Welcome to Prefab Profiles, an ongoing series of interviews with people transforming how we build houses. From prefab tiny houses and modular cabin kits to entire homes ready to ship, their projects represent some of the best ideas in the industry. Do you know a prefab brand that should be on our radar? Get in touch!
Rob and Christiana Colquhoun co-founded PreBuilt in 2003 with a mission to deliver prefabricated, factory-built homes across Australia. Over the past 20 years, the company’s scope has expanded across residential and commercial sectors, including health, retail, and education buildings—all built in the company’s manufacturing facility in Victoria, Australia.
While the team doesn’t shy away from custom modular residences, PreBuilt also offers a series of four pre-designed modular homes for those looking for a more streamlined approach. With its end-to-end services and a new factory nearing completion, keep reading to learn how PreBuilt gets it done.
What’s the most exciting project you’ve realized to date?
One of our most beloved residential projects to date is our Byron Bay project. Designed to accommodate multiple families while ensuring privacy, the home spans three levels with the top level boasting main living areas, a study, and expansive entertaining spaces offering panoramic views of both the surf to the northwest and a national park to the southeast.
Utilizing durable materials like band sawn silvertop ash and zinc, selected for their ability to withstand the coastal environment and develop a natural patina over time, the design seamlessly integrates existing masonry boundary walls and original stone features, enhancing the landscape’s charm.
Challenges including a 23-foot slope and modifications for prefabrication were expertly managed, with the addition of blade walls ensuring privacy from a neighboring building while maximizing natural ventilation and water views.
Our clients appreciate the home’s blend of indoor/outdoor living, breathtaking vistas, and the efficiency of prefabricated elements, underscoring our commitment to delivering bespoke, sustainable residences that surpass expectations in design and functionality.
What do your base models cost?
Habitat starts at $569,500 AUD for a 1,680-square-foot home with an integrated deck. Mod starts at $604,500 for a 680-square-foot home (excluding the exterior deck.) These prices include the construction of the home in our factory. The quoted prices are based on our standard inclusions; any customizations or upgrades beyond these standards would incur additional costs. Our pre-designed homes are priced as complete units rather than per square foot.
All builds are site-dependent. Additional considerations such as power-line management, traffic management, crane reach, travel distance, and other logistical factors will be assessed.
What qualities make your modular homes stand apart from the rest?
Our modular homes are unique for several reasons. They feature beautiful, functional architectural designs and are built with sustainability in mind, minimizing environmental impact. We pay close attention to detail, ensuring top quality in every aspect. Our construction timeline is efficient, completing homes in just 12-14 weeks, whether pre-designed or custom-designed. Built in a controlled factory environment, we ensure high quality and consistency. These qualities make our modular homes an excellent choice for those seeking a well-designed, sustainable, and quickly built home. Our modular homes are designed to look like traditionally built permanent homes.