THE ARCHITECT’S PERSPECTIVE

As a relative newcomer to the prefab / offsite space after 24 years in the conventional architectural world, I’ve noted that architects haven’t been significant contributors at the prefab conferences and study tours I’ve attended. In fact, architects are arguably as guilty as the rest of the construction industry in their tardy implementation of new building technologies, processes and design principles.

One possible way to encourage greater participation from architects would be to ensure that the sales pitch for modular, off-site or prefab building is not only directed at breaching the negative public perception of the process, but also at influencing and informing architects and designers of its potential advantages.

I believe more architects need to become engaged and enthused to provide sophisticated and elegant alternatives that will influence perceptions in the building industry and beyond. We need to become part of the move towards more accurate, sustainable, safer and smarter building technologies, where prefabrication can play a major part.

“I believe more architects need to become engaged and enthused to provide sophisticated and elegant alternatives that will influence perceptions in the building industry and beyond. We need to become part of the move towards more accurate, sustainable, safer and smarter building technologies, where prefabrication can play a major part.”
Bradley Wahl – Calder Flower Architects.

In my experience, any discussion with architects and building designers about prefab often leads to a discourse about the restrictions that this process will place on their designs. This perception is easily dispelled when one considers that many building components like structural and decorative steelwork, balustrades, joinery units, doors, windows, precast concrete and façade cladding, have been pre-fabricated off site and installed or assembled in place. All architects have used prefabricated components in their buildings in their careers that have resulted in some outstanding architectural designs. There is no good reason why the approach to these building elements cannot be extended to include walls, bathrooms, laundries, parts of or even entire buildings.

Parasite by Calder Flower Architects: Designed using 3D modelling software, all components are integrated into a sole parametric model.

We don’t have to look far to appreciate great architectural examples that have utilised prefabrication technologies; Sydney Opera House is one of the most iconic exemplars, with its precast structural shell; or the harbour bridge with 39,000 tons of prefabricated steel that was shipped to, and assembled on site. These models demonstrate that rather than being a hindrance in design, prefabrication, modular or off-site construction can enhance accuracy and quality of construction and will no doubt form a significant part of the future built environment.

Throughout history architects have adapted to new technologies and have needed to understand complex concepts and processes; the adjustment to prefabrication and off site manufacture may ultimately not be prohibitively hard, and can be seen as simply another stage in architects’ evolution.

Within the current construction landscape, it is already clear that there are certain building typologies that lend themselves to prefab technology and some of the best examples are schools, hospitals, hotels and aged care facilities. My own focus on implementing prefab design is currently on the latter sector. Although to date most aged care buildings have typically been completed using traditional methods, I am confident given the standardised nature of these buildings that we will see elements or entire buildings erected using prefab or off-site construction in the near future.

Some of the boundaries to achieving this will include: finding or convincing willing clients to take the leap; finding suitable builders or manufactures to get a competitive tender price, and arranging financing that will enable the process. And one further obstacle, relating to the competitive tender process, is early stakeholder engagement. Successful off site construction is made easier when all parties are at the table in the early stages of the design process. Given that clients are looking for a competitive tender from a number of builders, it is not always easy to convince the client to select a builder prior to the design being finalised.

With the support of Lara Calder – Calder Flower Managing Director, and her team, we are currently involved in research and development projects studying good examples of prefabricated architecture with a view to learning from existing designs and to offering new prototypes and designs. It is hoped a number of these will be executed in the near future.■

Bradley Wahl – Calder Flower Architects.