A service provided by Pipetech
Pipetech supports clients with the development and delivery of DfMA and offsite strategies for complex, high-value projects.
Drawing on extensive experience delivering prefabricated and modular MEP solutions, our focus is on identifying where offsite approaches can be applied intelligently and practically, to reduce risk, improve buildability, support programme certainty, and enhance quality control.
Typical deliverables include a schedule of offsite solutions, coordinated marked-up drawings, high-level cost analysis and informed discussions on the most appropriate delivery options.
Why early engagement matters
Our experience shows that early engagement significantly increases the effectiveness of offsite and modular solutions. Reviewing designs early allows constraints and risks to be addressed before design, cost, and programme parameters are fixed.
On a recent commercial project in London, early engagement enabled modular solutions to be developed across risers, plant areas, and high-level distribution—areas traditionally associated with programme and installation risk.
Our approach
The initial phase of a DfMA strategy focuses on understanding what is practical for the project and clearly advising on the commercial and programme implications.
This typically includes:
- Reviewing design information and drawings
- Identifying repeatable and high-risk installation areas
- Identifying and validating prefabricated and modular opportunities
- Developing offsite solutions aligned with site access, logistics, and installation constraints
- Providing schedules and outlining programme impacts
- Offsetting cost and resource implications where practical
On the London project, this process resulted in the identification of over 200 prefabricated modules across the building, targeted specifically where they would reduce site labour, interface complexity, and installation risk.
Outcomes in practice
When embedded early, this approach can support:
- Significant reductions in on-site labour for applicable systems
- Reduced working at height and site congestion
- Improved quality through factory-controlled assembly
- Increased programme certainty through parallel fabrication
On the example project, early planning contributed to a 50%+ reduction in on-site labour for prefabricated elements and improved predictability by reducing exposure to unforeseen site conditions.
End-to-end delivery
Pipetech offers this service as part of a fully integrated approach, supporting projects from:
- Strategy development and early design input
- Detailed engineering and coordination
- Fabrication of structural and MEP modules
- Delivery and installation of offsite solutions
This ensures continuity from strategy through to site delivery.
Learn more
A detailed case study is available to download, setting out the early-stage DfMA strategy, identification of 200+ modules, and the technical and delivery outcomes from the London project.
If you are considering offsite or DfMA on an upcoming project, feel free to get in touch to discuss how early-stage strategy could support delivery.
