FAQ

Finding an architect, a builder and contractors who are open to deliver your project to scope, and on-time with transparency and accountability is “challenging”.
Speak to a property owner who has undertaken renovation works, a knockdown and rebuild, or a new build – and you will soon understand that “building is challenging”

At HERM Built, we not only provide all 3 services from one place, we also simplify this process by providing you with the tools and resources (24/7 Access) to keep a ‘close eye’ on us! … and across the 5W’s:
What we are doing!
Why we are do it!
Where we are do it!
When we plan to do it! … and
Who is doing it!

BIM (Building Information Modelling) is an intelligent model-based process that gives architecture, engineering, and construction professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure.

After 10 years in B&C project deliveries, in 2015, we made the strategic decision to break away from the industry status quo to be a disruptive service provider… to be a Client / Owner centric BIM builder + project management firm.

To deliver accountability, transparency and a comparably competitive fixed pricing to the Client / Owner, together with 24×7 anywhere anytime project access for the Client/Owner – we consolidated and re-aligned our skills and expertise in design and development, construction, sourcing and outsourcing, project management, and information technology in to a robust agile overarching framework.

Today, within this framework, we provide a ‘whole-of-managed-service’ – a stress free environment for the Client/Owner; for the professional service we engage; for our contracted and sub-contracted trades; and for ourselves… we who work collaboratively and industriously to deliver your project to scope and on-time across each stage of the design and build – from DA (Development Approval) to PC (Practical Completion), including the DLP (Defects Liability Period); and OC (Occupancy Certificate).

Most importantly, we spend the time to get to know you, your site and your needs in order to bring your vision to life. It’s the time we invest up front with you that sets us apart and makes the difference – The HERM Built Difference, and our Service Guarantee to deliver –

Real Quality:Quality residential, commercial and industrial projects built to last with BCA approved materials backed up by industry leading brands and finishes;
Real Pricing: Upfront costing and a fixed price contract with no hidden extras; and
Real Service: Using advanced information technology, we commit to providing outstanding customer service from end-to-end with transparency, accountability, and peace of mind.

It is a design + process that takes advantage of the climate to maintain a comfortable temperature range in your home. Passive design reduces or eliminates the need for auxiliary heating or cooling, which accounts for about 40% (or much more in some climates) of energy use in the average Australian home.
With the ever increasing cost of electricity and gas, Passive Design is no longer an ‘option to place on your Wish List’.
This 90 second video, and downloadable PDF document will explain the ‘design + process’ of Passive Design in simple terms.

These building material, with its low impact on the environment – ‘a greener building’ –  can provider better fire protection and thermal efficiencies for more comfortable living while reducing the cost of construction.
♦  CLTs (Cross Laminated Timbers)
♦  SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels)
IWSs (Integrated Wall Systems)
♦  AAC (Autocalved Aerated Concrete)
♦  ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms)
By applying these and other advanced building materials, technologies and knowledge – sourced locally and worldwide, HERM Built can renovate existing homes, design and build new homes, new low rise, and multi-level residential and commercial projects, including age care living projects for property owners and investor groups – which are more cost effective to build, and to operate over the building/project lifetime.

COR-TEN® is a weather resistant steel produced by Ruukki Steel Mills in Finland, COR-TEN® is a registered trademark.

How it Works
The atmospheric corrosion resistance of weather – resistant steel is based on the chemical composition of the steel. Under the influence of weather conditions a dense protective patina layer composed of corrosion products is formed on the surface of the COR-TEN® steel. The protective layer (Patina) develops in approximately 18 months, at first, the protective layer is reddish brown but gains a darker hue with time.

Corten® Steel is very popular with architects, and is used as cladding on modern Contemporary Residential & Commercial Architecture.

At HERM Built, and at no addtional cost to the build, we use Coreren® Steel for all our modular frames. We can also use it as cladding on your project.

