Xavi Pons: “Industrialized construction offers high levels of quality and energy efficiency”
Industrialized construction allows for giant leaps forward in a sector that requires constant transformation. It also makes it possible to tackle the problem of labor shortages by opening up construction to a large number of people who did not consider it an option when looking for work due to working conditions. This model reduces the physical burden and the risk of injury, making the work more attractive. Furthermore, it allows for a significant reduction in delivery times and costs associated with construction while promoting high quality in all manufactured products due to the specialization of the workers. We spoke with Xavier Pons, head of construction execution and project manager of our residence on Mare de Deu de la Salut street, to learn about the multiple advantages of industrialization in construction and those that have been incorporated into the residence project; we discussed how this type of construction helps to move forward in terms of sustainability and in terms of improving social and labor conditions, and we went into detail on how innovation plays a very important role in a sector with deep traditional roots.
The solution to take steps towards process efficiency
One of the main benefits of this methodology is the reduction of deadlines in the delivery times of the projected work, which is crucial and an operational advantage. In this context, the use of industrialization techniques has proven to be an effective strategy to meet the tight schedules established, without sacrificing the quality of the construction. The early and precise definition of the various parameters is a fundamental aspect in projects, since, in addition to reducing delivery times, it allows for cost reduction. Thanks to more detailed planning from the beginning, a more efficient execution is facilitated and errors are minimized throughout the process. This practice forces all involved parties to work in close collaboration from the start. This early integration ensures that every detail is considered, reducing the likelihood of costly adjustments and delays during construction. 'The construction began long before laying the first stone. We all had a very clear understanding of our part and, in terms of project execution, everything has been streamlined. In our sector, having delays is quite common because it depends on many factors that often cannot be controlled. However, industrialized construction makes it possible to reduce all risk factors to significantly shorten the deadlines,' says Xavi Pons.
Moreover, industrialization helps to reduce the inherent costs of the construction phase, a factor to consider in these types of projects. By knowing what you need, you can lock in the costs of specific elements from an early stage of the projects and avoid unforeseen expenses that usually lead to a budget increase. This results in greater financial predictability, which is vital to ensure the economic viability of the project from its inception to completion. Cost reduction not only facilitates adherence to the budget but also allows the reinvestment of savings into other critical areas of the project, improving the overall quality of the construction. Furthermore, by minimizing waste and optimizing the use of materials, industrialization contributes to more sustainable practices. Ultimately, the ability to keep costs under control strengthens competitiveness in the market and provides a significant advantage over traditional construction methods.
Better utilization of available resources
One of the main advantages of this approach is the reduction of waste generated on-site. By transferring much of the construction process to factories, the use of materials is optimized and waste generation is minimized. This method contributes to a cleaner and more orderly environment on-site, significantly reducing the environmental impact. "Sustainability is becoming a crucial driver for the transformation of the sector. Industrialized construction allows for more rigorous control of materials and processes, reducing the environmental impact. The use of sustainable materials and more energy-efficient construction techniques is in line with global goals for reducing carbon emissions and promoting responsible construction practices," adds Xavi Pons. The environmental impact of industrialized construction is notably lower compared to traditional methods. The use of sustainable materials and the optimization of manufacturing and assembly processes allow for better use of available resources, incorporating building systems focused on sustainability. "The incorporation of systems for the recovery of grey and rainwater that we have integrated into the Mare de Deu de la Salut residence allows us to recover and reuse water for various applications within the building. This enables us to tackle one of the growing problems facing society today: reducing the consumption of potable water and making more efficient use of a resource that is becoming increasingly scarce. In addition, the implementation of tools that maximize energy efficiency allows us to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint and, ultimately, extend the building's lifespan," declares the project manager.
Commitment to building a more diverse professional future
The revolutions that industrialized construction is introducing in the sector are also rooted in the improvements of production conditions and in promoting inclusivity in a predominantly male sector. Prefabrication in factories offers a safer and more controlled work environment compared to traditional construction sites, which significantly contributes to the well-being of workers. This approach allows for more stable and secure working conditions, reducing the risks associated with construction at outdoor sites exposed, among others, to inclement weather. One of its great benefits is its ability to attract more diverse teams. By providing a more controlled work environment, the industry becomes more accessible to all kinds of people.“The future of construction lies in improving the conditions of workers. In this way, we can reduce the lack of skilled labor. Factories allow for optimization and reduction of internal travel and enable better quality control. Factories offer more comfortable and predictable working conditions, with established schedules and climate-controlled environments, which encourages the inclusion of people who might otherwise be excluded from the sector”, comments Xavi Pons.
Modular construction can be a magnet for new generations seeking stability and good conditions. The possibility of working in a safer environment with regular schedules is a significant draw for young people and professionals who value stability and work-life balance. This approach can help alleviate the shortage of skilled labor in the construction sector. Automation and robotization of certain processes in prefabrication create a positive work environment, as they reduce the physical burden and the risk of injuries. In conclusion, technological advances allow for greater flexibility in production, which can significantly increase productivity without compromising the quality or safety of the workers.
Innovation to tackle logistical and economic challenges
The industrialization of construction is profoundly transforming the dynamics of the sector. Cooperative work improves coordination and collaboration among teams and, ultimately, the quality of the final outcome. This union of forces from the initial design phase ensures that all parties are aligned, minimizing costly errors and delays, allowing each discipline to contribute its expertise and perspective from the early stages of the project. The adoption of advanced technologies, such as Lean methodologies and BIM (Building Information Modeling), is marking a before and after in the construction industry. On one hand, the Lean methodology, focused on efficiency and the reduction of waste generated, allows for the optimization of processes and the improvement of productivity at each project phase. On the other hand, the use of BIM provides a comprehensive digital platform where all project information is modeled and managed. This tool not only improves the accuracy and consistency of designs but also facilitates the early detection of conflicts and coordination among the various stakeholders involved.“Industrialized construction is gaining ground over traditional methods in recent years and will continue to do so in the future. The integration of new technologies, along with the need to address environmental challenges, will make this methodology a standard in the industry. Digitalization and automation will continue to evolve, offering opportunities to improve efficiency”, comments Xavi Pons.
The Mare de Deu de la Salut project stood out from the beginning for the implementation of industrialized construction. Due to its location, it faced logistical and economic challenges that were overcome thanks to innovation. From the conception of this work, the industrialization of the bathrooms was chosen, using prefabricated modules that facilitated installation and ensured high quality standards. It allowed for control of what was planned and enabled exhaustive testing of the components before their on-site installation. All functional tests of the different bathroom components were done in the factory, ensuring that any defects were corrected before shipment and not on the construction site, which avoided delays in the deadlines and maximized the quality of the built elements. One of the most significant challenges was the logistics of transporting and assembling the modules in an urban environment with space limitations. Meticulous planning and the use of advanced technology were crucial to manage these obstacles. Furthermore, the integration of the usual industrial partners in the definition of the project and the adoption of the Lean methodology improved efficiency and coordination in the construction process. "This project demonstrated that modular construction can achieve high levels of quality and efficiency, even in complex projects with urban constraints. The benefits obtained include a significant reduction in construction times, better resource management, and a significant improvement in the quality of finishes, both visible and non-visible", concludes Xavi Pons.
