Transforming Australia’s Housing Sector: Insights from Japan’s Prefabrication and Modular Construction Models
The University of South Australia, prefabAUS and Shinka Management invite professionals from across the South Australian building and construction sector to an industry briefing exploring how Japan’s housing industry can inform and inspire solutions to Australia’s housing challenges.
The session will examine the current state of Australia’s housing sector and the measures being undertaken to boost supply, productivity, and affordability — with a particular focus on the growing role of prefabrication and modular construction. Drawing on Japan’s decades of experience in industrialised housing, the discussion will highlight opportunities for learning and collaboration between Australian and Japanese organisations to strengthen our local capability.
Through insights from research, industry practice and international case studies, this briefing will provide a practical perspective on how Australia can accelerate innovation and build a more efficient, high-quality, and sustainable housing industry.
Industry Briefing – Itinerary
16:40 Doors open
17:00 Welcome and introduction to presenters and panel members
17:10 The current state of the Australian building sector | Dr Mehdi Amirkhani, Senior Lecturer, UniSA Online
17:15 Overcoming design barriers to boost productivity in modular timber framing for Australian housing | Prof Rameez Rameezdeen, Professor, UniSA STEM
17:25 Building the future we want: Our national mission for smart building, Year 3 | Mr Lance Worrall, prefabAUS
17:35 Overview of Japan housing market and the role of prefabricated and modular construction methods | Dr Paul Smith, Director, Shinka Management
17:45 Panel Discussion | The Australian housing sector – crisis and opportunity
Mr Joe Noone, Director Housing Policy and Projects, Department for Housing and Urban Development, Government of South Australia
Dr Mehdi Amirkhani, Senior Lecturer, UniSA Online
Mr Jon Anderson, Modular and Engineering Manager, Modular and Emerging Markets, Sarah Constructions
Mr Ryan Brown, Strategic Director – Modular, SHAPE Australia
Moderator | Dr Paul Smith, Director Shinka Management
18:15 Overview from prefabAUS on local activities in South Australia, and from Shinka Management on the Japan Housing Mission scheduled for April 2026
18:25 Networking with refreshments
19:00 Event close
Event Details
Date and time: 17:00 – 19:00 Wednesday, 26th November [Doors open from 16:40]
Venue: UniSA Enterprise Hub, 9 Light Square, Adelaide SA 5000
Registration: Via form below
RSVP: Registrations close 5pm, Friday, 21 November
Please note spaces are limited and RSVP may close early if event reaches capacity
Inquiries: https://shinkamanagement.com/contact-us/
For those unable to make it on the day, there will be the option to view a real-time online stream of the presentations. Please indicate if this is your preference when registering.
Hosted jointly by the UniSA Enterprise Hub, the peak body for Australia’s off-site construction industry prefabAUS, and lean manufacturing consultants Shinka Management.
Register to Attend
Registration details will be shared with UniSA, prefabAUS and Shinka Management. If you prefer not to receive future correspondence regarding relevant industry events, please note this in the message section with your registration.
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