Today, as a project owner, be it a residential, commercial or industrial building project, you are no longer limited to a traditional ‘’on-site” building methodology. With advances made in BIM (building information management) – you now have a choice! – and you can weigh the ‘Pros & Cons’ of building ‘on-site’ – or –  ‘off-site’…
(1)  What would be best, and more cost effective building method for you?
(2) Which method offer better quality control, better labour management and minimizing of wast across every stage of build?
(3)  Which method offers less building maintenance; and more flexibility to upgrade/change to reflect market and/or lifestyle charge?

Where we will provide a ‘fixed-price quote’ to build to your design specification and plans at site. Typically, on-site construction cost more due to the myriad of characteristic risk – i.e. the weather; site access for construction and deliveries; access to parking; material storage and safety; to name just a few.

As the name suggest, the framing, floors, walls, ceiling, roof, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical, tiling, carpeting + the fitting of kitchens, barrooms, built-ins, painting, etc… are all done within a ‘controlled (factory) environment’ – hence “Modular” construction/build.

HERM Built modular buildings are BCA (Building Code of Australia) standard compliant residential, commercial or industrial structures are costumed designed and built ‘off-site’ within a BIM manufacturing environment as stand-alone sections; then assembled at the site to create a whole structure; and the build reflects the identical design intent, and specifications of the most sophisticated on-site-built facility.

Due to the design + build, there are virtually NO delays due to weather. In addition, there is a high degree to deliver a ‘quality built’ project because of the manufacturing process and procedures in place. i.e.
Better quality control;
Better resources (time, labour material and process) management;
Better waste management;
Better access to material (delivery + storage); and finally,
Better cost control and Project Management… which reflects in the ‘Fixed-Price’.

All our sections have an engineered steel frame, streel cross members and corner castings to ensure the structural integrity, and to withstand the relocation (road/rail/sea) to the intended site. At location, the semi-fitted-out, or fully fitted-out sections are securely locked to the foundation (Piers), and clock to the adjacent module/s.

A HERM Built modular customer designed and constructed home makes for the perfect building solution for building on reactive soils, difficult and extreme terranes, and in cyclonic regions.

Due to the structural integrity of our design + build, the HERM Built module/s can be cantilevered, and the minimum number of foundation footing + piers required to support the module is 4.

Standard Module Size: (L) 12m x (W) 2.5m x (H) 3m (Internal: 28.2sqm.)
Non-Standard Length Sizes: 13.8m (32.3sqm.) and 15.3m (35.8sqm.)

The factory-controlled process generates less waste, creates fewer site disturbances and allows for tighter construction.
Less Site Disturbance
On-site traffic is greatly minimized from building and construction works, equipment and suppliers.
Great Flexibility and Reuse
Modular buildings can be disassembled and the modules relocated or refurbished for new use, reducing the demand for raw materials and minimizing the amount of energy expended to create a building to meet the new need.
Less Material Waste
When building in a factory, waste is eliminated by recycling materials, controlling inventory and protecting building materials.
Improved Air Quality
Because the modular structure is substantially completed in a factory-controlled setting using dry materials, the potential for high levels of moisture being trapped in the new construction is eliminated.

Construction of modular buildings occurs simultaneously with site work, allowing projects to be completed in half the time of traditional construction.
Reduced Construction Schedule
Because construction of modular buildings can occur simultaneously with the site and foundation work, projects can be completed 30% to 50% sooner than traditional construction.
Elimination of Weather Delays
60 – 90% of the construction is completed inside a factory, which mitigates the risk of weather delays. Buildings are occupied sooner, creating a faster return on investment.
Built to BCA (Building Codes Australia) Standards
Modular buildings are built to meet or exceed the same building codes and standards as site-built structures, and the same architect-specified materials used in conventionally constructed buildings are used in modular construction projects – wood, concrete and steel.

Modular buildings are built with the same materials and to the same building codes and architectural specifications as traditional construction. Once assembled, they are virtually indistinguishable from their site-built counterparts.
Safe Construction
The indoor construction environment reduces the risks of accidents and related liabilities for workers.
Engineered Building & BIM Standards
PMC* relies on advanced BIM* for visualization to assess the energy performance and identify the most cost-effective efficiency measures. PMC is ideal for the use of this technology where the construction process is already a collaboration of systems, materials and people—much like the software itself.
Limitless Design Opportunities
Modular units may be designed to fit in with external aesthetics of any existing building and modular units, once assembled, are virtually indistinguishable from their site-built counterparts.
*PMC – Project Management Consultancy
*BIM – Building Information Management

Without Question!

