Off-site construction
Offsite construction refers to structures built at a different location than the location of use. Offsite construction occurs in a manufacturing plant specifically designed for this type of process. Individual modules of the building are constructed in the factory then transported to the site on specially designed trailers. Concrete foundations are dug into the earth allowing the building to be set at grade level, eliminating the need for ramps and stairs. Once on site, the building will be installed onto a permanent foundation by fastening it to the ground and to other modules and covering and sealing the seams. These buildings meet all applicable building codes and are indistinguishable from traditional site-built construction.
There are 4 categories of Offsite Construction, under which many different systems have been created. These categories are Volumetric, Modular, Panelised and Component. Each category presents a different approach to off-site Construction and can be blended with the other categories to produce a "hybrid" off-site building system.
Building configurations
Off-site construction (like on-site construction) can be used for a variety of purposes including residential, educational, health care and commercial applications. Buildings can range from a few modular units to several hundred. They can be arranged in architectural configurations and can be many stories in height.
Similarities
Off-site construction is similar to modular construction, but it is focused primarily on permanent construction; modular construction can be either permanent or relocatable. Also known as offsite construction, or OSC, and also incorporates many MMC - or Modern Methods of Construction
See also
- Prefabrication
- Modular building
- Modular classroom
- Modular design
- Modular home
- Open source architecture
- Prefabricated Home