Off-site construction and the housing crisis

Off-site construction makes building components, or whole structures, in a factory before transporting them to site for assembly. This can shorten the schedule because production and site preparation happen at the same time.

What changes on site

• Overlapping work. Components can be manufactured while the site is being prepared.
• Factory labour. Automation and robotics move some tasks away from the site and change the skills needed for assembly.
• Quality control. A factory provides consistent conditions for manufacturing and inspection.
• Project costs. Less time on site can reduce labour costs and disruption.

Factory setup can require a higher initial investment. Savings depend on the project, including the time spent on site and the labour needed for assembly.

Speed matters in a housing crisis

Modular construction, robotics and 3D printing are among the methods being explored to build housing faster. Construction methods and approval processes both affect how quickly homes can be delivered.

Van Horne and EBS Global work with other firms in the field on new construction methods.

The Construction Innovation Solutions Lab (CISLab) brings together construction technologies from Canada and abroad. Industry institutions are invited to use the lab, share experience and help develop new methods.