Building in a remote location comes with unique challenges—harsh coastal conditions, logistical difficulties, and tight construction timelines. When the RETHINK PREFAB team set out to build a tiny home on Cocos Keeling Island, they needed a foundation that was fast, reliable, and built to withstand extreme environments.
Ideal Foundations supplied precision-engineered Stainless Steel Screw Piles, designed for corrosion resistance, strength, and fast installation. With these footings, the construction team was able to complete the entire build in just 10 days, proving that remote construction doesn’t have to mean delays.
Cocos Keeling Island’s high salinity and remote location made traditional foundations impractical. Screw piles provided a more efficient and durable alternative, custom-engineered to suit the unique site conditions. Made from corrosion-resistant Stainless Steel Screw Piles, these piles offer long-term durability, even in the harshest coastal environments.
Speed was another crucial factor. With limited time on-site, the ability to install the screw piles and begin construction immediately was a game-changer. Unlike conventional foundations that require extensive excavation and curing time, Ideal screw piles were installed and ready for building on the same day, keeping the project on track.
As modular and off-grid living continue to grow in popularity, builders are turning to screw piles as a faster, more sustainable foundation solution. They offer a strong, stable base with minimal environmental impact, making them ideal for tiny homes, prefab structures, and remote builds.
For this project, Ideal screw piles provided the strength, durability, and efficiency needed to complete the tiny home within just 10 days, despite the remote island conditions.
At Ideal Foundations, we specialise in precision-engineered screw piles that help builders take control of their projects, no matter how remote or challenging. Whether it’s a tiny home, modular build, or large-scale project, our foundation solutions ensure speed, strength, and long-term stability.
If you’re looking for a foundation that is durable, efficient, and built for any environment, contact Ideal Foundations today.
Modular construction has transformed the building industry. It offers faster, more cost-effective, and efficient solutions for a wide range of projects. At IdealCorp, we provide screw piles that play a crucial role in securing modular buildings to the ground, even under challenging conditions.
Recently, IdealCorp partnered with Modular Building Systems (MBS) and Richard Crookes for two Health Service projects in Braidwood and Harden, NSW. Despite adverse weather, our dedicated team successfully installed screw piles for raised pier foundations. This ensured the projects stayed on schedule and maintained high-quality standards.
Unpredictable weather during installation showcased the advantages of screw piles over traditional concrete foundations. Screw piles allowed efficient installation of raised piers with adjustable caps, eliminating delays caused by concrete curing.
After installing the screw piles, the team adjusted the bearer plates to the correct height. MBS then craned the modular buildings onto the piers. Minor adjustments followed, and the project progressed seamlessly, highlighting the adaptability of screw pile foundations.
The modular building industry in Australia is growing rapidly. Faster project completion times and uncompromised quality drive this expansion. Various sectors, including education, aged care, government, prisons, commercial developments, and residential homes, are adopting modular construction due to its benefits:
IdealCorp’s screw piles meet the modular market’s need for speed and flexibility. They are a reliable and cost-effective solution for both raised pier and slab foundations.
The Braidwood and Harden projects demonstrate how screw piles enhance modular construction. Their adaptability to site conditions and ability to meet tight schedules make them the foundation of choice across Australia.
At IdealCorp, we are proud to support the modular building market with innovative solutions that align with the industry’s need for speed and precision.
For more information on how IdealCorp’s screw piles can benefit your modular building project, contact us today.
Builders and developers are increasingly seeking ENM/VENM soil testing services to comply with regulations when removing soil from sites. Councils require assurance that the soil being removed is either clean or contaminated, regardless of whether it is transported to another site or a landfill. This often involves an ENM/VENM assessment.
Initially, ENM/VENM testing requests came from regions north of Sydney. However, this requirement has now become a widespread issue for builders and cartage firms throughout NSW.
Authorities frequently stop and inspect loads to ensure contractors meet their obligations when removing spoil. The penalties for non-compliance can be severe. If you have not yet encountered this requirement, here is some essential information to help you prepare for an ENM/VENM assessment.
Our Geotechnical Engineer, Dane Dwyer, provided insight into the relevant code.
VENM (Virgin Excavated Natural Material) refers to natural materials such as clay, gravel, sand, soil, or rock fines that meet the following criteria, as defined by the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act):
VENM also includes excavated natural materials approved under an EPA Gazettal notice. The EPA classifies VENM as general solid waste (non-putrescible).
