A modular assembly structured to assume either a shipping container configuration or a building unit configuration, the modular assembly comprising: a central frame which defines a box-shaped shipping container; a plurality of frame panels (3, 4) disposable in a substantially closed, interconnected position; the plurality of frame panels (3, 4) moveably disposable outwardly from the central frame into an opened position to at least partially define the building unit configuration; a plurality of unit panels (7, 8) movably connected to and disposable on the central frame in a closed position aligned with the frame panels (3, 4) being in the closed position; the plurality of unit panels (7, 8) movably disposable outwardly from the central frame into an opened position to further at least partially define the building unit configuration; and an automated erection system which converts the modular assembly between the shipping container configuration and the building unit configuration, and vice versa; wherein the automated erection system is coupled to each of the plurality of frame panels (3, 4) and to each of the plurality of unit panels (7, 8) to change the disposition thereof; wherein each of the plurality of frame panels (3, 4) includes at least one panel segment (5, 6) movably connected to a corresponding frame panel (3, 4) of the plurality of frame panels and positionable outwardly therefrom to further at least partially define a sidewall portion of the building unit configuration, and the at least one panel segment (5, 6) is moveably connected at an upper most longitudinal end of the corresponding frame panel (3, 4); and characterised in that said automated erection system comprises a plurality of cables (29, 30, 31, 32) threaded through the panel segments (5, 6) and the unit panels (7, 8) and anchored on the corners of frame panels (3, 4), to raise or lower the panel segments (5, 6). a central frame which defines a box-shaped shipping container; a plurality of frame panels (3, 4) disposable in a substantially closed, interconnected position; the plurality of frame panels (3, 4) moveably disposable outwardly from the central frame into an opened position to at least partially define the building unit configuration; a plurality of unit panels (7, 8) movably connected to and disposable on the central frame in a closed position aligned with the frame panels (3, 4) being in the closed position; the plurality of unit panels (7, 8) movably disposable outwardly from the central frame into an opened position to further at least partially define the building unit configuration; and an automated erection system which converts the modular assembly between the shipping container configuration and the building unit configuration, and vice versa; wherein the automated erection system is coupled to each of the plurality of frame panels (3, 4) and to each of the plurality of unit panels (7, 8) to change the disposition thereof; wherein each of the plurality of frame panels (3, 4) includes at least one panel segment (5, 6) movably connected to a corresponding frame panel (3, 4) of the plurality of frame panels and positionable outwardly therefrom to further at least partially define a sidewall portion of the building unit configuration, and the at least one panel segment (5, 6) is moveably connected at an upper most longitudinal end of the corresponding frame panel (3, 4); and characterised in that said automated erection system comprises a plurality of cables (29, 30, 31, 32) threaded through the panel segments (5, 6) and the unit panels (7, 8) and anchored on the corners of frame panels (3, 4), to raise or lower the panel segments (5, 6).