Off-Site Construction
Encyclopedia
Off-site construction refers to structures built at a different location than the location of use. Off-site construction
occurs in a manufacturing plant specifically designed for this type of process. Individual modules
of the building are constructed in the factory then transported to the site on specially designed trailers. Concrete foundations are dug into the earth allowing the building to be set at grade level, eliminating the need for ramps and stairs. Once on site, the building will be installed onto a permanent foundation by fastening it to the ground and to other modules and covering and sealing the seams. These buildings meet all applicable building codes and are indistinguishable from traditional site-built construction.
Due to greater accuracies that can be achieved in the factory based manufacturing process, higher sustainability
levels can be achieved, from reduced thermal loss. Additionally, factory manufacture of composite materials such as SIPS panels (Structural Insulated Panel) can add to building performance efficiency.
Rural locations and sites with limited open space are well served by off-site construction. The process has also been used very successfully in suburban areas as well.
, but it is focused primarily on permanent construction; modular construction can be either permanent or relocatable.
Construction
In the fields of architecture and civil engineering, construction is a process that consists of the building or assembling of infrastructure. Far from being a single activity, large scale construction is a feat of human multitasking...
occurs in a manufacturing plant specifically designed for this type of process. Individual modules
Modular design
Modular design, or "modularity in design" is an approach that subdivides a system into smaller parts that can be independently created and then used in different systems to drive multiple functionalities...
of the building are constructed in the factory then transported to the site on specially designed trailers. Concrete foundations are dug into the earth allowing the building to be set at grade level, eliminating the need for ramps and stairs. Once on site, the building will be installed onto a permanent foundation by fastening it to the ground and to other modules and covering and sealing the seams. These buildings meet all applicable building codes and are indistinguishable from traditional site-built construction.
Building configurations
Off-site construction ( like on-site construction) can be used for a variety of purposes including residential, educational, health care and commercial applications. Buildings can range from a few modular units to several hundred. They can be arranged in architecturally pleasing configurations and can be many stories in height.Benefits
The off-site construction process reduces project construction time as the buildings are manufactured concurrently with site preparation. In addition, the amount of site disruption is decreased as less work is performed on site. The process is well suited for projects where local labor is expensive or scarce. As most of the work is performed in the factory, manufacturing efficiencies can be gained and materials purchased in larger quantities.Due to greater accuracies that can be achieved in the factory based manufacturing process, higher sustainability
Sustainability
Sustainability is the capacity to endure. For humans, sustainability is the long-term maintenance of well being, which has environmental, economic, and social dimensions, and encompasses the concept of union, an interdependent relationship and mutual responsible position with all living and non...
levels can be achieved, from reduced thermal loss. Additionally, factory manufacture of composite materials such as SIPS panels (Structural Insulated Panel) can add to building performance efficiency.
Rural locations and sites with limited open space are well served by off-site construction. The process has also been used very successfully in suburban areas as well.
Similarities
Off-site construction is similar to modular constructionModular building
Modular buildings and modular homes are sectional prefabricated buildings or houses that consist of multiple modules or sections which are built in a remote facility and then delivered to their intended site of use...
, but it is focused primarily on permanent construction; modular construction can be either permanent or relocatable.
See also
- PrefabricationPrefabricationPrefabrication is the practice of assembling components of a structure in a factory or other manufacturing site, and transporting complete assemblies or sub-assemblies to the construction site where the structure is to be located...
- Modular buildingModular buildingModular buildings and modular homes are sectional prefabricated buildings or houses that consist of multiple modules or sections which are built in a remote facility and then delivered to their intended site of use...
- Modular Homes
- Prefabricated HomePrefabricated homePrefabricated homes, often referred to as prefab homes, are dwellings manufactured off-site in advance, usually in standard sections that can be easily shipped and assembled....
- Modular classroomsModular classroomsModular Classrooms are prefabricated buildings constructed off-site in a factory. Most modular classrooms are portable, and are sometimes called temporary classrooms or relocatable classrooms, but permanent modular classrooms are becoming a common option. Modular classrooms are also built to all...