The future of offsite in housebuilding

UK housebuilding has evolved since the Second World War into a diverse and complex industry, continually trying to respond to multiple demands for quantity, quality, environmental sustainability and affordability. In response to this, offsite construction technologies seem to offer advantages of higher quality, faster build times and more cost certainty, as well as potential highvolume production and high environmental credentials. In order to investigate the potential for offsite in housebuilding, it is important that a long-term perspective is taken, informed by futures methodologies and techniques. The reasons for this are debated here, and we conclude that in order for the housebuilding industry to respond to the myriad challenges that lie ahead, it must take a longer-term view, and be more adaptable and responsive to changes, from both within the sector and in society generally.