Mass customisation of offsite manufactured modular construction components to transform the existing built environment

Expected Outcome:

Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:

• Stakeholders involved in the construction[1] and renovation ecosystem adopt innovative solutions for the mass customisation of offsite manufactured modular construction components.

• Significantly reduced waste and environmental impacts (including air quality, noise and transportation) and enhanced local cultural heritage and/or aesthetics[2] of the built environment[1] compared to using conventional modular construction components.

Scope:

Solutions to transform the existing built environment[1] in line with the New European Bauhaus (NEB) have typically been at smaller, individual scale so far. The wider uptake and adaptation of such solutions require a manufacturing approach that is efficient, affordable, and accessible while at the same time being adaptable to different local needs and contexts.

The mass customisation of modular construction components[5] that are manufactured offsite[6] can contribute to the sustainable[1] and high-quality renovation and adaptation of the existing built environment that reflects local needs and preferences and fosters local cultural heritage, aesthetics, and identity. This can also contribute to modular disassembly, re-assembly, and renovation approaches within National Building Renovation Plans[8] under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive[9].

Better understanding and demonstration are required of the potential, applications, and scalability of solutions for offsite manufactured modular construction components that can be customised to the existing built environment in line with NEB.

Proposals are expected to address all of the following:

• Develop an innovative solution for the mass customisation of offsite manufactured modular construction components, which applies technologies and technological advancements such as distributed manufacturing, building information modelling (BIM), and modular construction approaches.

• Demonstrate the innovative solution in an operational environment in at least three Member States and/or Associated Countries. Mass customisation of the modular construction components should address the needs of at least three application areas (e.g. residential, commercial, public space, cultural heritage, education, recreation).

• Evaluate the economic, aesthetic, environmental, social, and cultural value and the business case to invest in the solution[10].

• Develop and demonstrate strategies to scale up and adapt the solution to different local contexts. This includes consideration of the solution’s long-term performance, durability (e.g. in changing climates), and repairability.

Proposals are expected to follow a participatory[1] and transdisciplinary[1] approach through the integration of different actors and disciplines.

This topic requires the effective contribution of social sciences and humanities (SSH)[1] disciplines and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions, as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related research activities.

Proposals are expected to allocate at least 0.8% of their budget for engaging with the Horizon Europe-funded 'New European Bauhaus hub for results and impact' to share their intermediate and final results, findings and learnings, as well as to contribute to impact assessment.

[1] See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.

[2] See definition of "beautiful" in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.

[3] See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.

[4] See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.

[5] Modular construction components refer to standardised building components that can be easily rearranged, added, or removed as requirements evolve.

[6] Offsite manufacturing refers to the process of planning, designing, and fabricating construction components in an external facility, rather than at the final construction or renovation site, after which these components are transported and installed in place. This approach enables faster, higher-quality, and more efficient construction and renovation with reduced on-site disruption and waste.

[7] See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.

[8] European Commission, ’National Building Renovation Plans’, accessed 5 August 2025, https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-efficient-buildings/national-building-renovation-plans_en

[9] European Commission, ’Energy Performance of Buildings Directive’, accessed 5 August 2025, https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-efficient-buildings/energy-performance-buildings-directive_en

[10] European Commission, ’NEB Investment Guidelines’, New European Bauhaus, accessed 5 August 2025, https://new-european-bauhaus.europa.eu/tools-and-resources/neb-investment-guidelines_en .Sections of particular relevance for applicants to consider include: 1. Introduction; 2. Mapping the NEB; 4.4 Project risks; 5. Making the NEB case; and 6. Conclusions.

[11] See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.

[12] See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.

[13] See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.