What Are The Benefits Of Offsite Manufacturing For Mixed-Use Developments?

The construction industry is ageing. 

Along with this, we have an imbalance of those leaving compared to new entrants. This was highlighted in Mark Farmer’s 2016 report, Modernise or Die, where he identified a skills crisis in mainstream construction, which is likely to result in a 20-25% decrease in the workforce over the next decade. 

The current demands on the construction sector are substantial, and increasing workloads, aspirations of ambitious infrastructure and modernisation goals are forcing companies to embrace modern methods of construction (MMC).

What Are Mixed-Use Developments?

A mixed-use development blends residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, or entertainment uses into one space. This could be in the form of a ‘vertical’ approach, in which a single building accommodates multiple uses, such as a building that has a flat on the first floor and a shop on the ground floor. 

Alternatively, a ‘horizontal’ mixed-use development is a development that hosts a range of different buildings on the same site, each fulfilling a specific purpose. For example, an area that has accommodation, shops, parking and other amenities.  

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) for mixed-use developments are one of the keys to combatting the current demands that the construction sector faces. 

With this in mind, we’ll explore our top 4 benefits of offsite manufacturing, and how it has the capacity to change the current state of the construction industry for mixed-use purposes. 

1. Exceptional Levels Of Precision 

Offsite manufacturing, by definition, is a purpose-built facility that houses the planning, design, fabrication and assembly of building elements.  

One main benefit of offsite manufacturing is the exceptional levels of precision it allows, and therefore minimal defects. This leads to improved project delivery timescales, cutting cost and maximising efficiency on all levels. 

This doesn’t necessarily mean that the cost of materials used for MMC is always less, but cost savings are made up in areas like logistics where the offsite construction methods mean that considerably fewer deliveries are needed. 

For mixed-use purposes, a need for precision is paramount. Many spaces will be built for the occupation and use of a large number of people, highlighting the need for longevity and effective workmanship. 

2. Accelerates Building Time

Weather conditions and lack of labour are common delays associated with the construction process. In contrast, an offsite, factory-controlled environment ensures that mixed-use developments are built faster, with enhanced build performance standards, as mentioned above. 

3. Different Developments Benefit From Offsite Manufacturing

Healthcare, education and retail outlets all face their own unique constraints. 

Offsite manufacturing, in this instance, is perfectly poised to provide both permanent and temporary building solutions for mixed-use purposes. 

When building an office or healthcare establishment, for example, disruption to residents needs to be minimised. By utilising factory-made components that can be fitted with doors, windows and other internal fixtures and fittings, you’re reducing the amount of time spent onsite, and thus not disturbing residents. 

4. It’s An Environmentally Friendly And Sustainable Solution

A purpose-built, offsite facility virtually eliminates any waste produced by an onsite project. Any waste that is produced can be controlled and thus recycled. The same could be said for the amount of noise and dust produced onsite. 

Through the careful planning that modern technology provides, units can be designed to maximise the use of space in a delivery vehicle, reducing carbon emissions. 

Conclusion

Offsite manufacturing is proving to be a key element of the modernisation of construction, and something that aligns itself with our growing awareness for sustainable and affordable building solutions. 

A combination of acute housing demand and market failures is forcing the government to look at MMC as a solution, and we look forward to seeing its growing influence over the next few years. 

If you’d like to learn more about how we can enhance your next mixed-use building project, talk to one of our experts today.