At its core, all HERM Built modular design sections have the same superior reinforced welded steel frame and cross members. The “affordability” of a HERM Built Custom Design Residence or Commercial Project lies in your –
♦  Selection of flooring (9+ choices), roofing (style + material), external cladding (9+ choices), etc;
♦  Selection of doors and windows (myriad choices), etc;
♦  Selection of fixtures and fittings (myriad choices), and level of finish within each bedroom and bathroom, the laundry, the kitchen, the living-room, the office, the media-room/games-room, etc;
♦  Selection and finish of stairwell, balustrades, decking and alfresco area, etc;
♦  Selection of appliances, heating and ventilation systems, security and smart-home technologies, etc
… its these factors that govern the final cost.

Average Cost: Starting from $1,600/m² for a HERM Built modular custom design + built home.

Initial Consultation Fees & Chargers: $1,900.00 + GST (2017 Cost Schedule)
This includes:
(a) Complete set of 2D + 3D rendered design works;
(b) Project Cost Estimate (preliminary estimate only);
(c) Webinar: Up to 1hr free webinar conference, including a 3D ‘Flythrough / Walkthrough’; and
(d) 24/7 Access to HERM Built Project Management portel (Mobile & PC App.)

Not Included:
1. Travel and accommodation cost outside of Sydney.
2. Working Drawings: Detailed architectural plans, section plans, engineering plans, landscaping plans, BASIX, and detail specifications ready for Development Application.
3. Final Fixed-Price (cost notknow, until #2 is completed)
4. Project Delivery Schedule.

Without Question!

All HERM Built modular design sections have the same superior reinforced welded steel frame and cross members.

Did You Know
You can add an external porch, deck, carport or garage to your granny flat WITHOUT using up your maximum 60m² building footprint?
> See some examples of how you can add more space below.

Under the new State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), new Complying Development regulations, the maximum permissible floor area of a Granny Flat can‘t exceed 60sqm(m2). Furthermore, as the floor area is calculated from the external walls of the building – external building materials such as brick work, render or cladding can impact on the internal usable floor area.

For example, a brick veneer building has a thicker external wall to a steel frame + cladding of a HERM design + built granny flat/Cabin. As such, our designs will save around 4-5sqm of internal floor space… that’s the size of a bathroom or utility room in most cases!!!

So it is important when designing your Granny Flat, that careful consideration is given to the building materials used to ensure you maintain the required internal space.

For those Property Owners that want more space for their Granny Flat and believe that living in a Granny Flat should not compromise the quality of the tenants or your living standards, then there is an opportunity to upgrade your new Granny Flat building with the following additions which are NOT included in the 60m2 internal area:
– Front porch or deck to give your building a homely feeling;
– An alfresco to create a flow from the inside to out;
– Carport or garage to keep the car close by for the ease of carrying your shopping;

These features will help improve the look of the building, and make them more functional to suit your lifestyle. Remember, a good building starts with a smart design, which is what we do best!

Yes you can!

While we offer a wide range of finish options, we have also been challenged from time to time to come up with alternate finishes. One such finish is ‘Marble Finish’ – this is where we turn a standard painted pasteboard into a ‘marble-like finis’ … ideal as a featured wall, entrance / reception areas, etc.

Roof Shapes:
We can design to all common roof shapes – Gable, Hip & Valley, Flat, Skillion & Lean-to, including Saltbox, Butterfly, Cross Hips & Gable… to name a few.

External Cladding:
Choice of one or more claddinf finch – Stone, Timber, Weatherboard, Fibre-cement, Brick, Vinyl-board (PVC), Composite (WPC), Polycarbonate, Metal, and Toughen Glass.

Floor Finish:
Standard finish is choice of comprised engineered hardwood, or bamboo.
You can also choose polished concrete, marble, stone or ceramic, carpet, tiles… the choice is yours!

