Eleven cross-disciplinary teams from Australian universities have demonstrated their prowess in smart building design and connected communities as part of this year’s Challenge Cup.
The competition, facilitated by prefabAUS, the peak body for Australia’s architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, focused on the theme “Smart Building; Connected Communities”.
Three teams have emerged as finalists in this year’s competition:
- “Hexa” from Deakin University, Victoria
- “Intersected Generations” from Curtin University, Western Australia
- “Modular Makers” from Western Sydney University, New South Wales
The Challenge Cup, now in its fifth year, tasked students with developing innovative design solutions to address the question: “How can ‘Smart Building’ connect communities, deliver social capital, and foster positive health and wellbeing outcomes?”
Damien Crough, prefabAUS Executive Chair, emphasised the timeliness of this year’s challenge, stating: “This year’s Challenge is incredibly timely as we grapple with housing scarcity and affordability, and we know that the usual way of building is no longer cutting it.”
The finalists showcased a range of innovative concepts:
- Hexa (Deakin University): Presented “The Living Bridge,” a six-story structure utilising advanced prefabrication and modular offsite construction technologies.
- Intersected Generations (Curtin University): Designed a four-storey mixed-use residential complex specialising in multigenerational and student accommodation.
- Modular Makers (Western Sydney University): Developed the “FlexiGrid Pavilion,” a pioneering approach in modular and prefabricated construction.
The winning team and place-getters will be announced at the annual prefabAUS conference, Offsite 2024, on August 28, 2024, in Sydney.
This competition not only showcases the talent of Australia’s future built environment professionals but also emphasises the growing importance of prefabrication and modern construction methods in addressing current housing and sustainability challenges.