{"id":1175,"date":"2025-11-14T15:19:50","date_gmt":"2025-11-14T04:19:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/?p=1175"},"modified":"2025-11-14T15:40:37","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T04:40:37","slug":"freecity-innovation-insights-no-3-living-sector-growth-and-the-role-of-vmc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/freecity-innovation-insights-no-3-living-sector-growth-and-the-role-of-vmc\/","title":{"rendered":"Freecity Innovation Insights No.3 \u2013 Living Sector growth and the role of VMC"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">Th<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">is week I <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">spoke<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\"> at the<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\"> Future Place &#8211;<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/livingsectorssummit.com\/\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">Living Sector<\/span><\/a><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/livingsectorssummit.com\/\">s Summit<\/a> held in <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW197886465 BCX0\">Sydney<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW197886465 BCX0\">, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW197886465 BCX0\">it<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\"> was <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">a great opportunity<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">to <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">connect and <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">hear from <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">developers, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">architects, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">o<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">perators<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">investors, fund <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">manager<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\"> and suppliers <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">from<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\"> the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">industry<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">There was lots of discussion <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">about <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">modular construction whic<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">h<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">is<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\"> music to my <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">ears<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197886465 BCX0\">!<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW188519808 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188519808 BCX0\">H<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188519808 BCX0\">ere\u2019s<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188519808 BCX0\">my key messages<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188519808 BCX0\"> from <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188519808 BCX0\">my keynote presentation<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188519808 BCX0\">:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"TextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\">At last Australia is looking to catchup to the rest of the world and introduce a broader Living Sector with Institutional ownership of residential for rent<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\">al<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\"> homes, in <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\">Build-to-Rent <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\">and Co-Living. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW146785945 BCX0\">BTR<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\">or <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW146785945 BCX0\">Multi-Family<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\"> is one of the largest asset classes globally, with over $10 Trillion invested in Europe<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\"> and<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\"> the US<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\">, but is <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\">still <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\">nascent in Australia, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\">largely due to<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\"> our love affair with home ownership and the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\">low-yield<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\"> residential <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\">attracts<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\">.\u00a0 <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\">Strong total returns in Australian residential <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\">markets <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\">have now attracted international capital <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\">in recent years <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\">with mixed results<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW146785945 BCX0\">.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW251183707 BCX0\">Consultants<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251183707 BCX0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bdo.com.au\/en-au\/home\"> BDO<\/a> estimate the national BTR pipeline includes about 39,300 apartments across 113 projects, worth about $30bn. That <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251183707 BCX0\">represents<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW251183707 BCX0\">a growth<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251183707 BCX0\"> of 10,000 apartments over the past year. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251183707 BCX0\">But<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251183707 BCX0\">these decisions to build<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251183707 BCX0\"> BTR<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251183707 BCX0\"> were made 2 to 3 years <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW251183707 BCX0\">ago<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251183707 BCX0\"> and new commencements are slowing down<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251183707 BCX0\"> this year<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251183707 BCX0\">, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251183707 BCX0\">largely due to<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251183707 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251183707 BCX0\"> feasibility concerns.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\">For Freecity our productivity savings <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW80114290 BCX0\">helps<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\">to <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\">get the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW80114290 BCX0\">cashflow<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\"> moving 12 to <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\">18 months<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\"> earlier<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\"> for large buildings<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\">, which is critical for <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\">feasibility<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\">. I believe the Federal Government <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\">needs<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\"> to fix the GST disparity with <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW80114290 BCX0\">B<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW80114290 BCX0\">t<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW80114290 BCX0\">S<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\"> enjoying the Margin Scheme<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\">, whilst <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW80114290 BCX0\">BtR<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\">is <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\">burdened by full GST upfront, together with clear pathways and incentives for Domestic Superfunds to invest in <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW80114290 BCX0\">B<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW80114290 BCX0\">TR<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\"> (this is quite common around the world)<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\">,<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\">to secure <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\">the strong potential for gro<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\">wth<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80114290 BCX0\">.