Offsite construction is the future – and has been for over 70 years; it has been the solution to a problem ever since the first major offsite construction programme involving prefabricated public housing following the 1944 Housing Act. Thereafter, many different types of offsite production, especially for public housing, were developed. Offsite is not new or modern, it simply experiences continuous refinement and recurring times of high importance. 

Its earnest yet intermittent discussion is driven by the belief that its use will improve productivity and predictability, reduce time for delivery and provide better quality control. This long-held belief is currently augmented by the availability of BIM and highly developed automation. Furthermore, it is seen as overcoming current skills shortages and providing better working conditions for much of a building’s construction.

If all these benefits are deliverable, what is stopping the greater adoption of offsite manufacture?

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