Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) of high-rise flats built using prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC)

Abstract

Purpose

There has been an increasing use of prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC) in the construction of high-rise flats to enhance productivity and sustainability, but there have been little studies to evaluate if the use of PPVC satisfies construction quality and overall satisfaction with the flat. This study aims to evaluate how homeowners perceive living in PPVC flats after they have moved into their homes. This is done with a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) looking at total building performance (TBP) mandates covering spatial performance (SP), acoustics performance (AP), visual performance (VP), indoor air quality performance (IAQP) and thermal performance (TP).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through the use of a survey questionnaire which was developed based on literature review. The data gathered from 145 respondents were then analysed quantitatively using Jeffrey’s Amazing Statistics Program (JASP), Microsoft Excel and Comma-Separated Values (CSV) files. The data analysed were further validated through the use of interviews with industry professionals.

Findings

Based on descriptive and inferential statistics, the key findings of this study are that most respondents are satisfied with their PPVC flats in terms of quality of construction, satisfaction, IAQP, TP, AP and VP. However, they are less satisfied with the interior of their PPVC flats.

Originality/value

This is the first ever POE in the world conducted with homeowners living in high-rise flats built using PPVC. The findings from the study highlighted homeowners’ concerns regarding the quality of construction, SP, and AP, particularly in the interior areas of the flats, and underscores the importance of considering homeowners' experiences and perceptions in the design and construction of PPVC housing.

Citation

Peh, L.L.C., Low, S.P. and Chan, A. (2024), "Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) of high-rise flats built using prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC)", International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-07-2024-0144