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Golden Years
Welcome to the latest edition of Offsite Magazine. This also means I bid you welcome to issue 50 and a mild celebration, as we arrive at a landmark edition that has very quickly covered a near decade of offsite manufacture in its many ups, downs and in-betweens.
IN THE VERY FIRST ISSUE at the start of 2016, I introduced offsite manufacture as a way for the construction industry ‘to think different to build different’. That still rings true. As editor of any magazine, you develop a bird’s eye view of the given subject matter and understand how a wide range of disparate pieces connect to form a neat overall shape. Indeed, the editor’s burden is not what you include but what you leave out, and that is always a tricky call to make, but it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how the publication has evolved not just in style and design, but in the depth and quality of our editorial coverage.
Offsite Magazine tries to reflect positive developments and give readers an entertaining mix of features and views into what makes the sector tick. As John Peel famously described Manchester’s post-punk band The Fall and its near 40-year career: “always the same, always different.” I think something similar about the offsite industry and I’m proud of how we’ve built a loyal community of contributors and
industry voices to sustain and shape these pages. From its much-derided post-WWII iteration, the offsite sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and continues to be a dynamic, fast-moving, and inspiring one, full of new innovations, technologies and energetic businesses emerging to take us onward to new heights.
Lots of content inside to keep you occupied, including a round-up of the winners of the Offsite Awards 2025 that never fail to impress with their scope of innovation and imagination, and this edition includes our annual section dedicated to light steel frame.
A big end of year thanks to all our contributors, advertisers, and supporters for their help throughout 2025. Added to that, even more thanks to those that have been a part of the last 50 issues. The magazine simply wouldn’t be the same without your involvement and of all those working within the world of offsite and industrialised construction.
Disclaimer
The content of Offsite Magazine does not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or publishers and are the views of its contributors and advertisers. The digital edition may include hyperlinks to third-party content, advertising, or websites, provided for the sake of convenience and interest. The publishers accept no legal responsibility for loss arising from information in this publication and do not endorse any advertising or products available from external sources. The publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or nonpublication of any advertisement. Content including images and illustrations supplied by third parties are accepted in good faith and the publishers expect third parties to have obtained appropriate permissions, consents, licences or otherwise. The publisher does not accept any liability or any loss arising in the absence of these permissions for material used in both physical and digital editions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without the written consent of the publishers. All rights reserved.
Gary Ramsay | Consultant Editor Email:
gary.ramsay@offsitemagazine.co.uk
21-22 APRIL 2026
CENTRAL LONDON
To get involved as an exhibitor or sponsor, contact julie.williams@radar-media.co.uk to discuss the remaining opportunities
Unlocking the Full Potential of Modular Construction with Light Gauge Steel
As the offsite construction sector matures, the industry’s focus has shifted from experimentation to scalability. As global leaders in Light Gauge Steel (LGS) technology, and with three decades under its belt, FRAMECAD are at the centre of this change.
24 Pioneering Sustainable Education
Vision Built has successfully completed one of Ireland’s first Zero Emission Building (ZEB) schools at St. Brigid’s National School in Limerick.
26 Enter the Ultra Home Ultrapanel’s new demonstration house shows how energy-efficient and technology-led homes can be delivered faster and smarter through offsite design.
30 Blending In – Standing Out
Advances in pigment, facing and form mean that precast concrete can sit sensitively in historic or natural contexts, so how can it bring contextual accuracy and offsite thinking to heritage design?
34 The Final Frontier for Offsite Integration
DfMA principles are transforming façade delivery inside the offsite construction sector, with Mauerwall providing a perfect example of how to streamline it across low-rise installation.
38 Invest in Your Carbon Reputation
What can EPDs provide as proof of low carbon credentials and how popular are they? An industry roundtable hosted by sustainability software specialists One Click LCA, sought to find out.
46 A Decade of Progress, Passion and Pioneering Change
50 issues of Offsite Magazine and 10 years of offsite market coverage. Time for a quick skip through a decade of change and try to predict what to expect on the road ahead for the next 50.
Industry News
News and developments from across the UK offsite industry and wider construction arena including: Enclave: Acton, the 32-storey tower is now open and welcoming residents, Integra Buildings is formally presented with The King’s Award for Enterprise, McAvoy completes new modular buildings in Leeds and councils call for urgent action on 1.5 million homes targets.
50 The Offsite Superstars
The Offsite Awards 2025 rewarded many projects, people and products. In case you missed out, here is a reminder of the evening’s big winners.
56 Paradise SE11
A multi-category award winner and crowned Winner of Winners, this six-storey, mass timber office building is setting new benchmarks in offsite manufacture, fire safety and sustainable construction.
64 MPBA: Roadmap to Net Zero
Marking a major milestone for the offsite construction sector, the MPBA and its members have unveiled the industry’s first Roadmap to Net Zero.
68 Is the UK System-Ready or Being Left Behind?
At Offsite Expo 2025, BUILDOFFSITE session speakers were blunt – if the UK is serious about net zero, productivity and retrofit – then offsite isn’t optional, it’s the only route forward.
72 Peterborough Hospital Ward Expansions
With a significant challenge in increasing its bed capacity during the winter, Peterborough Hospital faced a time when demand for healthcare services drastically peaked. To meet this need efficiently, the hospital turned to modular building specialist Wernick.
21-22 APRIL 2026
CENTRAL LONDON
Speakers include:
Anne Kemp - Atkins Realis, Emily King - NHP
Craig Anderson - WSP, Patrick Kennedy - Ministry of Justice
Tim Carey – Mace, Sarah-Jane Pisciotti - SISK
FULL speaker programme coming soon!
Book your tickets before the end of December and get 20% OFF with the early bird code: iccearlybird20
Unlocking the Full Potential of Modular Construction with Light Gauge Steel
As the offsite construction sector matures, the industry’s focus has shifted from experimentation to scalability. As global leaders in Light Gauge Steel (LGS) technology, FRAMECAD are at the centre of this change.
MODULAR CONSTRUCTION is no longer an emerging niche, it’s now a proven, mainstream solution to housing demand, sustainability, and labour efficiency. At the core of this evolution is LGS – a material that combines strength, precision, and environmental performance in ways traditional materials simply can’t.
For more than three decades, FRAMECAD has been driving that transformation. The company has built a global reputation as the only truly endto-end LGS system, providing everything needed to design, manufacture, and build. From student accommodation and commercial developments to bathroom pods, garden rooms, and volumetric buildings, FRAMECAD empowers construction professionals to deliver accuracy, speed, and quality at every stage of the build process.
End-to-end or integrated into your workflow Unlike fragmented workflows that rely on disconnected tools, FRAMECAD offers a fully connected ecosystem for LGS construction
– seamlessly linking design, engineering, and manufacturing.
