School Infrastructure

Why DfMA is part of our future

Release date: 17 November 2020

Design for Manufacture and Assembly, becoming better known as DfMA. It has the potential to completely change how we design and deliver school infrastructure in NSW.

What is DfMA?

Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) is a design and construction process that combines the manufacture of building components, such as wall systems and facades, in a safe, clean and efficient environment with onsite construction assembly. DfMA allows us to build more quality schools in less time, providing greater delivery certainty, with less impact on the environment, local communities and existing school operations. In 2020, 14 projects have been earmarked for DfMA construction as part of the Capital Works program.

How does it work?

DfMA relies on design standardisation and comes in three forms:

  • Volumetric modules, assembled in a factory, transported to site and craned into position as completed classrooms, like Jordan Springs Public School..
  • Kit of parts comprised of building components such as beams, columns, façade panels, stairs, balustrades, roofs which use existing supply chain subcontractors to manufacture the ‘parts’ in accordance with a standardised design. The parts are transported to site and assembled there by the building contractor.
  • Hybrid DfMA, where volumetric, traditional and kit of parts are all used to complete a DfMA building.

Completed in July 2020, Jordan Springs Public School supports up to 600 students, featuring 27 new flexible learning spaces, a new hall, two covered outdoor learning areas and modern core facilities design to allow additional classrooms in the future. Up to 95% of the school was constructed off-site.

What benefits are we seeing from DfMA?

DfMA has measurable benefits particularly in time, sustainability, skills training and mental health. In addition, the following benefits were realised through this innovative design and construction process at Jordan Springs Public School:

  • Early investment in the design and engineering of the kit of parts enabled onsite time savings
  • Manufacturing of building parts created jobs in safe environments and onsite assembly required less interfaces
  •  DfMA manufacturing and assembly reduced CO2 emissions, material and water use
  • Offsite manufacturing and on-site assembly required less trades on site and generated less noise, dust, traffic and disruption
  • This method of manufacturing facilitated new jobs, training and upskilling
  • The DfMA design and construction process reduced the cost of construction.

Take a video tour of Jordan Springs Public School to see how it all came together.

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We recognise the Ongoing Custodians of the lands and waterways where we work and live. We pay respect to Elders past and present as ongoing teachers of knowledge, songlines and stories. We strive to ensure every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learner in NSW achieves their potential through education.

We recognise the Ongoing Custodians of the lands and waterways where we work and live. We pay respect to Elders past and present as ongoing teachers of knowledge, songlines and stories. We strive to ensure every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learner in NSW achieves their potential through education.