Specific Skill Requirements within Prefabricated Residential Construction: Stakeholders’ Perspectives

Skill availability is an important component in the uptake of prefabrication and plays a crucial role in housing supply. However, the challenge is that the demand for housing has outgrown the availability of specifically trained workers. This challenge is not unique to New Zealand; many developed countries worldwide are facing similar issues. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine relevant skills in the prefabricated residential construction sector in New Zealand (NZ) and suggest improvement measures from the standpoint of industry stakeholders. The study adopted a semi-structured online survey and administered it to multiple construction industry practitioners. The study found the training of the construction workforce as one significant area of focus. In addition, external sourcing of international prefabrication-specific skilled workers could improve the issues of skill shortages in the residential prefabrication sector. Furthermore, the study revealed that the barriers to healthier prefabrication uptake are closely linked to shortages in management, digital architecture and design, and vocational skills related to residential construction. The study has contributed to the current pool of knowledge by identifying skill issues in NZ’s prefabricated residential construction sector, classifying the major restraints limiting prefabrication implementation, and determining measures for increasing industry uptake. It is anticipated that this will help construction organizations and the wider industry develop strategic goals and a roadmap for meeting the skill requirements in NZ. Training policies and programmes can be developed with focus on crucial prefabrication skill requirements at governmental level. Curriculum reviews are recommended for uptake by academic and vocational institutions.

THE RESEARCH THE INFILTRATION EFFECT OF OUTSIDE AIR ON THE VALUE OF AIR EXCHANGE IN LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

This article presents the results of a theoretical study of the infl uence the outside air infi ltration through the enclosing structures of the walls on the amount the air’s exchange in low-rise residential buildings. Based on the information analysis from offi cial documents of state statistical and analytical bodies, the most frequently used external wall structures in modern low-rise residential construction have been determined. Based on the provisions analysis of modern regulatory documents in the construction’s fi eld, the minimum values the required air exchange were determined and the calculations of the values the infi ltration air fl ow through the outer walls for various premises of low-rise residential buildings were made. Based on the results of the analysis and calculations was made a generalizing conclusion that for the considered premises of modern low-rise residential buildings, at the expense of the infi ltration of outside air through the enclosing structures of the walls, it is impossible to provide even 20 % of the minimum air exchange.

Quality Assembly: Designing to offsite fabrication for medium density living in New Zealand

<p>This research portfolio looks at how consciously activating prefabrication into the design process early, and subsequently designing to the onsite assembly stage by using three key design principles, can contribute to a responsive design that embodies quality medium density living in New Zealand. Prefabrication is at the forefront of the New Zealand Government’s conversation about its residential construction industry. The potential attributes of this efficient construction method of fast on-site installation time, reduced cost, improved construction safety, and improved construction quality, have the potential to positively impact the issues that our housing industry faces. However, the intrinsic limitations that come with prefabrication being based on the ideals of efficiency, carry the risk (as seen throughout its history) of compromising the design quality. With the motivation to integrate this construction process into New Zealand’s commonplace residential construction industry based on its positive attributes, it is essential to address its relationship to the designed outcome, and consequently the design process. Ryan E. Smith of Washington State University in Prefab Architecture expresses that prefabrication is a construction process not a product so a poor design results from a poor designer. He specifies that for a prefabrication project to achieve quality construction and aesthetics the design process must be directed to “quality assembly”. This idea endorses the integration of this chosen construction process in accordance with the design intent and guide the design through various scales to the detailing of assembly. For this integration of ‘quality assembly’ into the design process three principles have been interpreted from founding literature as being key drivers: standardisation, repetition, and personalisation. Standardisation is the act of simplifications to efficiently design. Based on chosen factors measurements are controlled allowing pieces, elements, and/or units to relate to one another cleanly. Repetition is the act of reducing variances within the construction, maximising the efficiency of prefabrication. Traditionally this can improve quality. Personalisation is the principle that relates the desirability of the outcome with the necessity appropriately suiting its site and occupancy. This research is positioned within New Zealand’s residential climate, which is seeing a growing demand for medium density living. The defined programme accommodates two key demographics within this density of first-home buyers and homeowners downsizing. The focus is to design a system that assists quality living – giving an alternative archetype – for New Zealand’s evolving climate. Key findings from this research support the design intent of ‘designing to assembly’, whereby the construction process and the outcome are integral to one another. By focussing collectively on standardisation, repetition, and personalisation, a responsive design that is suitable to various sites and occupancies can be realised. The challenge lies within balancing flexibility with restriction efficiently.</p>

Quality Assembly: Designing to offsite fabrication for medium density living in New Zealand

