Let’s talk: Modern methods of construction

By Anderton Gables

21 Apr 2021

moderns-methods.png

There is an unprecedented requirement to deliver new buildings and homes and the use of modern methods of construction (MMC) is being encouraged as a method to create efficiencies, improve quality, reduce waste and to lessen labour input in addressing the housing shortage. MMC promotes the use of off-site construction practices in factories, enhancing mass production-line techniques, coupled together with more recent modern onsite techniques.

+ Modern Methods of Construction 

(MMC) is being steered by regulation (EE R 2015) which is providing greater emphasis on improving the way that buildings are procured, supplied, constructed and maintained. Materials, components and systems are evolving within the Industry to provide greater energy efficient buildings.

+ Tradition Construction

Is defined as brick and block cavity wall, although this construction method was only widely introduced in the early 20th Century. Today an example of traditional construction would include brick or stone external skin/ full or partial fill insulated cavity/block inner skin/clay, concrete or slate tiled roof/internal loadbearing concrete block walls.

+ MMC –Offsite Types: 

Offsite construction is the planning, design, manufacture, and assembly of building elements at a location away from the final destination/site. Often in factory conditions that can improve quality assurance and support the rapid and efficient construction of a permanent structure Examples of which are:

Panelised Construction is a method whereby materials and components of a building are typically manufactured and assembled within a plant/factory. Examples may include timber/steel/metal external and internal walls, floors and roofs in panel formation, with or without pre-installed services. The Panelised systems are shipped to site and erected quickly forming the complete structure. Volumetric Construction describes the process of manufacturing and assembling components and materials to form entire buildings or rooms which are then transported to site and erected (rooms or buildings can be completely finished, serviced and decorated ready for immediate occupation). Structurally Insulated Panels (SIP’s) SIP’s are manufactured systems that can be used to form the structure including floors, walls, roofs and infill panels to a primary structure (steel and timber). Care must be taken to ensure that the construction meets relevant Building Regulations, NHBC Standards, British Standards, Eurocodes and (or) statutory requirements. Solid Wood / Laminated Core Panels comprise a solid core of timber or laminated/engineered timber, glued and bonded to form one element. Additional insulation can be applied, and factory finished, depending upon the design.

+ MMC –Onsite Types:

Onsite systems comprise many methods which benefit from the use of modern materials. These systems are mainly assembled or constructed ‘onsite’ – The methods are varied and promote increase of speed and quality. Examples of which are:

Timber Frame – Stick build is a method that describes timber members that are built on site by joiners using hand tools. Timber studwork and sheathing board are nailed/screwed together forming the framed structure (roofs, walls and floors). Brickwork/brick slips and other types of cladding are used to provide an external envelope to the timber framing, with insulation incorporated. Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF’s) is a construction process that comprises insulated interlocking blocks assembled together onsite. Once these blocks are put together (creating a formwork) concrete is poured in the hollow centers and allowed curing time. Various cladding types are then fixed to the structure. Glulam Framed Buildings - Post and beam type systems are also assembled on site with the framework used as the primary structure, and insulated panels often providing the walling elements.

It can be said that there are many innovative modern construction techniques that are in use or will be in future use as the industry looks to a much-needed movement towards more eco/sustainable methods of construction to address labour shortages and growing costs within the industry.

Latest news

1

Double-digit growth sees Inspired near £100m revenues Mark Dickinson Inspired Plc

Double-digit growth sees Inspired near £100m revenues

26 Mar 2024

2

Five-fold growth for Chorley safety products firm Hispec

Five-fold growth for Chorley safety products firm

26 Mar 2024

3

How the UK’s strategy to reduce net migration affects care work AdobeStock_89838327 (1).jpeg.jpg

How the UK’s strategy to reduce net migration affects care work

28 Mar 2024

4

Dealmakers: Star Tissue takes a leading roll Khalid Saifullah

Dealmakers: Star Tissue takes a leading roll

28 Mar 2024

5

Tips for surviving Lancashire's pothole plague

Tips for surviving Lancashire's pothole plague

28 Mar 2024

Hwc 2024 Email Signature 980x120
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Reach 50,000 members of the Lancashire business community

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Company profile
Social reach
Magazine coverage
Sign-up
Events
Business Networking in Burnley - BNI Kudos
EVENT LISTING BNI Kudos.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
28 Mar 2024

Business Networking in Burnley - BNI Kudos

Prairie Sports Village, Windemere Avenue, Burnley, BB10 2FU

06:45 - 08:30

Business Networking in Lancaster - BNI Castle
EVENT LISTING BNI Castle.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
28 Mar 2024

Business Networking in Lancaster - BNI Castle

Vale of Lune RUFC, Powder House Lane, Lancaster, LA1 2TT

06:45 - 08:30

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Brunch
EVENT LISTING SIZING Brunch .png.png
LBV Hub Networking
29 Mar 2024

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Brunch

Samlesbury Preston Hotel, Preston New Road, Preston, PR5 0UL

09:30 - 11:00

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Infinity
EVENT LISTING BNI Infinity.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
29 Mar 2024

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Infinity

Hampton by Hilton, 2 Frontier Ave, Blackburn, BB1 3AL

06:30 - 08:30

Business Networking in Chorley - BNI Endeavour
EVENT LISTING SIZING Endeavour.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
02 Apr 2024

Business Networking in Chorley - BNI Endeavour

Oak Royal, Bury Lane, Chorley, PR6 8SW

06:30 - 08:30

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Vista
EVENT LISTING SIZING Vista.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
02 Apr 2024

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Vista

Hampton by Hilton, 2 Frontier Ave, Blackburn, BB1 3AL

06:45 - 08:30

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Diamond
EVENT LISTING BNI Diamond.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
03 Apr 2024

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Diamond

The Marriot Hotel, Garstang Road, Broughton, PR3 5JB

07:15 - 09:00

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network
EVENT LISTING Eden Business Network.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
03 Apr 2024

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network

The Borough, 3 Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

18:30 - 20:30

Business Networking in Accrington - BNI Zeus
EVENT LISTING SIZING Zeus.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
03 Apr 2024

Business Networking in Accrington - BNI Zeus

The Mill House, Corn Mill Yard, Accrington, BB5 5HX

06:45 - 08:30

Business Networking in Lancaster - BNI Castle
EVENT LISTING BNI Castle.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
04 Apr 2024

Business Networking in Lancaster - BNI Castle

Vale of Lune RUFC, Powder House Lane, Lancaster, LA1 2TT

06:45 - 08:30

Business Networking in Burnley - BNI Kudos
EVENT LISTING BNI Kudos.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
04 Apr 2024

Business Networking in Burnley - BNI Kudos

Prairie Sports Village, Windemere Avenue, Burnley, BB10 2FU

06:45 - 08:30

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Infinity
EVENT LISTING BNI Infinity.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
05 Apr 2024

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Infinity

Hampton by Hilton, 2 Frontier Ave, Blackburn, BB1 3AL

06:30 - 08:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv115 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin