Australia’s first ever two-storey integrated modular and flat pack built apartments, called the Wayfarers, are being made in Wandoan.

The Wayfarer is designed, manufactured and constructed by Pearls MiiHome, a rapid build housing solutions company based on the Gold Coast.

Taking five weeks to build, each Wayfarer will provide four, two and three bedroom apartments set over two levels.

The two level core of the building is a ready-built module comprising four kitchens and eight bathrooms, complete with all plumbing, electrical, air conditioning and appliances, and has been transported to the site by truck.

Once the module combination has been craned into place, one on top of the other, then the flatpack walls, floors, roof, decks and landings will be built around them.

Two apartment buildings are to be erected in main street of Wandoan in the heart of the Surat Basin. The apartments will be occupied by gas giant QGC as an extension of their current accommodation lease with Central Queensland Management Pty Ltd who operates a 170 room mining resort in Wandoan.

Pearls MiiHome CEO Mark Winfield said the Wayfarer had been specifically designed for the mining industry and remote areas.

“Living away from home does not mean you can’t live in style,” Mr Winfield said.

“We have the technology to produce accommodation that is high quality, low cost, energy efficient and can be tailored to local conditions.

Pearls MiiHome’s ‘MiiPanel’ system, an integrated steel panel with an interlocking structural joint for continuous floor and wall building, is a feature in the Wayfarer apartments. The steel panels have a bonded structural core containing various elements providing thermal, structural, acoustic, and fire resistant properties.

Mr Winfield said the construction of the Wayfarer also provided job opportunities for the Wandoan community.

“Our panel technology and rapid build system means that almost anyone can build and assemble our apartments – the requirement for skilled people in traditional construction is significantly reduced,” Mr Winfield said.

“The Wayfarer is being constructed almost entirely by local people,” he concluded.