Ivanhoe Extension: Modscape’s Modular Innovation in Residential Design
Founded in 2006, Modscape has built a strong reputation for delivering bespoke, sustainable, and efficient modular homes across Australia. Guided by principles of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), Modscape integrates design, fabrication, and assembly to create projects that balance speed, cost-certainty, and architectural quality. In this Q&A, Jan Gyrn, CEO and Founder of Modscape, shares insights into the company’s philosophy and the award-winning Ivanhoe extension project.
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 time, our approach has been shaped by Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), which focuses on optimising modular elements, streamlining processes, and ensuring homes are sustainable and highly personalised. Our in-house team manages everything from conceptualisation and permitting to manufacturing and site work. This end-to-end model allows us to deliver consistency across all projects—residential, commercial, or educational.
Having completed over 500 projects, we’ve demonstrated 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?
“The clients were drawn to modular for its speed, cost certainty, and design flexibility. Off-site construction meant a faster build with minimal disruption to daily life. Costs were locked in from the outset, avoiding unexpected blowouts.
Design flexibility was another major advantage. We were able to tailor the extension to the sloping site and the family’s space requirements—something that would have been more complex and disruptive with traditional methods.”
How did the new double-height entrance space and circular skylight enhance the home’s design?
“The double-height entrance and circular skylight were conceived as a natural transition between the original house and the new extension. The skylight floods the space with daylight, creating an inviting focal point, while enhancing the sense of openness and verticality. These elements deliver both a striking visual feature and practical functionality.”
How did the terraced design accommodate the sloping site and impact the home’s flow?
“Instead of levelling the block, we embraced its natural contours. The terraced design subtly defined zones within the home—entrance, kids’ zone, and communal living—without the need for walls or partitions.
This approach encourages natural flow while maintaining functionality. The continuous oak flooring further reinforces a sense of cohesion across different levels.”
Sustainability is central to Modscape’s design ethos. What strategies were used in the Ivanhoe extension?
“We used sustainably sourced Blackbutt timber and Colorbond Diversaclad for their durability, minimal environmental impact, and timeless aesthetic.
The home incorporates active and passive strategies, including solar passive heating, cross-ventilation, double-glazed windows with thermal break frames, over-insulation, energy-efficient lighting, water-efficient fixtures, and a 2,000L rainwater tank. Together, these reduce operational carbon emissions while improving year-round comfort.”
How did the cantilevered master suite and battened screen balance aesthetics with practicality?
“The cantilevered master suite is a standout feature, designed to create a striking visual presence. The battened screen ensures privacy while acting as effective sun shading—reducing heat gain and preventing overlooking. The result is a private, serene retreat that still maintains a strong connection to the garden below.”
How did off-site modular construction reduce disruption for the family, and what was the project timeline?
“One of modular’s greatest strengths is minimising disruption. For the Ivanhoe project, the modules were built off-site in a controlled environment, allowing the family to continue their daily lives uninterrupted.
The total timeline—from initial design discussions to project completion—was about 9 months, with on-site assembly completed in just a few weeks.”
