A model for implementing product modularity in buildings design
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
ISSN: 0969-9988
Article publication date: 21 October 2019
Issue publication date: 25 March 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the fundamental underpinnings of product modularity and how these can be adapted to construction and its specificities (e.g. one-off products delivered by temporary supply chains) to create a model to design modular buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
This research adopts a design science research approach. Explanation I (substantive theory devising based on the analysis of an artefact ‒ a low-income housing project) is used, followed by Solution Incubation (a model to implement product modularity in buildings design).
Findings
The model allows product modularity to be implemented at distinct levels (i.e. building, systems and components) at a single stage (building design), different from manufacturing where each level is considered at a distinct stage. This is in line with the project investigated: modularity was considered for house layouts, roof types and gable formats.
Practical implications
The model provides a hands-on tool for practitioners to design modular buildings. The low-income project is also extensively detailed: three-dimensional models, floor plans and conceptual diagrams (outlining how fundamental underpinnings were applied at each level) are presented. There is a lack of comprehensive accounts such as the one presented here to demonstrate the application of product modularity in real-world projects.
Originality/value
This paper identifies and adapts the fundamental underpinnings of product modularity to construction, and it details how these were applied to a low-income housing design at distinct levels. Based on these two endeavours, a model to implement product modularity in buildings design is proposed.
Keywords
Citation
Gravina da Rocha, C., El Ghoz, H.B.C. and Jr Guadanhim, S. (2020), "A model for implementing product modularity in buildings design", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 27 No. 3, pp. 680-699. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-02-2019-0096
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited