Temporary Facility After Fire
- daniellaNZTS
- 19 hours ago
- 2 min read
Supporting Community Services Through Modular Solutions
The Flagstaff Group is a not-for-profit organisation and registered NDIS provider, offering life skills, employment opportunities, and social enterprise programs for people with disabilities. Their businesses, including commercial laundry services and fine food production, play a vital role in creating inclusive opportunities and providing essential services to the community.
The Fire Incident
On Boxing Day 2024, a fire severely damaged Flagstaff’s Unanderra site, with the packing and dispatch area of the commercial laundry and the fine foods operation affected. While there were no injuries, the fire caused significant disruption to the organisation’s ability to operate, threatening both employment opportunities and essential community services.
Temporary Facilities for Continuity
In order to maintain operations and continue supporting clients, a temporary modular structure was installed adjacent to the main site. The facility was designed to replicate core functions quickly and minimise downtime, ensuring business continuity.
Key Features of the Temporary Facility:
Industrial structure: 20m x 15m frame with 5.2m side height.
Additional gable upright for structural reinforcement.
Single-skin roof with rain management system including guttering and downpipes.
Roller doors and personnel access doors for operational flexibility.
Office and kitchenette spaces for staff use.
Accessible bathrooms and shower facilities, meeting community needs.
Climate control to ensure a comfortable, functional environment.
Building Resilience
The swift deployment of the temporary facility meant Flagstaff could restore services in a matter of weeks. Employees returned to work, and clients continued receiving support with minimal interruption. The project highlights how modular solutions can help community-focused organisations maintain operations during unforeseen events.
A Model for Disaster Recovery
The Flagstaff Group’s experience demonstrates the value of modular buildings as disaster recovery tools. With their rapid installation, adaptability, and capacity to house critical services, these structures provide a lifeline for organisations needing to resume operations quickly after crises such as fires, floods, or other emergencies.
