The adoption of offsite construction involves upfront capital costs – this is often where comparisons are made between factory-based and traditional building methods. If evaluated in isolation the traditional approach could appear a cheaper option, without taking into consideration the numerous cost saving advantages of factory-based methods. Steve Thompson, Managing Director for EOS discusses why fast-track construction is beneficial for developers.
Construction clients may not fully understand the dynamics of fast-track construction. Part of our role as a specialist steel framing manufacturer, is to help them get to grips with the cost model and where savings can be made without compromising on quality.
As a major project delivery strategy, factory-based construction methods reduce construction time, delivering an earlier return on investment. Offsite manufacture for onsite assembly provides a clear schedule for high outputs, with stringent systems to track schedules, milestones and enable the smooth collaboration between contractors and clients.
From less material waste onsite with vast reductions in associated disposal costs, to improved quality with less investment in snagging, reworking and delays – comparing cost models is complex. The greatest gain of fast-track construction is shorter construction times with reduced prelims and site management costs – bringing houses rapidly on-stream. The main benefit of these shorter schedules is improved cash flow. By generating faster rent or sales income, construction financing costs are reduced – delivering a better and faster return on investment.
Working in full compliance with all relevant building standards, including the new Building Regulations relating to residential builds over 18m – EOS manufacture robust steel frame panelised systems and volumetric modules for non-loadbearing and loadbearing applications. We deliver a consistently high quality of finish with fewer defects than traditional building methods as a result of our advanced lean manufacturing processes in a BSI compliant facility.
The future of design and construction is all about finding efficiencies – building faster, more cost effectively and delivering a better-quality product. Offsite manufactured non-combustible steel systems are considered one of the most efficient fast-track residential construction solutions.
System Approach
Our latest product development, the revolutionary Thrubuild® range uses offsite manufacture and the latest testing to deliver structures faster, with assured performance built in. Developed in collaboration with Etex brands – EOS, Siniat, and Promat – our Thrubuild® systems have been established as an integrated solution using the award-winning EOS range of light steel framing, Siniat Weather Defence external sheathing board, and Siniat Frameboard, an internal plasterboard. Comprehensively tested, the range of Thrubuild® systems meet building performance requirements for fire, thermal, weathering, acoustics and airtightness. Delivering an ‘all in one’ solution, Thrubuild® systems provide crucial time and cost benefit and are performance guaranteed for 30 years – ensuring peace of mind for clients, contractors and designers.
There is an imperative to improve industry productivity, with increasing requirements to design and construct in a more detailed manner and at a rapid pace. There is a massive opportunity to deliver the built environment differently. Offsite system manufacturers are operating in exciting times and there has never been a better time to capitalise on the raft of benefits that factory-based offsite technologies can deliver.
