Flexibility in use in Volumetric Modular Housing in the UK Housing Industry

Abstract

The UK government encourages modern methods of construction to assist in reducing current housing shortages and minimise building costs. Housing should be adaptable to a family's changing needs and preferences over the course of their lifetime. Unfortunately, creating flexibility in volumetric modular housing, to meet customer needs over the house’s life, has been neglected. It is essential for housing to be flexible, particularly during use, so that client needs can be met throughout the lifecycle of the house. As a result of the design and construction of the housing, residents and housing managers can make modifications over time due to the housing's flexibility. The spatial configurations of flexible houses can be modified in response to occupant behaviour and function changes, the addition of new users, and future renovations. This study has defined principles that can increase flexibility in use. In addition, it was able to develop new steps for the DfMA Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work that can assist designers in achieving flexibility in volumetric modular houses. This study provides a competitive framework that illustrates several steps to assist designers in incorporating flexibility in use
into volumetric modular houses. The target group of the study is designers and developers who want to know how to implement flexibility in volumetric modular houses that can increase customer satisfaction and add value to their product. The research has been conducted using two empirical cases and one in-depth casev followed by data collection using semi-structured interviews with designers, engineers, and developers, as well as documentary research, literature reviews, and workshops.

Date of Award	31 May 2023
Original language	English
Supervisor	Patricia Tzortzopoulos (Main Supervisor) & Lauri Koskela (Co-Supervisor)