Doors & Windows:
As a standard, all our windows and glass doors are single-glazed. Double-glazed is an option, and cost is subject to quality + finsh. While double-glaze cost more than 25%, you can also expect to save around 25% in energy cost. Our paints are all low VOC. For a full list of the materials we use, refer to our Standard Specifications list.

Kitchen, Bathroom, Laundries, Tile selections, Benchtops, Draw systems, Colours, including Appliances, Fixtures, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) & Finish:
Again, you have full control of choice of designs, selections and finishes that makes your home – your home!

New modular building layouts and designs are practically limitless. From single-unit buildings to multi-story professional modular complexes, modular buildings can be constructed to meet residential, commercial and industrial needs.

While our design concept is centric to “space” rather than “floor plan”, we know that each of our clients has their own requirements for their own site.

If you have a general idea of the building (“space / plan”) – be it for your primary residence, or holiday home (beachside, mountain, bush or rural retreat) or to meet your business or agency needs, we will collaborate with you to design and develop a floor plan + build to fit your specifications.

If you are uncertain what you need? – Give us your “wish list” and space requirements and we will create a design that meets your unique challenges.

From there you can further customize your modular building project with interior and exterior finishes, lighting selections, technology options and security systems.

The foundation materials used for permanent modular buildings are primarily dependent on the site conditions and soil compaction. That being said, typical materials we use in permanent foundations would be the same or very similar to what you would find supporting a similar site built structure, including a combination of poured concrete with rebar for strength and crushed stone for drainage.

For reactive soils, extreme terranes and cyclonic wind areas, we engineer and build specific footings and piers, and incorporate our purpose built “Modular Locking Systems” that securely lock sections that sit directly on piers – to the pier. Each section is also lock to its adjacent section – making our design + build fair more stronger and longer lasting.

Modular sections need to maintain their structural and aesthetic integrity to withstand the rigor of transportation (road, rail, sea) to the building site; and then assembled to form a complete build as per the approved plans and specification. As such, modular design and construction need to comply with additional standards – making modular builds more durable and long-lasting.

Structural Integrity: While all our modular structures have a fully welded steel frame, cross members and corner block for lifting and locking/securing the module to foundation and to the adjacent module, by BCA (Building Codes Australia) standards, both permanent and temporary prefabrication buildings are required to meet the same building codes as any construction. Whether they are permanently fixed at one location, or relocated over long distance to a new location, HERM Built modular structures are built to last for decades.

Fire & Sound Barriers: All our ‘external facing modular structures’ are fitted with ‘internal insulated steel wall panels’ form floor to ceiling. The external walls are then covered with your choice of one or more cladding finish.

Our modular construction projects minimize excess material waste by maximizing material usage and promoting adaptability and reuse. Here are few ways we’re making sustainability a priority:
Less Waste
Modular (aka. Pre-fabrication) makes it possible to optimize materials purchases and usage, while minimizing on-site waste and offering a higher quality product to the buyer. Bulk materials are delivered to the manufacturing facility where they are stored in a protected environment safe from theft and exposure to the environmental conditions of a job site.
Less Exposure
Modular structures are up to 90% completed in a factory-controlled setting where materials are protected from inclement weather conditions.
Less Site Disturbance
In the modular building process off-site construction is happening simultaneously to on-site work, such as laying the foundation. This reduces the impact on the surrounding environment, as well as the number of vehicles and equipment needed at the site.
Energy Efficiency
A large selection of high efficiency mechanical systems can be installed.
Reuse
When your needs change, modular buildings can be disassembled and the modules relocated or refurbished. Reuse of buildings reduces the demand for raw materials and minimizes the amount of energy expended to create a building to meet the new need.

The Standard Module/Section Size: (L) 12m x (W) 2.5m x (H) 3m = 30m²; and the

Non-Standard Length Sizes are: 13.8m (34.5m²) and 15.3m (38.25m²) … the Width and Height remain the same.