VENM cannot include any other waste or be created from processed soils. Excavated materials that undergo processing cannot qualify as VENM.
We believe it is essential to inform builders about these regulations to help them prepare and manage their costs effectively. Our team offers VENM/ENM testing as part of Lot Classification services or as a standalone service. You can now order Lot Classifications online for added convenience
Make sure you’ve factored the cost of ENM/VENM testing into your next build budget.
Historic photo from DA submitted to the City of Newcastle Council
The Ireland’s Bond Building, built in 1884 in Newcastle, NSW, is undergoing a significant transformation. As part of the redevelopment, Ideal Foundations played a key role in strengthening its foundation using screw piers installation. This upgrade was crucial for preserving the building while preparing it for modern apartment living.
Reinforcing the foundation of a four-story heritage building is never simple. However, this project came with additional challenges. Unlike new constructions, which allow for standard piling methods, this site had tight spatial constraints.
One of the biggest obstacles was limited head height, which dropped to just 3.0 meters in some areas. This restriction made it impossible to use large excavation equipment. Moreover, overhead beams and columns further reduced available space. The project also required precise pile placement to align with the original pile caps, preventing costly structural modifications.
Initially, the foundation design required 40-tonne (400kN) piles. These typically need large machinery, which was impossible to fit within the confined space. To solve this problem, Chris Elliott of Ideal Foundations worked with a structural engineer to modify the plan.
The team redesigned the pile loads, reducing them to 20 tonnes (200kN) per pile. This change allowed the use of smaller equipment while maintaining structural integrity. Additionally, pile extensions were limited to 1.5 meters, ensuring installation remained within the restricted overhead clearance.
Executing the screw piers installation in such tight conditions required expertise and careful planning. The Ideal Foundations team used compact excavation equipment and followed a step-by-step approach. This ensured accurate pile placement while working safely around existing structures.
The process demanded precision and adaptability. Despite the constraints, the team successfully reinforced the Ireland’s Bond Building, preserving its heritage while preparing it for future residents.
This project highlights the importance of innovation in heritage restoration. By using advanced screw piers installation methods, Ideal Foundations reinforced the structure without altering its historical charm. As a result, the Ireland’s Bond Building will stand strong for generations, combining history with modern apartment living.
For more insights into complex foundation reinforcement and heritage building restoration, explore the photos and videos below, showcasing the Ideal Foundations team in action.
If you need foundation reinforcement for a light construction, or residential project, Ideal Foundations can help. We specialize in precision piling solutions, even in challenging conditions.
Building on a sand hill comes with unique challenges, especially when it involves supporting a luxury residential estate. At Ideal Foundations, we specialize in screw piles installation for complex terrains. Recently, we assisted Altum Property Group with foundation work on a steep hillside site in Noosa, QLD, forming part of the Noosa Springs Golf Course Estate.
This project was anything but a typical residential foundation installation. The steep slope and loose sandy soil required careful planning to ensure stability. Our team needed to use larger screw piles and heavy-duty excavators to penetrate deeper into the shifting sand.
Collaboration was key. Craig Geddis, our Queensland BDM, worked closely with the builder and engineer to determine the best piling approach. Given the site’s complexity, we implemented double helix screw piers, extending up to 6 meters deep for maximum stability.
The video footage from the site highlights the scale of the operation. With the hill’s incline and limited access, we relied on long-reach excavators to place and install the piles accurately. While the video captures the challenging terrain, being on-site made the slope feel even steeper!
Despite the difficulties, our team executed the screw piles installation with precision, ensuring a solid foundation for the luxury homes above.
Building on sloping land requires specialized foundation solutions. Screw piers offer key advantages, including:
For developers and builders working on challenging terrains, Ideal Foundations provides expert screw piling solutions that ensure long-lasting structural integrity.
If you’re planning a residential, light construction, or hillside development, our screw piles installation services provide secure, fast, and efficient foundation solutions.
At IdealCorp, we specialize in screw piling in Sydney, providing innovative solutions for challenging site conditions. Recently, we completed a project in Freshwater, Sydney, where tight access, unstable soils, and complex site restrictions required a tailored foundation solution.
Our client, Southern Cross Homes, faced several site challenges, including:
Although it wasn’t a large project, it demanded technical expertise and strategic planning to ensure a successful outcome.
