Are Arkular qualified Architects?

Yes, indeed! Arkular is a high-end Architectural practice (customised architectural modular homes at non-boutique building prices) with very experienced and qualified Architects. Your preliminary modular home design is strictly created by qualified architects only. Then, during the later stages, we’ll involve the wonderful support of our in-house Interior Designers and Draftspeople.

Who manufactures Arkular’s buildings?

Arkular works alongside their modular manufacturing partners in Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, Queensland, ACT and South Australia from the design concept stage through to building handover; we play to our strengths beautiful, sustainable architecture and the builders who play to theirs – cost-effective, skilful builds, prefabricated and delivered to your site. Our world-class manufacturing partners and their highly skilled construction team are responsible for the advanced technological build of your modular home; we manage holistically on your behalf to ensure the design intent and speedy delivery. The entire collaborative team comprises experienced Architects, Interior Designers, Draftspeople, Estimators, Project Managers, Carpenters, and Finishing Trades. This is how Arkular achieves a result that is always a cut above the rest.

Can I make a change to the Ark set designs?

We love the Ark Range and have devoted a lot of thought to crafting very special and functional areas. This also allows us to offer impressive architectural pricing on each product, as much of the sketch has been prepared in advance. To avoid paying for an entirely custom project, we highly recommend defining how many bedrooms you’ll require and reviewing those particular floorplans to pick out the plan that best suits your family, your age group, and your lifestyle. (Please note that modifications can be made to the Ark floorplans and can be customised to suit your block, capturing views and matching your lifestyle).

Do you create custom designs?

Sure, we’re mindful that sometimes you have a particular vision in mind, and as the leading architects in prefab, we’re thrilled to help you achieve this through a personalised approach. The process can be as collaborative as you wish. We’ll need to gather a few initial details from you to understand the design brief (your requirements) and your budget. Once a quote is approved, we can start producing your first design package per the discussed design direction and budget goals.

Arkular prides itself on providing modular architectural solutions. We may reference our set designs, but ultimately, we work alongside yourself and our manufacturing partners to deliver a cost-effective, customised architectural solution with a design to suit your block and lifestyle.

How do Arkular homes compare?

We’ve worked hard to ensure we continuously lead the way in the prefab marketplace year after year. Our homes are strictly designed by architects and no lesser qualified staff. This already places our team at a superior level of expertise than any other high-profile prefab supplier. We are formally awarded for being the standout quality in prefab. We are the only team regularly approached, nominated and awarded for sustainability awards on a global scale. When it comes to comparing with traditional architects, we don’t take 2.5-3 years to complete a project. And our costs are approximately $250-450K lower each and every time for the average 3 bedroom house. As the awards would indicate, we offer the best quality, expertise, sustainability, timing, and certainly cost.

What are the standard ceiling heights?

Our standard ceiling heights are 2.7m. and can build up to 3m. Very often, the ceiling heights are adjusted depending on the site conditions. We’re happy to confirm that we offer a boosted ceiling should the client so wish request it.

Is there a range of finishes to choose from?

Yes, absolutely. We’re proud to offer an impressive finish as the base starting point. You are most welcome to make any adjustments you like (to taps, tiles, bench tops etc.) to ensure the style and outcome are exactly as you envisaged. Our in-house interior designer has a stunning high-end background and will offer expert advice.

What is the standard module size?

Our modules vary in size, and Arkular generally produces the largest modules in Victoria. We achieve the best results with a module size of up to 5.0 m in width and 16.0 m in length. However, we can work up to lengths of 18 m and 5.5m in width. All modules can be attached for longer lengths if required. This ensures the most cost-effective result for our clients, as these sizes work best during installation. We can also try various other configurations as we understand each site will present its own unique potential.

Where are the modules made?

The architectural workload and presentations occur in our Melbourne Office (or online for convenience). We come to you for all the exciting site visits. Our Design Hub is located in Hobart, Tasmania, and the impressively efficient construction occurs across Australia nearest your project at our Manufacturing supplier’s facilities in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania. Proudly Australian-made

Can I add more modules to my home in the future?

You certainly can. The flexibility of the modular design process ensures we can comfortably add to your home at a later date.

What type of projects does Arkular work on?

