A residential project in Sydney’s north-west is demonstrating how smarter construction techniques could play a larger role in addressing housing supply challenges, with modular terrace homes now taking shape at Landcom’s Schofields development.

The development features nine architecturally-designed terrace homes being constructed using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), a process that involves manufacturing major building components off-site before transporting them to the project location for installation.

The project forms part of Landcom’s broader Burdekin Road development, where approximately 140 homes are planned across a mix of housing types, including terraces, manor homes and compact dwellings, close to transport, jobs and services. At least 30% of the homes within the development will be dedicated to affordable housing.

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The two-storey, three-bedroom terraces in Schofields are being built in a controlled factory environment, where construction is supported by extensive quality assurance and safety processes. Once completed, the prefabricated sections are transported to the site and assembled using cranes.

“NSW needs to build more homes and we need to build them faster, which is why the Minns Labor Government is backing innovation across the construction sector,” says Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully. “Modern Methods of Construction have enormous potential to speed up housing delivery, boost productivity and help deliver quality homes more efficiently.”

Research by the Commonwealth Productivity Commission estimates that MMC could lower overall construction costs by as much as 20% and reduce build times by up to 50% when compared to conventional building techniques.

“It’s fantastic to see innovative housing construction happening right here in Schofields, these modern building techniques will mean new residents can get into quality homes sooner,” notes Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby. “This project is also helping deliver more affordable housing for key workers, which is incredibly important in a fast-growing area like Riverstone.”

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The Schofields project aligns with the NSW Government’s broader efforts to encourage greater use of innovative construction methods as part of its housing supply strategy.

A key element of that approach is the proposed Building (Approvals and Practitioners) Bill 2026, which seeks to formally incorporate prefabricated buildings into the state's regulatory framework. The legislation is designed to streamline approvals processes, encourage wider adoption of MMC by the industry, and strengthen consumer protections for buyers, helping deliver more homes across NSW.

“We’re pulling every lever available to tackle the housing crisis, from planning reforms through to supporting new construction technologies that can help deliver more homes for people across NSW,” Minister Scully adds.

The Schofields project continues Landcom’s longstanding role in delivering well-planned residential communities in partnership with the NSW Government.

“This project will help us better understand how MMC can support the delivery of diverse and affordable housing communities across NSW,” says Landcom CEO Alex Wendler.

“The outcomes of this trial will help inform how Landcom uses MMC in future projects as we continue working to increase housing supply where it’s needed most.”

Among Landcom’s projects currently under development are The Joinery at Annandale, a planned mixed-use precinct that is expected to provide up to 580 homes, including build-to-rent housing for essential workers, and regional build-to-rent developments in Lismore and Bomaderry, which together are expected to deliver more than 100 apartments, including affordable housing.

Construction of the modular terraces at Schofields is scheduled for completion in August 2026.

Images: Supplied

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