Thuesen, C and Hvam, L (2011) Efficient on-site construction: Learning points from a German platform for housing. Construction Innovation, 11(3), pp. 338-355. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose - This research aims to analyse the implementation of a German platform for housing projects through a successful case on modern methods of construction featuring efficient on-site construction. Through continuous development, the platform has been carefully designed to suit a carefully selected market - optimising cost and value. Based on the platform, the company has managed to create a high-quality product at low cost. In fact, they have managed to reduce costs by more than 30 per cent, enabling the company to sell houses to people that normally would not be able to afford a house of their own. Design/methodology/approach - The paper adopts a case study approach combining a qualitative collection of empirical material with an analytical framework drawing upon classical modelling techniques for development of product platforms. Findings - The paper identifies some central learning points from the German platform such as: platform does not imply that "off-site manufacturing" is the most optimal production method, rather it is a matter of handling complexity; strong commitment and loyalty from the whole organization is needed; importance of having a specific customer focus (target costing); and incremental rather than radical innovation. Originality/value - The findings challenge the predominant understanding of industrialisation of the construction processes, illustrating how substantial improvements can be achieved through platform thinking, on-site production and traditional construction practices.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Germany; housing; innovation; mass customisation; platforms |
| Index terms: | implementation, modelling, mass customization, low cost, modern methods of construction, case study, platform, traditional construction, complexity, housing, product platform, analytical framework, Germany, construction process, methodology, housing project, commitment, industrialization, drawing, target costing, off-site manufacturing |
| Subjects: | heritage and conservation, systems engineering, housing and residential development, building construction, Geography, digital design, manufacturing engineering, economic development, research methods, economics, innovation and technology management, bidding, contractual arrangements, data analysis and analytics, analytical methods, psychology, technical documentation, data collection methods, construction type |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Urban Studies, Design Practice, Organizational Design, Site Management, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Cost Management, Sustainability, Procurement, Construction Technology |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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