At Arkular, we’re adept at handling a diverse range of creative projects (new builds and knockdown rebuilds) from residential and multi-residential (coastal, urban, suburban, rural etc.) to tiny studios or granny flats and also efficient commercial projects from early learning to aged care and everything in-between. (Please note we do not do extensions.)

What kind of commercial projects have you worked on?

Our commercial modular projects include accommodation cabins, multipurpose buildings, wellness centres, yoga retreats, bed & breakfasts, retail outlets, medical centres, airline offices, sporting facilities, disability accommodation, schools and childcare centres. Our flexible modular designs and efficient prefabricated processes perfectly suit the commercial environment – where a quick turnaround and certainty of costs are paramount.

Do you work with other Architects and Developers?

Yes, we’re excited to collaborate with architectural firms and developers because we know that breathtaking results always follow when great minds come together. We are regularly approached to build for other Architects themselves as they know it would take them so much longer to achieve a similar result on their own. If you wish to collaborate, please get in touch, and we’ll help speed up your dream project.

Can you work with other Architects’ plans?

Yes, first, we need to review the plans. We may need to modify to suit our modular construction methods, but we’re always helpful with our feedback, and we’d be happy to brainstorm together.

Do you have a display home we could see?

We love inviting our clients through our latest installations, rather than showcasing the same display home over and over. This ensures you are experiencing the latest and most creative Arkular projects and seeing a true representation of our current style, space, and quality.

Do you have standard inclusions?

Yes, we do; we have a comprehensive standard inclusion package, including sustainable features. Our homes come completely turnkey with fixtures, fittings and cooking appliances*. Please get in touch with us for our impressive STANDARD INCLUSIONS DOCUMENT.

What is the construction and installation time for my project?

The average construction time for an Arkular home is around 12 to 20 weeks. The installation takes 1 – 2 days and 2 and 4 weeks for finishing touches, including services, external decks and pergolas; times may vary depending on the project’s complexity and site access.

Does Arkular service remote locations?

We love working in various environments, including urban, rural, coastal, alpine and remote off-grid locations. Our homes are built to perform effectively in each of these environments. We’d be delighted to work with you if our trucks can access the site adequately.

What kind of climatic conditions are suitable for an Arkular home?

Our modules are made of materials and insulation that perform exceptionally in various climatic conditions. Our projects range from residential houses in Sunny Queensland to beachside Byron Bay, tricky blocks on the Northern Beaches of New South Wales, alpine retreats in Victoria to picturesque Tasmanian locations and everything in between. We achieve a high level of insulation via a range of R Batts and double-glazed glass throughout, resulting in a comfortable home even in extreme environments. For more information on our features, please contact us for our Standard Inclusions.

What kind of site preparation is required?

Site preparation will vary from project to project. We generally work with an engineered pile system that provides a non-invasive footing system. We will arrange this ourselves on your behalf. If you need demolitions, excavations, or any other work done before the trucks arrive with your new home in tow, our Allied Construction Partner can assist by project managing these works.

How does an Arkular home fare during transportation to site?

Every Arkular home undergoes a high level of quality control during the construction process to ensure it is completed with the utmost care. The home’s steel frame structure means there are no vulnerabilities in the module and no flex during lifting and lowering. We work with an esteemed logistics team that manages all facets of the transportation of our buildings. This is completed with detailed accuracy, precision and care. All our clients marvel at it as one of the most exciting days of their lives.

Can you install onto a sloping site?

Of course. We’ve erected several homes on sloping blocks using bored pier foundations. These sites usually make for visually dramatic results. Our bored pier footing system can accommodate most sloping sites. There is no need for concrete ground slabs, so site works can be minimized, saving time and money.

Does Arkular work on projects that have a BAL rating?

Yes. Our homes are built to comply with a low-mid BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) rating. We can modify the design where required for mid-high BAL ratings and/or select alternative claddings and materials. We can service any level of BAL up to Flame Zone – please get in contact with us to discuss your material options for a FZ rated block.

Can Arkular build in cyclonic areas?

Yes, Arkular can design to meet Cyclone Building Codes. At the early stages of any project, all environmental factors are accounted for to ensure the requisite building codes are met. The impact on the design and costs will depend on the level of cyclone protection required.

