We’ll soon be attending the Industrialised Construction Conference at the MTC Coventry – 2nd & 3rd July.
The term “Industrialised Construction” is a relatively new one, and I am intrigued as to whether it is the future, whether it will catch on, and what it means for all the previous terminology, (and here we go with buzzword bingo!) such as: offsite (or off-site with a hyphen?), MMC (Modern Methods of Construction), OSM, DfMA, the 7 categories created by Cast for MHCLG (meant for housing though used far more broadly across commercial projects), pre-manufactured value, kit of parts, prefabrication (prefabulous?), lean construction. There’s also modular or volumetric, precast, panelised and more. OMG!
I appreciate, it’s not just about words, but more importantly we need to take the industry forward. If any new terminology helps with that – I’m in!
I’ve been recruiting across the offsite sector for over 20 years, and think I know a thing or two about it. But how can I write about all of this and try and make some sense of it?
Well, I decided to ask for help, so forgive me – I asked notebooklm from Google for a hand. No one would believe this was my own writing! This is the culmination of my notes, linked to numerous relevant sources that aim to explain the terminology of the modern construction industry. (If you like AI – give it a go. If you don’t – give it a go!)
Not my own work, though actually – it’s highly informative!
Jim Roach, Managing Director, ARV Solutions: 07441347328
Industrialised Construction: Building the Future, One Advanced Technique at a Time
The construction industry is undergoing a profound transformation, moving away from traditional, often fragmented, on-site building methods towards a more streamlined and integrated approach. At the heart of this shift is industrialised construction, which fundamentally redefines how we conceive, design, and deliver built assets by leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques and innovative strategies Redefining Traditional Building Processes
Industrialised construction aims to maximise the proportion of construction projects delivered through highly standardised and repeatable processes, whether these processes are performed offsite or not. This involves not only offsite manufacturing but also improving on-site processes for higher quality, reduced costs, and improved timescales to build. The ultimate goal is to enhance built environment quality, sustainability, and workforce productivity. This paradigm shift is already delivering transformational and measurable results across the UK’s built environment, marking a new era of construction where technology meets practical applications to drive change.
Integrating Advanced Manufacturing Techniques
A core component of industrialised construction is its direct incorporation of advanced manufacturing techniques. Key strategies include:
- Platform design
- Kit of parts
- Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA)
- Offsite manufacturing
This transformation is further bolstered by adopting an Industry 4.0 approach, which involves integrating cutting-edge digital and physical technologies such as:
- Robotics
- Augmented and virtual realities
- Automation
- Digital tools and connectivity
- ‘Big data’
- The Internet of Things (IoT)
These techniques are specifically designed to streamline and improve every aspect of construction, enhancing efficiency and quality. Engaging with these ground-breaking manufacturing technologies and digital tools is a key aspect of understanding the future of the industry.
Beyond the Buzzwords: Understanding Prefabrication and MMC
While industrialised construction represents a broader, transformative agenda, it encompasses and builds upon concepts that have been discussed in the offsite sector for years. Terms like “prefabricated buildings,” “offsite,” and “Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)” have often been used.
A prefabricated building, often informally called a prefab, is a structure manufactured using prefabrication, consisting of factory-made components or units that are then transported and assembled on-site to form the complete building. The history of prefabrication is long, dating back to instances where buildings were constructed in one place and reassembled elsewhere for mobile activities or new settlements. Notable examples include the first European prefabricated building in Sub-saharan Africa, Elmina Castle, the “Manning cottage” advertised in London in 1837 for emigrants, and Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s prefabricated modular hospital during the Crimean War. Prefabs also gained significant popularity after the Second World War as a quick and affordable solution for housing shortages.
Today, prefabricated construction is recognised for its efficiency, with examples like a 10-story building in China being erected in just under 29 hours. It also offers significant sustainability benefits, generating less carbon footprint, improving energy use and efficiency, and producing less waste. Furthermore, modern designs are being integrated into prefabricated houses, allowing for customisation and the use of “green” materials. Prefabrication has also seen extensive use in commercial buildings, from ARCON systems to McDonald’s and supermarket modular units. Modular architecture, which uses 3D modelling for off-site design and construction of modular structures, provides advantages such as more sustainable design, greater cost and time savings, and design standardisation.
When discussing “Modern Methods of Construction,” the Cast Consultancy developed an MMC definition framework that outlines 7 categories specifically for homebuilding. This framework spans all types of pre-manufacturing, including factory-produced products and systems, as well as site-based materials and process innovation. These categories include various forms of pre-manufacturing, such as 3D and 2D primary structural systems, non-systemised components, additive manufacturing, non-structural assemblies, and innovations in traditional building product-led and site process-led labour reduction and productivity improvements. This framework aims to enhance understanding and education around MMC, particularly for access to mortgage finance, insurance, and assurance.
It’s important to understand that the industrialised construction agenda is about much more than just these terms; it’s about adopting a fundamentally different approach to the way we conceive, design and deliver built assets. This comprehensive strategy is what truly transforms the industry.
Well there you have it. If you’d like advise on the best way to recruit the current and future skills needed for your industrialised construction business – you are certainly in the right place! Please get in touch with me and the team.
Tel: 0117 9592008
