Prefab architecture
Prefabricated buildings don’t need to be ordinary. At BlokHuis, we specialise in design-led modular and prefabricated architecture.
Hello, we’re BlokHuis.
We do architecture a little differently.
As the only practice in Perth specialising in the design of custom prefabricated architecture, our focus is on providing Western Australians with architect-led prefabricated and modular building solutions where good design is front of mind.
Whilst most prefabricated projects start with a factory, we start with you. Cost effective, considered design within the framework of prefabrication.
If you are ready to explore your project with us or just want to bounce around some ideas, let’s chat.
Why Prefab?
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Homes are built off-site while site works happen in parallel, significantly reducing build time.
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Fixed-price building contracts reduce financial risk and unexpected variations.
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Controlled factory conditions allow for consistent workmanship and rigorous quality control.
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Materials are ordered precisely, reducing off-site and on-site waste.
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Shorter on-site build time means less noise, mess and impact on neighbours.
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Construction continues regardless of rain or extreme weather.
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Built using skilled metropolitan trades and locally sourced materials.
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Prefabricated homes are well suited to future extensions, relocation or re-use.
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Designs and costs are locked in once construction starts with few opportunities for changes or variations.
Need more information on prefab? These resources are great
Our Services
Three ways you can work with us
Architectural Design
For all client types
Love the idea of prefab or modular but would prefer to have your own design the way you want it and not have to choose from a catalogue?
We prepare the design that you want - from early feasibility and concepts through to detailed design. Drawings that we provide will allow to you get quotes from multiple modular builders, not just one. Learn more about our design process.
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Feasibility Assessment
Concept Design
Planning Application Documentation
Detailed Design Documentation
Preliminary Structural Engineering
Preliminary Energy Report
Preliminary BCA Report
Pricing
Construction Drawing Reviews
Yard Inspections
3D Visualisations
Feasibility Studies
For all client types
Not sure a prefabrication approach is the best for your project, site or budget?
We can test the idea out for you, providing you with clear insight into cost, risks, opportunities and next steps. We don’t recommend progressing with designs too much until this step has been carried out.
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Executive Summary
Concept Block Plan
Site Evaluation
Module Weight Estimates
Lift Studies
Install Evaluation
Transport Evaluation
Risk / Benefit Analysis
Ballpark Estimates
Recommendations
Summary
Consultancy Services
For architects and modular builders
For like-minded architects who want to apply prefab principles in their designs or modular builders looking for architectural design and compliance input.
We help fellow architects work through some of the nuances of prefabrication. It can be a bit complex to work through, but we can help translate the process. We also work with our local modular builders, providing architectural & compliance input into their projects.
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Design Conversions
Drawing Reviews
Compliance Reviews
Secondment Arrangements
Professional Education Seminars
Design & Documentation
Why work with us?
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Good design doesn’t come from a catalogue. We bring the full skill set of an architectural practice (spatial thinking, site response, sustainability, detailing and long-term performance) before we talk about prefab. We start with you, your site and how you actually want to live. We then work out whether prefab or modular makes sense (and how to do it well).
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It is rare to find architects who have direct experience working in the prefabrication construction industry. Through many years of experience managing the design of multiple large scale modular projects, we have developed a deep, practical understanding of prefabrication — from early design through to manufacture and delivery — and have a very clear perspective on its application and potential within architecture.
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We’re independent, which means we’re not trying to sell you anything. We work with a range of prefabrication manufacturers and consultants, choosing the right fit for your project rather than forcing your project to fit one system.
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Prefabrication and modular work well when we apply the right principles early. Because we understand how prefabricated buildings are put together, transported, lifted and installed, we can resolve the big questions upfront. That means fewer unknowns, clearer costs and far less stress once things are underway. Our aim is to give you confidence, calm and a clear understanding of what you’re committing to from the start.