At the design stage, FRAMECAD Steelwise enables engineers and designers to create detailed, optimised structures using a steel-first design approach. Engineering intelligence is built directly into the platform, ensuring every frame is code-compliant, structurally sound, and ready for manufacture. In production, FRAMECAD’s precision roll-forming systems translate digital designs into accurately fabricated frames. This software-to-machine workflow minimises rework, material waste, and cost, while improving speed and consistency. LGS frames come together quickly and precisely, enabling modular manufacturers to maintain high levels of quality, performance, and repeatability.
While FRAMECAD’s ecosystem is the only end-to-end LGS solution, it’s also open and flexible. Customers can integrate FRAMECAD tools into existing BIM and design environments, combining embedded engineering with their preferred workflows. Whether adopting the complete system or incorporating key components, users benefit from FRAMECAD’s LGS expertise, engineering accuracy, and data-driven manufacturing.
Why LGS works for modular LGS aligns perfectly with the needs of modular and offsite construction. It’s strong yet lightweight,
dimensionally precise, and 100% recyclable. Unlike timber, steel won’t warp, rot, or attract termites and it’s naturally resistant to fire and mould. These properties make LGS ideal for mid- and low-rise modular applications, volumetric and panelised systems, where speed and quality are critical. One area where these advantages are being fully realised is in bathroom pods.
Bathrooms are often the slowest and most defectprone part of a project. Multiple trades, complex sequencing, and moisture-related risks frequently cause costly delays and rework. FRAMECAD bathroom pods eliminate this bottleneck by moving construction offsite and integrating digital design, precision roll-forming, and factory assembly into one seamless process.
Each pod is engineered from LGS for exact tolerances, pre-punched service paths, and moistureresistant materials, ensuring accuracy, durability, and efficiency. The result is a ready-to-install unit that reduces program time, labour requirements, and on-site variability.
Across major developments, FRAMECAD technology is driving high-volume pod production. At Sobha Modular in Dubai, over 75 pods are produced daily, while manufacturers such as Interpod in Australia have achieved up to 30% faster builds and 80% fewer defects. Ideal for hotels, student accommodation, healthcare facilities, and multi-residential projects, FRAMECAD bathroom pods deliver certainty in cost, schedule, and performance – redefining how wet areas are designed and built.
Smarter manufacturing with FRAMECAD Nexa
As modular and offsite manufacturing scale up, data visibility and process control have become key competitive advantages. FRAMECAD addresses this through Nexa, the world’s first production management platform purpose-built for the steel framing industry. Nexa provides real-time oversight of manufacturing performance – tracking production data, quality control, and capacity management. This helps manufacturers optimise operations, manage output more effectively, and prevent downtime.
FRAMECAD
With over 38 years of innovation and more than 1,000 active systems across 100+ countries, FRAMECAD is the global leader in LGS construction technology. Its end-to-end solution enables architects, manufacturers, and builders to streamline every stage of the construction process, from concept to completion.
By combining design, engineering, and production intelligence, Nexa enables modular manufacturers to run a truly industrialised construction process, transforming complexity into predictable, repeatable systems that scale efficiently.
Design. Manufacture. Build
The Design. Manufacture. Build philosophy defines FRAMECAD’s vision for a smarter, more connected construction industry. It’s not just about machinery or materials, it’s about rethinking how buildings are designed, produced, and delivered.
By linking digital design directly with precision manufacturing, FRAMECAD empowers businesses to create high-performing buildings faster, with less waste and greater certainty. The result is a leaner, smarter, and more sustainable approach to construction. From the first design sketch to the last installed panel, FRAMECAD provides the tools, data, and global support network needed to deliver better buildings, faster.
Images 1-5: The LGS process is streamlined and made simpler to understand using FRAMECAD’s technology
West London’s Tallest
Volumetric Building Reaches Completion
Outpost Management has announced that its latest coliving development, Enclave: Acton, has opened and begun welcoming residents. The asset is being operated by Outpost under its ‘Enclave’ property brand.
Enclave: Acton is a 32-storey, 220,000sq ft residential-led, mixed-use scheme, built by developer-contractor Tide Construction, in conjunction with HTA Design, and delivered through Outpost Management’s joint venture with BlackRock’s Real Estate business.
Enclave: Acton features 462 studios, in a range of sizes, available on an all-inclusive basis with flexible tenures. It offers simple, hassle-free renting, where residents get their own brand new, fully appointed apartment to call home and can also enjoy a comprehensive array of curated onsite amenities at their full disposal. Spread across five dedicated floors, they include a sky lounge bar, private and communal dining, immersive co-working spaces, a library, cinema, karaoke room, spa with sauna and steam room, state of the art gym, 3D-golf and multi-sports simulation suite, and indoor basketball court. Residents are also able to enjoy a 2,000sq ft landscaped roof terrace on the 32nd floor, giving extensive views across London.
Troy Tomasik, CEO, Outpost Management CEO, said: “We’re excited to open Enclave: Acton, our latest London development and the fourth in our growing portfolio of Enclave assets alongside King’s Cross, Croydon, and Birmingham City. With beautifully designed apartments and five floors of outstanding amenities, Enclave: Acton delivers our effortless living concept — convenience-led, tech-enabled, and all-inclusive. This vibrant new community reflects our commitment to creating high-quality homes that empower residents to live productively, healthily, and happily.”
Standing at 106m, the development is West London’s tallest volumetric building. Employing an innovative volumetric construction approach, the development was built using Tide’s offsite manufacturing sister company, Vision.
The development is an exemplar of the benefits of volumetric modular construction, which can deliver homes up to 50% faster than traditional building methods. As a result, Enclave: Acton has been delivered in a mere 18 months including preparation works and the delivery of its two-level basement.
Christy Hayes, Chief Executive of Tide Construction, said: “Enclave: Acton marks our first collaboration with BlackRock’s real estate division and our second with Outpost Management, following Enclave: Croydon - part of our College Road development that delivered 1,000 homes in just 28 months.
“This project demonstrates how volumetric construction enables high-quality, sustainable housing delivery at pace and scale, with 462 homes completed in less than 18 months. Tide and Vision’s precision manufacturing ensured the scheme was delivered on time and to plan, reinforcing the programme, cost, and quality certainty that underpins our strong, repeat and long-term partnerships with funders and developers.”
The building has been designed for visual impact, including a stepped form and chamfered facets to create a sculptural form. The façade features natural and warm glazed terracotta tiles that add texture and variation, and a vertical grain that interacts with changing light conditions. The recessed entrances at the ground floor create generous public areas, with integrated planters that join the scheme to the surrounding streetscape.
Alex will take over from long-serving CEO, Shelagh Grant, who announced her retirement during the summer and will formally stand down at the end of 2025. Alex is a renowned and award-winning expert on housing, ESG, placemaking and regeneration with over 20 years’ experience as a senior executive across a range of UK and international private sector, government and membership organisations.
