MODEL has appointed Multiplex under an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) agreement for its first two Build to Rent projects in Abbotsford, laying the foundations for a delivery partnership built on shared ambition, early collaboration, and a belief that Australian Build to Rent housing can be better.

With a combined development cost of approximately AUD $330m, the projects aim to set a new benchmark for Build to Rent in Australia. 

MODEL’s Johnston Street project (approx. 240 homes) is set to become Australia’s tallest timber residential building, while the Lithgow Street project (approx.150 homes) will adaptively reuse the 100-year-old landmark, the Schweppes cordial factory, to create a sustainable living hub.

The design approach, led by Warren and Mahoney architects and supported by a best-in-class team of engineering, sustainability and delivery partners, underscores MODEL’s strong environmental ambitions.

Both developments are targeting six Star Green Star, nine Star NatHERS and Certified Passivhaus outcomes, with mass timber and all-electric design central to a low-carbon delivery strategy.

The appointment follows six months of collaboration with Multiplex, building the shared confidence to enter into an ECI agreement and formalise a best-in-class, fully aligned delivery team across architecture, structure, civil, sustainability, façade, acoustics, and overall building performance.

With the Tier 1 builder now formally engaged, and both projects in the final stages of the Victorian Planning Minister’s Development Facilitation Pathway, MODEL will continue progressing detailed design and procurement strategy to ensure construction readiness. 

“The partnership reflects both the significance of these first projects and the intent behind how they will be delivered. As MODEL’s first two assets, they need to say exactly what we stand for: better homes, lower carbon and a fundamentally better rental experience. Getting that right is as much about how we deliver as what we deliver.

“We’ve worked closely with Multiplex to reach a point where we both have the confidence to formally commit under an ECI model. That process matters. It allows us to address cost, carbon, buildability and program with clarity before they become constraints. In a market where cost escalation and delivery risk are real considerations, that level of early alignment is critical to protecting both project outcomes and long-term investment performance.”

Rory Hunter, CEO, MODEL 

Rory said the partnership reflects MODEL’s belief that ECI drives greater certainty when delivering high-performing, long-term ‘develop and hold’ rental assets.

“What we’re building here is different. One integrated team making better decisions from the outset. That’s how you protect design quality, manage risk properly, and ultimately deliver better homes for residents.”

Rory Hunter, CEO, MODEL 

Multiplex Regional Managing Director Ross Snowball said the ECI process had created the right conditions to optimise how these projects are delivered.

“MODEL has a clear ambition, not just around sustainability outcomes, but around how projects should be delivered to achieve them – with all stakeholders in mind. ECI gives us the ability to properly influence outcomes early. We can test ideas, simplify systems and bring a more industrialised approach to delivery, using modularisation and a kit of parts mindset to drive efficiency, reduce waste and improve build quality.

“If you want to deliver high-performance buildings at scale, you need to systematise what works and remove unnecessary complexity. That’s where we see a real opportunity to set a new benchmark for the Australian Build to Rent market.”

Ross Snowball, Managing Director, Multiplex

Multiplex brings significant experience in mass timber, prefabrication and complex project delivery, including Gillies Hall at Monash University and the recently completed ANMF Hotel in Melbourne.

Both projects were delivered using mass timber and certified to the Passivhaus Standard. Other major Australian landmarks delivered by Multiplex include Melbourne’s tallest building, Australia 108, and the new Sydney Fish Market.

MODEL’s Head of Development Matt Mattiske said the appointment completes a highly aligned delivery team, strengthening the pathway to execution.

“With Multiplex joining us at this stage, we have an exceptionally qualified delivery partner at the table early enough to genuinely influence outcomes. That gives us a much stronger position on cost, constructability, program and long-term building performance, while also providing greater certainty around delivery and protecting the project’s commercial outcomes.

“All of MODEL’s projects are designed to create homes that perform better, last longer and offer a materially better living experience. This team will carry that intent through to completion and into operation.”

Matt Mattiske, Head of Development, MODEL