Efficient on‐site construction: learning points from a German platform for housing

Abstract

PurposeThis research aims to analyse the implementation of a German platform for housing projects through a successful case on modern methods of construction featuring efficient on‐site construction. Through continuous development, the platform has been carefully designed to suit a carefully selected market – optimising cost and value. Based on the platform, the company has managed to create a high‐quality product at low cost. In fact, they have managed to reduce costs by more than 30 per cent, enabling the company to sell houses to people that normally would not be able to afford a house of their own.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a case study approach combining a qualitative collection of empirical material with an analytical framework drawing upon classical modelling techniques for development of product platforms.FindingsThe paper identifies some central learning points from the German platform such as: platform does not imply that “off‐site manufacturing” is the most optimal production method, rather it is a matter of handling complexity; strong commitment and loyalty from the whole organization is needed; importance of having a specific customer focus (target costing); and incremental rather than radical innovation.Originality/valueThe findings challenge the predominant understanding of industrialisation of the construction processes, illustrating how substantial improvements can be achieved through platform thinking, on‐site production and traditional construction practices.

Categorizing modularization strategies to achieve various objectives of building investments

“…Continuous development and reuse of shared assets, including components, processes, knowledge and people and relationships, provide companies with a greater ability to tailor products to different market segments and reduce the development cost and time. Although product platforms are potentially useful in sharing and accumulating knowledge in construction (Styhre and Gluch 2010), decreasing costs and improving quality (Thuesen and Hvam 2011), their application is still relatively low. Jansson et al (2014) argue that the dominant engineer-to-order (ETO) production strategy hinders the implementation of fully parameterized platforms.…”

Is there Really a Case for Off-Site Manufacturing?

“…Bengtsson nominates a strong barrier to construction innovation is that of institutional path dependency [9]. In contrast, Thuesen and Hvam argue for modifying currently accepted construction methods citing a German example of developing product platforms, an important theoretical but practical position for OSM described later in this paper [10].…”

Using a Configuration System to Design Toilets and Place Installation Shafts

“…This applies to both the price per square foot and quality and may be related to the building production method, which is characterized today by unique, one-of-a-kind projects [1]. The industry's companies focus on individual projects and not on a range of products to offer to the market that they could specialize in producing.…”