On Malo, an island in Vanuatu, engineer Andy Stodulka and his company Design Construct worked with locals to help construct vital new infrastructure which has stood the test of time - and could provide an example for Australia's remote communities to follow.

Berton Joes, a Malo resident, said building a new schoolhouse and dormitory for teachers on the island had a big impact on the community in more ways than one.

"The villagers who built the schoolhouse and dorm on Malo did not have any building experience before this project," he said. "Although some trainees were training to become builders - but not in this type of house."

Mr Joes said after initial nerves, the locals embraced and enjoyed the work.

"Andy interacted very well with them and spoke in simple English and explained to them well how they should go about doing the work on the buildings. It was simple and easy to learn and work with Andy," he said.

"Their confidence grew each day as the building progressed."

He said around 15 people worked directly on the project, and the broader community gave "enormous" support.

"Women, men, youth and children helped in any way they could to support the project's implementation. Everybody enjoyed the work," he said.

"The atmosphere in the village was joyous and exciting as the buildings were being built. There was laughter and smiles on the faces of the community each as they watched the project kick off the ground."

Mr Joes said that the new buildings were a benefit to the people who built them as well as those who use them now.

"The schoolhouse had a great impact on the lives of those that were using the building for their education and the female trainees who used the dorm for accommodation," he said.

"The villagers were proud and happy about the project. It was worthwhile project that got everyone's attention in the community and surrounding villages and on Malo as whole.

"This project was locally driven… local people were directly involved and it benefited all the communities on Malo and those that were involved."

Since the buildings were completed, they have withstood serious tests, with Cyclone Harold hitting the region in 2022, causing destruction to many other buildings – but not the school and dorm.

"All the buildings in the community were uprooted, but the schoolhouse and dorm that were built with Andy, stood tall. This was a testament that they were built following an engineering design that can withstand cyclone, flood and earthquakes," Mr Joes said.

The Malo villagers' spokesperson said the project inspired a number of young people to attend training in building construction as a career option.

He said Mr Stodulka's approach and technology could be used anywhere where there is a shortage of housing.

"Anyone can build this type of house anywhere. You don't have to be a builder to build this type of house. As long as you can follow simple instructions and have a desire to learn a skill, you can be able build these buildings," he said.

Mr Stodulka, who lives in Canberra, has advocated the adoption of Design's Construct's approach to address housing needs, as well as teaching people job skills, in remote Australian communities.