Off-site construction (OSC) is emerging as a transformative approach in the construction industry, shifting the paradigm from traditional on-site building to factory-based prefabrication and automation. Samsung C&T Engineering and Construction (E&C) Group is leading the way in researching and preparing for OSC’s future applications, with a dedicated team exploring its potential impact.
Rethinking Construction: From On-Site to Off-Site
Construction sites are rapidly advancing, adopting new technologies to enhance safety and efficiency. However, compared to industries such as automotive and manufacturing, where automation and precision engineering have significantly improved productivity, innovation in construction has progressed at a slower pace. The sector remains highly dependent on labor-intensive processes, making it susceptible to disruptions. Additionally, external factors such as weather conditions, material availability, and workforce constraints continue to impact project timelines. According to a 2021 study, 45% of construction projects worldwide experience delays due to these challenges, underscoring the industry’s need for more controlled and structured building approaches.
To address these longstanding inefficiencies, the construction industry is increasingly looking toward off-site construction—a method that shifts key aspects of the building process to controlled factory environments. Rather than assembling structures entirely on-site, OSC allows for the prefabrication of building components, which are then transported to construction sites where they are assembled to complete buildings such as apartments, hotels, and even airport terminals.
Recognizing the potential of OSC, Samsung C&T E&C Group has taken the lead in the industry by establishing a dedicated OSC team. With a focus on advancing modularization, optimizing dry construction techniques, and integrating automation, the Group is exploring how this method can be applied to enhance construction efficiency and structural innovation in large-scale projects.
Understanding Off-Site Construction
OSC is not a single construction technique but rather a method that incorporates various prefabrication and assembly approaches. A key aspect of OSC is its integration of three fundamental approaches that enhance efficiency and precision in construction:
Modularization
In traditional construction, buildings are assembled on-site from raw materials. In contrast, modularization involves manufacturing key structural components or entire sections in a factory setting, which are then transported and assembled at the construction site. This approach helps reduce project timelines and improve quality control by ensuring that structural elements are produced under standardized conditions.
Samsung C&T E&C Group verified its modularization technology through the completion of the second Smart Construction Support Center in May 2022. Commissioned by the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, this building was constructed using 69 three-dimensional (3D) box-type modules and was completed in approximately 10 months, from site preparation to final delivery. While foundation work was carried out on-site, module production took place simultaneously in a factory, enabling rapid assembly in just eight days. The modules included integrated systems such as elevators, staircases, and restrooms—demonstrating full-space modularization that incorporates plumbing, electrical wiring, and mechanical systems.
Automation
Automation enhances efficiency in both design and construction by incorporating AI-driven planning, robotic manufacturing, and digital coordination tools. Building Information Modeling (BIM) plays a key role in OSC by enabling detailed 3D modeling and simulation, allowing engineers to refine designs before production begins and ensuring that prefabricated components fit precisely on-site.
Samsung C&T E&C Group has implemented BIM across various projects to enhance accuracy and coordination. In projects like Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), BIM enabled the construction of complex, non-linear architectural forms with a high level of precision. Today, this technology is being extended to support OSC efforts. For instance, 3D design data generated via BIM can be linked to rebar fabrication plants for automated material production. These digital-to-physical connections reduce waste, streamline construction, and are expanding into broader applications as automation technology evolves.
Dry Construction
Traditional construction relies on wet processes, such as mixing and pouring concrete on-site. These methods extend project schedules due to drying and curing times and can be affected by temperature and humidity fluctuations. Dry construction minimizes on-site water use by utilizing precast components, which are manufactured in a controlled environment and assembled on-site.
Precast Concrete (PC) is a widely used method to achieve dry construction, but its weight and transportation challenges can pose logistical difficulties, particularly for high-rise buildings. Samsung C&T E&C Group is researching composite steel plate shear walls as an alternative solution, offering structural strength while reducing transportation constraints.
Advantages of Off-Site Construction
The construction sector is one of the largest industry polluters, accounting for 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Around the world, there is a need for affordable and more efficient housing. OSC is a disruptive solution for keeping up with demand for reliable, cost-effective construction. Advantages of off-site construction include:
- Reduced construction time and cost — off-site construction has less weather dependency and reduced delays caused by on-site project management, reducing construction times and cost. Transporting ready-made components to sites allows for faster installation than building on-site from raw materials.
- Better working conditions — construction workers can avoid harsh weather conditions that increase risks and reduce the time spent working high up or underground.
- Reduced environmental impact — thanks to precision planning, fewer materials go to waste, recycling is increased, and noise pollution is lowered with fast installation of pre-built components.
Looking Ahead
As off-site construction continues to evolve, advancements in automation, AI, and robotics are expected to further enhance efficiency and scalability in the industry. While traditional on-site construction remains essential, OSC offers a strategic complement, allowing for faster, safer, and more precise building processes.
Samsung C&T E&C Group is taking a research-based approach to OSC implementation, evaluating how modularization, dry construction, and automation can be optimized for future construction projects. The Group is conducting in-depth studies to ensure the approach is refined and adaptable across various project types.
As the industry continues to explore new construction methods, Samsung C&T E&C Group remains committed to assessing how off-site construction can contribute to more efficient and structured building approaches.
