In this episode of the Inside Modular Podcast, Julian Bowron, founder and chief technology officer at METALOQ, talks about how advancements in precision building are helping power the modular construction industry
Throughout this episode of the Inside Modular Podcast, Julian discusses his experience inventing products for the offsite and modular construction industries and the process he follows when creating new products. He also tells us about his upcoming 2023 World of Modular presentation.
Julian starts the podcast by discussing how he discovered offsite and modular construction in the early 2000s using 3D AutoCAD.
“We were able to design something, then issue it straight to waterjet cutting and equipment lasers.
The quality, speed and precision of delivery were massively improved due to these working methods, and we’ve honestly never looked back from that point.”
Julian’s work follows a strict and sophisticated design process
John McMullen, the host of the Inside Modular podcast, asks Julian about his journey of inventing modular and offsite products, and a little about his formal inventing process.
From starting the design process to building prototypes, Julian ensures that the invention of a new product follows a strict and sophisticated design process.
“Projects seldom get cancelled; I’m proud of that fact. We evaluate the prototype, rework the original computer model and the design, and then we may build a production version that’s fully rationalised. That can be either the end of the process where it’s all turned over to the client, or we go on to manufacture that product on behalf of the client.”
Julian also explores some of the products he has created and brought to the market, including systems furniture products for clients such as Technion and Steelcase.
His construction-related technology products include cassette sealing systems, module handling, and assembly equipment.
Julian also explores his ‘structural modular era’, explaining his work for Walters, Calgary, VectorBloc, and his current work with METALOQ.
The role of technology in modular construction
Julian also discusses the challenges that the modular construction industry continues to face, such as the lack of appreciation for value precision.
“Precision really is cheaper than imprecision. So people that think that precision is expensive and difficult and so on, ignore completely the fact that imprecision is far harder to deal with than precision.”
‘Doing the Math’: World of Modular 2023
Julian ends the podcast by talking about his upcoming presentation at World of Modular.Â
His presentation, ‘Doing the Math’, will talk about challenges businesses face when starting a modular company, and issue advice on what approaches to take when starting their modular company.
Listen to the full episode of the Inside Modular Podcast.Â
