Modern Methods of Construction: prefabrication in construction

Reduce CO₂-emissions, save time and enable circular construction

WSP is a global consulting and engineering firm in the fields of construction, infrastructure, environment, water and energy. In the Netherlands, the team consists of 480 driven experts, who daily and passionately work on a future-proof living environment in which people can live, work and play healthily and safely. The experts of WSP offer convincing insights that lead to new and surprising perspectives. For example with regard to tomorrow's building challenges, in which sustainability, nitrogen reduction, CO₂- and climate-neutral construction, reduction of waste streams and reuse of materials are current themes. The synergy of prefab structures and installations plays a key role in this...

Future Ready

"All the advice we provide contributes to our global 'Future Ready' mission and philosophy," says Robin van Gerwen, Department Head and Leader of the Precast Concrete Focus Group at WSP in the Netherlands. Future Ready is WSP's global sustainability and innovation program, fulfilling the need and societal desire to future-proof and innovate our living environment. "By anticipating the future, we can take meaningful actions today. We do this by monitoring and analyzing the main trends in climate change, society, technology and natural resources. What does this mean for the environments, landscapes and infrastructure we design? And how can we leverage our knowledge and expertise to create better and future-proof solutions? We take Future Ready thinking for granted in our projects while ensuring that our work aligns with our clients' vision. In doing so, we help our clients to be prepared for the future within their assignments."

Innovation on execution technology

Key themes in the Future Ready program are sustainability, nitrogen reduction, CO₂- and climate-neutral construction, reduction of waste streams and reuse of materials. "Prefabrication makes an important contribution to this and goes beyond precast concrete or timber frame construction," Van Gerwen said. "That is precisely what Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) is betting on." The term Modern Methods of Construction comes from the UK, where it is a government program. "Here the government has imposed on the construction industry that in one way or another, modern construction must be used. A good development because construction is still a conservative industry. We generally innovate on equipment and tools, but execution techniques are still lacking for now. We still pour concrete the same way we did 20 years ago. The government in the UK has decided to encourage and even mandate innovations in this area. One of the highest levels in this is prefabrication, which we believe relates to both construction and building services."

Response to current construction challenges

"The great advantages of prefab that are experienced in the UK are not yet always on our minds in the Netherlands," Van Gerwen emphasizes. "And that while the advantages touch current construction tasks very clearly! Prefab factories allow lean and mean production, with continuous quality control. Faster, with fewer materials and with less waste. Moreover, the waste that does arise can be more easily reused or recycled." Louis Wakkerman, Senior Consultant Gebouwgebonden installaties at WSP in the Netherlands complements him: "On the construction site, the prefabricated parts only need to be assembled. For example, using electric cranes, which greatly reduces the impact on the environment. Moreover, the number of transport movements is greatly reduced, which offers great advantages, especially in inner-city areas. Construction sites can also be knitted in more easily. Benefits that become even greater when prefabrication gives way to 100% modular construction. After all, this also puts demountable and remountable construction within reach."

Are you walking with WSP?

The main objective of the WSP focus groups Precast concrete and Building-related installations is to inform, advise and challenge market parties in a targeted way, to get started with prefabrication in the broadest sense and to experience the above-mentioned advantages. "Progressive in this respect is that WSP can organize the complete prefab concept including prefab structures and prefab installation facilities, creating substantial synergy benefits," Van Gerwen concludes. "Parties who recognize themselves in our story and who would also like to take steps forward are welcome to contact us."