Therefore, a 120m² Floor Plan will require 4 x Standard Modulules/Sections.
To this basic layout (plan), and keeping with the ‘passive design boundaries’ we add one or more designed decks + an alfresco area to individualise the plan, and to increase the overall living space.

Yes. Because they are modular both in concept and design, our constructions are extremely easy to add to in the future to reflect – lifestyle change (growing family, or reducing family); or

If the build is an investment property, or a senior living residence, or a commercial premise – individual sections can be updated to reflect market/requirement change.

As the process start with you, wanting an outcome, we start with you. And from the outset, we apply BIM to collaborate with you, to understand your projects scope of work (SoW), the features and functions that matter to you, the level of finish that you want… and finally, your budget and delivery time-frame.

2.1: We start by considering the application of ‘passive design’ to take full advantage ‘good orientation’ to maximise passive heating and cooling… and to minimise the cost of HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning).
Download information on Passive Design
2.2: “On-Site” or “Off-Site” Construction?
We apply the SoW to the passive design parameters to consider the best building and construction method that will deliver the project to scope, on-time and to budget.
2.3: Within the agreed to construction method, we produce a ‘rough design, including rough internal + external rendering’ of what your finished project may look like.
2.4: With designs that sit directly above soil, we provide for perimeter foundation with crawlspace allowing for easy access, and for a dryer foundation.
2.5: We produce a ‘rough estimate’ of the project cost + delivery time.

3.1 Fixed-Price
Subject to approval, we will produce the final designs, including a ‘fixed-price’.
3.2 Building Approval
We will work with relevant authorities and Council to secure your DA (Development Approval) and CC (Construction Certificate).
3.3 Allowances / Customisation
We will provide for allowances within the project for ‘customisation by you’. Within customisation, or variation, you can splurge a little, or a lot on alternate – fixtures, fitting, finishes, energy efficient appliances, features, etc., including ‘smart-home technologies’ and off-grid solar + wind energy solutions … that defines your project as You!
3.4 PC (Practical Completion) + OC (Occupation Certificate)
At PC, we will ‘hand over’ the project to you; and collaborate with you and all stakeholders to secure your OC. After this, and within 6 months of OC, we will make a further visit to address any ‘settling-down issues’ that you may have, or may arise.
3.5 Warranty
In compliance with Home Building Act 1989, HERM Built’s warranty period is 6 years for a breach that results in a major defect in residential building work, and 2 years in any other case.

Within each urban and rural area/zone, Local Council vary the building specification by zoned land use; and apply requirements, restrictions, covenants, council standards, etc. including ‘set back boundaries and building heights’ – which can/could affect a design, and its suitability to your site.

You want to work with a design and development, construction, and a project management team that has a good understanding of Local Council standards, processors and procedures; and takes a consultative + collaborative stakeholder engagement approach to problem solving, and delivering projects to scope and on-time.

HERM Built endeavours to provide you with the most complete fixed price possible for the project.

Soil Test
We undertake a soil test to thoroughly understand your site’s composition and to determine what lies beneath the surface. Once a soil test has been completed foundations can be designed and priced accurately.

Site Survey
Similarly, site surveys must be thoroughly assessed to determine the fall of your block and gauge the soil type and design the right foundation and slab for your home/ investment property. Our site surveys will result in a drawing for your project – showing the slope of your land (fall), all service connection points and easements, as well as any existing features (including trees).

Section 149
As aprt of Environment Planning & Assessment Act 1979, and Section 149 Planning Certificate is a zoning certificate that is generated by the local council, which is specific to the property in question. The document provides information on how a property may be used and the restrictions that apply to development (that may impact site development and site costs), these include (but not limited to) the zoning of your property, relevant planning controls, subdivision history, easements, and whether your land is flood or bushfire prone. A Section 149 Planning Certificate provides more certainty in your application process for Complying Development Application (CDA); and our fixed price quote to you.

Section J is part of the building code of Australia dealing with energy efficiency for Class 2 – Class 9 buildings. The assessment will indicate where a building solution is proposed to comply with the deemed to satisfy provisions.[/accordin]

Our team visit every site to ensure that all likely risk and issues are identified, and strategies to manage the risk are considered prior to pricing.

