Third annual Off-Site Barometer: off-site construction in France nearing maturity and in search of training

Not only is the share of those who have already implemented it increasing (44% compared to 31% during the previous edition, i.e. +13 points vs 2022), but in addition, 68% of non-users plan to use the construction off-site in the future, with a significant reduction in all perceived difficulties. If cultural and structural obstacles remain, many of those questioned believe in them: the share of non-users who think that Off-site will increase in France amounts to 64%.

Advantages recognized by all

For professionals already involved in off-site work as well as for others, its benefits are acquired and undeniable. For 90% of respondents (compared to 85% in 2022), off-site allows above all to reduce completion times. It also leads to reducing the environmental impact of construction for 81% of them, a figure also on the rise. Overall, off-site is seen as beneficial, even necessary, to enable renewal of the building sector.

Off-site among users

The share of professionals who have already implemented off-site is increasing compared to the previous edition and now stands at 44% (+13pts). 2D panels top the categories with 60%. 3D modular comes in second place with 45% of respondents having implemented it. [2]

Users are convinced of the value of off-site. To the question: “Can off-site construction facilitate comprehensive and efficient renovations rather than in stages?” », 72% of those questioned responded favorably.

However, there are obstacles, mainly linked to the still emerging aspect of the market. At the top of the obstacles, we find high costs (57%), a lack of available skills (52%) as well as still embryonic knowledge in the matter (50%). Note that the subject of technical obstacles (logistics, reinforced collaboration, etc.) only seems problematic to 19% of respondents.

Demand in France

In 2023, there will be significant developments in the type of buildings affected by off-site. To the question: “On which type of buildings have you already implemented off-site work?” », 45% of those questioned answered collective housing (+4%). They are therefore now in the lead, while they were in third position in 2022. Individual houses move from first to second place, and fall to 35% compared to 44% in the previous study. Sports facilities (+2%), managed residences (+2%), and barracks (+2%) are increasing.

Expectations of priority sectors

Sector players deeply believe in the development potential of off-site. The importance of this type of construction seems certain. To the question: “Do you think that the share of off-site projects is likely to increase in your order book? », 72% of those questioned answered in the affirmative, despite a drop in this edition (-8pts). 40% of them even see it increasing “a lot” (42% in 2023).

Among the three sectors which, according to professionals, should benefit primarily, we find collective housing at the top (59%, an increase of 9 points), followed by managed residences (students, seniors, young workers' homes, tourism), with a score of 44%, up 9 points. Educational establishments (nurseries, nursery schools, primary schools, middle schools, high schools) jumped by 19%, rising to 42%.

Off-site among non-users

Structural and cultural obstacles

For non-users, four main obstacles were identified: insufficient training in new construction methods is cited as the first obstacle, with 52% of responses. Next comes the lack of visibility on regulations (48%), the lack of companies in the region (42%) and the lack of knowledge about off-site solutions (41%).

Higher costs are also cited as a barrier for 40% of non-users. The existence of a corporate culture that is not very open to innovation is also mentioned by 39% of those questioned as well as a restrictive regulatory framework for 36%.

A strong appetite despite everything and expectations

However, the desire to take the plunge is strong. 68% of off-site non-users plan to use this process in the future (very slight decrease compared to 2022 when we reached 70%). The reasons that could convince them to turn to off-site are first of all cost reduction, on par with productivity profitability: 31% for both. Then, the theme of quality improvement jumps, from 13 to 25%. The economic and qualitative virtues of off-site are therefore widely integrated, including among those who have not yet used it.

The share of non-users who think that off-site will increase in France is logically high, 64% (we note, however, a drop compared to 2022, when this figure reached 76%).

The advantages of off-site have been perfectly identified. Among the reasons for its future development, we find the increase in productivity, the reduction of costs and times, an evolution of the sector, a need to be part of the decarbonization strategy (reduction of CO2) and an evolution of the regulations.

A particularity of off-site: the role of collaboration

The barometer confirms that the level of collaboration is important for 73% of respondents (a marked decrease compared to 2022, 85%). When 47% of those questioned considered it much too high in 2022, only 23% made the same diagnosis in 2023.

Focus on industrial energy renovation

The off-site construction method appears to be more accessible to respondents. Indeed, a significant drop in all perceived off-site difficulties in relation to energy renovation is observed this year.

Among the existing difficulties, we find an existing portfolio that is too heterogeneous (28% versus 43), a lack of knowledge of donors (23% versus 41), the price (20% versus 42) and finally, financing (15% versus 29).

Development prospects

In summary, we feel a strong desire to get started among professionals, but also many questions and a great need for support. To the question “what new elements would strengthen the development of off-site in your company?”, 52% of those questioned asked for comparative data on costs, 49% for feedback, and 35% for specialized training.

The entire study is available here.

[1] Association of Industrialized, Modular and Offsite Construction

(2] It should be noted that the panel has evolved. In 2022, the database included Off-Site users and non-users; it separates them this year.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.