Merit Files for Administration
Former North East Company of the Year Merit filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators in October. For over twenty years, Merit has been a key player in UK offsite construction, known for integrating design, engineering, manufacturing, validation, and installation from its large Cramlington facility. It has been particularly active in the healthcare sector.
CITB Boosting Apprenticeships Numbers
CITB’s specialist New Entrant Support Team (NEST) has helped over 1,500 apprentices join the construction industry in six months, with figures showing that NEST supported 1,521 apprenticeship starts between April –September 2025, an increase from 943 in the same period in the previous year. NEST helps make finding, recruiting and retaining an apprentice or new entrant easier for employers.
HS2 Opens Twin Warwickshire Cycle & Road Bridges
HS2 has opened two bridges near Leamington Spa carrying a key local road and a longdistance cycle track across the new high-speed service. Both bridges were delivered by HS2’s main works contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI and are formed of precast beams sitting on concrete piers and are the latest in a long line of offsite manufactured components used on the network.
SES Appoints Michael J. Lonsdale
Founder as Non-Exec Director
SES has strengthened its board with the appointment of Michael Hoodless as a NonExecutive Director. Michael brings over 40 years of experience in the built environment and engineering sectors. He is best known for founding Michael J. Lonsdale in 1986, which grew to become one of the UK’s largest and most respected MEP firms.
Integra Buildings Presented with The King’s Award
Integra Buildings has been formally presented with The King’s Award for Enterprise as it proudly flies the flag for modular construction. Integra welcomed His Majesty The King’s representative for the East Riding of Yorkshire, Lord-Lieutenant Jim Dick OBE, to its site in Paull, near Hull, to receive the royal accolade.
After a special ceremony, attended by many of Integra’s 180-strong team, the Lord-Lieutenant and two Deputy Lieutenants were shown around the business’ production facilities, meeting team members and hearing about the company’s work as a leader in the modular construction sector.
In May, Integra was announced as one of just 27 recipients nationally of The King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2025. Integra SHEQ Director and Co-owner, Paul Tansey, said: “It was a huge honour to host the Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants to our site, and to show them around our production facilities so they could see first-hand the work we do. In receiving The King’s Award, we have demonstrated that modular has a key role to play in the future of sustainable construction, producing buildings which are exceptional in quality and in environmental standards. We’re extremely proud to be recognised as one of the country’s most forward-thinking, sustainable
businesses. This is a day that will live long in the memory for all of our colleagues.”
As the only modular construction company named as a 2025 King’s Award recipient, Integra was commended for “challenging the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable construction through bespoke design and offsite manufacturing.”
The company has cut gas consumption by 22% since 2022, with plans to remove it altogether by 2028, and has installed more than 1,000 rooftop solar panels on office and production facilities to generate 380,000KW of clean electricity capacity. An impressive waste reduction programme has seen materials sent to landfill cut from 70% to 1.2% in just three years, and Integra’s evolution into a multi-disciplinary, full turkey construction company has significantly increased project efficiency and sustainability.
After being announced as a 2025 King’s Award winner, Integra’s CEO Gary Parker was invited to a royal reception at Windsor Castle, where he had the honour of meeting His Majesty The King, speaking to King Charles about the importance of modular as a construction method.
Integra’s innovative approach was also recently highlighted at the 2025 Offsite Awards – considered
Vision Built Unveil New Brand ID at Education Estates 2025
Vision Built unveiled its refreshed brand identity at this year’s Education Estates event held in Manchester in October. With education a cornerstone of Vision Built’s growth strategy, the event offered a timely and high-impact platform to showcase the company’s evolving offer to key stakeholders across the sector.
Brian Kennedy, Vision Built, Managing Director said: “We’re not just unveiling a new look, we’re sharing our vision for smarter, more sustainable educational infrastructure, backed by proven offsite expertise and a growing footprint across public sector frameworks.”
The rebrand reflects Vision Built’s continued evolution as a strategic partner to the education sector, with turnkey solutions designed to support circular economy principles and long-term adaptability. The company’s modular systems are
engineered for relocation and reuse, helping clients meet environmental targets without compromising on quality or speed.
Vision Built have secured four major UK frameworks: NHS-SBS Modular Buildings 3, LHC MB3, the London Construction Programme (LCP) Major Projects Education framework, and the Southern Modular Building Framework (SMBF). These frameworks enable streamlined procurement of modular and panelised solutions across healthcare, education, and civil infrastructure, positioning Vision Built as a trusted delivery partner for projects ranging from rapid-build classrooms to complex healthcare estates.
The team has delivered a strong portfolio of works across public and private sector projects including a ZEB (Zero Emissions Building) school for St. Brigid’s in Limerick (that you can read more about on p24).
the ‘Oscars’ of the modular industry – when Integra was crowned Offsite Pioneer of the Year.
Integra Managing Director Chris Turner said: “To receive not one, but two, major awards this year reflects a total commitment across our operations to set new standards and push boundaries in what modular construction can achieve. We’ve invested significantly, not only in sustainability, but in our own operations and our people, which positions us for future growth and success. On this special day, the Directors would like to express our thanks to our brilliant team. They have all played their part in securing these prestigious awards.”
Source: www.integrabuildings.co.uk
Founded in 2012 and acquired by Sisk in 2019, Vision Built manufactures both 3D volumetric modular systems and 2D light gauge steel frame (LGSF) panelised products, ensuring consistent quality, traceability, and programme certainty across every project. The company’s main manufacturing facility is based in Tubbercurry, County Sligo and with offices in both Galway and Hertfordshire, Vision Built has a strong customer base in both Ireland and England. Backed by Sisk, one of the largest Tier 1 contractors in the UK and Ireland, Vision Built also benefits from financial security and long-term strategic investment, with the company forecasting a €55million turnover for the financial year 2025.
Following the ‘call to arms’ from the Government to get Britain building faster, social and affordable housing developer EDAROTH (Everybody Deserves a Roof Over Their Head) opened its factory doors to housing minister Matthew Pennycook recently, to demonstrate scalable solutions to deliver new homes. With renewed focus on ramping up housebuilding and removing barriers to development, EDAROTH was able to showcase its offsite manufacturing methods that can deliver additive housing capacity, with the potential to scale up production creating new jobs and investment in the region.
Matthew Pennycook MP visited the manufacturing facility in Bradford, West Yorkshire, where he was able to see at first-hand the company’s pioneering approach to delivering sustainable, net zero housing in half the time it takes using traditional methods - and its role in driving local economic growth through the local supply chain. The minister was told how a firm plan for delivery will drive production up from 120 homes a year currently to more than 2,500 a year with better access to the pipeline of development opportunities, creating 500 local jobs including up to 40 apprenticeships.
EDAROTH is a subsidiary of global engineering services company AtkinsRéalis. The minister heard how EDAROTH and AtkinsRéalis have supported the development of the innovative Small Site Aggregator to identify land suitable for development. The Government has confirmed it will pilot the aggregator working with three local authorities to develop sites which are difficult for traditional house builders, such as brownfield and neglected urban areas, to deliver new social housing using MMC and SME developers.
