Funded project – Reducing waste in Victoria through a circular modular housing system
Villette is a modular design system that helps solve the ongoing challenges of the high demand for housing and its affordability. Embracing the principles of a circular economy business model, the product reduces waste through clever design and build methods derived from decades of experience of working in the building industry.
Background
D5 Building Group’s core business focuses on boutique and bespoke residential multi-development projects. D5 Building Group is collaborating with Villette to deliver a modular housing system. Embracing the principles of a circular economy business model, the Villette system will reduce waste through design development and build methods derived from decades of experience of working in the building industry.
The problem
Construction activities generate significant waste, contributing to pollution and resource depletion. Demolition and renovation projects produce concrete, bricks, timber, and metals that are challenging to manage and recycle effectively. Construction costs are quite high which is a barrier to implementing new management practices. The industry's struggle with material reuse and recycling has led to missed opportunities for resource recovery and circular economy adoption.
The project
The project aims to create a modular ecosystem that utilises connector design, and this feature ensures Villette modules stands apart from other products in the market. The connector allows the building to be flexible, enabling the building to expand or be downsized and even relocated. The project will deliver research from prototyping that will demonstarte the modules abilities on design for different configurations, including cantilevered. The unit can be built up to 5 storey high.
Another key element of the project includes the development of a market place where modules can be traded to continue the life of the asset, together with an apprentice training program targeted to regional areas to assist with job creation and increased circular economy skills in the workforce.
Objectives
Designing out waste is a key objective for the project. Additionally, the cost of waste is significant and is not limited to materials, it includes the labour associated with generating the waste such as measuring and cutting. The project aims to solve the ongoing challenges of the high demand for housing and affordability.
Project progress
| Key deliverable | Status |
|---|---|
| Market research, design development and customer research. | Complete |
| Prototype development of modules, develop specifications, product service system design, marketing and communications strategy. | In progress |
| Development of user research and compliance validation and prototyping. | In progress |
| Develop digital platforms, full scale prototype build, finalise design documentation, website development and report on findings. |
Challenges
There are always challenges associated with any new product idea. Villette needed to envision success and identify barriers to achieve the desired outcomes which includes understanding the market demand to attract buyers. Market research is required to help define the target audience to ensure that the product meets client objectives with cost in mind. Material selection is crucial for sustainability and can pose challenges in design, cost, and across the supply chain. For instance, using standard window dimensions required rethinking the building design while maintaining functionality.
In a challenging and competitive market space with new entrants in modular construction, differentiation through IP is going to contribute to the success of Villette. Villette faces challenges due to sensitive market conditions in the Australian building industry. Current market challenges include low consumer confidence, rising interest rates, and increased build costs impact builders' margins. However, there is opportunity due to a housing shortage.
From the grantee
"We recommend attending all of the workshop sessions provided by Sustainability Victoria to gain valuable insights and ensure that your project and the administration runs fairly smoothly. While being aware of circular economy principles, the detail and application of it is a specialized area. From this experience, it would be highly recommended to find a Circular Economy specialist in the initial stages of project design."
More information
Learn more about Villette