Faster construction can be a key priority.
Modern Methods of Construction
There is a drive from the UK Government to
encourage Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) which are broadly
defined under the following four product areas:
- Panellised units are produced in a factory and assembled
on-site to produce a three dimensional structure. Open panels
consist of a skeletal structure only, whereas more advanced panels
may include lining material, insulation, services, windows, doors,
internal wall finishes and external claddings.
- Volumetric construction involves the
production of three-dimensional modular units in controlled factory
conditions prior to transport to site.
- Hybrid techniques combine both panellised and
volumetric approaches. Typically, volumetric units (sometimes
referred to as pods) are used for the highly serviced and more
repeatable areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, with the remainder
of the dwelling or building constructed using panels.
- Other modern methods of construction may use
floor or roof cassettes, pre-cast concrete foundation assemblies,
pre-formed wiring looms, and mechanical engineering composites.
They can also include innovative techniques such as tunnel form or
thin-joint block work.
MMC techniques can offer the following advantages:
- reducing construction time by simplifying the
construction process
- improving quality and reducing defects by
moving operations from site to factory conditions
- reducing time to achieve weather-tight
envelope
- improving safety by reducing the number of
site operations
- improving predictability for the project and
productivity for the workforce
- contributing to innovation
- mitigating effects of skill shortages
It should, however, be noted that MMC costs are currently
typically higher than those of a comparable traditional
development. Furthermore the risks increase at the early stages of
the development process so good risk management and tight liaison
with planning authorities become even more important.