Brief
A webinar has explored alternative construction technologies that are gaining wider acceptance and has reviewed advantages they are offering the industry. Ella Mure recaps panelists’ explanations of modular buildings, panelization, mass timber framing and structural precast concrete.
Insight
At a recent ULI webinar, panelists discussed the advantages of alternative construction technologies, including modular development, panelization, mass timber, and precast concrete. While not necessarily new to the construction industry, each of these technologies is becoming increasingly well known. The webinar was part of a series hosted by the ULI Terwilliger Center for Housing.
These technologies have the potential to expedite construction time, foster collaboration, and encourage early planning for building design and performance. Panelists explain the pros and cons based on their own experiences working with them to help inform developers when it would make sense to best employ these innovative alternatives. A recording of the webinar is available on Knowledge Finder.
Modular Development
Modular buildings are broken down into multiple prefabricated sections that are constructed off site, requiring less construction space than conventional buildings and facilitating on-site assembly. After the initial design and modular construction, the assembly moves relatively quickly depending on the manufacturers’ proximity to the site.
The hesitation of modular building stems from an insufficient understanding of logistics and uncertainty in relying on less conventional technology. Panelist Mark Oberholzer, associate principal at KTGY, remarks on this misconception, saying, “There’s a fear of volumetric modular, that it’s some new technology, but it really isn’t new.
” While the technology may appear relatively new to the United States, modular has been used frequently outside the country and has become a well-established and efficient option for buildings.
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