Mine-site accommodation of the future, designed by fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) workers, was unveiled at a WA Mining Club function in Perth earlier this month and emphasise privacy, functionality and better telecommunications.
The designs were based on responses from hundreds of FIFO workers on mine sites across WA who took part in a four-month online survey initiated by the WA Mining Club’s Young Professionals.
While most workers who took part in the survey considered their existing site accommodation to be satisfactory, they noted that it was an important factor in deciding whether to start work or continue working in a FIFO role.
The four design improvements considered most important were:
- Functionality of storage.
- Better sound-proofing and acoustics.
- Improved telecommunications, including WIFI.
- Increased layout functionality, particularly with ensuite bathrooms.
Grounded Construction Group and Modular WA, the WA Mining Club’s “Design a Donga” partners, used the survey results to produce two designs. One donga was fully refurbished and the other was newly built.
The refurbished donga offers a quick, cost-effective approach for companies with established mining camps.
The newly built donga improves privacy and comfort for FIFO workers, with features including a concrete base floor, sound-proofing insulation and Gyprock walls, and a focus on comfort while remaining cost-effective and sustainable.
Image courtesy of the WA Mining Club.