To tackle these obstacles, our sales executive, Chris Elliott, collaborated with the Southern Cross Homes team and our installation experts. After a detailed site assessment, we developed a three-step solution:
Additionally, we had to address water flow issues at the bottom of the pool excavation, ensuring that the screw piles were installed securely despite the challenging conditions.
With careful planning and expert execution, we successfully installed the screw piling system, allowing the builder to move forward with the construction. This project reinforced the importance of preparation, experience, and problem-solving in tackling difficult foundation challenges.
At IdealCorp, we specialize in screw piling solutions for tight access sites, complex soil conditions, and restricted urban areas. Our expertise ensures that even the most challenging projects are completed efficiently and safely.
If you’re working on a residential and light commercial project with challenging ground conditions, IdealCorp provides specialized screw piling solutions to meet your needs.
The GJ Gardner Homes International Conference is one of the most anticipated events in the home building industry, celebrating the top-performing franchises and professionals worldwide. This year, IdealCorp proudly participated in the conference held in Hawaii, continuing our ongoing support as a sponsor.
Our General Manager, Sean Irwin, had the honor of attending the event, which recognized the best of the best in the GJ Gardner network. The conference showcased outstanding achievements, awarding:
🏆 Best Building Franchise of the Year
🏆 Top-performing franchises by state and country
🏆 Best Salespeople in the Industry
For the past four years, IdealCorp has been a proud sponsor of this prestigious event. We deeply value the opportunity to connect with franchise owners, celebrate industry excellence, and support the ongoing success of GJ Gardner Homes.
The event was not just about awards; it was also an exciting and engaging experience. Some of the key highlights included:
🌺 Hawaiian Welcome Party – A warm and festive kickoff to the conference.
🎶 50’s Party Night – A fun-filled evening of nostalgia and entertainment.
🏆 Awards Night – Honoring the industry’s best talent and franchises.
💡 G.J. Shark Tank – Franchisors pitching new and innovative ideas to enhance the business.
As the GJ Gardner Homes Conference 2018 came to an end, we look forward to next year’s event in Vietnam. Until then, our focus remains on helping GJ Gardner Homes get out of the ground faster with our expert screw piling solutions.
At IdealCorp, we are committed to innovation, efficiency, and industry collaboration. By supporting initiatives like the GJ Gardner Conference, we continue to strengthen our relationships with home builders and industry leaders, ensuring high-quality foundation solutions for every project.
At Ideal Geotech, we understand that time and efficiency are crucial for our customers. That’s why we’re introducing online geotechnical reports ordering, a first in the geotechnical industry! Our new system allows account customers to seamlessly order lot classifications and soil tests online, streamlining the process like never before.
With this new online ordering system, customers no longer need to rely on emails, faxes, or manual follow-ups. Instead, all submitted orders go directly into our customized scheduling system, ensuring:
We don’t just claim to be on time—we prove it! Our order tracking system provides account customers with a turnaround time report, measuring actual performance against agreed lead times. This transparency helps us continuously improve and ensures that you receive fast, reliable geotechnical reports.
If you need instant access to geotechnical reports, want to track your orders in real time, and require a more efficient lot classification process, Ideal Geotech has you covered.
For builders and developers, foundation costs can be a significant concern. Unforeseen expenses and delays impact project timelines and budgets. At Ideal Foundations, we provide cost certainty, ensuring a streamlined construction process with efficient foundation solutions.
We recently began foundation work on a 33-unit, two-story residential project in Camden South, South West Sydney. The builder had previously partnered with Ideal Foundations for a 22-unit project in Oran Park, where our screw piling solutions helped them get out of the ground faster.
After experiencing the benefits—rapid installation, minimal site disruption, and cost predictability—they chose Ideal Foundations again for their latest development.
Traditional bored concrete piers often lead to unexpected costs due to site variations and excavation challenges. However, our fixed price foundations eliminate these uncertainties by:
🏗 33 two-story units
🔩 1,000 screw piers installed (approximately 30 per unit)
📏 Screw piers reaching 2-3 meters deep
💰 All at a fixed price!
Partnering with Ideal Foundations offers:
At Ideal Foundations, we provide cost-effective, fixed-price foundation solutions for residential, commercial, and multi-unit projects. If you’re a builder or developer looking for budget certainty and efficient foundation installation, we’re here to help.
Rebate on All Jobs Completed Between Dec 16th, 2024, and Jan 13th, 2025!
