US-based offsite construction giant Katerra to close

The SoftBank-backed offsite construction company Katerra to close down informing employees last week.
The failed offsite construction leviathan launched in Silicon Valley in 2015, and then acquired two architecture firms in 2018: Michael Green Architecture (MGA) in Vancouver, a leader in designing with mass timber, and the much larger Lord Aeck Sargent, with... READ MORE

Victorian Government issues tender for prefabricated quarantine accommodation

In response to the Covid 19 pandemic, the Victorian Government invites Expression of Interest to tender for a Head Contractor and Modular Contractor to supply prefabricated quarantine accommodation.
Although the exact site has yet to be finalised, it appears the Avalon Airport site is firming for a Victorian tender for prefabricated cabin-style quarantine accommodation. According to Victorian Government Tender website: The Department of Premier and Cabinet invites Expressions... READ MORE

US-developer unveils plans for 2,500 acre modular house developments

In an interesting take on modular house developments, Neu Community Inc has released their vision for three housing cooperative communities built exclusively with their proprietary modular system.
Neu Community Inc. is developing three modular house communities (developments) across the Austin (Texas) metro area; the initial launch is scheduled for Autumn. They’ve bought 400 acres of forest in Bastrop County (near the new Tesla factory), 66 acres on the... READ MORE

Reclaimed precast concrete to enter circular economy

Tampere University, based in Finland is coordinating an international project to determine profitable reuse and environmental benefits of reclaimed precast concrete.
Precast concrete has been the world’s most commonly used building material for at least half a century, and it also accounts for the majority of both construction materials and demolition waste.And, in a compelling blend of ‘deconstruction’ and ‘reconstruction’ of... READ MORE

UK and USA set to develop national BIM programme for the US with implications for prefabrication

Blend BIM (Building Information Modelling) with prefabrication and building expertise and the result is a template that rewrites building design, construction and maintenance methodology.
BIM allows building professionals to utilise a shared file that follows the entire life-cycle of a building from conception to demolition. This ‘bird’s eye view’ of the construction sequence seems almost tailor made to align with the ‘sum of all... READ MORE

Modular rooms target commercial sector

US-based Zonex has launched a new series of modular rooms to enhance user experience, equipped with a propriety air flow system and also meeting building code requirements
In a timely launch that coincides with a return-to-office for many workers, re-purposing office space and providing a building-code compliant modular room may provide a pragmatic solution for many businesses or building owners. It’s called The Zonez Collaboration Suite and... READ MORE

MiTek to launch modular building venture

When the Oracle of Omaha, Warren Bufffet of Mitek throws his financial pedigree behind a modular building startup, it’s time to book your ticket for the train ride.
With a single Berkshire Hathaway share now worth US$431,421.70, we’re left in no doubt that the almost religious zeal that Warren Bufffet’s followers commit to his every move will follow him down the path to prefabrication with MiTek. MiTek Inc.,... READ MORE

prefabAUS Reconnect Melbourne event held at Metz Tiles

First in-person prefabAUS networking event for 2021 held last Thursday at Metz Tiles delivers much anticipated return to new normal.
Held at Metz Tiles’ showroom in Collingwood, Melbourne, and in collaboration with event partner Sensum, the evening was a refreshing opportunity to reconnect with industry colleagues and share their experiences. Adhering to Covid Safe protocols, the prefabAUS event gave its... READ MORE

ABB Robotics targets prefabrication construction industry with advanced building technology

Triggered by a looming skills deficit by 2030, construction firms are starting to express interest in prefabrication construction robotic technology to address not only the imminent skills shortage but to also address workplace safety, reduce onsite waste and improve quality.
It’s generally acknowledged that robotics in automation offers significant potential to enhance productivity, efficiency and manufacturing flexibility throughout the construction industry, including automating the prefabrication of modular homes and building components offsite, robotic welding and material handling on building sites, and... READ MORE

Timber Offsite Construction commits to November event

Frame Australia has announced that its Timber Offsite Construction (TOC) event has been rescheduled to November 16-17, 2021.
Event founder, Kevin Ezard, said: “Experts have indicated all Australian adults could be vaccinated by Christmas if the supply of vaccines remains consistent, so on that basis we believe Timber Offsite Construction November event will be safe to proceed”. A... READ MORE

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