Step-by-Step Modularity – a Roadmap for Building Service Development
2010
Download PDFDOI: https://doi.org/10.60164/76g7a3c0h
Authors: Martin Lennartsson, Anders Björnfot
Citation:
Lennartsson, M., & Björnfot, A. (2010). Step-by-Step Modularity -a Roadmap for Building Service Development. Lean Construction Journal 2010 pp 17-29.
Abstract:
Research Question/Hypothesis: Modularity in 3D can serve as a catalyst for change, towards a more industrial practice of building services in housing construction.
Purpose: This paper explores and expands on Fines modularity model and demonstrates it with the development of building services in industrial housing.
Research Design/Method: Empirical data were obtained from a joint product development initiative of a shaft and an inner ceiling, involving five industrial housing companies.
Findings: The proposed framework is applicable in designing building service modules. The framework is applied by identifying and evaluating the key dimension (product, process or supply chain), followed by stepwise evaluation of the remaining dimensions.
Limitations: The research considers development of building services in industrialised housing construction on the Swedish construction market.
Implications: The research provides a roadmap for modularisation in construction, i.e. how to initiate a module development and how to analyse its potential. The methodology provides valuable insights in the complex building service trade.
Value for practitioners: Experiences from an actual product development initiative in industrialised housing are presented, a process in which five companies jointly developed two building service modules. The roadmap works as an action plan, potentially applicable to other complex construction products/components.