CSIRO Forest Hill
Climate-Resilient Research.
Fleetwood partnered with CSIRO to create a climate-resilient modular research facility at Forest Hill, a hub for top agricultural science focused on precision, sustainability, and performance in tough site conditions.
$2.6M Full Turnkey Delivery
21 Modules | 578m² Facility
70%+ Built Off-Site
Screw-Pile Foundations for Reactive Soils
As Seen on Epic Builds
Behind the 90-Day Countdown
CSIRO Forest Hill will be featured on Epic Builds: The 90 Day Challenge, a national docuseries highlighting ambitious construction projects completed within tight deadlines. Hosted by Adam Spencer and brought to audiences by prefabAUS, the peak body for Australia’s off-site construction industry, the series follows the boldest prefab and modular construction projects across Australia, from remote island homes to entire schools, including Fleetwood’s CSIRO Forest Hill and Logan City Special School projects.
This episode captures the rapid two-day installation of 21 modules, including seven custom roof units, alongside the engineered response to highly reactive clay soils during periods of heavy rainfall. Viewers gain behind-the-scenes insight into precision structural steel fabrication, material coordination in a controlled factory environment, and the complex logistics, crane sequencing and site works required in a remote agricultural setting.
Coming to your screens on 28th March 2026: on 9HD 3:30 – 4:30 pm
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 designed in two modular configurations to feature an elevated roofline and vaulted ceilings over 50% of its footprint. This design increased internal space and improved natural ventilation while staying within transport height limits therfore avoiding the need for over-height permits and related expenses.
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 featuring 21 modules installed in just 2 days, including 7 custom roof units and vaulted ceilings, create a collaborative and 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.
CSIRO Forest Hill Gallery
