Is modular housing really the future? Since 1996, when I worked on my first modular project, a new prison wing on the Isle of Man, I’ve seen modular construction evolve slowly—but in New Zealand, it remains far from mainstream. The challenge lies in our limited demand, which makes modular housing financially difficult. Despite significant investment, results have fallen short. While Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) hold promise, focusing heavily on volumetric modular construction may not suit our market. We need adaptable solutions that respond to fluctuating demand, not systems requiring constant high output. Government intervention must go beyond funding, fostering innovation and supporting both market-driven development and more social and affordable housing. Is modular housing the solution, or do we need to explore other approaches? #HousingMarket #ModularConstruction #Innovation
I don’t think we have the markets for full modular. Prefab panels yes. Suits our building systems, difficult transport issues and manufacturing capability. Still haven’t seen a panel system that is a game changer for price, delivery or speed. Clevercores prefab roof idea is really great. The most any other framing supplier has got to though is some add a panel to the frame so it’s like an open panel. Not much better, but still better. We’ve got a long way to go, and a fickle market for any willing party.
Unfortunately, the NZ construction sector is reluctant to change. Not just modular construction, but this also applies to building products (GIB is a good example). Modular is really only realistic for buildings of scale and not necessarily suited to smaller developments (which make up the majority of builds). There are a few examples around...but hardly a gamechanger.
The problem isn't adoption, it's the disconnection of the factory from the actual construction site. Solve bottlenecks and ceate flow then any construction methodology will work.
Some of this was being done by Kāinga Ora over the past few years. Options for modular housing produced locally and offshore have been investigated and implemented. This included a lot of research, setting up systems, coordination of quality control in offshore factories and aligning with local building standards. Hopefully some of this knowledge and investment in developing processes will survive the wholesale dismantling of teams within Kāinga Ora.
Same in the UK Andy. Personally, I believe wholeheartedly that Modular must play a part in construction, in fact without it, the productivity challenge from the decreasing pool of skilled workers will get worse. But, for it to me mainstream, there must be large scale adoption - driven by the public sector. Sadly I don’t see this happening anytime soon.
Andy Thomson Canada, you can see how this post could be confusing for me! But similar to your posts , this is interesting stuff!
Attached an interesting link from Dr Cameron Murry. https://era.org.au/the-singapore-inspired-idea-for-using-super-for-housing-that-could-cut-costs-by-50%
Yeah nah. The NZ market already prefabricates 'most' timber frame housing at prenail factories. These factories are now adding additional components (wrap, batten, windows, cladding). It's happening already just won't be the overnight change you're looking for.
Emerging 3D concrete printing will take reasonable share of construction market, adding to the range of techniques. We are currently printing our show home in South Auckland, and on completion will evaluate projected and actual costs. So far its looking very competitive against standard housing on costing alone, and beats it hands down on Value-for-Money
Architect. Lecturer. Author.
2wAndy Thomson - while I agree that our market in NZ is small, it is nonetheless intensely frustrating that our builders continue to pump out virtually identical houses and yet fabricate them one by one, by hand, on site, stubbornly making zero use of any prefabrication techniques except for wall frames. Time after time the walls go up and the rain douses all the timber, trapping moisture inside cos “we haven’t got the roof on yet, mate!” There HAS to be a better way to build, and I believe that it is Prefabrication.