Ivanhoe Extension: A Leading Example of Prefab Melbourne by Modscape
Modscape, a leader in Australia’s modular construction industry, has been redefining what’s possible in prefab Melbourne home design since 2006. Originally founded to address a gap in the market for high-quality modular homes, Modscape has grown through a commitment to blending innovative design with efficient building processes. Driven by the principles of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), Modscape optimizes each modular component, making sustainable, custom homes accessible without compromising on quality.
This philosophy is evident in projects like the Ivanhoe extension, where the client’s need for a streamlined, flexible solution resulted in a beautifully integrated, eco-conscious home tailored to a challenging sloped site. Through their end-to-end design-build process, Modscape continues to set a high standard in modular construction, showing that prefabricated designs can be as tailored and sophisticated as traditional builds.
Interview responses by Jan Gyrn, Founder and CEO of Modscape, Photography by John Madden Published with bowerbird
Modscape has a strong reputation for creating innovative modular homes. Could you tell us a bit about the origins of Modscape and how your design and build philosophy has evolved over the years?
Modscape was established in 2006 to fill a gap in the Australian market for high-quality prefabricated homes. Our founding vision was to offer innovative modular solutions that combine custom design with efficient construction methods. Over the years, our approach has been shaped by the principle of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA). This methodology focuses on optimising each modular element, streamlining the construction process, and ensuring that our homes are both sustainable and highly personalised.
Our in-house team manages the entire design and build process, from conceptualisation and permitting to manufacturing and site work. This end-to-end approach allows us to deliver a consistent level of quality and efficiency across all our projects, whether residential, commercial, or educational. By leveraging off-site construction, we’ve built over 500 projects to date, each tailored to the specific needs and requirements of our clients, proving that modular construction can achieve bespoke designs that rival traditional builds.
For the Ivanhoe extension project, why did the clients choose a modular approach rather than a conventional extension? What advantages did this method offer in terms of time, cost, and design flexibility?
The clients opted for a modular solution because of the significant advantages it offers over conventional methods. The modular approach allowed for a faster build time with minimal disruption to their daily lives. In terms of cost, it provided greater certainty from the outset—there were no unexpected blowouts. Design flexibility was another key benefit, enabling us to create a highly customised home that adapted to the sloping site, while also meeting the family’s needs for additional space.
The new double-height entrance space and circular skylight play a key role in defining the transition between the original house and the extension. How did these design elements come together to create such a striking yet functional space?
The new double-height entrance and the circular skylight were designed to act as a natural transition between the original structure and the new modular extension. The skylight draws in natural light, creating an inviting focal point in the home. These elements work together to give a sense of openness and space while ensuring functionality. The circular skylight was especially important in creating a sense of verticality and adding visual interest from both inside and outside the home.
The terraced design of the extension accommodates the sloping site while subtly defining different zones within the house. Can you explain how this feature impacts the flow and functionality of the home?
The terraced design was driven by the need to accommodate the sloping block. Instead of levelling the site, we embraced its natural contours. This approach created distinct zones within the home without the need for conventional walls or partitions. The slight change in levels between the entrance, kids’ zone, and communal living areas encourages natural flow while still providing clear functional divisions. The continuity of oak flooring throughout the home further enhances this sense of cohesion.
Sustainably-sourced materials like Blackbutt timber and Colorbond Diversaclad were used in the project. How important is sustainability in Modscape’s design process, and what considerations were made for this particular project?
Sustainability is central to Modscape’s design ethos, and the Ivanhoe project is no exception. Materials like sustainably sourced Blackbutt timber and Colorbond Diversaclad were chosen not just for their aesthetics but for their durability and minimal environmental impact. For this project, we made a conscious effort to incorporate both active and passive sustainability features, ensuring the home minimised its carbon footprint while enhancing liveability for the occupants.
The master suite upstairs, with its cantilevered design and battened screen, is a real standout feature. How did the design team balance aesthetics with practicality, such as privacy and sun shading, in this part of the extension?
The cantilevered design of the master suite and its battened screen were conceived to create a striking visual presence, while also providing privacy and practical sun shading. The battened screen is not only a design feature but also serves the functional purpose of reducing direct sunlight and preventing overlooking into neighbouring properties. The result is a space that feels private and serene, while still maintaining a strong connection to the garden below.
Modscape homes incorporate many active and passive sustainability systems. Could you elaborate on the environmental strategies used in the Ivanhoe extension and how they contribute to the home’s energy efficiency and livability?
The Ivanhoe extension incorporates various sustainability systems to enhance energy efficiency. The home is designed to take full advantage of solar passive heating and cross-ventilation, reducing the need for mechanical cooling and heating. Double-glazed windows with thermal break frames, over-insulation, a 2,000L rainwater tank, energy-efficient lighting, and water-efficient fixtures are all standard in Modscape homes. In this project, these strategies have significantly reduced the home’s operational carbon footprint while improving year-round comfort.
One of the key advantages of modular construction is the reduced disruption to the client’s life. How did the off-site construction of this extension benefit the family, and what was the timeline from initial design to project completion?
One of the biggest advantages of modular construction is the ability to complete the bulk of the build off-site, in a controlled environment. For the Ivanhoe project, this meant the clients could continue living their lives with minimal disruption. The modules were constructed in our factory and then delivered to the site for assembly. The overall timeline—from initial design discussions to project completion—was around 9 months, with on-site construction taking only a few weeks.
