Entrepreneur David Nicolaides. Photo: Michael Rayner
The Business \ Tessellate Modular
What’s the big idea?
Stylish, convenient and accessible modular studios for homes or businesses, built from re-engineered shipping containers.
Who’s behind it?
During his 15-year stint as an engineering product developer at Holden, David Nicolaides, 44, began working on building projects on the side, developing a passion for architecture in the process.
The inspiration?
With an aim to make great architecture that’s affordable to everyone, David looked to the car manufacturing model for inspiration, adopting a standardised modular approach “to mass produce, gain efficiencies and put more value into the product”.
By using a shipping container as the core component, his modular studios can move through the cheapest logistical chains, keeping production costs down.
“The container provides a very affordable starting point,” David says. “We are then able to re-engineer and model it without altering its structural properties.”
- Startup Stars: Alex McBride’s The 5TH is right on time
- Meet Melbourne’s toy billionaire Manny Stul
- Meet the Melbourne entrepreneurs taking on the world
The story so far
After leaving Holden in 2015, David established Tessellate Modular in March last year.
The company sources shipping containers from China, then ships them to Malaysia where David’s associates modify them to his specifications, adding features such as decks, Yamaha speakers or built-in monitors.
Prices start at about $30,000, including delivery, for a basic studio and go all the way up to $89,000 for top-of-the-range models.
The first demo model arrived in November and the first customer order was placed just before Easter.
The company is working on several proposals across Australia – for office spaces, coastal guest accommodation, a film-editing studio, music rehearsal room, even a physio consulting room.
Photo: Michael Rayner
Biggest win?
“Getting our first product on a ship heading over here, because getting a product designed and developed internationally was tough.”
What I’ve learnt …
“Developing professional relationships is so important. If I didn’t have strong relationships and cultural knowledge of Malaysia, the business almost wouldn’t be possible. You have to be able to understand each other.”
In five years’ time, I’d like to be …
“Moving beyond our studio range. We also want a manufacturing presence in Victoria and to possibly start exporting our products.”
THE AWARD
The hunt is on for Melbourne’s most brilliant budding entrepreneur. The winner of TWR’s 2017 Startup Stars award will win a prize package worth more than $10,000.
NOMINATE & WIN!
To be in the running, go to theweeklyreview.com. au/startupstars and let us know about your startup. Nominations close July 2.
