Abstract
Housing associations (HAs) play a pivotal role in the delivery of affordable homes and, therefore, offsite construction could be beneficial in alleviating the crisis. Existing literature has focused on the perceptions of the housing sector at large towards offsite construction (OSC), particularly private housebuilders. This research addresses this gap in the literature. This paper explores the perceived barriers of using OSC through a survey of the largest HAs in England [n = 69], and how these compare with the perceptions within the wider housing sector. The evidence from this research indicates cost-related barriers are perceived to be the most significant barriers to OSC use for HAs, followed by the capacity of suppliers and end-user preferences for traditional construction. The perceived barriers of those with experience are aligned with the OSC literature, whilst the responses of those without direct experience suggested heightened concerns towards the key barriers. A conceptualised feedback model is proposed to monitor, capture knowledge and share best practice as HAs commit to accelerating project delivery through strategic partnerships with offsite manufacturing firms, local authorities at a local/regional level, that leverage the high-value, high-impact transformation of the housebuilding sector in tangible terms of efficiency, cost, and material savings.
Highlights
Since the housing crisis of 2008, the delays in housing starts and completions has resulted in a widespread housing shortfall in the UK that has challenged policymakers and developers to re-evaluate their position on modern methods, acceleration techniques, and technological opportunities [1]
The aim of this research is to explore the perceived barriers within housing associations towards the use of offsite construction (OSC) and how these compare with the perceptions within the wider housing sector
The survey tool was developed with the aim of investigating the perceived barriers of using OSC through a survey of the largest Housing associations (HAs) in England and how these compare with the perceptions within the wider housing sector
Summary
Since the housing crisis of 2008, the delays in housing starts and completions has resulted in a widespread housing shortfall in the UK that has challenged policymakers and developers to re-evaluate their position on modern methods, acceleration techniques, and technological opportunities [1]. Whilst traditional construction continues to serve as the primary mode of new housing fulfilment, recent evidence suggests that in order to meet the future needs of UK households and fulfil a more diversified spectrum of housing solutions, modern methods, and offsite techniques are of critical importance [2,3]
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