The building and construction industry is one of the slowest industries to adopt change and technology. It is also the leader in worldwide waste production, accounting for well over 50% of the world’s total waste generation. The push for sustainability and other green building practices that reduce the industry’s carbon footprint has caused the industry to explore new technologies and practices.

What is Offsite Construction?

Offsite construction, or prefabrication, is when integral pieces of a building are built somewhere besides the site of the new building. This offsite location is typically a nearby factory.

What Can Be Constructed Offsite?

The short answer: anything! Walls, floors and ceilings, roof trusses, and more can be built offsite in a controlled factory environment and then delivered to the construction site for easy installation.

The Benefits of Offsite Construction

The building and construction industry is moving forward in its effort to adopt new technologies and building practices that make work go more smoothly and more efficiently while still delivering a top-notch, long-lasting product.

Cost Effective

Offsite construction of components is a more cost-effective solution than traditional construction methods. The controlled environment of the factory means fewer resources are used resulting in less wastage. Offsite construction also means quality products are delivered in a timely fashion that saves time and money. Additionally, fewer workers are needed for both in-factory construction and onsite assembly, cutting down on costs related to workforce expenses.

Worker Safety & Well-Being

When you opt for offsite construction methods, you minimize space constraints on sites (like those in urban areas) with more regulated working conditions. Additionally, the reduced noise and dust pollution typical of traditional construction methods is removed, causing less disruption.

Reusability & Recycling of Materials

Factories can stock a wider variety and larger quantity of materials regularly used in the fabrication of building components. Traditional construction when materials are ordered but go unused, those materials go to waste. In offsite construction, the factory can continue to stock that material for use on future projects rather than throw it out.

Additionally, things like wood pallets, plastic, and cardboard containers are recycled or reused, reducing the overall waste generated when compared to the same project completed by traditional construction practices.

Control of Material Exposure

The materials used for offsite construction are stored, typically indoors, at the factory that produces them. The materials are not subjected to outdoor conditions like wind, rain, heat, direct sunlight, and other variable conditions that may cause material spoilage when not in use. Instead, materials remain in good condition until ready to be used when compared to materials stored outdoors and possibly without adequate protection during traditional construction.

Reduced Site Visits

Vehicles, especially the large trucks required to transport construction materials and machinery to traditional construction sites, leave behind a large carbon footprint. By choosing offsite construction for a project’s major components, you cut down on the number of deliveries – and vehicles on the road. Rather than potential separate deliveries for wood or steel, fasteners, and more completed roof trusses can be delivered in a single delivery trip.

Concurrent Fabrication & Site Preparation

There are many steps to the design and construction of a new building. Architects or designers must draw up the plans and the site must be prepared before construction can begin. Choosing offsite construction methods allows teams to prepare the site while materials are being constructed at the factory. Once the site is prepped, onsite assembly can begin. Construction projects move along faster, resulting in less noise and air pollution to the surrounding environment, as well as quicker occupancy.

Precision & Efficiency

Offsite construction takes place inside a factory, away from the outdoor elements and with machinery that can make exact cuts based on the building plans. This precision leads to less spoilage and a more efficient workflow with less room for error and rework.

Energy Efficiency

One of the primary features of sustainability in the building and construction industry is energy efficiency at all levels of the project. From construction methods to materials and systems used, leaving a smaller carbon footprint behind during the construction phase and beyond is of utmost importance.

Taking advantage of offsite construction methods adds to that energy efficiency by eliminating the use of heavy machinery used in traditional construction methods as well as accumulated waste. Pieces built in factories are designed and built with energy efficiency in mind with high quality components like insulation, seals, and more to make the building as energy efficient as possible. Additionally, the factory is typically more energy efficient than the systems found on a traditional construction site.

Reduced Operating Costs

Reduced operating costs go hand-in-hand with energy efficiency. When a building operates more efficiently, there is less use of electricity, HVAC systems, water, and more. Building owners and tenants will be glad to see a reduced bottom line when it comes to overall building operations.

Applications of Offsite Construction

Sustainable offsite construction is a versatile approach for application of just about any building type, from residential to commercial, including:

Residential Housing

Offsite construction techniques have become increasingly popular for residential buildings. Both single-family homes and apartment complexes have turned to offsite construction techniques in an effort to build more sustainable homes at a faster rate with minimal environmental impact.

Educational Facilities

Schools and other educational facilities have taken an interest in offsite construction as well. Student and teacher safety, as well as more energy efficient and eco-friendly learning spaces are in high demand. Additionally, the time savings of offsite construction mean students and teachers are back in the classroom more quickly.

Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals and clinics require precise, controlled, and sterile environments to ensure patient health and well-being. When healthcare facilities take advantage of offsite construction, the potential for contaminated materials decreases dramatically, meaning less chance of exposure to harmful substances and possibly mold which may exacerbate health problems.

Commercial Structures

Whether its an office building, retail space, or commercial/industrial facility, your construction project can benefit from offsite construction practices. The rapid construction and flexibility found in materials constructed offsite allows businesses to quickly adapt to its changing needs while also maintaining its sustainability commitments.

Final Thoughts

The building and construction industry continues to take steps toward eco-friendliness and sustainability. The staff at Structr Group is committed to assisting in moving the industry forward by encouraging clients to choose sustainable practices like offsite construction. We’ll go over the pros and cons of traditional and offsite construction to help you choose which is right for you for your next project.

Contact us today!