annge Consulting, Troppo Architects, Rapid Engineering, Stantec and Howick Group to deliver the new building system for the homes, as well as a manufacturing and training facility.
Warle, which takes its name from the Eastern Arrernte word for house, building or wall, is initially targeting demand for the rural and remote regions of Northern Australia.
