We bring technical expertise, practical insight and early design coordination to help move projects from concept to completion, using modern methods of construction (MMC).
Project drivers for modular design and prefabrication
Speed to market
Program appreciation is key. Successful design, manufacture and installation require that the entire project team understand the sequence and technical detail early. Processes should focus on early lock down of design, layout materials and supplier selection; early sequencing; and close collaboration across disciplines.
Quality
These projects are built on tight construction tolerances that require careful coordination. Our engineers use digital models, clash detection and integrated design tools to carefully detail services, penetrations and interfaces, resulting in a higher quality end product. We use these alongside stringent prototype design reviews, including full-scale 3D mock ups, models and projections.
Construction efficiency
Structures and prefabricated modules must interface seamlessly. Every joint and connection needs to be coordinated with input from all services and project partners.
We focus on constructability, enabling this through technologies such as press-fit piping systems, plug-and-play modular wiring and use of standardised components.
Predictability
Prefabrication reduces onsite labour and material waste while minimising rework and increasing safety. It also limits disruption to the community and surrounding trades.
Through early design integration and standard component systems, we aim to deliver greater cost certainty from smarter, more predictable construction.
Why choose NDY for modular building design?
We help deliver certainty, quality and efficiency by integrating design with prefabricated elements, including mechanical, fire, electrical and hydraulic services.
Where we add value
We understand how to plan, design and coordinate engineering solutions for off-site manufacture and assembly.
Strategy and design clarity
We engage early to define sequencing, interfaces, tolerances and finite design detailing.
Technical expertise
We design and coordinate with accuracy so individual elements can be built, transported and installed efficiently.
Vendor engagement
We work with suppliers to align proven standardised components and connection systems with project needs, rather than prescribing variable or bespoke designs.
Interface leadership
We collaborate across the entire project team to bring optimum coordination across design.
Constructability, health, safety
We prioritise safer builds by reducing site hours, congestion, risk and exposure to weather as well as improved ergonomics of the working environment for system assembly.
Modular solutions we enable
- Multi-service risers and corridor services modules
- Prefabricated plant skids and packaged plantrooms
- Pre-assembled electrical boards and control bundles
- Bathroom, kitchen and service fixture kits for repeated layouts
- Vertical drainage stacks and horizontal drainage runs
- Plug-and-play connection systems designed for seamless installation.
Our process: from design to delivery
- Inception workshops – aligning client goals, constraints and prefabrication opportunities
- Supply chain involvement – before procurement – to enable component and materials preselection
- Decision matrix – defining what should be prefabricated, why, and to what level
- Design freeze gates – locking in critical dimensions and layouts across multiple floors, where possible, to enable production ahead of construction
- Coordinated BIM models – integrating disciplines to manage tolerance, safety and compliance
- Factory engagement – reviewing shop drawings and attending FAT/SATs to ensure quality of prototype prior to main production run for multiple modules.
Why clients choose us
- Proven design frameworks developed through decades of design experience
- Extensive technical capability across all building services, disciplines and associated specialisms
- Collaborative approach that unites design intent, technical accuracy and construction efficiency
- Backed by the scale and resources of our parent company, Tetra Tech.
Our specialist services for modular design
We deliver integrated design solutions across core services and specialist disciplines.
The specialisms detailed here are particularly critical to the success of modular buildings and prefabrication.
Fire engineering
A significant challenge for multi-storey modular buildings is achieving compliant fire separation and structural fire ratings. In Australia, this needs a fire-engineered approach.
Our team develops holistic fire strategies and performance-based solutions, collaborating with the design and delivery team, passive fire system suppliers, architects and fire-test labs that enable prefabrication.
We guide projects through testing and approvals, ensuring compliance without compromising design intent.
Digital
Digital coordination is at the heart of modular delivery. Using 3D models, BIM, clash detection and real-time collaboration platforms, we enable precision design, effective integration and streamlined approvals.
Sustainability
We provide early strategic advice on how modular systems can contribute to sustainability goals, ensuring sustainability is embedded from concept through to fabrication and operations.
Factory-controlled environments enable precise material use, reduced waste, shorter build times and healthier working conditions. These impacts lower embodied carbon and environmental impact across the entire project lifecycle.
We help clients quantify these gains and integrate sustainability into every design decision.
