INT02 - From On-site Delivery to Integrated Off-site Systems (Icebox)
This learning scenario focuses on the transition from traditional, on-site site-based construction to modern, off-site timber systems. It requires students to engage in a timed, hands-on "build challenge" that simulates two distinct delivery methods: "stick-built" (traditional/on-site) and "panelised" (offsite). Through this physical simulation, learners move beyond theory to experience first-hand the impact of systems thinking on assembly time, material waste, and building precision. The session combines instructor-led conceptual frameworks with active, kinesthetic (hands on) learning and real-time digital knowledge checks, ensuring participants can bridge the gap between design intent and on-site performance.
The build phase of the session asks the students to physically make a simple housing structure at scale. The scaled model structures will be built either using an on-site approach, whereby individual materials will be cut to size and assembled. Or an off-site approach whereby the students will be asked to follow strict manufacturing process to create their model house. Using models allows participants to easily visualise construction processes at a scale that is more accessible than full scale houses. Lessons learnt here can be extrapolated out to other housing typologies and scales.
The scenario is designed for in-person delivery. Ideally learners will be in a studio type environment where there is plenty of space to make.
Activity brief, presentation and scoring system for tutors and learners have also been prepared and are available to support delivery. This gives tutors flexibility in how they structure delivery.
Intervention at a Glance
TiC Competency: Skills Action Plan
Primary: Construction (Construction techniques, Construction plant)
Sustainability: Design and construction (Sustainable building)
Target Audience:
Technical Staff and Site Supervisors
Design Professionals & Project Managers
Specialist Engineers & Strategic Leaders
College & University Students
Target Education Level: RQF/NVQ/SVQ 4-7 | FHEQ 4-7 | SCQF 7-11
Indicative Learning Hours: 6 hours
Teaching materials prepared for this Learning scenario include:
INT02_Presentation
INT02_Assessment plan
INT02_Learning gateways
INT02_Delivery plan
[Activity] Model making_brief
[Activity] Model making_ppt
[Activity] Model making_score
Additional resources recommended for this Learning Scenario include:
Timber Development UK (TDUK) Knowledge Library: An extensive repository of technical timber information, including "Timber Species" and "Sustainability" guides that support the rationale for the timber transition. See here: Resource Library Search: Timber Development UK
The Future Homes Hub: Industry-led guidance on meeting the Future Homes Standard, specifically focusing on overcoming the 'Performance Gap' through better build quality and precision. See here: Future Homes Hub Knowledge Centre
RIBA Plan of Work 2020 (Overview): Useful for understanding where the "Off-site delivery" model sits within the wider design and construction stages of a professional project. See here: RIBA Plan of Work
DFMA overlay, see here: DfMA Overlay to the Plan of Work
Icebox Challenge: Passivhaus News
About the Iceboxes: About the Ice Box Challenge - Ice Box Challenge