As at 29 October 2026, the push for standard prefabricated building parts in Australia has federal money behind it. The New Daily reported on 28 May 2026 that the Australian Government committed $39.3m to an open-source kit of parts trial of prefabricated building components, delivered by Building 4.0 CRC and announced by Housing Minister Clare O’Neil. For builders, councils and housing providers, the question is practical: will standard parts change how projects are designed, priced and approved?
What a kit of parts is
A kit of parts is a set of standard components with public specifications. Walls, floors, wet areas and connections are defined once, so different factories and builders can work to the same rules. The aim is repeat parts that approvers and builders already understand, rather than a new set of details on every project. Open-source means the specifications are public, so any builder or manufacturer can read and use them.
The Premier of Tasmania welcomed a national Kit of Parts agreement for public specifications and standard components on 28 August 2026. That puts the trial and the agreement side by side: one tests the parts, the other sets out shared rules for them.
How it fits with other national moves
The national certification scheme for MMC manufacturers is voluntary and targeted for about mid-2028, according to the NCCB. In NSW, the MMC Innovation Facility will start with medium-density designs from the NSW Government Pattern Book. Taken together, these point to more standard designs, more standard parts and more consistent factory records. Our article on national MMC manufacturer certification covers the records side.
What it means for builders
- Tender documents may start to reference standard components or public specifications.
- Repeat parts can make building surveyor review more predictable.
- Builders who already track factory inspection records will be ready when certification arrives.
What EcoPrestige supplies
EcoPrestige supplies engineered structural steel volumetric modules, built and inspected in an offsite factory. A volumetric module is a whole room or group of rooms, not a flat component. Where a kit of parts sets out wall, floor or wet area standards, we can work modules to those specifications through our early contractor involvement service, with your consultants checking the result.
What does not fit
A kit of parts is a trial, not a finished code. Specifications may change as it runs. We will not tell a client a module complies with a standard that has not been published. Where a project needs a one-off form, standard parts may not help. Standard parts also do not settle site issues such as soil, slope, bushfire rating or crane access. Each site still needs its own engineering.
The approval path
EcoPrestige coordinates the module design with your consultants; permit drawings are issued by the registered or licensed practitioner the state requires. A building surveyor or certifier still certifies every building, standard parts or not. In Tasmania, permit drawings are issued by a licensed Tasmanian building designer. Confirm with your building surveyor or certifier. Our guide to the building permit for modular buildings explains the steps.
The programme
Standard parts help most at the start. When details are already settled, there is less back and forth between consultants before the factory can start. Once modules are in production, factory and site work run in parallel, so time on site is shorter. The builder prepares footings and services while modules are built and inspected.
What to send us
- 1. The site and the building use.
- 2. Any standard designs or specifications named in your tender.
- 3. Concept plans, if done.
- 4. Your consultants’ contact details.
Kit of parts trial: questions
How much has the Australian Government committed to the kit of parts trial?
The New Daily reported on 28 May 2026 that the Australian Government committed $39.3m to an open-source kit of parts trial of prefabricated building components.
Who delivers the kit of parts trial?
Building 4.0 CRC delivers the trial, announced by Housing Minister Clare O’Neil.
What did Tasmania welcome?
The Premier of Tasmania welcomed a national Kit of Parts agreement for public specifications and standard components on 28 August 2026.
Does a kit of parts replace the building surveyor?
No. A building surveyor or certifier still certifies every building.
How is pricing given?
Supply price quoted for your site, once we have the use, the layout and the specifications.
Working to standard specifications on your next project?
Send the site, the use and any drawings to prebuilt@ecoprestige.com.au or download our technical brochures.