JMS Engineers give insight into the importance of MMC

JMS have been ahead of the game in construction methods, using MMC since 2003. We speak to Andy Kenyon, Midlands Director of engineering consultancy JMS, who gives further insight offsite construction:

What is Modern Methods of Construction?

Offsite manufacture and modern methods of construction (MMC) can be defined as the design, planning, manufacture and pre-assembly of construction elements or components in a factory environment, prior to installation on site at their intended, final location.

It brings multiple benefits to the housebuilding sector, as they can be constructed 50% quicker than using traditional methods, which keeps costs lower, timescales shorter and facilitates a faster return on investment.

A growing proportion of JMS projects are now using or considering this affordable and sustainable option. Plus, the government’s plan to deliver an additional 300,000 homes by 2022, means offsite manufacturing is fast becoming a mainstream method of construction.

What opportunities do you see within the MMC industry?

MMC allows for remarkable levels of accuracy and precision, meaning developments can be delivered with minimal defects or flaws.  This is especially important given the current shortage of affordable housing.  MMC requires far less time on site, which leads to reduced expenditure and improved delivery timescales.  For a large, national homebuilder, it provides significant advantages and poses a solution to many of the challenges facing the building industry.

What do you perceive to be the biggest disadvantages to offsite construction?

The unique nature of every construction project and the different approaches used by each developer or manufacturer, mean that specific disadvantages are difficult to assess.

However, traditional property developers are concerned changes in plans are not always possible once the project starts, so customisation becomes limited.  Plus, the lack of expert knowledge in the industry is one of the main barriers preventing MMC to be quickly adopted.

However, the advantages far outweigh these potential drawbacks.

Do you believe there is a legacy from post-second world war prefabricated buildings that will inhibit the success of MMC?

The new generation of modular buildings has come a long way since the post-war era with manufacturers developing advanced assembly techniques that have enabled the delivery of tailored, high quality, energy efficient homes that can be built in an intelligent and effective manner.

As we look to the future, the new generation of offsite building offers the greatest outcome for a government wishing to avoid a housing crisis.

How will MMC/Offsite Construction change the future of housing developments?

The uniformity, quality, speed and efficiencies that are found in finished MMC projects will be important for housing developments where many hundreds, if not thousands of houses, are required to meet certain degrees of similarity and design.

With the government investing £3bn in offsite manufacturing techniques, homes can be built faster, with guaranteed quality and flexibility to local authorities.

As was seen during the first lockdown, the speed at which the Nightingale Hospital was built proves that offsite techniques, can and should be used to meet the shortfall of hospitals nationally.

JMS has been helping MMC manufacturers since 2005, being ahead of the game. Our experts specialise in designing structures using MMC materials and working with manufacturers on their R&D and product development.

If you are looking to use MMC in your developments and would like advice, please visit the JMS website.