First Modules Arrive in Cairns, Installation Underway in Social Housing Milestone
As the largest residential modular construction project in the Southern Hemisphere — and the largest volumetric timber development of its kind — this initiative sets a new benchmark for social housing delivery at scale.
The arrival of the first modules marks a major milestone in the Cairns Social and Affordable Housing Project. Modscape is proud to be delivering the modular component — combining speed, sustainability, and design precision.
The media event brought together key representatives, including the Hon. Sam O’Connor MP, Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth who toured the first installed modules alongside delivery partners.
Modscape is delivering 1,008 precision-manufactured volumetric timber modules to create 490 new homes across 16 low-rise, architecturally considered buildings. Designed to Gold or Silver standards under the Livable Housing Australia guidelines, these homes support ageing in place and provide safe, accessible housing for seniors and people living with disability.
Rather than isolated dwellings, the precinct has been conceived as a network of connected villages — a thoughtful response to housing need that goes beyond compliance to actively support wellbeing. Through inclusive design, intuitive circulation, and landscaped communal areas, the development fosters both independence and neighbourly connection.
The project also highlights the performance benefits of modular construction at scale. Offsite prefabrication within Modscape’s controlled manufacturing facilities enables faster, more consistent delivery — significantly reducing build time and minimising site disruption, while improving safety and quality outcomes. This level of efficiency is critical in regional areas like Far North Queensland, where traditional construction can be impacted by distance, climate, and labour constraints.
We’re proud to be working alongside Tetris Capital, Community Housing Limited, NettletonTribe, the Queensland Government, FCC Construction Australia, Housing Australia, NAIF, and ANZ to contribute to a new model of social and affordable housing that is scalable, replicable, and ready for the future.
With more modules scheduled to arrive in the coming weeks, momentum is building. What’s emerging in Cairns is more than a housing project — it’s proof of how modular innovation can help solve some of Australia’s most pressing social challenges.
