Wusu, G; Alaka, H; Oseghale, R; Yusuf, W; Funlade, S and Saheed, A (2026) A qualitative assessment of offsite construction awareness in the United Kingdom: Construction industry experts' view. Building Research & Information, 54(3), pp. 359-377. ISSN 0961-3218
Abstract
The UK government is actively seeking to promote offsite construction (OSC) to improve housing and sustainability and achieve net-zero carbon targets. However, OSC adoption rates remain low. This qualitative study assessed OSC awareness through 12 interviews with experienced UK construction industry (UKCI) professionals. Its findings indicate that while OSC awareness exists, it is low among potential end users. Construction professionals are more aware, but general knowledge and adoption of OSC are still limited, and there are significant awareness–adoption gaps among industry stakeholders. These gaps are a major barrier to broader adoption. The study relies on a theoretical framework to propose with actionable strategies that will enhance OSC awareness and adoption. These recommendations provide a roadmap for increasing OSC uptake, offer insights for academic research, and highlight benefits for the construction industry, businesses and the environment. Additionally, they can be used to serve as a guide for other countries considering OSC adoption.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | adoption; awareness; change management; construction industry stakeholders; offsite construction |
| Index terms: | qualitative study, interview, construction industry, strategy, construction professional, housing, United Kingdom, end user, change management |
| Subjects: | construction type, industry analysis, stakeholder, research design and methodology, Geography, professional development, data collection methods, management |
| Topics: | Geographical Context, Information Management, Roles and Professions, Business Strategy, Organizational Design, Research Practice, Construction Technology |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here