MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION

New Building Regulations Standards are putting increased pressure on architects and designers to provide energy saving solutions within the new build sector.

With the increasing lack of tradesmen and rising costs of traditional methods of construction (which are unlikely to meet the demands for future developments), more and more clients and industry decision makers are recognising the significant benefits of modern methods of construction (MMC).

Modern methods of construction are about better products and processes. They aim to improve business efficiency, quality, customer satisfaction, environmental performance, sustainability and the predictability of delivery timescales.

Modern Methods of Construction can be broken down into four main categories:

Panellised Construction can be broken down into two sub-categories:

Open Panels - The production of a skeletal structure only, where flat panels are produced off-site in a factory environment and assembled on site to create a three dimensional structure. Panels can be constructed of timber, steel or structurally insulated panels (SIPS).

Closed Panels - A more complex form of construction that involves a higher degree of prefabrication, including services, doors, windows, internal decoration, and external insulation and decorative finishes.

Panellised systems are more flexible than volumetric systems and can generally accommodate variations in unit plan and detail design more easily. Bedrooms and living spaces lend themselves well to panel construction systems, giving the client and architect a wider choice, with fewer restrictions on room size and layout. Panellised systems can be stacked flat which leads to more effective transportation to site.

Also known as Modular Construction, Volumetric Construction involves the construction of three dimensional structures that are manufactured in controlled factory conditions before being transported to site. Modules can be brought to site in a variety of forms and can be empty shells or fully complete with services, internal features & external finishes.

Also referred to as Semi-Volumetric, hybrid methods combine both panelised and volumetric approaches. Areas that are typically highly service or more repeatable, such as kitchens and bathrooms, are fully fitted out with all sinks, sanitary ware and tiling, ready to be plumbed in and are finished using a panellised method.

Other methods of construction such as Tunnel Form, Thin Joint Blockwork, Calcium Silicate Blocks and ICF are still classed as MMC’s, however these methods rely less on off-site construction and are celebrated for their use of recyclable / sustainable materials and innovative processes.

	Cost effective alternative to traditional methods of construction
	Skills shortages within the construction industry are able to be overcome
	Faster construction times can be achieved
	Sustainable / recyclable products can be used
	Energy required in the construction process is reduced
	Acoustic performance is improved
	Overall energy efficiency is improved
	Considerable savings can be made in labour, build costs, site costs and overall contract periods.