At first glance, a new social housing block in Barcelona might seem like just another modern building. Its sleek design, solar panels, and nursery on the ground floor all point to forward-thinking urban planning. However, what truly sets this 56-dwelling building apart is not just its appearance but the innovative methods used in its design and construction. From digital tools to robotic assistance, companies like 011h and AUAR are paving the way for a more efficient, sustainable future in construction.
The Power of Prefabrication
At the heart of this revolution is 011h, a construction technology firm co-founded by Lucas Carné. The company is leveraging prefabrication — a method where building components are manufactured off-site in a controlled environment and later assembled on-site. While prefabrication is not a new concept, 011h has made it more accessible to architects through digital tools that streamline the design process.
Carné describes 011h’s approach as “digital Lego,” where architects can use the company’s software to integrate prefabricated components directly into their designs. This methodology not only reduces the need for on-site labor but also improves productivity. “Our goal is to improve productivity, especially in an industry where it has been stagnant for years,” says Carné.
Meeting the Housing Crisis Head-On
The housing shortage is a pressing issue across Europe, with demand outstripping supply in many countries, including Spain. Rising materials costs and a shortage of skilled labor have only worsened the problem. 011h’s innovative approach is aimed at addressing these challenges head-on. The company has already completed several apartment blocks in Spain and plans to scale up to about 200 new homes annually.
In addition to speeding up the construction process, sustainability is a key focus for 011h. The firm uses responsibly sourced timber instead of concrete to reduce the carbon footprint of its buildings. In fact, their projects achieve embodied carbon emissions lower than 400 kg of CO2 equivalent per square meter, significantly lower than the industry average.
Robots and the Future of Modular Construction
Another player in the construction technology space is AUAR (Automated Architecture), a UK-based company co-founded by Gilles Retsin. AUAR’s innovative approach involves using micro-factories equipped with robotic arms to produce modular building units. These units, such as timber floor or wall panels, are created off-site and then assembled on-site by human workers.
AUAR’s robots can manufacture building blocks at a rapid pace, enabling the creation of homes in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. “The capacity of one robot is 200 homes per year if you run it eight hours a day,” Retsin says. The company recently completed a two-story building in Belgium, with future plans to scale its operations in Europe and the US.
Automation in Bricklaying: A New Frontier
Even the age-old art of bricklaying is undergoing a transformation. Monumental, an Amsterdam-based company, has developed robots capable of laying bricks and mortar autonomously. These machines can work continuously without breaks, allowing them to match the output of human bricklayers, who typically lay around 500 bricks a day.
Salar al Khafaji, CEO of Monumental, believes that automating tasks like bricklaying can help alleviate the labor shortages plaguing the construction industry. While robots handle the bulk of the work, some tasks, like pointing (the finishing of mortar joints), still require human oversight. The firm has already completed several projects, including a canal retaining wall in Amsterdam, and is exploring the use of eco-friendly bricks to further reduce its environmental impact.
Challenges and Opportunities in Construction Tech
Despite the advancements, the construction industry is notoriously conservative when it comes to adopting new technologies. According to Sam O’Gorman from McKinsey’s Real Estate practice, the high capital involved in construction projects makes firms wary of experimenting with untested methods. “One mess-up could cost the business,” he warns.
However, companies that can demonstrate a solid track record may eventually win over investors and partners. This is where 011h, AUAR, and Monumental are making headway, with proven projects and growing demand for their services.
The Future: Smarter, Faster, and More Sustainable
The construction industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution. With digital tools, robotics, and sustainable materials leading the way, companies like 011h, AUAR, and Monumental are setting new standards for how homes can be built — smarter, faster, and with less impact on the environment. While there are challenges to overcome, the potential benefits are enormous, offering hope for solving housing shortages and improving productivity in a stagnant industry.
