How BIM and AI Are Transforming Modular Construction and Energy Efficiency Across Europe

How BIM and AI Are Enhancing Modular Construction Across Europe

Digital tools and advanced project modelling software have supported traditional construction professionals for years. More recently, modular and offsite construction experts have adopted these technologies, integrating their own data and insights to develop faster, more efficient building methods. By combining Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), these professionals are pushing the boundaries of offsite construction and energy management.

Insights from World of Modular Europe 2025

World of Modular Europe 2025 (WOM Europe), held from 6-8 October, is an international event that gathers manufacturers, designers, and industry leaders from across Europe and beyond. The conference highlights the latest applications of BIM and AI in offsite construction, offering attendees practical knowledge, case studies, and networking opportunities with key players in the sector.

BIM’s Growing Role in Offsite Construction

Adoption of BIM varies significantly across markets and companies. According to Joonas Mauer, VP of Sales at build.works technologies OÜ and WOM Europe speaker, the BIM toolset is evolving quickly, improving both the detail and information quality of models. Whether companies are new to BIM or advanced users, they increasingly recognize its value and are either implementing or planning BIM-driven workflows.

Data-centric processes are especially relevant for manufacturing-focused construction methods. When BIM supports product development and customization systematically, it becomes an ideal fit for offsite construction, enabling better control and efficiency.

AI’s Impact on Energy Management for Modular Buildings

Energy management is a growing concern for developers and end users. Modular buildings’ flexibility—being quickly deployed, reconfigured, or relocated—poses challenges for traditional energy management systems designed for fixed structures.

Nic Shulman, CEO at Aireavu and WOM Europe presenter, explains that traditional methods often fail to adapt when a building’s use changes (for example, from a classroom to an office). Aireavu addresses this by creating AI-driven solutions that adapt to rapid changes, optimizing energy use without compromising operational efficiency even when buildings move or shift functions.

How a BIM-Driven Workflow Works in Practice

For build.works, BIM adoption has become standard. Their workflow begins by importing the project BIM model or connecting it through cloud platforms like Autodesk Construction Cloud. The model is enriched with company-specific data and generates a structured bill of materials (BOM).

This information feeds directly into budgeting, scheduling, and procurement, ensuring precise resource planning linked continuously to the BIM model. On the production floor, tasks link directly to model elements, so teams always work with the latest specifications.

Quality checks and progress tracking use the same integrated data, keeping all stakeholders aligned from sales through delivery without duplicating or losing information. Seamless integrations tie build.works to company ERP and business management systems, maintaining an uninterrupted workflow.

Demonstrating Energy Efficiency in Modular Buildings

Aireavu’s recent collaboration with UK-based Portakabin aimed to show that modular buildings—often seen as temporary—can match or exceed energy management standards of permanent offices or schools. Their research demonstrated that AI-powered energy management increases confidence in modular buildings’ performance and encourages wider AI adoption in real estate.

Continuous Learning and Industry Growth

World of Modular Europe 2025 offers attendees direct access to experts like Mauer and Shulman, providing practical insights on digitalization and AI adoption in modular construction. Mauer notes that digital product configurators are emerging, allowing clients to customize prefabricated housing online, which will help grow the market.

Both experts emphasize that BIM-based workflows are evolving steadily, offering increasingly efficient solutions. The conference aims to inspire new ideas, practical takeaways, and ongoing conversations for all experience levels.

If you want to explore how AI tools can further improve construction workflows and energy management, check out Complete AI Training’s latest AI courses for professionals.