Russell Kellett, writing in Great Britain’s cnplus.co, says offsite manufacturing is the wave of the future for building because it’s more cost-effective, sustainable, delivered faster and of higher quality. Noting that minimizing production on site takes away many risks, he says, “The automated factory process allows you to calculate materials with absolute precision, eliminating waste from the outset.” A 1,200 student modular school saved 30 percent on its heat and light cost in the first year because of the tightness of the build. While modular building of housing and schools has been ongoing for a number of years, it is important to consider offsite building for other larger projects. The new Terminal T2A at Heathrow Airport in London is modular, and the iconic Leadenhall Building is 85 percent offsite built. MHProNews.com has learned that 75 percent of new home construction in Japan is modular, versus one percent in Great Britain. Japan even has robots on the assembly line performing some of the work. ##

(Photo credit: Jim Coldwell/hulldailymail.com–modular housing in Great Britain)