Embracing change: How offsite construction can deliver a sustainable and efficient future

With UKREiiF happening this week, the biggest issues facing the built environment will be going under the microscope and getting the attention they deserve. Let’s face it, over the next decade, our industry is set for unprecedented challenges, particularly when it comes to achieving carbon reduction targets and making progress towards solving the UK housing crisis.

Here at Mansell, we’re specialists in offsite construction, a modular-based  method that offers numerous benefits when it comes to addressing these issues.

To discuss our work and the need for the industry to adopt an offsite construction approach, I recently sat down with the folks at Place North for one of their Fireside chats. You can listen to it here.

This article will serve as a supplement to the fireside chat and offer a little more meat on the bones around the issues raised. From where I stand, I can see a future that looks brighter, bolder, and more sustainable if offsite construction becomes more standard practice.

However, to achieve that, the industry needs to adopt a new approach.

The Offsite Advantage: A Recipe for Speed, Sustainability, and Supply Chain Brilliance

In the construction world, time is always of the essence. We've all seen projects that drag on, cost more, and stress everyone out. With offsite construction, we've got a secret weapon to combat this.

• It's swift - up to 50% faster than traditional methods. That means less waiting, less stress, and homes ready for families to make memories in that much sooner.

• It's a powerful ally in our ongoing fight against climate change. This method allows us to cut waste dramatically, manufacture with precision, and create better-performing buildings.

• In terms of the supply chain, it's a bit like having a magic wand. Construction materials can be up to 30% lighter, which simplifies transport and minimises groundwork. And with quality control managed in a factory setting, we see safer and more consistent outcomes.

• The icing on the cake? More so than traditional construction methods, the offsite methods provide opportunities for local recruitment drives that boost economies and foster community spirit. by centralising the construction process in factories, the local area gets to share in our successes with meaningful and rewarding work. As employers, it gives us the opportunity, not just to have a positive effect on the built environment, but also to enrich our communities.

Hitting the UK's Housing Targets: It's Time for a Paradigm Shift

The UK's housing targets are nothing short of ambitious. But to make real progress, we simply can't keep doing things the way we always have. We need a sea change in our approach, and it starts with rethinking our relationships.

We have to move away from transactional interactions and start building genuine, collaborative partnerships. This isn't just about being friendly – it's about bringing together a rich mix of expertise to improve project outcomes.

Offsite construction needs to be part of the conversation from the design stage. Involving specialist contractors early on is a bit like having a guide while you're exploring new territory. It ensures that the integration of modern methods of construction (MMC) is smooth and effective.

Vanity has no place in construction and that particularly rings true when it comes to sustainable profitability. It's not just about turnover anymore - we need to make decisions that benefit the planet and the communities we serve.

Red tape – we've all tangled with it. But in the face of the housing crisis, we need to cut through the bureaucracy that hinders supply. If we shift our focus from financials to the people at the heart of the crisis, we can devise more humane and effective solutions.

We’ve spoken about just how efficient and fast offsite construction can be, but what about some actual numbers? We can now construct and waterproof houses in just 1-2 weeks. That means a home can be ready in less than a fortnight. And an apartment floorplate can be ready in 2-3 weeks. These time frames could help to make a real dent in the push for more homes.

The Mansell Difference: People Over Profits

At Mansell Building Solutions, we like to do things a bit differently. We put people over profits and believe that's the way to build a sustainable future. Yes, we're ambitious, but that doesn’t just amount to turnover and growth goals. Our main focus is on building partnerships and encouraging collaboration across the built environment. In doing this, we hope for an industry that’s more than the sum of its parts and one that’s able to pull together and work towards a brighter future.

We like to work with privately-owned businesses that share our commitment to quality, and we're passionate about addressing the skills gap and resource challenges in the industry. To us, it's not just about quantity - it's about creating something of value and longevity.

A Glimpse into the Future of Construction

Picture this: a construction site of the future. It's quieter, cleaner, and more efficient. There's a hum of automated services, and fewer people are needed on-site. The reliance on subcontracting is a thing of the past. Instead, the big players are making way for a more collaborative approach, with joint venture-style delivery and a network of specialists working in harmony.

By championing collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, we can leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. The construction sector is at a turning point and now is the time to seize this opportunity. It's a thrilling time to be part of this industry, and at Mansell Building Solutions, we're proud to play our part in shaping the future.

So, let's work together, learn from one another, and share our knowledge and experiences. Let's build a future that not only meets the UK's housing targets but exceeds them, by creating vibrant communities and sustainable environments that enrich lives.

In the end, we're all in this together. And with a shared vision, hard work, and the transformative power of offsite construction, we can build a brighter future – one project at a time.