Modern Methods of Construction
The housing crisis post World War 1 spurred the need for non-traditional methods of house construction. Since then although in various forms, non-traditional means of construction have been instrumental in satiating the immediate need of building homes in less time. Today, it would be fair to say that the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) have certainly taken a leaf out of the old book.
Driven by the need for rapid housing in the 20th century, new techniques evolved to improve the efficiency of construction. Precast concrete was available for construction through mass production across the UK in the 1920’s. This adoption resulted in significant reduction in the time taken to construct homes thus marking precast/prefabricated concrete the first large-scale adoption of modern methods of construction (MMC). This was followed by steel frame construction and Industrialised Building Systems (IBS), the latter having marked the inception of pre-engineered components being manufactured in factories in the 1960s and then came the era of modular construction in the 1970s. All these developments have today helped in improving the speed, quality, and efficiency of construction while also greatly reducing the impact on environment.
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) is a technical term used for building methods that have evolved to be more effective and efficient in comparison to the traditional construction methods. Though the term MMC is designated for designed techniques, the fact is that they have evolved from decades manifesting in various forms impacting the then era of construction & architecture.
From factory-produced components and structures to modular constructions enabling quicker assembly of parts at onsite and advanced building techniques that have accelerated productivity and improved efficiency, modern methods of construction have come a long way.
Historical Impact of Non-traditional Practices
If we observe the chronology, the UK construction sector in 1950 produced more than 300,000 dwellings. This was the era where factory-produced units were yet to begin. In the 1960 after the onset of factory-produced era, the number of dwellings though didn’t attain a rapid rise, it held steadiness. Lack of willingness from the then government despite availability of advanced was evident.
The year 1970 in the UK, saw a rapid surge where more than 550,000 dwellings attained realisation. This was the era where modular construction methods had made its way. So, overall, the revolution of non-traditional construction methods has indeed born fruits.
Innovative Practices of Modern Methods of Construction
While, the approach has resulted in reduction of labour costs, minimising wastage of resources along with quicker production, the overall impact has been a significant one when looked under the purview of solving the UK’s housing crisis.
According to data, adoption of modern methods of construction has accelerated the speed of construction by a significant 35%. The overall cost has seen a substantial 30% reduction.
Let’s take a look at a few MMC practices that revolutionised the construction industry –
- 3D Volumetric Construction involves building three-dimensional units within a factory premises and then shipping onsite.
- Creating panels as units in factories such that they can be quickly assembled onsite. These can be of timber, steel, or concrete to be used for floors, walls, and ceilings.
- 3D Printing as a method that uses a digital model in 3D to create construction elements.
- Precast concrete for foundations.
There are many reports that have evidenced the fact that MMC adoption has led to faster and efficient construction outcomes. This very reason has led governments to encourage homeowners/homebuilders to adopt modern methods of construction MMC, as their means of construction. Some of the advice shared by a selection committee of 2019 are as follows –
- Use of digital technology should be widespread to attain improved precision.
- Construction to be done offsite to help reduce the impact on environment.
- Mortgage lenders, financial service providers, insurers should be abreast about the safety and quality of MMC built homes.
- Governments to take measures such as recruiting young people to be trained for MMC building techniques by driving skill-oriented programmes, apprenticeships, etc.
Modern methods of construction in the residential sector not only have improved addressed the current nemesis of carbon footprint but has also successfully helped in overcoming labour shortages by leveraging factory-produced components.
- Increased Construction speed is one of the most significant of all outcomes under MMC where factory-built parts are taking less build time and faster delivery thus addressing the housing demand.
- Use of prefabricated components are averting the dependency of a large labour workforce onsite, thus positively contributing towards the issue of labour unavailability/shortages.
- Quality control has taken a leap as components are manufactured in a controlled and monitored environment with less vulnerability to external adversities.
- MMC techniques are greatly reducing carbon footprint and contributing towards attain energy efficiency by reducing wastage. This is because MMC enables optimum resource use by leveraging smart techniques, using modern design software, simulation, all of which help anticipate and estimate in advance.
- Volumetric construction that are manufactured off-site
Kitchen units, bathroom pods, utility units - Panelised systems or panel units
Open panels, SIPs, curtain walling, concrete panels. - Factory-built units
Prefabricated foundations, I-beams, attic joists (metal), prefabricated plumbing units, pre-assembled roof skeleton, roof & floor cassettes.
- George Street, Croydon: A 44- and 38-story build-to-rent development in Croydon, south London. It’s the tallest modular residential scheme in the world.
- Excalibur Estate, Catford: A prefab estate in south London that was in use until recently.
- Mace’s jumping factory in Stratford: An example of MMC in London.
- Greenford Quay in London: An example of a residential building in the UK that uses MMC.
Conclusion
In the present day, MMC techniques have found seamless integration with the traditional construction forms. Timber roof truss, panels of composite cladding, prefabricated foundations, and evens stairs, doors, and windows are all seen as potential MMC outputs.
Though MMC techniques may not dominate traditional process at any immediate proximity, it is fair to say that they have come a long way and have established their impact in tiny yet important forms of construction as they continue their prowess in solving the biggest problem of the UK.
If you are planning to integrate MMC techniques into your new-build or an extension or a conversion project, contact our experts at Extension Architecture or visit us at our London location.