The Bradford factory, operated by Cardinal Logistics, produces high-performance components that form the backbone of EDAROTH’s energyefficient homes. New homes are currently going up on live sites including Epsom and Bristol with the factory facility prepared to increase output significantly to meet the demand for thousands of homes to support the government’s target of 1.5 million by 2029.
Mark Powell, Managing Director of EDAROTH, said: “With its recent ‘call to arms’ the government is actively encouraging disruptors in the housing market to demonstrate a model that increases production at pace and scale, and we were able to show the housing minister a deliverable solution that does exactly that
to provide additive capacity nationally, as well as local jobs and investment for this part of West Yorkshire.
“We support the government’s approach to housing policy and reform to the planning system but, it’s imperative these changes are implemented as soon as possible in order to create the pipeline for the game-changing programmes including planned new towns, where the EDAROTH model can be rolled out quickly to deliver the social and affordable housing the country needs.”
David Newlove, Operations Director at Cardinal added: “Working with EDAROTH in this way has enabled us to develop new markets in the housing sector, which has provided an important boost to our business. We were pleased to be able to demonstrate to the housing minister that our Bradford factory is well-placed to support the renewed focus on getting Britain building, and we’re ready to increase production with the potential for new jobs and investment that brings.”
Source: www.edaroth.com
McAvoy Completes Leeds Colleges Campus Block
McAvoy has completed the construction of a new modular building at Leeds City College and Leeds Sixth Form College, both members of Luminate Education Group. The completion also marks the conclusion of a unique education programme, where students from the colleges followed the construction of their new study space from beginning to end.
Procured through the NHS Shared Business Services (SBS) Modular Building Framework, the new 1,380sq m ‘C block’ at Leeds City College’s Park Lane campus has capacity for 300 students and offers cutting-edge teaching space and facilities including laboratories, preparation rooms, study areas, sports science and massage rooms, changing facilities, staff offices and classrooms. As part of the BREEAM Excellent-rated project, 75% of the building’s modules were completed offsite including mechanical and electrical systems and internal fit-out, before being craned into place during a five-day installation. McAvoy also delivered the hard landscaping and EV charging points.
Throughout the project, students from Leeds Sixth Form and Leeds City College were actively involved, starting with a visit to McAvoy’s Lisburn factory to see the offsite manufacturing process, through to observing the 42-module installation at the Park Lane campus in Leeds. McAvoy also provided opportunities for the students to build a scale model of a module and experience a virtual reality (VR) walkthrough of their new building during a VR demonstration.
Thomas Boyle, Senior Contracts Manager at McAvoy, said: “Delivering this snag free modular building all while supporting students at the colleges who are considering careers in engineering, architecture and design, has been a great process. The students have seen first-hand how the building was delivered, and now it is complete will be able to enjoy the cutting-edge space to continue their studies.”
David Warren, Group Vice Principal for Development at Luminate Education Group, added: “It’s great to see this much-needed space now ready for student use. Through this new facility, we’re better able to support the region’s growing number of 16–18-year-olds with high quality learning opportunities and respond to regional and national skills needs. It’s been especially rewarding to see our students involved throughout the project, gaining valuable insight during the process.”
Source: www.mcavoygroup.com/sectors/education/
Offsite Precast Civil & Building Experts
Breaking 50 metre Banagher W Beams
Silvertown Tunnel Segments
English National Ballet
Everton Stadium Terracing
The first Annual Review of the campaign ‘1.5M New Homes: The Local Government Challenge’ reveals the top 10 obstacles councils face in delivering new homes – and the solutions they are pioneering on the ground. This has been produced jointly by The Housing Forum and the 1.5m Home Campaign. Co-authored by Toby Fox, founder of the campaign, and Anna Clarke of The Housing Forum, the report draws on interviews with councillors,
Councils Call for Urgent Action on 1.5 Million New Homes
officers and residents from across 10 local authorities in London and other high-pressured areas councils, conducted between October 2024 and September 2025. The Annual Review highlights that: viability and funding pressures are the biggest barriers, with construction costs up 30–40% in five years and grant rates failing to keep pace.
Added to this are regulation and capacity issues – from building safety approvals to shortages of planners – are stalling projects for months or years, market instability and reduced investment confidence are leaving some schemes unviable and others halfbuilt.
Despite the challenges, councils remain determined to build new homes, with examples of bold political leadership, partnership working, and community engagement pointing the way forward.
Stephen Teagle, Chair of The Housing Forum said: “The Housing Forum works closely with the whole of the housing sector and supply chain. This includes our councils across the country, who we know are keen to build more homes, but face enormous challenges in doing so. We hope that this report will help identify not just the barriers, but also the opportunities and
RICS Report Warns of Built Environment Sustainability Slowdown
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has released its 2025 Sustainability Report, revealing a slowdown in global demand growth for sustainable buildings and a concerning lack of progress in carbon measurement across construction projects. The report, based on insight from more than 3,500 real estate and construction professionals across 36 countries, warns that momentum behind sustainable development risks stalling without stronger policy intervention and accelerated skills development.
Despite continued appetite for green and resilient real estate, demand growth has notably weakened, particularly across the Americas. Europe, the UK, and Asia-Pacific (APAC) have also seen a softening in interest, while regions in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) remain the only markets to show strengthening momentum.
The research finds that while investors continue to value green certifications and climate-resilient assets, high initial costs and uncertainty about returns remain the biggest deterrents to investment. A lack of investor awareness, especially across MEA
and APAC, also emerged as a significant barrier. 46% of construction professionals report not measuring embodied carbon, a figure that has risen in the past year. This underscores the widening gap between climate commitments and practice. Only 16% say carbon measurement meaningfully informs material choices in project design.
RICS warns that without mandatory wholelife carbon assessment and reporting, the sector will not be able to achieve national and global decarbonisation targets. The report highlights the critical need for capacity building, skills development and climate literacy. Whilst over 70% of respondents believe they have some knowledge of sustainable construction, familiarity with circular economy practices and whole-life carbon remains low.
Nicholas Maclean OBE RD FRICS IRRV (Hons), Acting RICS President, said: “Transformation across the built environment is necessary if we are to meet the challenge of climate change. This important RICS research shows progress, but also clear signs of fatigue and uncertainty. In our 2025 report, the
solutions that are available, to help councils fulfil their role as builders and facilitators of much-needed new homes.”
Toby Fox, Founder of 1.5M New Homes: The Local Government Challenge, added: “Our video interviews on housing sites with a different council each month highlight both the scale of the challenge and the ingenuity already being shown locally. Councils are finding ways to unlock stalled sites, build political will, and engage their communities. This Review analyses those interviews to create a data set enabling government and partners to see how best they can support councils to deliver our shared national ambition of 1.5 million new homes.”
Solutions identified include long-term funding settlements, support for higher density and brownfield regeneration, investment in skills, modern methods of construction, stronger partnerships with developers and housing associations, and early engagement with communities.
Source: www.housingforum.org.uk www.1-5m.co.uk
MEA region has emerged as a strong performer, indicating demand growth outpacing all other regions studied. These developments offer valuable insights for global efforts in sustainability practices and provide an important example for the rest of the world. Governments, industry and professional bodies must work together urgently to unlock investment, strengthen policy and scale up skills to deliver a truly sustainable future.”
Source: www.rics.org
THE BENEFITS OFFSITE FOUNDATIONS WHERE QUALITY MEETS EFFICIENCY
Our precast ground beam system, RBeam, is manufactured offsite in a controlled environment, ensuring consistent quality, accuracy and reduced site disruption. With a stocked product, we’re ready to support quick starts and fast-paced programmes with reliable supply, making this solution ideal for residential construction. RBL’S PRECAST GROUND BEAM SYSTEM
Collaboration and Pipeline Key to Industrialised Construction Success
Senior leaders from government, major contractors and the wider built environment gathered in London for the latest in a series of informal roundtable discussions on industrialised construction development and its wider uptake across the built environment.
Hosted by Arcadis and Reds10, panellists at the ‘Industrialised Construction: A Cross-Government Approach to Shared Success’ event reflected that despite a new government and renewed commitments to long-term planning, most of the industry’s underlying challenges remain stubbornly familiar. Persistent issues around affordability, viability, supply-chain capacity and the predictability of workload continue to slow progress, even as expectations on delivery rise.
Panellists said that without a step change in collaboration – both across industry and within government policy makers – the UK will struggle to deliver the economic and social benefits that the UK is seeking. “Collaboration isn’t an easy thing that you do in a relaxed state, said one panellist. “It’s hard work.”
Several speakers noted that many of the conversations being held today echo previous discussions, an indication that, while the sector repeatedly calls for transformation in procurement, productivity and client leadership, progress on the ground remains limited. They stressed that meaningful change depends on the daily discipline of genuine collaboration. Yet the behaviours, incentives and
operational processes required to support that collaboration are still “far too fragile” across much of the ecosystem.
Newly released research on framework performance reinforced these concerns. While the core ingredients for success – outcome-based procurement, collaborative contracting and platformled approaches – are now widely recognised, they are rarely implemented consistently. Misaligned incentives, uneven pipelines and complex governance structures continue to undermine strategic intent.
The forum also highlighted a more specific challenge: structural barriers between government departments. Senior figures warned that siloed processes, fragmented decision-making and competitive behaviours among public-sector clients are preventing the formation of stable, long-term supply chains, particularly for major programmes such as hospitals, energy infrastructure and defence estates. As one panellist said: “One hospital on its own can’t generate the investment needed to build and sustain a modern supply chain. Yet departments still struggle to share pipeline information, align procurements, or operate in a way that encourages joint success. The system is simply not set up to collaborate.”
Across many areas, Government has fallen behind on breaking down silos and requires a stronger central delivery function, mirroring successful international
models, to embed best practice consistently and ensure long-term programmes are delivered effectively. Despite these systemic challenges, speakers said that there were encouraging signs. A more robust national pipeline, growing appetite for standardised components, and early success with digital and physical prototyping will help. The New Hospital Programme in particular can demonstrate the potential for industrialised construction to be transformational. However, the panel was clear that realising this potential will require clearer client asks, earlier and more data-rich decision-making, better alignment of incentives, and a shared commitment to long-term behavioural change.
The discussion concluded with a unified message: the next four years represent a critical window. With stable political direction, a significant forward pipeline and emerging evidence of what works, the UK has a rare opportunity to scale industrialised construction, strengthen supply-chain resilience and unlock the full value of its investment ambitions but only if, collaboration is treated as the ‘high-performance discipline’ it needs to be.
Source: www.arcadis.com/en www.reds10.com
McLaren Construction Completes Landmark Student Development
McLaren Construction Midlands and North have successfully delivered the £30million student accommodation scheme, St Gabriel’s Court, in Manchester.
Delivered on behalf of McLaren Property, the 321-bed development will enhance the city’s student housing provision while significantly contributing to the regeneration of the local area. Located at Oxford Place, adjacent to Oxford Road and south of the city centre, the two-acre site is close to the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University campuses.
Designed to complement and enhance the Victoria Park Conservation Area –St Gabriel’s Court is a mixture of refurbishment and newbuild works which included the renovation of St Gabriels Lodge, the 1963 chapel and Woodthorpe Hall, with an additional two new four and five storey buildings constructed at either end of the site. Overall, the scheme houses 321-bed spaces in a mix of cluster bedrooms (5-8 bed clusters), with a communal kitchen and living space, studio rooms, and amenity and ancillary spaces.
The development faced complex logistical challenges due to its tight, streetfacing site and a ‘just-in-time’ delivery system was implemented to manage these constraints. Modern methods of construction (MMC) were key to the build including precast concrete retaining walls overclad with hand-laid bricks, bathroom pods for Blocks A and D, and prefabricated chimneys at Woodthorpe Hall finished with brick slips made from reclaimed site bricks.
Blocks A and D were constructed using in-situ concrete framing with prefabricated stairs, and steel frame systems were used for the inner leaf of the
external walls. Curtain walling was added to the upper levels of the new buildings while high-quality punched windows were installed throughout, using aluminium in the new builds and Block C and traditional timber sash and hinged windows in Block B.
Designed with sustainability at its core, the development is targeting an BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating to Block A & D and ‘Very Good’ to Blocks B & C, with upgrades to insulation across retained structures and a modern energy centre installed in Block One.
Darren Harding, Divisional Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We are proud to have completed our delivery of this pivotal scheme in central Manchester. St Gabriel’s Court blends heritage refurbishment with modern construction to provide much-needed, high-quality student accommodation, diversifying the options for university goers in the heart of the city. This scheme is testament to our regional capability and commitment to sustainability.”
Source: www.mclarengroup.com
RBL Installs Very Low Carbon Driven Precast
Roger Bullivant Limited (RBL) has successfully installed Driven Precast Concrete Piles, manufactured using very low carbon concrete, at Statera Energy’s live infrastructure site, Thurrock Flexible Generation, supporting the development of a Gas Peaker facility and a 275kV substation.
The project demonstrates RBL’s commitment to sustainable construction and innovation in the infrastructure sector. The piles were installed using the UK’s first fully battery-powered pile driving rig, the Junttan PMx2e, up to 30m in depth. The deployment of the fully electric rig not only reduced emissions and noise on site but also marked a significant step forward in delivering very low carbon foundation solutions using RBL’s precast concrete piles.
This latest phase builds on a successful earlier programme of works delivered by RBL on the same site. The original scope involved multiple rigs operating across the main structures, where RBL’s driven precast solution was selected by the client for its speed, cleanliness, cost-effectiveness and minimal disruption to surrounding activities. The client’s decision to extend the piling areas reflects confidence in the performance and reliability of RBL’s approach. Ground conditions across the site included soft clay, dense sand and gravel, and chalk, requiring a reliable and adaptable foundation approach.
