BSRIA launches Offsite Construction for Building Services topic guide

[edit] Introduction

BSRIA has launched a free-to-download topic guide entitled ‘Offsite Construction for Building Services’. The ‘at a glance publication’ aims to give readers a glimpse of the subject and suggests further reading.

Offsite construction, sometimes also referred to as ‘offsite manufacture’, ‘pre-fabrication’ or ‘modular construction’, is a general term for making parts of a building away from the construction site, in a purpose-built facility, before transporting them and installing them in their final location. It has the potential to make things on site much easier.

Mechanical and electrical systems

Installing several mechanical and electrical systems on a ‘live’ construction site can be challenging, with limited space, health and safety considerations. And often to a demanding schedule.

The guide highlights offsite construction for services distribution, namely: vertical services risers; larger assemblies; horizontal distribution; offsite construction for packaged rooms – and inside or outside? Also included is whether offsite construction is right for the project in hand.

[edit] Author comments

The guide’s author, John Sands, Principal Consultant, BSRIA, said:

“As with any technology or process, the use of offsite construction needs to be considered carefully to get the best from it. Working in a controlled, purpose-made environment can increase productivity, with no distractions from other construction site activities or issues.

“Time spent on site is also reduced as assemblies arrive ready to be put in place, together with reduced downtime in the factory where work isn’t affected by other events on the construction site.

“The controlled environment enables quality to be improved – the right conditions can be provided for the task and quality control procedures followed – rather than the general conditions of the construction site.

“But it is worth remembering, that flexibility can be reduced as it is harder to accommodate changes that occur on site if the assemblies are being made in the factory – especially at short notice.”

[edit] A few watchpoints

• Consider early on if offsite construction techniques are to be used on the project.
• When considering offsite construction, make sure that the designers know – it may affect the design solutions that are put forward.
• There are different scales of offsite construction, from widespread services distribution to local applications such as packaged plant rooms, see what suits the project.

TG 17/2019 'Offsite Construction for Building Services' is free to download from the BSRIA website: BSRIA topic guides.

--BSRIA

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Design for deconstruction.
• Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA).
• Drainage.
• Fabricated drainage stacks.
• Flying factory.
• Housing Defects Act 1984.
• Kit house.
• Modern methods of construction.
• Modular buildings.
• Off site materials.
• Off site, on track.
• Off-site construction.
• Offsite manufacturing.
• Off-site prefabrication of buildings: A guide to connection choices.
• On site storage solutions.
• On-site Productivity Issues
• Plug and play skyscrapers.
• Prefabricated structural panels.
• Prefabrication.
• Secondary Ventilation Stacks in Tall Buildings.

Comments

1. Introduction to Offsite Construction: The guide may provide an overview of offsite construction methods, explaining what offsite construction is and how it differs from traditional onsite construction.
2. Benefits and Challenges: It may discuss the advantages and potential challenges associated with offsite construction in the context of building services. This could include benefits like reduced construction time, cost savings, and improved quality control, as well as challenges like transportation logistics and design considerations.
3. Design Considerations: Information on how offsite construction affects the design of building services systems, including HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), plumbing, electrical, and more.
4. Case Studies: The guide might include real-world case studies or examples of projects that have successfully employed offsite construction methods for building services.
5. Regulatory and Compliance Issues: Information about how offsite construction complies with relevant building codes and regulations, including any differences or considerations compared to traditional construction.
6. Technology and Innovation: Details about the latest technologies and innovations in offsite construction for building services, including prefabrication techniques, modular components, and digital tools for design and coordination.
7. Sustainability and Environmental Considerations: Discussion of how offsite construction can contribute to sustainability goals by reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and minimizing the environmental impact of construction.
8. Procurement and Project Management: Guidance on procurement strategies and project management approaches specific to offsite construction projects in the building services sector.