The pre-fabricated executive homes, which were made in a series of modules before being transported and installed, were specially commissioned by Queensland Health at a total cost of $19M, to provide much needed accommodation for hospital staff working in more remote areas of Queensland.

Due to their isolated locations, the need for minimal maintenance and upkeep of the buildings was paramount. Each home has its own deck, and the project brief stipulated that the decking board must be low maintenance and not require annual re-treatments. The decking also had to be easily transportable.

"The ModWood decking board fitted the needs of the brief so perfectly, it was actually specified within the contract that ModWood must be used for the project," said ModWood Technologies Market Development Manager, Mr James Grandison.

"We were very happy to be using the ModWood decking product throughout this project," said Hutchinson Builders Team Leader, Mr Barry Butterworth.

"It is slightly more expensive than conventional timber decking, but the fact that it requires no painting or ongoing maintenance makes it a cheaper and more practical overall proposition in the long term," Mr Butterworth said.

"The brushed finish is easy to fix if it accidentally gets scratched, it is safe and durable, and is completely termite resistant. ModWood decking board is a good, stylish timber alternative and our team found it easy to use and install as it cuts and drills exactly like timber. The Tallowwood colour choice blended well with the other building materials and the completed decks greatly enhance the overall style and quality finish of the homes," he said.

The transportable homes are currently being installed at 18 towns across Queensland from Quilpie in the west to Moranbah in the north, with the project expected to conclude in January 2008. The homes range in size from one to four bedrooms, and are high quality, affordable, strong and readily transportable.