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P / 01AI-Enabled Modular Building SystemsShelter

Smart Energy Modular Buildings — AI-enabled, low-carbon, scalable.

TRL 3 → 5 · CRC-P pathway

This project delivers the development, demonstration and validation of an integrated Sustainable Modularised Building System tailored to Australian conditions. It adopts an end-to-end approach spanning product design, system integration, digital engineering, pilot-scale manufacturing, testing and industry adoption — with a strong emphasis on Design for Manufacture (DfM), digital design-to-manufacturing integration and scalable production pathways.

At its core, the project designs a configurable modular façade and roof panel system that integrates multiple advanced technologies into a unified, standardised solution: carbon-enhanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) for thermal energy storage, Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) for on-site generation, advanced external coatings, embedded sensor networks, and a cloud-connected, AI-enabled Building Energy Management System (BEMS).

Key activities

  • Product configuration & R&D — standardised panel geometries and cartridge-based PCM/PV subcomponents engineered for quick-connect assembly.
  • Digital design-to-manufacturing — parametric modelling and BIM generating BOMs, CNC/CAM instructions and a digital twin for lifecycle tracking.
  • Pilot-scale manufacturing & DfM — a CAPEX-efficient pilot line or co-manufacturing partnerships with automated, quality-controlled production.
  • System integration & platform deployment — interoperability across PCM, BIPV, coatings, sensors and the AI-enabled BEMS.
  • Testing, validation & compliance — accredited third-party testing (potentially CSIRO Infrastructure Technologies, Warringtonfire Australia) across thermal, fire, electrical and materials safety.
  • Workforce development & industry engagement — university-partnered training in digital workflows, modular construction and digital-twin operation.

Outcomes & targets

  • 30–50% reduction in operational energy demand versus conventional modular systems.
  • 15–25% reduction in heating and cooling loads through PCM-enhanced envelopes.
  • 2–4°C improvement in internal temperature stability under climate-dependent conditions.
  • 20–40 kWh/m²/year of on-site renewable generation from BIPV-integrated façade and roof systems.

Industry context

Globally, construction is shifting toward low-carbon, energy-integrated building systems, but integration at the whole-of-building level remains limited in modular and prefabricated construction. In Australia, high building energy demand, grid peak-load pressure and off-grid diesel reliance amplify the need. The project bridges the gap between research innovation and commercially deployable, climate-resilient buildings.

Partners

TRL 3 → 5CRC-P PathwayUSydRMITPromodALTASisley Prestige HomesSotastack