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Prefabricated and Modular Building Construction

Detailed overview of innovation with sample startups and prominent university research


What it is

Prefabricated and modular construction are methods of construction where building components or modules are manufactured off-site in a controlled factory environment and then transported to the construction site for assembly. This approach offers several advantages over traditional on-site construction, including faster construction times, improved quality control, reduced waste, and increased safety.

Impact on climate action

Prefabricated and Modular Construction in Energy-Efficient Buildings advances climate action by reducing construction waste, energy consumption, and carbon emissions. By streamlining building processes and promoting energy-efficient designs, this innovation lowers environmental impact, accelerates sustainable development, and contributes to a more resilient and eco-friendly built environment.

Underlying
Technology

  • Modular Design: Buildings are designed as a series of modules that can be manufactured and assembled efficiently.
  • Off-Site Manufacturing: Building components or modules are manufactured in a controlled factory environment, ensuring high quality and precision.
  • Transportation and Logistics: Efficient transportation and logistics systems are essential for delivering prefabricated and modular components to the construction site.
  • Assembly and Installation: Specialized techniques and equipment are used to assemble and install prefabricated and modular components on-site.
  • Building Information Modeling (BIM): BIM is often used in prefabricated and modular construction to facilitate design, coordination, and fabrication processes.

TRL : 7-8


Prominent Innovation themes

  • Advanced Manufacturing Technologies: Innovations in manufacturing technologies, such as robotics, automation, and 3D printing, are improving the efficiency and precision of prefabricated and modular construction.
  • Sustainable Materials: Prefabricated and modular construction can incorporate sustainable materials, such as recycled steel, engineered wood, and bio-based materials, to reduce the environmental impact of buildings.
  • Modular Building Systems: Companies are developing modular building systems that can be easily configured and customized to meet the specific needs of different projects.
  • Integrated Building Services: Prefabricated modules can be designed with integrated building services, such as electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC systems, reducing on-site installation time and costs.

Other Innovation Subthemes

  • Customizable Modular Systems
  • Robotics and Automation in Construction
  • Rapid Construction Methods
  • Precision Engineering in Modular Design
  • Quality Control in Off-Site Manufacturing
  • Prefabrication in High-rise Construction
  • Sustainable Material Integration
  • Digital Design and BIM Integration
  • Lightweight Structures
  • Lean Construction Principles
  • Plug-and-Play Building Systems
  • Transportation Optimization
  • Adaptive Building Systems
  • Disaster Relief Shelters
  • Affordable Housing Initiatives
  • Educational Building Solutions
  • Retrofitting Existing Buildings

Related Innovations

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Sample Global Startups and Companies

  1. Katerra:
    • Technology Enhancement: Katerra is a technology-driven construction company that specializes in off-site manufacturing and modular construction techniques. They leverage advanced manufacturing processes, including robotics, automation, and digital design tools, to prefabricate building components in controlled factory environments. These components are then assembled on-site to accelerate construction timelines and improve project efficiency.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Katerra stands out for its vertically integrated approach to construction, which encompasses design, manufacturing, and construction services under one roof. By controlling the entire construction supply chain, from materials sourcing to project delivery, Katerra aims to streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance quality in the built environment.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Katerra serves various end-user segments, including developers, builders, architects, and real estate investors, seeking innovative and efficient construction solutions. Their prefabricated and modular construction methods are applied to residential, commercial, hospitality, and healthcare projects, offering speed, scalability, and sustainability benefits.
  2. FullStack Modular:
    • Technology Enhancement: FullStack Modular specializes in the design, manufacturing, and installation of modular building systems for residential and commercial projects. They utilize advanced building information modeling (BIM) software and state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment to fabricate modular components off-site. These modules are then transported to the construction site for assembly, reducing construction time and minimizing on-site disruption.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: FullStack Modular stands out for its focus on delivering high-quality modular construction solutions tailored to the unique needs of each project. They offer customizable modular designs and flexible manufacturing capabilities, allowing for efficient production and rapid deployment of modular buildings across diverse applications.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: FullStack Modular serves developers, contractors, and building owners looking for efficient and cost-effective construction methods. Their modular solutions are utilized in residential developments, commercial buildings, student housing, and affordable housing projects, providing speed-to-market advantages and superior construction quality.
  3. Skender:
    • Technology Enhancement: Skender is a vertically integrated construction company that offers modular construction services alongside traditional construction methods. They leverage advanced technologies such as building information modeling (BIM), virtual design and construction (VDC), and lean construction principles to optimize project delivery and minimize waste. Skender’s modular construction division focuses on prefabricating building components in factory settings for on-site assembly.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Skender stands out for its hybrid approach to construction, which combines the benefits of modular construction with conventional building techniques. They offer a range of modular solutions, including volumetric modules, panelized systems, and bathroom pods, tailored to meet the specific requirements of each project.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Skender serves a diverse range of clients, including developers, owners, architects, and general contractors, seeking innovative and efficient construction solutions. Their modular construction offerings are utilized in various sectors, including multifamily residential, hospitality, healthcare, and commercial real estate, delivering cost savings, schedule certainty, and quality assurance.

Sample Research At Top-Tier Universities

  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):
    • Research Focus: MIT is at the forefront of research on Prefabricated and Modular Construction, focusing on developing advanced manufacturing techniques, materials, and digital technologies to revolutionize the construction industry.
    • Uniqueness: Their research encompasses the development of robotic fabrication methods, 3D printing technologies, and modular assembly systems for producing building components off-site with precision and efficiency. They also explore digital design tools, generative algorithms, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms to optimize building layouts, structural configurations, and energy performance.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in residential, commercial, and institutional construction projects. By enabling faster project delivery, reduced material waste, and improved building quality, MIT’s research contributes to addressing housing shortages, reducing construction costs, and enhancing sustainability in the built environment.
  2. Stanford University:
    • Research Focus: Stanford University conducts pioneering research on Prefabricated and Modular Construction, leveraging its expertise in robotics, materials science, and design innovation to develop novel approaches for building assembly, automation, and customization.
    • Uniqueness: Their research involves exploring advanced construction materials, lightweight structures, and adaptive building systems that can be prefabricated off-site and assembled on-site with ease. They also investigate human-robot collaboration, augmented reality interfaces, and digital fabrication workflows to enhance construction productivity, safety, and flexibility.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work find applications in affordable housing, disaster relief shelters, and sustainable infrastructure projects. By reimagining the construction process through prefabrication and modularity, Stanford’s research addresses the evolving needs of urbanization, population growth, and climate resilience, enabling scalable and adaptable building solutions for diverse communities.
  3. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU):
    • Research Focus: CMU is engaged in innovative research on Prefabricated and Modular Construction, leveraging its expertise in robotics, automation, and human-computer interaction to develop next-generation construction technologies and methodologies.
    • Uniqueness: Their research encompasses the development of reconfigurable building components, plug-and-play building systems, and automated assembly processes for streamlining on-site construction activities. They also explore data-driven design optimization, supply chain management, and collaborative robotics for improving construction efficiency, quality control, and project coordination.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in commercial real estate development, urban renewal projects, and infrastructure upgrades. By advancing prefabrication and modular construction techniques, CMU’s research supports sustainable urbanization, economic development, and innovation in the construction industry, paving the way for more resilient and adaptable built environments.

commercial_img Commercial Implementation

Prefabricated and modular construction are being increasingly used in various building types around the world, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. For example, Marriott International has partnered with modular construction companies to build hotels more quickly and efficiently.



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