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173542006 BCX0\">NSW is coming last on the States league table for The Housing Accord, already running at -43% below its\u2019 target in the first year and <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173542006 BCX0\">likely still<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173542006 BCX0\"> dropping. Even with a strong ramp-up for house &amp; land and medium density above record levels, the missing piece for housing in NSW is apartments. Urban renewal peaked in delivery in 2018-<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW173542006 BCX0\">19<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173542006 BCX0\"> which saw apartments in NSW grow towards 40,000<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173542006 BCX0\">pa<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173542006 BCX0\"> and <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173542006 BCX0\">nearly 50%<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173542006 BCX0\"> of housing supply, but momentum has <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173542006 BCX0\">largely stopped<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173542006 BCX0\">, and apartment commencements are down <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173542006 BCX0\">nearly two<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173542006 BCX0\"> thirds from the peak. Feasibility is limiting development to Sydney\u2019s Northern and inner ring suburbs. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW173542006 BCX0\">BTR<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173542006 BCX0\"> is the emerging sector which can fill this <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173542006 BCX0\">gap,<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173542006 BCX0\"> and NSW <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173542006 BCX0\">needs to <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173542006 BCX0\">catch up<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173542006 BCX0\"> to VIC<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173542006 BCX0\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW226501979 BCX0\">I think <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW226501979 BCX0\">there<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW226501979 BCX0\"> is potential for <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW226501979 BCX0\">investment into <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW226501979 BCX0\">Living Sector assets <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW226501979 BCX0\">to<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW226501979 BCX0\"> get even broader, as Institutional ownership of residential assets for rent can be applied across the housing continuum, with the right enabling policies \u2013 why not social and affordable housing<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW226501979 BCX0\">, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW226501979 BCX0\">perhaps more<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW226501979 BCX0\"> like a PPP<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW226501979 BCX0\"> (Public Private Partners<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW226501979 BCX0\">hip<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW226501979 BCX0\">)<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW226501979 BCX0\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1187\" src=\"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Asset-2@2x-100.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"801\" height=\"601\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Asset-2@2x-100-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Asset-2@2x-100-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Asset-2@2x-100-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Asset-2@2x-100-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Asset-2@2x-100-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Asset-2@2x-100.jpg 801w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 801px) 100vw, 801px\" \/><\/h3>\n<p><em><strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-fusion-200 wp-image-1126\" src=\"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Steven-Mann-200x200.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Steven-Mann-66x66.png 66w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Steven-Mann-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Steven-Mann-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Steven-Mann-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Steven-Mann-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Steven-Mann-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Steven-Mann-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Steven-Mann-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Steven-Mann-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Steven-Mann-1200x1200.png 1200w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Steven-Mann-1536x1536.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Steven Mann<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Chief Strategy Officer, Freecity<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">Our lead Australian Modular Architect has been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coxarchitecture.com.au\/\">COX <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coxarchitecture.com.au\/\">Architec<\/a><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coxarchitecture.com.au\/\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">ture<\/span><\/a><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\"> \u2013 who have designed our first th<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">ree<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\"> modular Student <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">a<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">ccommodation <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">b<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">uildings (PBSA) using <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">V<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">olumetric <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">M<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">odular <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">C<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">onstruction, which all have Development Approvals through <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">L<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">ocal <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW66542566 BCX0\">Council&#8217;s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">. F<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">e<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">lipe M<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">i<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">randa &#8211; Director <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">at<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\"> COX <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">has led this work and presented these projects at the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">summit<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">. We will share with you mor<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">e <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW66542566 BCX0\">deta<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW66542566 BCX0\">il<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\"> about these projects as they are delivered durin<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">g <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW66542566 BCX0\">ne<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW66542566 BCX0\">xt<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\"> year<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66542566 BCX0\">.