Third-year Engineering students at the University of Cambridge have begun this year’s Sustainable Offsite Construction project, which is now running for the third year.
The hands-on initiative gives students the opportunity to work on a 13-metre modular bridge near the Eddington campus, using reusable precast reinforced concrete elements, 13-metre steel beams, a 10-tonne HIAB and a range of digital construction technologies. Based on Laing O’Rourke’s modular ‘Digital Bridges’ concept, the project combines academic learning with real-world construction experience.
Designed with reuse in mind, the bridge materials continue to demonstrate how circular construction principles can be embedded into engineering education. Materials used in previous years are being successfully reused, reinforcing the project’s commitment to environmental and financial sustainability.
Through the project, students gain practical insight into off-site construction, teamwork, logistics, lifting operations and the role of digital tools in modern engineering. The programme also introduces students to project planning, scheduling, costing, health and safety considerations and client communication through presentations and interim reviews that reflect real industry practice.
The project is delivered through a blended teaching model combining lectures, practical demonstrations and hands-on build sessions, with support from industry partners including Laing O’Rourke, Ramboll, Severfield and Trimble. Students benefit from direct engagement with professionals across the construction supply chain, helping bridge the gap between engineering theory and industry application.
The Department of Engineering extends its thanks to the industry partners supporting this valuable learning experience and helping prepare the next generation of engineers.