Offsite construction methods have been suggested as a necessity for improving the efficiency and productivity of the construction industry through implementation of automation and lean principles in a controlled factory environment, known as Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). The products, projects delivery and management strategies of offsite construction have been studied in this research through a multi-faceted qualitative exploration of offsite timber management strategies across ten manufacturers, including three UK panel, three UK volumetric and four European (EU) volumetric timber manufacturers. A comparative productivity analysis was carried out in this research project and its sensitivities were analysed which led to the conclusion that the labour productivity of the surveyed UK panelised and EU volumetric manufacturers were comparable, but the UK volumetric manufacturers' productivity was lower. As a result, the level of automation and the lean and Design for Disassembly (DfD)

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The construction industry is facing productivity stagnation across the globe, and several hypotheses to explain this phenomenon exist, most often associated with low use of digitisation, skills shortages and unpredictable market trends. Yet the economic context is more multi-faceted and the different economic drivers are closely interconnected, however research typically addresses each in isolation. This research paper aims to decipher the influence of key economic drivers on the economy, using the UK context as a barometer for international trends, and proposes how offsite technologies with varying levels of value added in the factory may be utilised to mitigate economic challenges. To achieve this, two key objectives were set: firstly to propose a theoretical framework supported by previous research on decision-support for offsite systems; and secondly to develop an infographic style visualisation to express this theoretical framework as an interactive tool. Following from the dual nature of the research objectives, the research employs a mixed methodology rooted in qualitative research techniques dealing with complex subject matters. A robust literature review with associated subsequent framework proposal was the first stage of the research, followed by data visualisation experiments and tools usability trials using focus group methods to collect preliminary data. The results indicated that there was existing evidence upon which to base the theoretical framework for enhancing economic impact using offsite solutions, with six key strands: sustainability, culture, human capital, productivity, digitisation and regulatory. However, the visualisation of this framework into an interactive tool was a novel concept and required an inter-disciplinary approach for data representation. Overall, this paper presents a unique qualitative tool, which can be utilised to simplify the concepts behind offsite construction and the potential economic impact of using offsite. The tool is aimed at decision-makers and stakeholders who may not be familiar with modern methods of construction, and those who would like to prioritise offsite benefits in a given scenario.

The construction sector in the UK is currently being challenged by an urgent need to produce housing. This requirement is within a context of increasingly stringent greenhouse gas emission legislation and tough goals to reduce build time by 50% and financial cost by 33% by the year 2025. Many agree that these targets and others relating to build quality and productivity can only be achieved with increased utilisation of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). This research study proposes that Volumetric Timber construction (VT) is a suitable system for use in the UK, as it can achieve up to 95% prefabrication in a controlled factory environment combined with rapid onsite construction. There are a variety of VT timber systems on the market, including timber studs, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Structurally Insulated Panel (SIP) structures and a variety of production methods. This paper presents findings from a study comparing four VT manufacturers in the UK and four in mainland Europe. Different design and processing methods have been compared and analysed with respect to production type, offsite components and productivity metrics. The findings demonstrate that there are diverse approaches to efficient VT manufacturing and opportunities for flexibility in the design of products to suit local market conditions.

One emerging trend in sustainable medium-density construction is the use of mass timber products such as Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), which is a novel approach that involves numerous connectors. Researchers have not previously investigated the potential health impacts of different connectors. This paper proposes a framework to correlate the specification of CLT connectors to the potential risk of exposure to Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). We also propose an innovative adaptation of the Location-Based Management System flow line by adding a health risk dimension. The usefulness of the proposed framework is tested using a cutting-edge case study building, the tallest timber building in Scotland. The contribution of this research is a novel appreciation of the impact on installers' Health & Safety based on the specified type of CLT connectors. With the methodology outlined in this paper, a HAVS variable can be added to design analysis to increase social sustainability in the built environment alongside other sustainability pillars. The findings are relevant to structural engineers, architects, key industry stakeholders, and researchers in the built environment.