Working within a restricted footprint and surrounded by other subcontractors, RBL maintained a co-ordinated exclusion zone in partnership with Jones Bros Ltd to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Commenting on the project, Richard Taylor, Operations Director at RBL, said: “This installation is a clear example of how Roger Bullivant Limited is at the forefront of innovation in foundation engineering. By combining very low carbon precast concrete with electric rig technology, we’re not only reducing emissions but also setting new standards towards sustainable delivery in the infrastructure sector.”
RBL have also announced a strategic restructure designed to sharpen its market focus, enhance operational efficiency, and support long-term growth. This new structure enables the business to better align its expertise with the distinct needs of the market sectors in which it operates, ensuring greater agility and improved service delivery across the UK.
As part of this evolution, two internal promotions have been made to the Senior Leadership Team. Gareth Griffiths has been appointed to lead the Residential Division, which covers England and Wales. A strong local presence will be maintained through our regional offices, ensuring the division will remain connected to local needs while enhancing responsiveness to housing trends.
Jim Hargrave will lead the Commercial Division, providing strategic focus on current and emerging market opportunities. Both Gareth and Jim will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of Roger Bullivant Limited, ensuring the company remains agile, locally engaged, and forward-thinking.
Source: www.roger-bullivant.co.uk
Reds10 to Deliver Newham SEND School
Reds10 has been awarded a £19.4million project for the construction of a new school building for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at Connaught Special School in Newham, east London.
Reds10 will deliver a two-storey, all-through education facility for pupils aged 4 to 18, with capacity for 105 students. The school will specialise in supporting autistic children with severe learning difficulties, providing an inclusive environment that supports their development throughout their educational journey. This project will help address the significant shortage of SEND school places in Newham.
After being awarded the contract to deliver the project by The Department for Education (DfE) in the summer, construction is now underway, with completion scheduled for winter 2026/2027. Connaught Special School, part of the Learning in Harmony Trust, is already making a significant difference in the lives of children with SEND, providing tailored teaching and resources that meet their individual needs and extending vital support to their families. The new facility will take the place of
the temporary site currently operating in Upton Park, which accommodates 45 SEND pupils, and will offer a permanent, purpose-built setting designed to deliver the highest standards of education and care.
Designed by HLM Architects, and in partnership with Newham Council and Learning in Harmony Trust, the SEND facility will feature purpose-built classrooms, flexible activity spaces, outdoor play areas, accessible parking, and interiors tailored for accessibility and student wellbeing including considerate acoustics and calming colours to support children with SEND.
The new school building will prioritise sustainability, targeting BREEAM Excellent accreditation with energy-efficient materials and low-carbon solutions integrated throughout. Using modular components manufactured at Reds10’s pioneering offsite factory facility in East Yorkshire, the build will ensure quality, consistency, and minimal on-site disruption.
Joe Shepherd, Managing Director – Public Sector at Reds10, said: “In partnership with the DfE we are proud to start the delivery of this purpose-built SEND school in Newham, which will become the latest example of the sustainable, innovative and high-quality educational facilities that our advanced construction techniques provide. This project represents a vital investment in specialist education, helping address a chronic shortage of SEND places in Newham, and we’re proud to create a space where neurodiverse pupils will be supported to reach their full potential.”
Major Updates on UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard has announced Bureau Veritas as the preferred bidder for the role of the Standard’s Verification Administrator. As preferred bidder in the second stage of the tender for the role, Bureau Veritas is working in partnership with the Standard to develop the verification framework and methodology, with the intent to formalise the arrangement and appoint BV into the role, for a two-year exclusivity period, upon launch of the Standard’s Version 1.
Katie Clemence-Jackson, CEO, UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard said: “Bureau Veritas is a great fit for the role of Verification Administrator due to their deep understanding of operational energy and embodied carbon, and world-leading experience as a verification body. Together, we are delivering a verification framework that will bring much-needed robustness and credibility to our industry’s Net Zero Carbon claims, and act as a catalyst for the Net Zero transformation we need.”
Niki Hutson, Sustainability Solutions Market Leader, Bureau Veritas said: “The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard will fundamentally shift how the industry approaches decarbonisation. Our verification process ensures that ‘net zero’ becomes more
than a marketing term – it becomes a measurable, accountable commitment. This credibility will unlock green financing, prevent greenwashing, and create a competitive advantage for buildings that genuinely deliver on climate performance. We’re essentially future proofing the built environment.”
Upon appointment, to coincide with the launch of Version 1, Bureau Veritas will be the sole Verification Administrator for a two-year exclusivity period. After this period the arrangement will be reviewed, with other organisations potentially also taking on the role.
The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard sets out limits and targets that need to be met in order for a building to be Net Zero Carbon Aligned, as well as the technical evidence needed to demonstrate this, and how it should be reported. Verification will be launched alongside Version 1 of the Standard, due this winter. Ahead of its release, building owners can start measuring and reporting building performance against the Standard’s requirements, available in the Pilot Version, putting them in a good position to verify once the Standard has been launched.
Sam Wallis, Verification Lead for the Standard said: “We are working to make verification against the Standard the cornerstone of credible net zero
carbon claims in the built environment. Third party verification ensures that every claim is backed by robust evidence and can be benchmarked against real-world performance.”
Steve Highwood, Director (UK Building & Infrastructure CAPEX), Bureau Veritas, said: “We view the UK Net Zero Building Standard as essential for driving consistency, credibility, and transparency in the construction industry’s decarbonisation journey. This trusted benchmark enables us to verify genuine net zero performance, empowering developers, designers, and investors to demonstrate authentic climate leadership while building confidence in our low-carbon future.”
Buildings will be expected to measure and report data annually to keep their Net Zero Carbon Aligned status. Verification will start to transform the industry, with buildings being able to evidence that they are truly Net Zero Carbon Aligned in line with climate goals. The launch of Version 1 is set for winter 2025/26.
L-R Steve Highwood, Katie Clemence-Jackson, Niki Hutson, David Partridge
Source: www.nzcbuildings.co.uk
From early engagement through to final handover, we deliver projects with efficiency, safety, and precision built in.
Our mission is simple: to provide manufacturers, contractors, and developers with a smarter way to install timber systems – one that reduces programme risk, drives productivity, and delivers measurable outcomes.
Our capabilities:
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Speed with precision – installs delivered right, first time
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Published fortnightly, Offsite Opinion seeks out the thoughts and views from key personalities within the offsite world – from those making things happen in the factory environment and on-site – to all those thought-leaders and board level decision makers. It captures the key conversations of those behind shaping the future of the built environment.
