Advanced Manufacturing of Prefabricated SIP Systems Using Recycled Plastics and Bio Products

OBJECTIVES

To develop and commercialise a low-carbon prefabricated building system made from recycled and bio-based materials

To test the performance and resilience of the Modulus system for real-world building use

To integrate research on biomass and recycled materials from related projects into a single, scalable product

Team

Shanaka Kristombu Baduge

Lead Researcher

Sadeep Thilakarathne

Research Fellow

Upeka Gunaratna

PhD

Partners

University of Melbourne

<1.5ºdesign

Progress

SUMMARY

Led by the University of Melbourne, this project is focused on creating a sustainable, prefabricated building system using recycled plastics and bio-composites. In partnership with <1.5º Design, the team is developing the “Modulus” system—an innovative product that reduces carbon emissions while meeting modern construction standards. The project builds on earlier research involving biomass as a resource, bringing together knowledge from multiple streams to deliver a commercial-ready solution.

OPPORTUNITIES

Access to circular economy and sustainable housing innovation grants

Real-world impact through uptake of low carbon construction methods in housing projects

Collaboration with industry partners to bring a green product to market

Potential to change how prefabricated homes are built using recycled waste

Scalable model that supports Australia’s move toward net-zero construction