An evidence-based assessment of the potential for upscaling prefabricated timber modular building construction in Australia

Timber modular buildings (TMBs) are increasingly promoted as a low-carbon and resource-efficient solution for modern construction. However, despite growing global interest, the feasibility of applying TMBs, particularly multi-storey systems, remains insufficiently understood in the Australian context. The existing literature largely focuses on isolated aspects, such as structural performance and environmental impacts, leaving a significant gap in system-level evaluations that account for the combined implications of design, durability, fire safety, manufacturing and logistics. This study addresses this gap by reviewing case studies and synthesising the key opportunities and challenges associated with large-scale TMB adoption. The review identifies that while TMBs can deliver substantial environmental benefits and reduced construction time, their widespread deployment is limited by fire safety concerns, long-term durability under Australia’s climate hazards, structural height and span constraints, and logistical limitations associated with transporting modular units. Thus, this study aims to consolidate these specific building design criteria into feasibility assessments and outline targeted potential solutions. These include enhanced encapsulation and cavity-barrier strategies for fire protection, hazard-specific durability detailing, hybrid and lightweight volumetric modules to manage lifting and transport constraints, and performance-based design approaches tailored to the National Construction Code. Overall, the study provides practical recommendations to support the upscaling of multi-storey TMBs in Australia, highlighting where further research, regulatory refinement, and industry innovation are required to overcome current adoption barriers. • Recent progress and practice of timber modular buildings. • Timber building advantages in sustainability and manufacturing. • Uptake barriers are mainly related to fire safety and durability performance. • Future directions and recommendations for timber modular buildings.