Industrialised construction
Toward a more sustainable, efficient, and collaborative construction
10 Apr 2025
In a world where efficiency and sustainability are becoming increasingly crucial, industrialised construction has emerged as an innovative solution that addresses multiple challenges, particularly in the face of skilled labour shortages. This approach, gaining ground in the construction sector, involves producing components in a factory or controlled environment, which are then transported to the final location for assembly. Industrialised construction stands in sharp contrast to traditional methods, where production takes place entirely on-site.
One of the greatest advantages of this approach is the efficiency in terms of time and resources. Factory production allows for stricter process control, reducing unforeseen issues and optimising assembly time. Additionally, inefficiencies that typically arise in traditional construction, such as delays due to adverse weather conditions or coordination on-site difficulties between different trades, are avoided.
Building on our extensive industrial experience, at Orona, we have taken on the challenge of integrating our products into industrialised construction. Orona, a company recognised as the fifth-largest European operator in vertical mobility solutions for people, has adapted its Orona Next Essentia model to industrialised construction, with tens of thousands of units installed worldwide. For this project, we supplied pre-assembled components from the factory, significantly reducing the need for trade coordination and minimising unforeseen issues.
Adapting our products to industrialised construction is not a simple transition; it represents a significant evolution in our design and manufacturing approach. This change requires a deep understanding of all the stages and processes involved in the product’s life cycle, from its initial conception to its deployment in the field and eventual dismantling or recycling.
Regarding assembly activities, we have conducted a comprehensive analysis of the assembly processes with a holistic view, aiming to minimise interference with other trades. From this analysis, the implementation of wide-frame doors has emerged. While these doors are more complex to handle due to their weight and dimensions, they offer a significant reduction in exterior finishing work and reduce the need for coordination with other trades. Our presence as a brand in 12 countries across Europe and our export to more than 100 countries have enabled us to develop solutions that adapt to the different circumstances of each country. For this reason, this type of door, commonly used in markets like France, has been easily applied to industrialised construction projects in Spain.
In line with the innovation in wide-frame doors, the installation of elevator doors using extendable claws has proven to be another solution that reduces trade work on-site. This method eliminates the need for load-bearing structures to secure the lift doors, allowing for a greater concentration of tasks that can be directly executed by Orona without the need to rely on third parties. This not only accelerates project execution but also prevents delays caused by coordination and waiting for external work.
At the core of this transformation toward industrialised construction is the need for comprehensive knowledge that encompasses not only the traditional disciplines of design and engineering but also a practical understanding of the realities of construction. Thanks to our 60 years of experience, we have built a knowledge base where our design team is familiar with the unique conditions and challenges that arise in construction. As a result, the design process takes into account aspects such as spatial limitations on-site, coordination with other trades, and adaptation to unexpected changes in the work environment.
To manage this complex context, we have fostered the creation of multidisciplinary design teams. These teams bring together a diversity of knowledge and experiences, allowing for a synergy that enhances the overall design process. People with experience in assembly and installation provide a pragmatic perspective that ensures the feasibility and efficiency of products in the field. Those with backgrounds in conservation and environmental performance ensure that our products not only comply with current environmental regulations but are also prepared to adapt to future requirements.
This multidisciplinary approach to design is rooted in the philosophy of industrialised construction, which promotes efficiency, precision, and sustainability. By adopting a broader view of the product’s life cycle and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we are not only improving our products but also redefining the standard practice in the construction industry. This approach results not only in faster and more cost-effective construction projects but also in buildings that are more resilient, efficient, and adaptable to the changing needs of the future.
While our products undergo continuous improvement, one of the most critical aspects is collaborative work. The planning and design of a project require the active involvement of all suppliers from the initial stages. This early collaboration ensures that each component integrates seamlessly with the others, maximising the functionality and performance of the building. The use of digital tools allows suppliers to collaborate on a virtual model of the project, identifying and resolving compatibility issues before production begins. This early and ongoing coordination ensures that each product not only fulfills its individual functions but also contributes to the overall performance of the project.
In summary, industrialised construction represents a paradigm shift in the construction industry, offering efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions. It has also encouraged suppliers to rethink their product development approach, moving from generic solutions to custom solutions for specific projects. Collaborative work has been essential in this process, allowing products not only to fulfill their individual functions but also to enhance the overall performance of the project. At Orona, we are committed to innovation and continuous improvement, adapting our products and processes to lead in this emerging field, with the ultimate goal of benefiting all stakeholders involved—from workers and suppliers to end customers and the community at large.
