CitA BIM Gathering 2021
Can Ireland deliver the stable quantum to sustain a viable volumetric off-site industry? Micheál Keohane1, Dr. Alan Hore2, Dr. David Duffy3 E-mail: 1D20127676@mytudublin.ie 2 alan.hore@tudublin.ie
3
david.duffy@ibec.ie
Abstract ̶ Moving towards an off-site model for construction in residential development, in particular volumetric off-site construction, will significantly alleviate the skills shortage in the industry. It will also improve quality, programme, predictability and cost certainty. This paper will look to reaffirm these benefits with the focus on Ireland’s market size and scale. It would be futile to put forward a solution if it is not commercially viable in the market. This paper will seek to prove or disprove if the Irish modular construction market is mature enough and has the requisite predictability to facilitate a commercially viable volumetric construction market with competition in the space. Experience gained by the lead author in working in the volumetric off-site space and delivering over 650 units over the past few years with Modern Homes Ireland (MHI) gives an insight into the industry. The knowledge in the space in Ireland is still limited and it is seen as a niche market. However, Ireland is very well placed, given the sheer volume of units that must be built and also the demographics and continued demand for residential construction, to be a world leader in the rapid provision of both public and private housing. Keywords ̶ DfMA, Housing, Modular, Off-site, Volumetric
I INTRODUCTION Mark Farmers seminal works on the state of the Construction Industry in the UK and globally in general [1] and his most recent collaboration with Mike D’Ath; Build Homes, Build Jobs, Build Innovation [2] clearly points towards off-site manufacturing as a critical enabler to unlock the rapid delivery of new homes in Ireland. This will make house construction; more predictable, more efficient, safer, give more cost certainty, reduce programmes, reduce finance costs, make construction more environmentally friendly and provide resilience to future pandemics such as the current COVID-19 virus. There are other tangential benefits, such as the ability to attract a more local workforce and coupled with the increasing importance of digitalisation will lead to the formation of a new business eco-system in Ireland’s construction industry, one leading to a smarter, more innovative and productive business sector. Currently Property Industry Ireland (PII) and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) are developing separate reports into the increasing role of off-site construction in the Irish construction industry. An early review of these reports both identify the benefits articulated earlier and further reinforce
that off-site manufacturing is the future of our industry. The reasons for moving to industrialised construction or off-site construction are clear. The intent in the industry is also clear in Ireland with some of the largest contractors, such as BAM Ireland, John Sisk & Son, Mercury and Jones Engineering investing significantly in off-site manufacturing space. If the intent and business benefits are there, can it be done at the scale required to really make an impact in Ireland?
II INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE The key players in the Japanese volumetric housing industry are not traditional house builders with the likes of Sekisui, Toyota Homes and Panasonic’s Pana Homes the major players in this market. These businesses are coming from a manufacturing industry and not burdened by the traditions of construction. These companies have the most knowledge and experience in volumetric off-site manufacturing, in a country where the seismic activity creates significant issues, even for low-rise residential units. These companies are now starting to move into the UK and European markets with Sekisui working with Homes England and
Page 171
