For all the innovation in the world, construction is conspicuously lagging behind. On this, Jan Houtekamer (director cepezedbouwteam) and Willem Neeleman (director Tardis Innovations) heartily agree. Still, there was plenty to talk about. After all, how do you change this?
Jan: ‘You are a product developer who switched from the automotive industry to the construction world. We find that interesting at cepezed, because we also see architecture as a product.'
Willem: ‘Yes, I worked in the automotive industry for 17 years, at dealerships and importers. In the beginning, I was involved in the after-sales of motorbikes. I noticed even there that it gets syrupy where one department stops and another starts, even if you work on one product. It is important to properly name that boundary. Later, through two other companies, I got a great insight into manufacturers in terms of product development and production developments. Through ActiveWarmth, where I worked on conductive polymers and wall heating systems, I ended up in the construction industry.'
Jan: ‘So it started with a particular material?’
Willem: ‘Yes, with the aim of CO2 reduction. I noticed that there was little use of knowledge like this in construction, perhaps because construction is traditionally a craftsmanship-driven craft. Architects and clients always want something new, they make a one-off. Compared to the car industry at least, where each brand clearly has a defined and recognisable identity, and as a customer you choose an existing type that fits your image.'
Jan: ‘Mm, does this comparison really hold true?’
Willem: ‘The car industry doesn't work with a specific set of requirements that is then captured by an architect in a unique design.’
Jan: ‘But in housing construction, surely much is the same, the difference there is at most in the finishing package. I feel that the ‘one-off’ lies in the ever-changing composition of the team.'
Willem: ‘The construction industry makes little use of learning ability, is my experience. The automotive industry is more future-oriented, there it's all about learning, implementing, evaluating and learning again. In construction, the house, i.e. the product, is standardised instead of the process. In the recircular houses I realise with my company in Nijmegen, of which 99 per cent of the components can be reused, we have standardised the process. As a result, the nave dimensions, for example, can differ from one house to another. We redefine the interface, both of components and of batches.'
Jan: ‘How do you do that?’
Willem: ‘Basically by standardising the construction method. The same industrialised platform as in the automotive industry ensures that the connections between components are standardised - whether such a platform is used for a Golf, Skoda or Audi, the assembly is identical. Standardising building nodes and interfaces ensures quick assembly and disassembly, as well as fused performance of connections. When assembling the home on site, we work with assembly specialists, people who are trained and know what actions need to be added. It is an unambiguous and simple way of assembly, we also use colour-coded tie-wraps, for example. As a result, no holes are just drilled anywhere.'
Jan: ‘You are a product developer who switched from the automotive industry to the construction world. We find that interesting at cepezed, because we also see architecture as a product.'
Willem: ‘Yes, I worked in the automotive industry for 17 years, at dealerships and importers. In the beginning, I was involved in the after-sales of motorbikes. I noticed even there that it gets syrupy where one department stops and another starts, even if you work on one product. It is important to properly name that boundary. Later, through two other companies, I got a great insight into manufacturers in terms of product development and production developments. Through ActiveWarmth, where I worked on conductive polymers and wall heating systems, I ended up in the construction industry.'
Jan: ‘So it started with a particular material?’
Willem: ‘Yes, with the aim of CO2 reduction. I noticed that there was little use of knowledge like this in construction, perhaps because construction is traditionally a craftsmanship-driven craft. Architects and clients always want something new, they make a one-off. Compared to the car industry at least, where each brand clearly has a defined and recognisable identity, and as a customer you choose an existing type that fits your image.'
Jan: ‘Mm, does this comparison really hold true?’
Willem: ‘The car industry doesn't work with a specific set of requirements that is then captured by an architect in a unique design.’
Jan: ‘But in housing construction, surely much is the same, the difference there is at most in the finishing package. I feel that the ‘one-off’ lies in the ever-changing composition of the team.'
Willem: ‘The construction industry makes little use of learning ability, is my experience. The automotive industry is more future-oriented, there it's all about learning, implementing, evaluating and learning again. In construction, the house, i.e. the product, is standardised instead of the process. In the recircular houses I realise with my company in Nijmegen, of which 99 per cent of the components can be reused, we have standardised the process. As a result, the nave dimensions, for example, can differ from one house to another. We redefine the interface, both of components and of batches.'
Jan: ‘How do you do that?’
Willem: ‘Basically by standardising the construction method. The same industrialised platform as in the automotive industry ensures that the connections between components are standardised - whether such a platform is used for a Golf, Skoda or Audi, the assembly is identical. Standardising building nodes and interfaces ensures quick assembly and disassembly, as well as fused performance of connections. When assembling the home on site, we work with assembly specialists, people who are trained and know what actions need to be added. It is an unambiguous and simple way of assembly, we also use colour-coded tie-wraps, for example. As a result, no holes are just drilled anywhere.'