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Writer's pictureAudree Grubesic

Revolutionizing Construction with a Hybrid Approach: The Future of Offsite Building



Offsite Dirt continues to bring exciting innovations to the offsite construction industry, and one of the latest developments comes from a new approach to modular construction. In a recent podcast episode, Rob Bertschy the Chief Revenue Officer of Construct, shared insights into how their company is changing the game with a hybrid building system that simplifies the framing process. Rob, with his extensive background in skilled trades, including 12 years at Milwaukee Tools, brings a fresh perspective to addressing the skilled labor shortage affecting the construction industry today. By applying precision CNC technology, Construct is offering a novel solution to framing challenges—building smaller, modular units that can be assembled like a puzzle.



Rob credits Nicholas Godfrey, the CEO of Construct, with creating this intuitive building system. Godfrey’s experience with CNC routers, which were initially used to create items like cabinets and wall panels, led him to realize that this technology could also be applied to housing. The system Construct developed creates perfectly square, straight, and sturdy frames that are both stronger and more efficient than traditional framing methods. This innovation not only makes the framing process more accessible to less-experienced laborers but also increases the speed and precision of builds.





The system Construct has developed is a hybrid model, somewhere between traditional stick-built homes and prefab construction. While the framing components are manufactured offsite, they are small enough to allow for a high degree of customization, which appeals to builders and architects alike. The kit-based assembly means that heavy machinery is not required for construction, and the small panel sizes make the process both accessible and efficient. This innovative approach is gaining traction in the industry, particularly in the sub-2,000 square foot market, where affordability and efficiency are critical. Construct’s hybrid approach is addressing the needs of builders and homeowners by offering a flexible, strong, and cost-effective solution for modern construction challenges.


A major focus of the conversation was how the next generation of builders will adapt to this changing landscape. Rob mentioned that fewer contractors are entering the field with traditional skills, and many young people, like his own son, are more comfortable with digital building environments, such as those found in games like Minecraft. This digital familiarity translates well into modern construction processes, which are increasingly reliant on CAD models and precise engineering. Rob believes this shift will help alleviate the challenges of labor shortages in the construction industry by simplifying the building process and reducing the dependency on specialized skills.





Looking ahead, Rob shared his vision for expanding the company’s reach, both domestically and internationally. With ongoing projects across states like Maine, Texas, and South Carolina, and ambitions to ship to markets like Los Angeles and even as far as Ukraine and the Dominican Republic, his team is positioned to scale rapidly. They aim to leverage existing manufacturing infrastructure to cut parts and supply custom building solutions, streamlining the construction process on a global scale. This innovative approach, coupled with a passion for solving housing shortages through technology, signals a bright future for the construction industry.


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