Modern Methods of Construction: Are they a good thing?

Building parts or all of a house off site in factory conditions seems a no brainer, compared with working in what at times can be a hostile environment of weather or light, with supervision being harder for management. 

But MMC has certainly proved problematic at best, with housebuilding companies like Ilke Homes, who promoted it falling into receivership and major players, such as Legal and General closing their factory production facilities. So, what are the issues and can or are they worth being overcome?

For our latest CPD in a pub event (which incidentally we have now been doing for over 10 years) we have moved to the Marquis of Wellington from the Parcel yard. (Its only because the latter has closed and is about to be demolished for Leicester’s railway station regeneration). The Marquis has a very good ambience for a pint and some learning & socialising. And it definitely has better parking close by!

To make it work we have our usual set up of three main speakers, with 10 minutes each, before a group discussion and back to the bar by the hour. 

Simon Jones is the Group Technical Innovation Manager of the Vistry Group and sets the technical scene. This includes describing, in particular, the difference between Category 1 and Category 2 MMC. The former is based upon volumetric construction involving the production of three dimensional units in controlled factory conditions. Category 2 is a systemised approach using flat panel units for basic floor wall and roof structures. The open panels or frames are skeletal with services, insulation and internal and external finishes installed on site.

Edward Joseph from Homes England will set out the agency’s enthusiasm for MMC and particularly the advantages and incentives for developing the art and science of house building fit for the twenty first century.

James Wilson, Managing Director of major house builder Davidsons will present an alternative viewpoint, as a counterpoint to what is often seen as the general enthusiasm for MMC.

It could be considered that MMC should only be of interest to those directly involved in the construction of homes. But, in fact, it should be of interest to the whole development industry. Take Planners for example - well divorced from the realities of the physical work, but very much interested in the outcomes. We need the building of homes to be more efficient; we need them to be as sustainable as possible. In the current climate we need them to be built as quickly as possible, to the highest standards, but we also need them to relate to their locale and be able to maintain a distinctive character, not just become part of any town anywhere.

Finally,  I want to acknowledge the help of Ryan Pritchard of Countryside Partnerships and Nicola Pettman of SGP in putting this programme together. They know more about the subject than I do!