Tasmania’s Leading Prefabricated Building Innovator
PODMATRIX
Founded in 2018 and based in Tasmania, Podmatrix has steadily grown into the state’s largest and most respected transportable building company. Specializing in fully prefabricated structures assembled offsite and delivered as completed units, Podmatrix offers clients an efficient and streamlined building solution that minimizes disruption while slashing construction timeframes. Co-owners Zack Harris and Mitchell Walker, both builders by trade, have expertly navigated the business from its early days to become a one-stop-shop for modular buildings across Tasmania. The journey that led Zack and Mitchell to Podmatrix began with them leading another company. After completing their apprenticeships, they formed Visionary Carpentry, a business that focused on renovations, house extensions, and new builds throughout Southern Tasmania. They grew that business to employ 12 people and actually began contracting for Podmatrix, which was then owned by its original directors. When those directors retired, Zack and Mitchell seized the opportunity to purchase the company, marking a significant pivot toward prefab modular construction. “It was a big step up for us, but we worked closely with the previous directors for about a year and were confident we could take the business to the next level,” Zack says. Podmatrix’s core expertise lies in transportable buildings ranging from 40 to 108 square meters. Unlike typical modular homes requiring onsite assembly, Podmatrix’s units are built entirely offsite and delivered as complete, plug-and-play buildings. Once on site, installation primarily involves connecting utilities like power, water, THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA
stormwater, and sewerage. “We build our buildings completely offsite, then deliver them ready to plug and play,” Zack explains. “Once they arrive, all we need to do is connect the utilities, and the client’s good to go.” This approach offers dramatic efficiency— Podmatrix can complete builds in six-to-eight weeks compared to the nine-to-12 months typical of conventional onsite construction. “That efficiency really minimizes disruption, especially for clients adding granny flats or secondary dwellings to existing properties,” Zack notes. Today, Podmatrix primarily serves Tasmania due to the logistical challenges and costs of transporting buildings interstate – though they cover the entire state, servicing cities such as Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie. This extensive reach sets Podmatrix apart from builders who tend to stay localized within their cities. The company’s prices are competitive, with build costs averaging around $3,000 per square meter— significantly cheaper than the $4,000-to-$5,000 per square meter often charged for conventional builds. While delivery and installation add some cost, prefab transportables can be more economical overall, especially in remote areas where trades and materials are scarce. Marketing for the company relies heavily on word of mouth and reputation. Despite having social media channels and a website, Zack says PODMATRIX Call: 6236 7888 Email: tasroofing@steeline.com.au | tassiesheds@steeline.com.au steelinesheds.com.au steeline.com.au All your steel solutions under one roof. WHY STEELINE ROOFING TASMANIA? Steeline is a trusted group of Australian-owned metal roofing and steel building product specialists. We locally manufacture and distribute a range of quality steel structures, from roofing and fencing to sheds, garages and purlins. View our full collection of products at steeline.com.au or drop into our showroom at 1 Whitestone Drive, Austins Ferry and speak with our friendly staff. • ROOFING • SHEDS • GARAGES • FENCING • PURLINS • AND MORE!
they don’t do much advertising. “Our reputation and customer service speak for itself. We’ve gone through periods without a live website and still stay busy because clients trust us.” Notable projects include builds featured on the Australian TV show Grand Designs, such as the Lewisham project, and high-profile accommodation units at Pumphouse Point, a renowned Tasmanian resort. Another standout project is the Mt Field Retreat, a new accommodation development nestled on the edge of Mt Field National Park. There, Podmatrix built 12 visitor accommodation units across multiple stages. “Greg and Rachel, the local owners, have created something special down there with grants and funding. We’ve delivered twelve units and look forward to supporting their plans for a conference center and additional villas. It’s a great example of two local businesses collaborating to boost tourism in Tasmania’s south.” Moving forward, government contracts will form a major percentage of the company’s workload, with a significant agreement to deliver 200 social housing units over four years. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA
Podmatrix currently employs 24 people, including both owners who remain actively involved daily. Zack describes a young, energetic workforce where most employees are under 30 and share a likeminded approach. “Mitchell and I work alongside our crew every day. Everyone knows each other personally. New hires meet both directors face-to-face, and we put a lot of effort into team bonding. Friday afternoon barbecues and end-of-year functions are common.” This camaraderie extends beyond employees to subcontractors and suppliers, many of whom have worked with Podmatrix since the company’s inception. “Our subcontractors—electricians, plumbers, painters—are often sole traders or small businesses, and we provide them with a large volume of work annually,” Zack explains. “Our suppliers offer us competitive pricing and excellent service, and we repay their loyalty, especially during quieter market periods.” A Complete Service PODMATRIX Originally established in February 1996 we have grown to be the largest crane hire company in Tasmania. Our diverse fleet comprises of 31 cranes ranging in capacity from 2T to 300T and we are proud to employ 40 Tasmanians on a fulltime permanent basis. We supply these cranes from our two depots in Lampton Avenue, Derwent Park and McKenzie Street, Launceston. Safe, Professional and Reliable Crane Hire Service cranescombined.com.au Hobart 0407 342 853 Launceston 0419 431 589 Main Office 0409 591 363
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA
PODMATRIX While Podmatrix has not aggressively pursued traditional construction awards, the company was recently recognized for their workforce development with a nomination for the 2025 Tasmania State Training Awards for their ‘Next Gen Trades program,’ which they deliver in partnership with the Master Builders Association. This initiative underscores Podmatrix’s commitment to skills training and long-term industry outlook. Looking ahead, Podmatrix is moving into a new, larger facility at Brighton to consolidate operations from two sites into one purpose-built factory. “Currently, we’re spread over two sites, which isn’t ideal. The new shed will bring everyone under one roof, making supervision easier and production more efficient,” Zack says. “This move will enable us to increase output and improve our product range.” Podmatrix intends to maintain their focus on ancillary dwellings, new builds, and social housing while expanding turnkey site services including civil works, driveways, fencing, and landscaping. “We want to keep providing a complete service— from design and council approvals through to build, delivery, installation, and site finishing,” Zack emphasizes. According to Zack, the completeness of that service offering is what sets Podmatrix apart in Tasmania’s prefab market. “We’re the only transportable building company in Tasmania offering complete steel framing for floor, walls, and roof,” he says. “This makes our units stronger and re-locatable. For example, Homes Tasmania once needed a unit moved from one site to another, and we disconnected, transported, and reinstalled it with minimal renovations—a flexibility most competitors can’t match.” In an industry often challenged by logistics and long timeframes, Podmatrix stands out by delivering flexible, durable, and fast solutions tailored to client needs. Their close-knit company culture, strong local relationships, and dedication to quality set a high bar for transportable building on the island. As they expand their new facility and secure major contracts, Podmatrix is well positioned to lead the way in Tasmania’s prefab construction sector for many years to come.
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA For more on Podmatrix and to contact Zack Harris and the team, visit their website at www.podmatrix.com.au.
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