September to November explored how major clients are unlocking long-term value through collaboration, how shared standards are helping to build confidence across the sector and how industrialisation is being applied to large-scale public programmes. Other themes included the productivity gains of prefabrication and the role of new frameworks such as PAS 8700 in driving consistency and maturity across industrialised construction.
Unlocking value across London’s transport estate
Calum Barrett, Head of the Construction Engineering Team at Transport for London (TfL) and Director at the Temporary Works Forum, reflected on TfL’s unique position as both a major public client and a vast asset owner, and how the organisation is working to bring greater collaboration and innovation into its projects.
““Big client organisations are absolutely open to supplier and contractor innovation
to bring through value in our projects,” he explains. “We do it already in pockets, and I think we’d like to see much more of it, much more engagement from the supply chain to say: how can we unlock value over the whole lifetime of the asset?” Read
Building confidence through common standards
Nigel Ostime, Delivery Director at Hawkins\ Brown, and a long-standing advocate for design quality and consistency in offsite construction, explores the introduction of Publicly Available Specifications (PAS).
“I think it’s good just to have some sort of standardisation. When we started doing this in the offsite construction world, we talked about the different types of offsite construction – categories one to seven. They may not be perfect, but you’ve got to start with a common
language. If you’re going to talk about anything, you’ve got to establish the language. PAS 8700 follows that on, and like any standard, it gives you a common language to talk about. When you’re talking a common language, you can have a better conversation.”
Industrialisation for the people
Anne Daw, Head of MMC Delivery, HLM Architects takes a philosophical look at the New Hospitals Programme (NHP) and how to rise to the construction challenge.
“The new hospitals programme is currently out for tender to 10 contractors and plans to deliver five-year investments of approximately £3billion per year. The NHP addresses the who, why, what, where, and when of the hospital programme. It’s going to be the biggest hospital
building programme in a generation, and this is in addition to the regular replacement and refurbishment works. But the question really for us is the how. How are we going to be able to do all this?”
Read in full: https://tinyurl.com/y3kbzzxn
Building smarter, better and faster PAS 8700 and industrialised construction
Ayna Azhigali, Director at HKR Architects, looks at what boosts to productivity are offered by offsite construction, and how to you get an industry typically averse to change, to adopt these methods.
“When you prefabricate and assemble modules in a controlled factory environment, production is unaffected by adverse weather conditions such as rain and snow. This approach also enables parallel work streams. While foundations and utilities are installed
on-site, the superstructure and modules can be manufactured simultaneously. This overlap significantly changes the timeline, so processes that are sequential in traditional construction are different here. You can really shorten the construction time.”
https://tinyurl.com/yjaucpcf
Dan Rossiter, FCIAT, Sector lead at BSI, highlights the newly published PAS 8700 and its relevance in standardising industrialised construction processes.
“The sector, for the past century, has been trying to mature. Learning from the aerospace, automotive and manufacturing sectors, several attempts have been made to introduce offsite solutions and manufacturing-led approaches into the built environment. Several projects
have successfully demonstrated its benefits for decades. However, MMC and wider industrialisation have failed to permeate into business as usual due to a lack of consistency and comparability.”
All these industry snapshots plus much more are published on www.offsitehub.co.uk. OFFSITE OPINION is published every two weeks on LinkedIn via the Explore Offsite Page. Be sure to scan the QR code, follow the page and subscribe to the newsletter to hear more about the latest views across the offsite industry and get them direct to your mailbox. If you’d like to feature in an upcoming Offsite Opinion contact Harry Wright at harry.wright@radar-media.co.uk
Pioneering Sustainable Education
Vision Built has successfully completed one of Ireland’s first Zero Emission Building (ZEB) schools at St. Brigid’s National School in Limerick.
THIS MILESTONE PROJECT, sets a new benchmark for sustainable educational infrastructure and demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to achieving its climate action goals and was completed as part of a full turnkey project commissioned by the Department of Education and Youth.
A collaborative achievement
Working in partnership with Rogerson Reddon Associates and Coady Architects, Vision Built delivered a state-of-the-art facility using advanced 3D volumetric modular construction. The school comprises 49 modular units, including specialist classrooms and SEN facilities, manufactured in Vision Built’s ISO-certified facility in Tubbercurry, County Sligo.
Installation commenced in late March and was completed in early April, with full handover scheduled for September 2025. Modern methods of construction (MMC) ensured programme certainty, reduced environmental impact, and delivered a high-quality learning environment in record time.
Why ZEB schools are essential
ZEB schools are designed to achieve zero net carbon emissions, incorporating:
• High-performance insulation and airtightness
• Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)
• Heat pump systems and renewable energy technologies
• Smart energy monitoring for optimal efficiency.
These features not only reduce operational energy demand but also create healthier, more comfortable spaces for students and staff.
St. Brigid’s exceeds the European Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 2024 requirements, achieving an Energy Performance Coefficient (EPC) of 0.89 and a Primary Energy Demand (PED) of 40kWh/m²/year.
Vision Built’s sustainable leadership
Vision Built sourced lower embodied carbon (LEC) steel, commonly known as ‘Green Steel’, produced using Electric Arc Furnaces powered by renewable electricity. This approach reduces CO2
emissions by up to 75% compared to traditional methods, aligning with Ireland’s climate targets and circular economy principles. The modular system is designed for adaptability and future relocation, ensuring long-term value and minimising waste – a core part of Vision Built’s mission to revolutionise construction through industrialised processes and lean manufacturing.
Future targets for ZEB schools
The Department of Education and Youth has set ambitious targets to make ZEB compliance standard for all new school projects. These targets reflect Ireland’s commitment to sustainability and the
urgent need to reduce carbon emissions in the built environment. Vision Built is proud to support this vision, delivering innovative solutions that meet and exceed regulatory requirements.
VISION BUILT
Vision Built is a leading provider of offsite construction solutions, specialising in volumetric modular systems for education, healthcare, and commercial sectors. With a focus on sustainability, speed, and quality, Vision Built combines advanced manufacturing techniques with digital design to deliver projects that inspire and endure.
For 25 years, Combilift has been revolutionising how the mining industry handles materials. Our pioneering range of multidirectional and pedestrian forklifts, straddle carriers, mobile gantries and container loaders allows you to manoeuvre long and out of gauge loads safely, maximise productivity and increase the space available for storage.
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Images 1-3:
school comprises 49 modular units, including specialist classrooms and SEN facilities, manufactured in Vision Built’s ISO-certified facility in Tubbercurry
Enter the Ultra Home
Ultrapanel’s collective objective is to demonstrate how offsite manufactured, highly energy-efficient, and technology-led homes can be delivered faster, better and smarter through innovative design and the use of high-performance building products.
FOLLOWING IT’S SUCCESSFUL LIVE BUILD event earlier in the year, where the Ultrapanel superstructure for a two-bedroom home was installed within just a few hours – Ultra Home now stands as a living demonstration of what is possible when innovation meets sustainability.
