Sadiq Khan launches offsite housing app

New technology backed by big names including L&G and Greystar

A new app sponsored by London mayor Sadiq Khan could shave weeks off the early design stage for offsite-manufactured homes, according to one of its creators.

Prism allows developers to quickly assess the potential for building precision-manufactured homes on a specific site, within London's spatial planning rules and using existing volumetric and panellised products.

The open-source program lets users design a multitude of different structures on a specific site, as well as export 3D geometric drawings to other BIM programs and download a PDF with key project metrics.

Prism was made by offsite specialist Bryden Wood and consultant Cast and can be used by anyone free of charge, with manufacturers also able to add their own products to the programme.

Jami Cresser-Brown, a director at Bryden Wood who led the creation of the app, said: "Normally this process would take a matter of weeks, maybe even months, depending on the size of the scheme. [But using PRISM] this whole process [can be] taken in under 15 minutes."

The app will also act as a database which collects information about what products are commonly used.

Nicky Gavron, deputy chair of the planning committee, said the app would help create standardised parts, which will ensure continuity of demand for suppliers, and continuity of supply for developers.

The app was funded by the Mayor of London, as well housing association L&Q, supplier Legal & General Modular Homes, developer Greystar and landowner Transport for London.