Implementing Lean Practices and a Modern Construction Method in a Social Housing Project

The paper aims to explore the implementation challenges and advantages of utilising lean practices along with a modern construction method, i.e. timber frame prefabricated system, to accomplish a challenging goal in a social housing project in Brazil. It presents a case study on the construction of 518 housing units, which were built in a short period to help victims of a climate catastrophe relocate. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, site visits, and documental analysis. The findings suggest that relying on a single lean practice or a modern construction method may not be enough to achieve demanding project objectives, such as completing a construction project within a tight deadline. Instead, it is the appropriate combination of these initiatives that will result in a better outcome. Moreover, the study contributes to a particular issue that has not been adequately addressed by the lean community. Specifically, it sheds light on the connection between a project objective, lean concepts and managerial tools that can be used to accomplish it.