The Center for Offsite Construction is thrilled to announce that our recent staff and fellows retreat has concluded with the successful completion of an early draft of the Modular 2.0 document. Interested industry professionals are invited to request a pre-print version, providing an opportunity to contribute as commenters during the document’s refinement phase.

The Vision section of Modular 2.0 outlines a transformative approach where multifamily housing projects can move from concept to completion in just four months. By integrating automated design processes with a well-organized modular marketplace, the draft envisions a future where software automates site planning, tendering, and building configuration. For instance, during initial project phases, geo-location, zoning, and product selection could be optimized seamlessly, resulting in faster, data-driven decisions that minimize risks and enhance project velocity. The Vision aims to reshape the construction industry, empowering professionals with tools that make building affordable and sustainable.

In the History section, Modular 2.0 contextualizes its foundations by examining the evolution from traditional construction methods to Modular 1.0. It highlights past breakthroughs, such as the shift from project-specific customization to product-based approaches introduced in McKinsey’s 2019 report, “Modular Construction: From Projects to Products.” The draft also draws on more recent advancements, like the 2023 "Product Platform Rulebook," which guides the standardization of modular products. By learning from these milestones, Modular 2.0 seeks to establish a new paradigm where modular practices are no longer niche but the norm in mainstream construction.

The Research Roadmap section provides a strategic pathway for the modular industry's future, emphasizing key technological developments needed to unlock new efficiencies. The Roadmap focuses on integrating advanced product interfaces that enable rapid assembly and interoperability, drawing parallels to successful standards in other industries, such as the USB standard in electronics. It also lays out steps for implementing software solutions that automatically evaluate site-specific conditions, streamline permitting, and optimize supply chain coordination. These innovations aim to accelerate adoption by reducing costs, increasing sustainability, and creating more agile construction practices.

This early draft of Modular 2.0 is designed to help our industry partners better understand the Center, and where we are headed. It communicates to granters a clear path to both affordable housing and a cleaner construction industry. It maps a technical landscape to future advisors to help us drive clear pathways to meaningful change. And it offers places for collaborators to join us on that journey.

Join us as we take a significant step toward reshaping the construction landscape. We encourage industry professionals to request a pre-print version and join us in refining this groundbreaking document. Together, we can push the boundaries of what’s possible in modular construction.