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You don’t have to decide how you’re building before you understand your options. We design buildings so they can be delivered using modular or traditional methods construction. That means you can explore both paths, compare costs and timeframes, and make a decision once you have the information you need...not before.
“Jemma listens and delivers expertly, without fuss. She is responsive and forthcoming with her knowledge, which has helped us expand our own services and widen our client base.”
–Nanako McIntosh, Mon Architects
Meet Jemma
Jemma Vandongen BA, BArch, RAIA
Principal Architect / Founder (Reg No. 2095)
In 2025, Jemma founded BlokHuis, one of Western Australia’s first architectural practices specialising in design using prefabrication principles. Through BlokHuis, Jemma practices her belief that prefabrication has an important part to play in delivering cost-effective, architect-designed buildings to Western Australians.
Jemma is a pragmatist by nature. She values simplicity, authenticity and being a good human. For her, the most rewarding part of being an architect is working with other people to bring a shared idea into reality.
With over 15 years of architectural experience in Western Australia, her focus for the last five years has been exclusively on the prefabrication industry. Recognising the significant potential of off-site construction and driven to understand it in depth, she established and led a design team for a leading prefabrication construction group based in Henderson, Western Australia. This role gave her a deep, practical understanding of prefabrication — from early design through to manufacture and delivery — and a clear perspective on its application within architecture.
Outside of BlokHuis, Jemma needs to run, swim and surf to keep up with the people and dogs in her life. Her favourite travel destination is Japan. More recently she has taken up wing foiling to keep things interesting.
Prefab Mythbusters & FAQs
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It depends on the project. Generally, though, it is not cheaper than conventional methods of construction and especially not for custom projects. If there are savings, they are due more to reduced time on site especially if you are renting somewhere else while you are building. Benefits with prefab relate more to things like predictability, cost certainty, quality control, reduced construction periods, less reliance on local trades, less disruption to your neighbours and much much more. See below.
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Yes. In fact, sometimes it is better. Modular builders typically have a higher supervisor to labour ratio meaning that work is always being checked for quality.
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Prefabrication is a really broad term and can mean anything that is built off-site for future incorporation into an on-site build. BlokHuis specialises in one type of prefabrication referred to as modular construction, or more specifically, volumetric modular construction. This is a form of construction where complete, volumetric (or 3D) units are built off-site and then transported to site for installation. A prefabricated or modular building can be made up of a single volumetric unit or multiple volumetric units joined together. For more detailed information, see links to resources below.
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Great question. We suggest that you do spend time looking at some of the options our local prefabrication suppliers have. They have lots of great designs and may have exactly what you need for your budget. We provide services to those who are interested in this method of construction and who want to use an architect to develop a custom design. Developing your design with BlokHuis will mean that you don’t need to commit to a single supplier until you have the design that you want and are ready to price and build.
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No, we only design single or double-storey projects or second-storey additions. If you are considering multi-storey, contact us and we can give you details of the right people to speak to.
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No, we design for all sectors. If you have a community housing, commercial, retail, education or mining project in mind where you would like to consider a prefabrication approach, feel free to contact us.
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Our point is that we aren’t all that different to other architects. Where we differ is that we design specifically for prefabrication.
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Absolutely and it is a really good idea if you want to leave your options open. We can provide you with more generic drawings that can be priced by builders using either method of construction.
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Yes. If your project is for a prefabricated extension but it includes renovations to an existing building, we can complete drawings for the renovations as well. Be aware that this portion of the project may need to be completed on site by a separate contractor.
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Yes, we really like collaborating with like-minded architects. Let us know which architect you have in mind and we can let you know if we think a collaboration is the best way forward.
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No, we are not builders. We are familiar with most of the prefabrication suppliers in Western Australia and will connect you with them once your project is ready for pricing.
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We have plenty of built projects - just not completed through BlokHuis. As we are in the process of finding our feet, most of our projects are in the early feasibility stage. If you would like to see some of the work we are doing or have done in our past life, please contact us directly.