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW206210790 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW206210790 BCX0\">Welcome to <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW206210790 BCX0\">F<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW206210790 BCX0\">e<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW206210790 BCX0\">lipe<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW206210790 BCX0\"> M<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW206210790 BCX0\">i<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW206210790 BCX0\">randa &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coxarchitecture.com.au\/\">COX <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coxarchitecture.com.au\/\">Architect<\/a><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coxarchitecture.com.au\/\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW206210790 BCX0\">ure<\/span><\/a><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW206210790 BCX0\">.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW206210790 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW83570034 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW83570034 BCX0\">Here\u2019s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW83570034 BCX0\"> some key <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW83570034 BCX0\">thoughts from Felipe\u2019s presentation:<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW83570034 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW83570034 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW71821797 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" xml:lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW71821797 BCX0\">Modular construction expands the possibilities and pace of design and construction, without compromising on quality.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136407598 BCX0\">Felipe challenges one of the most persistent misconceptions in the industry: that modular leads to generic, box-like buildings. International precedents prove the opposite; that modular can deliver refined facades, complex spatial arrangements and high-quality interiors that are <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136407598 BCX0\">as high qu<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136407598 BCX0\">ality as<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136407598 BCX0\">traditional builds. The outcomes achieved overseas show that modular is no longer a constraint on design, but a creative opportunity to rethink and reimagine traditional methods.<\/span> <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW185690001 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" xml:lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW185690001 BCX0\">Designing for modular construction is a journey, with iterative outcomes that improve each time.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW242209551 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" xml:lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW242209551 BCX0\">Through three projects <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW242209551 BCX0\">we\u2019re<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW242209551 BCX0\"> working together on, Felipe reinforces the iterative nature of modular. Like automotive or aerospace manufacturing, each project becomes a \u201cgeneration\u201d that incorporates the learnings of the one before it. Rather than reinventing the wheel with each new building, architects build a body of design intelligence that compounds over time<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW242209551 BCX0\">,<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW242209551 BCX0\"> improving sustainability, elevating <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW242209551 BCX0\">quality<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW242209551 BCX0\"> and increasing efficiency. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW242209551 BCX0\">It\u2019s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW242209551 BCX0\"> a genuine shift in how we think, plan, and work together.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW89223650 BCX0\">Modular is not a pared-back version of architecture \u2013 but a sophisticated solution that can deliver the same amenity, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW89223650 BCX0\">preferences<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW89223650 BCX0\"> and values that people demand from their living environment.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW58613634 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" xml:lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW58613634 BCX0\">Felipe highlights how even complex shared spaces like lounges, caf\u00e9s and rooftop terraces can be successfully delivered within a modular framework. This reinforces his core message: modular should not be seen as a pared-back version of architecture, but as an exciting method capable of delivering the thoughtful, socially responsive environments housing and student accommodation now demand.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW58613634 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1189\" src=\"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/thumbnail_PPT-CONVERT_16.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1785\" height=\"723\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/thumbnail_PPT-CONVERT_16-200x81.jpg 200w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/thumbnail_PPT-CONVERT_16-300x122.jpg 300w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/thumbnail_PPT-CONVERT_16-400x162.jpg 400w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/thumbnail_PPT-CONVERT_16-600x243.jpg 600w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/thumbnail_PPT-CONVERT_16-669x272.jpg 669w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/thumbnail_PPT-CONVERT_16-768x311.jpg 768w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/thumbnail_PPT-CONVERT_16-800x324.jpg 800w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/thumbnail_PPT-CONVERT_16-1024x415.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/thumbnail_PPT-CONVERT_16-1200x486.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/thumbnail_PPT-CONVERT_16-1536x622.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/thumbnail_PPT-CONVERT_16.jpg 1785w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1785px) 100vw, 1785px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1190 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Frame-6.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Frame-6-66x66.png 66w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Frame-6-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Frame-6.png 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Felipe Miranda<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Director, COX Architecture<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"fusion-button-wrapper\"><a class=\"fusion-button button-flat fusion-button-default-size button-default fusion-button-default button-1 fusion-button-default-span fusion-button-default-type\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Freecity-Innovation-Insights-No.-3.pdf\"><span class=\"fusion-button-text\">Download PDF<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Published: 14 November 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This week I spoke at the Future Place &#8211; Living [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":1191,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28,27,9,24,11,25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1175","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-esg","category-innovation","category-news","category-pbsa","category-real-estate","category-residential"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1175"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1175"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1175\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1185,"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1175\/revisions\/1185"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1191"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1175"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1175"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1175"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}