Drafting: 5 – 10 days for first set of plans depending on the complexity of the project (assuming that a survey or a site plan is available)
Confirmation of CDC Compliance: 2 – 10 days depending on how quickly we can obtain the necessary documentation from council for assessment of the property
Water Board Approval: usually 1 – 3 days unless it is sewer affected
Miscellaneous Reports such as Flood, Bushfire, BASIX: usually 5 – 14 days depending on the type of report
Survey: between 10 – 28 days depending on location and availability of surveyors
Development Application (DA): preparation and submission to council – usually within 10 days of receipt of all required documentation
Construction Certificate (CC): 1 – 3 weeks depending on the council conditions on the DA consent letter
Building Certificate (BC): This is harder to estimate as it various from project to project and from council to council. Once we have all the paperwork for the submission ready we aim to have it in to council within 10 days

If your application meets specific criteria, a Complying Development Certificate is a fast-track approval process for straightforward residential, commercial and industrial development. The industry standard for a CDC is 10 days from the time that the certifier obtains all the documentation. We aim to improve on this and generally have our approvals issued within 2 – 7 days from time of receipt of all documentation.

Most councils set a benchmark of 6 weeks in council, however this outcome is not achieved by some councils. Once we submit documents to council we follow up regularly to keep the application moving. Once the DA is approved it is likely to need a Construction Certificate which can take 1 – 3 weeks depending on the council conditions on the DA.

Yes you do!

At HERM Built, we deliver what the Owners wants. With your ‘24×7 anytime / anywhere project (App) access’ – you can see each stage of build, and its completion by percentage (%). With this knowledge, you can,
– If it’s to do with structural or design change to the plans, you can communicate this directly with our design team.
– If it’s PC (Prime Cost) Items, you can make changers / variations to better reflect the needs of your family, or in the case of a commercial project, or an investment project – the market.
(a) Communicate your change / variation request;
(b) See if/how this would affect the delivery time-line of the project;
(c) Review and accept, place it on hold while you consider, or reject the change / variation; and
(d) See the project cost (+/-) reflect the change / variation.

In a Knock-down & Rebuild project, there are many variables including access to the site, proximity of surrounding homes or buildings, slope and site conditions, location of services and connections, trees on the site.

Furthermore, depending upon the proximity of other homes or buildings to your site, we may also need traffic management during certain phases of construction (this may require redirection or control of traffic flow).
Note: Sewer & Stormwater are provisional allowances in a HERM Built fixed price. A hydraulic design is done and our engineer visits the site and provides a fixed price where possible.

As transparency and accountability is the cornerstone of a HERM Built value proposal, we will provide you with a complete comparably competitive fixed price to rebuild your home. Complete with clearly identified provisional allowances for any items that are dependent upon final plans, engineer reports and soil tests.

We will take the time to explain everything in detail for your peace of mind.

Yes you can!
Should you wish to undertake your own demolition, as the Property Owner, you will need to secure the services of a demolition expert to provide demolition and removal of existing dwelling and any outbuilds including Demolition Application. This includes all asbestos sheeting and clearing to site of old footings, service pipes, trees, shrubs, all retaining walls and on-site driveway.

Prior to HERM Built commencing on site work, you, the Property Owner will need to provide:
– A Clearance Certificate, to ensure that the site is clear of any hazardous materials; and
– Services Disconnection Certificate (Gas & Electricity).

Yes we can!
As a provider of whole-of-managed-service, we only work with accredited demolition companies with knowledge of Local Council Regulations. The demolition process includes the removal of any existing structures at your project site, including a home, old footings, service pipes, asbestos, shrubs, retaining walls, sheds, concreting and paths.

On your behalf, HERM Built will secure a demolition permit. We can include all allowances for costs within your tender up front. If trees are to be removed, you, the Property Owner must provide an Arborists report prior to the lodgement of the Development Application (DA) to Council. Any costs that may be required as a result of the report will be added to the fixed price.

