Design implications of a Platform-based Design for Manufacture and Assembly (PDfMA) approach to construction in housebuilding

The UK construction sector is embracing technologies and knowledge to leverage the benefits of industrialised construction, in line with UK government policy (i.e. the UK Industrial Strategy, Construction 2025, and the Transforming Construction Challenge). This research focuses on housing, where supply shortage and increasing population are problematic, and where Platform based Design for Manufacture and Assembly (P-DfMA) is in its infancy. It will present new,
aggregated evidence on P-DfMA's potential and deliver outputs to facilitate uptake. Focusing on the relationship of building technologies with business models, the aim is to investigate and evaluate the cost efficiency, degree of customisation and usability of P-DfMA approaches. The research will:
* Investigate P-DfMA concepts (e.g. mass customisation) in the UK housing sector.
* Evaluate selected projects using varied approaches to P-DfMA.
* Utilise Engineering/CS know-how to identify new methods for evaluating relevant metrics and benchmarking protocols.
* Develop business models for implementing a housing P-DfMA approach, using evidence from engineering consultancies, manufacturers and other stakeholders.
* Develop and test a proof-of-concept open source P-DfMA model for housing.