Offsite construction is changing how buildings are designed, manufactured, and delivered. By moving more of the construction process into a controlled factory environment, manufacturers and builders can improve coordination, reduce jobsite challenges, and create a more streamlined approach from design through installation.
But that streamlined process also means every building system needs to be considered carefully, including HVAC.
At Unico, Francis Leisure Jr., General Manager for Offsite Construction, serves as our primary resource for manufacturers, builders, architects, developers, and other professionals exploring The Unico System for offsite projects. He works with project teams from the early stages of design through installation and commissioning, helping determine how The Unico System can be incorporated into modular, panelized, and other factory-built projects.
We sat down with Francis to discuss the growth of offsite construction, the HVAC challenges manufacturers face, and why The Unico System is particularly well suited for these applications.
What Is Offsite Construction?
Can you tell us a little about your role as General Manager for Offsite Construction at Unico and what you focus on in that role?
As General Manager for the Offsite Construction Division at Unico, my primary responsibility is growing the division and serving as a resource for companies interested in incorporating The Unico System into their offsite projects.
I manage incoming offsite construction leads and work closely with our Offsite Construction Distributor, Wesco. I also help manage modular and panelized projects from the design phase through installation and commissioning of The Unico System.
Another important part of my role is representing Unico at industry events, staying informed about developments across the different vertical markets we serve, and continually looking for innovative ways to keep Unico competitive as the offsite construction industry evolves.
For someone who may not be familiar with offsite construction, how would you explain what it is and how it differs from conventional construction?
Offsite construction involves building all or part of a structure in sections within a controlled factory environment. Those components or modules are then transported to the project site, where they are assembled or set into place.
With conventional construction, most of the building process takes place directly at the jobsite. That can introduce variables such as weather, labor availability, material coordination, and scheduling challenges.
Offsite construction moves more of that work into a controlled environment, allowing different parts of the building to be coordinated before they ever arrive at the final site.
The Growth of Offsite Construction
What trends are you currently seeing in the offsite construction industry, and what do you think is driving its growth?
There isn't one specific trend I would point to. What stands out most is the overall increase in interest in completing projects using offsite construction methods.
That interest has continued to grow over the last several years, and the momentum is picking up. Over the next two to three years, I expect we will continue to see more projects incorporating modular, panelized, and other offsite construction methods.
As more architects, builders, developers, and manufacturers become familiar with the process and its possibilities, offsite construction will continue to become part of the conversation for a wider range of projects.
HVAC Challenges in Offsite Construction
What are some of the biggest HVAC challenges manufacturers and builders face when designing modular, panelized, or other offsite-built projects?
Space is one of the biggest challenges.
Whether you're working with a modular manufacturer, panelized manufacturer, or builder, there is often limited room available for mechanical systems. HVAC can also be one of the later systems considered during the design process, which makes fitting conventional ductwork and equipment into an already-developed design even more difficult.
That's one of the reasons The Unico System works so well in offsite construction. Its small, flexible ductwork provides another option when space is limited and allows HVAC to be integrated into areas where larger duct systems may be difficult to accommodate.
At what point in the design and manufacturing process should HVAC be considered, and why is early coordination so important in offsite construction?
The earlier, the better.
HVAC discussions should begin as early as possible with the key people involved in the project. When the HVAC system is considered during the initial design phase, there are more opportunities to coordinate equipment, ductwork, structural components, and other building systems before production begins.
That early coordination can make the entire process smoother and reduce the likelihood of issues arising later that require changes, additional labor, or additional costs.
In offsite construction, where efficiency and repeatability are major advantages, getting HVAC involved early can make a significant difference.
Why The Unico System Works for Offsite Construction
What makes The Unico System particularly well suited for offsite construction and factory-built environments?
The Unico System is particularly well suited for offsite construction because it provides a solution when builders and manufacturers have limited space available for HVAC.
The system uses small, flexible ductwork that can be incorporated into tight spaces and complex building designs. That flexibility can benefit everyone involved in a project, from the architect and manufacturer to the installer and ultimately the homeowner or building occupant.
Beyond its size and flexibility, The Unico System is designed to provide even air distribution, quiet operation, effective humidity removal, and energy-efficient comfort. Those performance benefits make it more than simply a way to fit HVAC into a smaller space. It allows manufacturers to provide a complete comfort solution without compromising the design of the structure.
How does Unico work with offsite manufacturers during the design process, from the initial plans through production and installation?
Collaboration begins as early as possible. I serve as the primary point of contact at Unico for offsite manufacturers, builders, architects, and developers who are considering The Unico System for their projects.
I work closely with the project team during the design phase to make sure HVAC is considered before production begins. From there, I connect them with our Design Services team, who can help determine how The Unico System can best be integrated into the structure.
I stay involved as the project moves from design into production, installation, and commissioning. That ongoing communication is especially important in offsite construction because we are not just selecting HVAC equipment for one project. We are working with manufacturers to develop a solution that fits their building process and can potentially be repeated across future projects.
Have an Offsite Construction Project?
Whether you're in the early stages of evaluating HVAC options or already have plans for a modular, panelized, or other offsite-built project, Francis Leisure is your point of contact at Unico for offsite construction.
Francis can help you determine whether The Unico System is a fit for your application, connect you with the appropriate Unico resources, and help guide your project from initial conversations and design through production, installation, and commissioning.
Planning an offsite project? Reach out to Francis and the Unico team to start the conversation.