Do I need a soil report?

Yes, we require a soil report and will organise this for you when required. The cost of doing so is incorporated into your overall project. The soil report will determine the subsurface soils and how we’ll respond to these during design and construction.

Can we install a Septic Tank?

Yes, we can; most sites can accommodate a septic tank system.

Can we install Solar Power?

Yes, we can! Solar panels can be fitted to your new home and are a great way of greening your footprint and reducing fossil fuel consumption. Not to mention the long-term power bill savings!

Can you build off the grid completely?

100% we can. Self-sustaining features can be incorporated throughout our buildings, including large rainwater tanks, solar cells, Tesla battery storage and generators (if required), allowing the design to naturally breathe and provide minimal impact to its environment.

What materials do we use?

Understanding the materials used within the building is fundamental to its overall response. Using materials that are produced with as close to carbon neutral methods as possible to those that have low to no VOC output is important, as are the manufacturing techniques that go into their production.

Will my Arkular home achieve a minimum star energy rating?

With its energy-conscious design and materials, an Arkular home comes with a minimum 6-star rating as standard. We often build to a higher rating, and happy to work with you to achieve it. Our designs can reach 7-10 star ratings* and are completely off-grid *Energy Ratings are subject to individual site orientations and client preferences.

From 1 May 2024, homes will be required to achieve 7 stars and a whole-of-home rating not less than 60 under the NatHERS option. A higher star and whole-of-home rating means the building is more energy efficient.

Do you include heating and cooling?

Absolutely. We include a ceiling fan in each bedroom and living area to ensure comfort in all seasons. Air conditioning systems, open fireplaces, pot belly stoves, gas fires and hydronic heating are all available as extras for heating and cooling options. We will work with you to establish your project’s most suitable energy solution.

Do you do landscaping? Is it included in the cost?

Landscaping plays a major role in the overall appearance, harmony and operation of your site and new home. The balance between internal and external lifestyle is extremely important and plays a major role in how we live and operate. At Arkular, we collaborate with several reputable Landscape Designers that can provide beautiful landscape designs and concepts that suit your specific site, concentrating on the deciduous trees and creepers for summer shading, native hardy water efficient flora and fauna, designer vegetable gardens, composting methods and positions, reticulation watering systems and permeable pathways. Some of our favourite Landscape Designers we have worked with: Phillip Withers Landscape Architecture, Mint Pool and Landscape Design, Fiona Brockhoff Landscape Designer, Platylobium Landscape Design, Greener Visions Landscapes and TLC Pools.

Can Arkular project manage all facets of the project?

It’s what we do. The Arkular process has been streamlined to ensure our team is doing most of the work for you. Once engaged on a project, we keep you up to date on our progress with regular emails, phone calls and three guided walk throughs at different stages. While we handle all the technical aspects and the necessary paperwork, we value your feedback on the design and the personal touches. This allows for every build to be as exciting as it is efficient.

Does Arkular deliver interstate to Sydney, Byron Bay, Southern Highlands, Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Coffs Harbour and all of New South Wales and Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Port Douglas and all of Queensland, Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, Daylesford, Castlemaine, Bendigo, Anglesea, Gippsland and all of Victoria, Canberra and all of ACT?, Hobart, Launceston all of Tasmania and Adelaide and all of South Australia

Absolutely, we love working across most of Australia and have successfully installed Arkular projects all over the country. During each stage of the process, our team will be in touch regularly with updates. We always travel interstate for important meetings. At other times, our clients have been very happy with meetings via conference calls. An added benefit of working with Arkular is our manufacturing partners are located locally in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania so you have the added benefit of dealing with businesses in your state.

Are you familiar with Interstate Council regulations?

Yes, we have had many dealings in VIC, QLD, SA, ACT, TAS and NSW with such councils as Mosman, Leichardt, Wingecarribee, Northern Beaches and Byron Shire and many more.

Will I need to organise services connections?

Once your Arkular home is installed on-site, it’s ready for service connections. Some clients choose to organise the connections themselves, but we are more than happy to project manage this for you. Since mains connection points can vary so much from site to site, we are unable to cater to this in our standard inclusions.