Improving performance and collaboration for offsite construction

Offsite construction (OSC) is a promising solution to address housing affordability and supply challenges in Aotearoa New Zealand. However, most OSC is still new and untested nationally. This means it is not yet effectively reducing costs, time and risks, which hinders broader adoption across the country. From literature reviews and interviews with industry experts, we know that knowledge about OSC from existing build projects is highly valuable in informing new ones. However, designers, engineers and contractors often do not effectively capture and reuse knowledge. Led by Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland, this research is in collaboration with Codify Asset Solutions and Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. The project aims to build an open and freely available OSC knowledge base, develop best-practice guidelines for storing OSC learnings and data and create multiple case studies based on real projects. The researchers will then implement a longitudinal survey to evaluate its effectiveness. By creating this shared and accessible information, the research aims to drive system-wide behaviour change for capturing and reusing OSC knowledge. Ultimately, it will support collaboration to make the productivity and financial benefits of OSC possible in Aotearoa New Zealand.