We include the things that some builders don’t talk about, and you would not think to ask: temporary fencing, water meter protection, site toilets, traffic management, installation of Tiger Tails (prevention of electrical accidents), to ensure that your Knock-down & Rebuild project runs smoothly.

As the Property Owner, you must install and maintain, for the duration of the construction, a temporary safety fence around the entire perimeter of the pool (minimum of 1.8 metres in height).

For safety purposes, this fencing must be fully secured with child proof locking devices at every/any entry point/s. An additional 900mm clear area at the perimeter of the fence must be clear of climbable objects (including but not limited to trees and fence rails). The pool must also have a cover that is designed to withstand likely impact and static loads (minimum of 225kg SWL) and it must be fixed to prevent any weather erosion, dislodgement or accidental removal.

All due care will be given by HERM Built, and associated contractors, but no responsibility taken, for any possible damage to the pool and the surrounding infrastructure.

From the date of issue of the Building Permit, HERM Built will scheduled into our factory program, and then build and installed within 12 weeks. Installation of the modules usually takes 1 day, and a further 7–10 days is generally required for site works.

Definitely. The structural integrity of each section makes HERM design + built module construction the ideal solution of reactive soils, extreme climates, terrains and cyclonic wind areas

The steel frame, cross members, insulated steel panels within outwards facing units;
Choice of one or more external cladding + finish; and
“R” values of 2.8 in the floors, 3.7 in the walls and 5.7 in the ceilings in combination with double glazed windows and doors the ambient temperature of the space is both constant and comfortable with very little requirement for additional heating and cooling… makes HERM Built modular construction the seamless solution.

Within the SoW (Scope of Work) we aim to deliver every built to meet a minimum 6-star energy rating. We can certainly achieve a higher rating depending on location, the design and level of finish.

At HERM Built, we take a holistic approach to collaborative design + build. From defining the SoW, careful design and planning, through to scheduling… every step of construction process; and subsequent use of the modules in the future are taken into consideration when we design + build you project.

For example, site preparation is kept to minimal, meaning less disruption to flora, fauna and neighbouring areas, and the screw piling technique we use means there is no need for earth moving or compacting.

Having the construction take place in a factory rather than on-site minimises noise, rubbish, dust, and debris and maximises the quality of the final product; this means less repairs and re-work in years to come.

All materials used in the construction of your project are recycled, reconstituted or sourced/created sustainably.

Rain water tanks is the defaukt optional feature for all of our projects, as are other environmentally conscious services such as solar hot water or solar/wind power.

Passive design, the quantum of insulation resulting from the Structurally Insulated Panels and double glazing we use means the ambient temperature of our projects is more stable and less prone to extremes (thus requiring less heating and cooling).

And finally, the appliances we use and recommend all have maximum energy and efficiency ratings, and are included in the price of the homes.

Screw-Piles/Piers are steel foundations anchors that are wound into the earth until they meet a predetermined engineering torque, as such they are unique among most other types of foundations or anchoring systems in that they can be loaded immediately after installation.

Unlike concreat piles/peiers, with screw piles/piers (anchors) there is no need to wait for concrete or grout to harden, or in the case of driven piles, no need to wait for excess pore water pressures to dissipate.

In most soil conditions the ultimate capacity of screw-piles/anchors will increase with time as a result of aging effects and thixotropy. This means that the capacity immediately after installation may actually be somewhat lower that the long-term aged capacity, which is conservative.

They are widely used in less, or moderately reactive soils, and makes for the ideal foundation system as Screw Piles negate the need to clear the site to create a level section of land for construction purposes. From an environmental perspective, the screw pile foundation system has the least impact. It also minimises the need for expensive site preparation.

Yes. Been modular, the modules must be transported from factory to site, and then lifted and lowered onto the foundation (Piles/Piers).

All our modules are manufactured with steel frame and cross members that are welded in place. Together with completely inflexible Structurally Insulated Panels in the floors, walls and ceilings enable our modules to withstand much greater stressors than would be possible with on-site construction.

Rigorous testing procedures during every stage of build ensure that each modular section arrives at its intended destination in the same condition in which it left the factory.