A state-of-the-art 25-bed residential aged care unit under construction at Cooinda in Coonabarabran is fast taking shape thanks to a revolutionary building method.

Design and Construct specialists Paynter Dixon is using a modular pre-fabrication construction method believed to be a first in the aged-care industry.

Ascension Living, a subsidiary of Beechwood Homes, is a patented system-built modular construction company based in Sydney NSW, providing sustainable solutions for building projects.

The project, which commenced in January, also features a new lounge and dining room.

Paynter Dixon Business Development Manager Phillip Ryan said the Ascension Modular Technology is cutting edge Innovative modular product, where the off-site manufactured components are contained within a ‘flat pack’ (pods) that are delivered to site, then unpacked and assembled.

“It is like an incredible giant meccano set they are putting together,’’ Mr Ryan said.

The foundation system utilises screw piles, and as the name suggests they are screwed into the ground until they hit suitable bearing material.

“You have a steel pole which is sticking out of the ground, with a steel cap which includes a thread which we can vary to make it exact,’’ Mr Ryan said.

Mr Ryan said the pre-fabrication requires precision design up front, but it does save a significant amount of time in construction.

Conduits for key electrical and technology components are also built into the building panels, saving further time.

Ascension’s well-insulated pre-fabricated panels will result in a sealed building, and along with the double-glazed windows delivers superior thermal and acoustic performance.

The residents’ rooms, which includes an ensuite, is replacing multi-bed rooms on the site.

Those rooms will be converted to administration, training room and support spaces for residents.

This stage of the redevelopment is on schedule to be completed in August.

View aerial vision of the pre-fabrication process taken last week.