Australia is currently experiencing a significant housing shortage, with the construction industry under immense pressure to deliver homes more rapidly, sustainably, and affordably. Recent forecasts by Master Builders Australia indicate that the nation is projected to fall short of the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million new homes by over 166,000 dwellings between July 2024 and June 2029. [1] As the search for practical solutions intensifies, innovative building materials like MaxiWall, an Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC), from Big River Group, are playing a key role in addressing these challenges, offering faster build times, reduced environmental impact, and greater affordability for developers and homeowners.
The construction industry is entering a new era of innovation, driven by the need for greater efficiency and sustainability. This shift is driving the adoption of advanced building techniques and materials by the industry that not only accelerate construction but also minimise environmental impact. These trends are setting a new standard for Australian construction, aligning with the urgent need to deliver housing solutions that meet the demands of a growing population while ensuring we have a sustainable future.
“Sustainability in construction is no longer optional – it’s essential,” said Ray Ferretti, Executive General Manager – Construction of Big River Group. “MaxiWall is designed with this in mind, offering a greener alternative to traditional brick and block building materials. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions during production and improving energy efficiency in homes, MaxiWall is not only a smart choice for the environment but also for homeowners looking for long-term savings.”
MaxiWall offers significant advantages for both homeowners and the build trade, making it a practical and versatile choice in today’s residential market. For builders, the lightweight panels streamline construction, with each one equivalent to laying approximately 75 bricks. This reduces labour demands and shortens construction timelines, enabling faster project completion. Additionally, installation requires no wet trades, with the panels able to be installed by carpenters already on-site, simplifying coordination and reducing costs without compromising installation or product quality.
The benefits of MaxiWall extend well beyond the construction phase for homeowners. Its sustainable design prioritises energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, using 60% less embodied energy than traditional masonry and produce 55% less greenhouse emissions than concrete and brick.
Ferretti added, “With superior insulation qualities compared to other masonry products the amount of energy required to heat or cool a home is greatly reduced, ensuring a more comfortable living environment year-round, savings to homeowners and ongoing environmental benefits.”
Particularly important in multi-residential housing, semi-detached and terraced houses is MaxiWall’s excellent acoustic insulation. Offering superior noise reduction qualities compared to other solid building materials of the same weight, MaxiWall is a preferred building material when soundproofing is critical.
In addition to its practical and environmental benefits, MaxiWall’s versatility makes it an appealing choice for diverse building projects. Builders appreciate its compatibility with a wide range of facade materials, such as timber, steel, and fibre cement, which allow for homes to be customised and to suit the homeowner’s aesthetic without sacrificing performance.
Meanwhile, homeowners can rest easy in knowing that its steel reinforcement and durable render coating will stand up to Australia’s challenging climatic conditions, ensuring their investment is both durable and visually appealing. For building projects in bushfire zones, it is fire resistant and classified as a 100 per cent non-combustible building material; an extremely valuable quality in Australia’s climate.
As the housing crisis persists, MaxiWall is already making a tangible difference, providing a trusted, accessible option for builders and homeowners. “The housing challenges Australia faces require practical and sustainable solutions,” said Ferretti. “At Big River, we are proud to play a role in addressing these issues. MaxiWall has proven to be an effective material for meeting these needs, enabling faster construction and supporting energy-efficient homes. It’s a valuable tool in helping the industry deliver the housing our communities urgently require.”
MaxiWall is fully compliant with current with Australian Standards and has Australian Codemark Certification.
[1] https://masterbuilders.com.au/australia-moves-further-away-from-national-housing-accord-target/#:~:text=From%201%20July%202024%20until%2030%20June%202029%2C,period%20from%20its%20weakest%20position%20in%20a%20decade.
