CSIRO Forest Hill

Overview

Fleetwood Australia partnered with CSIRO to deliver a climate-resilient, prefabricated research and office facility at Forest Hill, Queensland.

The 578m² building was delivered as a full turnkey solution, incorporating design coordination, NCC 2022 compliance, structural and services certification, manufacture, transport, installation and commissioning.

Constructed using 21 volumetric modules, the facility was purpose-built to harmonise with the rural landscape while supporting collaboration and innovation in agricultural science.

Built on highly reactive clay soils and impacted by severe rainfall during site works, the project required a resilient and adaptable solution capable of delivering certainty in complex environmental conditions.

The completed facility now provides a modern, light-filled environment supporting CSIRO’s scientific teams working in the surrounding agricultural fields.

Solution

Modular construction enabled the majority of works to be completed off-site in a controlled factory environment, ensuring precision, quality control and construction efficiency.

Engineered screw-pile foundations were selected to address reactive clay soils, allowing the structure to accommodate seasonal ground movement while minimising excavation and environmental disturbance.

The building was configured in two modular forms to achieve an elevated roofline and vaulted internal ceilings, increasing internal volume and natural ventilation without exceeding transport limits.

By progressing fabrication concurrently with site works, Fleetwood maintained construction momentum despite adverse weather conditions, delivering a high-performance facility efficiently and with control.

Benefits

Purpose-built infrastructure that enables world-leading agricultural research to occur in a resilient, sustainable environment.

• Resilient Performance: Screw-pile foundations provide long-term structural stability in challenging ground conditions.
• Sustainable by Design: Passive solar orientation, natural ventilation and high-performance insulation reduce operational energy demand, while off-site construction minimises waste and site disruption.
• Built for Innovation: Open-plan spaces and vaulted ceilings create a collaborative, light-filled environment that supports CSIRO’s research teams now and into the future.
• Programme Confidence: Factory-controlled delivery improved quality assurance and ensured completion on schedule despite adverse site conditions.