Central Government and Combined Authorities are clearing the way for MMC in residential development, encouraging the development of the supply chain through public construction and facilitating the conditions for a level playing field for mortgage finance.
Other drivers are the skills shortage, advances in digital technology, Build to Rent and the recognition by housebuilders that it can drive profitability.
There needs to be a shift in thinking from project to product, more inter-operability of systems, but also rationalisation of typologies by designers.
It poses a challenge for architects to deliver great buildings and places, within tighter constraints on form. Architects are in general rising to the challenge. There is a skills shortage in the profession so it can help with productivity.
In development, if not designed in from the start, contractors who are asked to bear risk under design and build contracts will default to on-site construction with some components assembled off site.
NHBC have seen an increase in modular construction, particularly in Build to Rent and affordable rental markets due to the ability to achieve quicker builds and earlier rental income. This has been less evident in the volume house builder market, although there are now more coming through, such as L&G, ilke Homes, Berkeley Homes and Swan.
MMC’s reputation suffers from its chequered past and an untested present. However, there is an alignment of key drivers that suggest we are indeed at a tipping point.
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Sponsors:
Contributors:
John Milner, Partner
Baily Garner
Graham Sibley, Head of Market Development
NHBC
Mark Farmer, Founder and CEO
Cast Consultancy
Robert Clark, Director
Fusion Building Systems
Nigel Ostime, Delivery Director
Hawkins\Brown
Eamon O'Malley, Director
Mulalley
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