Building company wins government support for IKEA inspired designs

The project is expected to create jobs while also boosting remote housing and combating overcrowding.

Warle Construction has created innovative housing ‘shells’, inspired by IKEA kits. Picture: File. Picture: Facebook/Warle Construction

Territory-based building company, Warle Construction, has won the backing of the NT government to produce remote housing using its “IKEA’ kit inspired designs.

The NT government has co-invested $392,000 into the $1.55m project that is expected to create 20-full time jobs and generate up to $16.4m within five years of operating.

A facility will be built to produce the “shells”, as well as train and upskill staff, which will then be taken on-site where they are assembled.

The multi-bedroom frames are easily put together, made with light gauge steel components and only expected to take a matter of days construct.

Warle Construction director Tilman Lowe said producing easy to build and affordable homes was the business’ intent from the outset.

Minister for Remote Housing and Homelands Selena Uibo and Chief Minister Eva Lawler seen here with Sunbuild's Neil Sunners. Picture: File

“Warle was founded to address a growing need to provide sustainable and cost-effective housing solutions for remote areas of the Northern Territory,” he said.

“Our housing solution will also address the key issues of overcrowding, usability and durability for remote and regional communities.

The NT government investment comes as part of its Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF), administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) according to Chief Minister Eva Lawler.

“The Territory Labor government established the AMEF in 2021 in partnership with the AMGC, to improve our manufacturing capabilities,” she said.

“Since then our investment has helped create nearly 120 jobs and generated over $50 million for the Territory economy.”

The Warle homes are designed for NT conditions, including withstanding cyclones, and the company is collaborating with Annge Consulting, Troppo Architects, Rapid Engineering, Stantec and Howick Group to get the housing ready and to build their new facility.

Minister for Remote Housing and Homelands Selena Uibo said the Warle model would help address the housing crisis.

“We are actively addressing the availability and affordability of housing in rural, regional and remote areas of the Territory, because all Territorians deserve a roof over their heads,” she said.

“Designed for the Territory by Territorians, these housing shells offer an innovative and competitive advantage over traditional methods, which supports more Territorians having a place to call home.”

Originally published as Building company wins government support for IKEA inspired designs