Off-site Construction Research Centre

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In this conversation with Patrick, we delved into off-site and modular construction, exploring the evolving landscape of the industry and debunking prevalent myths associated with off-site construction.

How have you seen the off-site industry evolve over the last decade? What are some significant changes or advancements that you have witnessed during your career?

Over the past decade, I have witnessed significant advancements and changes in the off-site construction industry. Some notable developments include:

Shift from niche to mainstream: Off-site construction methods have evolved from being seen as a niche approach to becoming more mainstream. The increasing demand for construction projects, coupled with a decrease in skilled labor availability, has driven the adoption of off-site solutions. The vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic in the traditional supply chain have further accelerated this trend. From a mass timber perspective, there are currently over 2500 mass timber projects in design and under construction in North America – over 200 of them are tall wood projects.

Collaborative project delivery: Project delivery or design/construction contract models are becoming more collaborative, with the entire team, including the owner's input, brought together early in the process. This approach significantly enhances the success of off-site building solutions.

Technological advancements: Technological advancements, particularly in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), have played a pivotal role in improving productivity in off-site construction. The integration of BIM/VDC tools with Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinery has allowed for precise digital modeling and offsite manufacturing of building components with exceptional accuracy and high-quality standards.

Focus on sustainability and green building: There is now an increasing emphasis on sustainability and green building practices in off-site construction. Environmental Product Declarations (EDPs) and a better understanding of embodied carbon have led to progressive jurisdictions introducing regulations for embodied carbon. This shift has been critical in addressing a blind spot in design and construction and highlights the importance of considering the environmental impact of building materials and processes.

In summary, over the last decade, the off-site construction industry has experienced a transformation, moving from a niche approach to a mainstream solution. Collaborative project delivery, technological advancements, and a major focus on sustainability have all contributed to the industry's evolution and growth. As we move forward, these trends will likely continue to shape the future of off-site construction.

Are there any recent disruptions or innovations in the off-site construction that have caught your attention? How do you think these developments will impact the overall landscape of the industry?

The recent disruption and innovation that has caught my attention in off-site construction is the increased involvement of public entities seeking industry consultation and implementing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for prefabricated and modular solutions. This development is a significant step in the right direction for the industry.

To fully realize the cost and schedule efficiency benefits of off-site construction solutions, it is crucial to have all key stakeholders involved from the early stages of a project. This includes owners, designers, contractors, off-site manufacturers and sometimes key trade partners. Implementing a cost-driven design approach in collaboration with all stakeholders early on ensures that the project can capitalize on the advantages of off-site construction.

There is a misconception that early awarding of key design and construction partners might not be a competitive process. However, this is not the case, as the main team is often selected through a competitive process, and certain project divisions can still be competitively tendered. Early awarding enables better control of costs and allows for the optimization of design and programming objectives, whether the project is an off-site construction solution or not.

This shift towards early collaboration and integration of off-site construction methodologies through RFPs and industry consultation is likely to have a significant impact on the construction industry's overall landscape. It promotes a more efficient and effective project delivery process, allowing for timely completion and cost savings. As more public entities adopt this approach, the use of off-site construction solutions is expected to grow, becoming more prevalent in the industry, and contributing to improved construction practices.

Related: Part one