How to make projects off-site ready
In 2019, UK government departments will favour bids for construction contracts that offer off-site manufacturing. Gavin White and Andrew Mather of Ramboll offer guidance to civil engineers on how to make projects ‘off-site ready’.
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Off-site construction encompasses a huge range of disciplines and systems. From factory made concrete, steel and cross-laminated timber components to facade units complete with windows and balconies and modular plant rooms.
However, understanding the off-site benefits for a particular project can be challenging – and only fully realised through a co-ordinated and detailed approach.
While knowledge of off-site construction has been developing in the industry for many years, it remains a diverse and fragmented market.
Realising the benefits of off-site manufacturing for a particular project requires a project-specific, holistic review based on important lessons learned over the past decade.
[edit] Understanding constraints
Off-site construction will only deliver value if its constraints are fully understood and lead the design approach.
These constraints can be of manufacture, handling, transportation, lifting or installation, or project site-specific criteria.
Each part is important and should not be overlooked to avoid expensive bespoke solutions late in the project.
The constraints of off-site construction must also be considered holistically by all engineering disciplines. Acoustics, daylight assessments, sustainability criteria, facade details, and more must all be developed closely with the architectural, structural and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) designs from an early stage.
Furthermore, the technical design must align with the procurement, cash flow, supplier availability and client’s funding mechanism.
[edit] Off-site reviews
Understanding constraints and involving all disciplines are the basis of Ramboll’s project-specific ‘off-site reviews’ that we are now offering for free on their website.
These are in-depth holistic reviews to find the right off-site systems for a project and culminates in a score for how ‘off-site ready’ the project is. This provides an immediate and comparable indication of the relative merits of different techniques.
A recent example application is the Victoria Quarter in Ashford, Kent. This residential development by Neighbour consists of seven buildings of six to seven storeys, with the majority of flat layouts standardised.
Taking into account the client’s aims for the site and key drivers, Ramboll used digital tools linked to their off-site technical database to undertake rapid option assessment of the building forms for the site, ranging from in situ concrete floors, walls and columns to fully fitted steel-frame modules. A master planning tool then determined the off-site approaches that best aligned with the client’s needs.
Alongside technical analysis, the overall approaches to off-site construction were also assessed, including procurement, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and design collaboration, to highlight opportunities for further value. This was compared with industry peers in the project’s off-site-ready score, with benchmarks and further details on how to maximise value.
[edit] Conclusion
Construction is changing, with higher standards expected and improvements in delivery time of 50% demanded by the UK government in its Construction 2025 industrial strategy.
The housing shortage fuels the need for change, while regulation and industry adoption of BIM create opportunities for data-driven construction techniques.
Off-site construction and digital design are well-placed to deliver in this space. Indeed, in last year’s Autumn Budget, chancellor Philip Hammond said government departments will, ‘adopt a presumption in favour of offsite construction by 2019’ (ref. HM Treasury, 2017).
Market-leading developers and new disruptors alike are already targeting the off-site market – the rest of construction industry now needs to keep up.
This article was originally published here by ICE on 9 August 2018. It was written by Gavin White and Andrew Mather.
--The Institution of Civil Engineers
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.