Project Description
Refram^d is seeking to produce 2 commercial prototypes (up to 4.5m tall) within the next 10 months, each house consisting of up to 50 laminated cardboard components. These prototypes will be a minimal viable product which will be crucial in testing the hypothesis of cardboard as a structurally sound and durable building material. 1 prototype will be situated at a winery in the Hunter Valley to test the viability of these homes as a sustainable eco-tourism accommodation alternative. Meanwhile, plans are in place to host the other prototype on the grounds of iAccelerate for the purpose of showcasing the homes to prospective clients, government agencies and organisations.
We are looking for a UOW PhD student with expertise in advanced manufacturing, industrial engineering or material processing to streamline the production of our laminated cardboard beams. We want to know how we can manufacture these beams repeatedly, efficiently and commercially to meet Australian standards. More specifically, we want to know how we can introduce scalable advanced manufacturing solutions that future-proof our start up when and if our order volumes increase.
The outcomes of the interns work will be directly tied to the production of the 2 prototypes, with recommendations and research on how we can efficiently produce more of them at a larger scale in the future.
Industry: Technology
Study area: Computer Science & Information Technology, Engineering
Partner: Refram^d
Suburb: Remote / in person at Bowral / iAccelerate
Why:
Refram^d exists to solve a growing challenge - how to create housing that’s adaptable, affordable, and environmentally responsible. Across regional Australia, communities need accommodation that can be built quickly, used flexibly, and leave a lighter footprint on the land. Our mission is to reimagine temporary living through sustainable, off-grid tiny homes made from cardboard and other circular materials. These lightweight, modular structures are low-carbon, cost-effective, and quick to assemble - offering flexible accommodation where and when it’s needed most.
Paid
Yes
Research Outcomes
The key outcome is the delivery of 2 full-scale cardboard house prototypes which will be supported by a scalable advanced manufacturing business model which can be used in the future production of higher volumes.
This will include the production of schematics for the production of the laminated cardboard beam components, research into automation opportunities and the creation of a procedural and maintenance document for the operation of these technologies.
Duration
6 months part-time
Application closing date
29 September 2026
Contact information
Georgia Watson