<p>This research portfolio looks at how consciously activating prefabrication into the design process early, and subsequently designing to the onsite assembly stage by using three key design principles, can contribute to a responsive design that embodies quality medium density living in New Zealand. Prefabrication is at the forefront of the New Zealand Government’s conversation about its residential construction industry. The potential attributes of this efficient construction method of fast on-site installation time, reduced cost, improved construction safety, and improved construction quality, have the potential to positively impact the issues that our housing industry faces. However, the intrinsic limitations that come with prefabrication being based on the ideals of efficiency, carry the risk (as seen throughout its history) of compromising the design quality. With the motivation to integrate this construction process into New Zealand’s commonplace residential construction industry based on its positive attributes, it is essential to address its relationship to the designed outcome, and consequently the design process. Ryan E. Smith of Washington State University in Prefab Architecture expresses that prefabrication is a construction process not a product so a poor design results from a poor designer. He specifies that for a prefabrication project to achieve quality construction and aesthetics the design process must be directed to “quality assembly”. This idea endorses the integration of this chosen construction process in accordance with the design intent and guide the design through various scales to the detailing of assembly. For this integration of ‘quality assembly’ into the design process three principles have been interpreted from founding literature as being key drivers: standardisation, repetition, and personalisation. Standardisation is the act of simplifications to efficiently design. Based on chosen factors measurements are controlled allowing pieces, elements, and/or units to relate to one another cleanly. Repetition is the act of reducing variances within the construction, maximising the efficiency of prefabrication. Traditionally this can improve quality. Personalisation is the principle that relates the desirability of the outcome with the necessity appropriately suiting its site and occupancy. This research is positioned within New Zealand’s residential climate, which is seeing a growing demand for medium density living. The defined programme accommodates two key demographics within this density of first-home buyers and homeowners downsizing. The focus is to design a system that assists quality living – giving an alternative archetype – for New Zealand’s evolving climate. Key findings from this research support the design intent of ‘designing to assembly’, whereby the construction process and the outcome are integral to one another. By focussing collectively on standardisation, repetition, and personalisation, a responsive design that is suitable to various sites and occupancies can be realised. The challenge lies within balancing flexibility with restriction efficiently.</p>

Methodology for assessing the potential of wind energy use in a constituent entity of the Russian Federation

The article discusses the methodology for assessing the use of wind energy for the territory of the Russian Federation. Used in this case to determine the energy level of the development of the territory of municipal educational institutions. The main factors in the selection and implementation of renewable energy sources in residential construction are natural parameters, that is, the wind region. The basis for the assessment is the climate-forming factors of the territory. The considered system of assessing the territory was tested on the example of the Rostov region in the field of wind energy. Based on the maps built in ArcGIS ESRI, the territory of the Rostov Region is visually represented and its suitability is estimated for the introduction and development of wind energy source.

Effect of Technical Expertise Engagement in Monitoring and Evaluation on Performance of Residential Construction Projects in Kajiado County

Performance of residential construction projects in Kenya has had a bumpy ride resulting to unfinished stalled buildings, cost and time overruns, low quality houses and lack of health and safety considerations. The research study pursued to ascertain the influence of technical expertise engagement on performance of residential construction projects in Kajiado County. The study used resource dependency theory. Moreover, the research utilized descriptive research methodology. The scope was residential construction projects completed in the year 2020 within Kajiado County. The target population consisted of 124 registered building works in Kajiado County that are 95% complete as a performance indication. A sample of 37 projects was considered which consists of 30% of the total population. Non probabilistic sampling techniques were employed. Research participants included clients, contractors as well as consultants involved during project implementation. Questionnaires were deployed to obtain data. The researcher delivered them and collected at a later date. Results of the study established a positive correlation between technical expertise engagement and residential construction projects’ performance. The study gave a conclusion that M&E practices had impact on residential construction projects’ performance. The study recommends that stakeholder engagement sessions should be carried out to ensure all the interested parties play their roles efficiently especially in project scope, identification and implementation to avoid delays. Experienced and competent project managers should be hired to ensure the project is delivered on time and with the best quality.

Finnish architects' attitudes towards multi-storey timber-residential buildings

PurposeThe paper aims to understand Finnish architects' attitudes towards the use of timber as a structural material in multi-storey (over two--storeys high) residential construction.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted through a literature survey mainly including international peer-reviewed journals and similar research projects. Furthermore, the literature survey informed the generation of the web-based survey questionnaire design to gather information on architects' perceptions, attitudes and interest in the use of wood in multi-storey (over two-storeys high) residential buildings.FindingsThe paper's findings are as follows: (1) respondents perceived the most important advantages of wood as a lightweight, local and ecological material; (2) wood construction (compared to concrete) included perceived concerns about it being more costly and needing more complex engineering and (3) respondents had a favourable overall attitude towards the use of wood particularly in low-rise residential construction, whilst their perception of tall housing, including timber ones, was mostly negative.Originality/valueNo studies have evaluated the use of wood in tall residential buildings and architects' perceptions in Finland.