Ramping up offsite manufactured builds

Throughout New Zealand the demand for both market and state housing is increasing. This means innovative approaches are needed to deliver more quality homes, at a faster rate, and with the best possible outcomes for people, communities, and the construction industry.

Off-site manufacturing (OSM) is one build method that we are scaling up. It’s a key strategy in our 2019-2023 Statement of Intent and Building Momentum–Construction Plan for Future Homes, and an OSM Plan is being developed to drive innovation and output.

OSM products can range from panels and modular room pods to complete homes that can be manufactured offsite, then transported and installed at the build site. OSM construction is comparable in cost to traditional builds but produces less waste and can be installed on sites faster.  Importantly, these homes meet quality and sustainability thresholds expected of a traditional build in New Zealand, including 6 Homestar ratings and Healthy Homes standards.

Over the last two years an OSM pilot programme has allowed opportunities to trial and evaluate more offsite products and design solutions.

One standout pilot is the 18-home Busby Street development in Blockhouse Bay, Auckland, built by Miles Construction. The three-storey walk-up apartment buildings combine a mix of OSM technology, including Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels from Xlam. Engineered light timber frame panels and factory-built bathroom pods from Concision are also used.  Busby Street has also become our second development to achieve a 7 Homestar rating.