The first day of the Explore Offsite in the Housing Sector event being held at the NEC, Birmingham, has seen vastly varying perspectives and approaches to offsite construction in the housing industry.
The emphasis has been on the need for the industry to educate construction and architectural professionals on how offsite technology can be both efficient and creative in design. There is also a concern that partnerships and conversations need to be encouraged in the sector - as was clearly demonstrated by Oliver Novakovic and Alex Goodfellow - whose ‘public date’ was a case study revealing the close and trusted business relationships that offsite construction fosters.
Both Novakovic and Goodfellow argued that offsite nurtures commitment and a ‘synergy of strategy’ in the construction and industry.
Tom Bloxham, MBE and Rory Bergin were also advocates for creative design and materials, as well as the efficiency and cost effectiveness that offsite manufacture for onsite assembly can offer. Bloxham argues that: “In terms of quality, quantity and capability offsite works well.” Bergin also asserted: “We need to make sure the process is meeting the needs of the actual market and not forcing a solution.”
Calum Murray from CCG-Scotland Ltd said: “Innovation and change are our focus.” And emphasised that the sector needs to modernise its methods, stating: “Offsite can make the difference and is part of the package of solutions when approaching the housing crisis and the skills shortage. “
Tony Woods and Stephen Wightman also looked at the methods behind offsite and how best to approach the skills shortage. Woods considered the 2004 Barker Report, which considered the number of houses required to manage the increasing population. “If the government wants to achieve its targets it needs to look at other methods because the skills shortages are just going to carry on,” said Woods.
Wightman considered the industry from a volumetric construction perspective and argued that offsite needs to: “Turn 3% of the market into 30% of the market - not in volumetric construction but in offsite in general.”
The day closed with talks from Jerry Harkness, Jeremy Kape and Jeff Maxted. Harkness said: “The climate is ripe for innovation in the construction industry.” Whilst Kape pointed out the change a year can make saying: “If you had said a year ago that I’d be standing here advocating for offsite construction solutions - I’d have called you mad.”
Jeff Maxted concluded the speaker line up by expanding the durability and reliability of offsite construction and the misconceptions still present in the housing industry concerning the risks in offsite.
Andy Von Bradsky closed the day with a summation of the main points, highlighting the emphasis on skills, partnership, design and delivery in the offsite housing sector.
Tony Woods said of the day: “The event has gone well. It was well attended with a good mix of people. Well done to the Explore Offsite team.”