This pioneering project combines Ultrapanel’s next generation structurally insulated panel (SIP) system with advanced technologies from leading partners across the built environment sector, creating a blueprint for the future of modern housing.
Optimising offsite technology
Engineered for both rapid offsite manufacture and seamless on-site assembly, Ultrapanel’s SIP technology enables accelerated housing delivery without compromising on quality or performance. Each precision manufactured panel is delivered fully fabricated with insulation, membranes and structural components in place, allowing a complete building envelope to be erected in a single day. This efficiency demonstrates how high-quality homes can be delivered at scale to meet growing housing demands.
Ultra Home highlights how integrated offsite solutions can enhance both the speed and quality of construction and includes:
• The Catnic Urban Roof System, chosen for its precision engineering and sleek, durable design, ensures rapid installation and complements Ultrapanel’s panelised approach.
• Hardie® VL Plank from James Hardie provides a robust, lowmaintenance cladding solution that achieves both the aesthetic and performance standards expected of modern homes.
Together, these systems illustrate how optimised offsite technologies can streamline the construction process, improve consistency and significantly increase housing output.
Market leading technologies
Ultra Home brings together a range of cutting-edge technologies, carefully selected to demonstrate how intelligent integration can achieve outstanding energy performance, comfort and sustainability.
A Daikin Air Source Heat Pump and Unico System
Mechanical Ventilation System provide efficient, low-carbon heating and cooling, perfectly aligned with the high-performance Ultrapanel building envelope. The Mixergy Smart Hot Water
Cylinder intelligently manages energy use by heating only the required amount of water, reducing waste and improving efficiency and renewable power is generated through photovoltaic solar panels supplied and installed by UPOWA, paired with a battery system that stores excess solar energy for later use, enhancing self-sufficiency and energy resilience. Together, these technologies embody the future of efficient, healthy and low-carbon living.
Sustainable from the ground up
Sustainability was a defining principle of the Ultra Home project, with Furlong Flooring meeting the challenge of providing a flooring package that aligned with both technical and aesthetic requirements while supporting environmental goals. Manufactured from recycled materials using renewable energy, their flooring solutions prove that sustainability and style can coexist seamlessly.
The sustainably designed kitchen from The Symphony Group reflects this ethos. Made in the UK from FSC-certified materials, the frontals, worktops, and cabinet board contain high recycled content. All are durable, align with the circular economy model, with most of the core product covered by an EPD.
Consistency and durability
The Proctor Group played a pivotal role in ensuring Ultra Home achieved exceptional build quality and rapid delivery. Through technical collaboration, membrane systems were optimised for speed, consistency and durability, critical factors in achieving a weather-tight structure within a single day. This partnership exemplifies how expert material specification and strong supply-chain collaboration can unlock the full potential of modern methods of construction.
Low waste commitment
Ultrapanel is passionate about cutting down construction waste and protecting the environment by embracing the efficiencies of offsite manufacturing. As industry leaders, Kenny Waste Management is setting new standards, diverting over 99% of construction waste from landfill through innovative recovery and recycling methods. Their valuable insight for Ultra Home clearly demonstrates how offsite construction can pave the way for a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future for housebuilding.
High performance and zero bills ready
Ultra Home represents one of the most forwardthinking initiatives in contemporary housebuilding. Designed to set a new benchmark for sustainable living, the demonstration home is Octopus Energy Zero Bills ready. By aligning with Octopus Energy’s pioneering initiative, Ultra Home demonstrates how nextgeneration construction methods and clean energy innovation can work together to deliver homes that are comfortable, affordable and capable of operating with zero home energy bills for at least 5 - 10 years.
Images 1-4:
Ultra Home’s main structure was completed in a day. The final home highlights how integrated offsite solutions can enhance both the speed and quality of construction and includes a range of sustainable and energy efficient building technology
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The Ultra Home is more than a demonstration project, it’s a vision of what the future of housing can be – sustainable, efficient and technologically advanced. By integrating market-leading systems and collaborative innovation, Ultrapanel and its partners are redefining how homes are built, lived in and sustained for generations to come.
COLLABORATE TO INNOVATE
Ultra Home would not be possible without the dedication and innovation of our partners, collaborators and team, whose expertise continue to drive sustainable success. Sincere thanks to:
Find out more about Ultrapanel and experience the future of homebuilding first-hand by booking your Ultra Home tour today by emailing: hello@ultrapanel.co.uk
Faster Builds with Fewer Fixings
Proshield® is a central way in making airtightness work for offsite construction methods to ensure modules become sealed, compliant, and can move faster through the delivery process.
THE MOMENTUM behind offsite and highrise construction shows no sign of slowing. With housing targets rising and building schedules tightening, project teams are under pressure to deliver faster, safer, and more efficient homes—without compromising on performance. For the building envelope, that means rethinking complexity. Self-adhesive membranes, such as Proshield®, developed by UK manufacturer Don & Low, are gaining traction for one reason – they help modules become sealed, compliant, and on the move faster.
Built for the real world of modular
Modular units often face harsh weather and handling conditions before they are even installed. Proshield® is engineered to withstand that reality. With a robust three-layer build (270g/m²), it combines a high-tensile membrane, adhesive coating, and PET release liner to create a fully bonded, airtight seal. It adheres directly to OSB, concrete, steel, fibre cement and more— without primers, tapes, or mechanical fixings. That means fewer sequencing steps, fewer components, and fewer things to go wrong, both on-site and in the factory.
Airtightness without the hassle
Time is a premium on every job. The Proshield® peel-and-stick design streamlines the airtightness stage, helping projects reach wind and watertight status sooner. The membrane acts as both an air barrier and a secondary weather protection, simplifying external detailing while supporting better air test results. Designed with installation in mind, Proshield® features a bright blue finish with a printed alignment grid for clean application. A complete set of matching accessories – including tapes in various widths and preformed corners – ensures continuity around windows, doors, and junctions. Its vapourpermeable structure also reduces the risk of condensation or trapped moisture, especially critical in airtight modular systems.
Proven durability and safety
In terms of performance, Proshield® holds up under pressure. Tested to EN 13859-1, Proshield® achieves Class W1 for water resistance and withstands over a metre of hydrostatic pressure. For fire safety,
Image 1-2: The Proshield® peel-and-stick design streamlines the airtightness stage, helping projects reach wind and watertight status sooner
it achieves Class B-s1,d0 when applied to Fibre Cement Board backing, (other substrates provide a lower fire classification), meeting key requirements for high-rise and modular applications.
Backed by experts
Produced in Forfar, Scotland, Proshield® is part of Don & Low’s vertically integrated building envelope range. It contains 20% or more recycled content and is backed by a forthcoming Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). BBA certification is also in progress. Don & Low’s in-house technical team offers free support, from installation guidance and build-up detailing to U-values and CAD files, ensuring that performance is delivered as specified.
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Built on Tradition, Driven by Innovation Since 1792
Blending In - Standing Out
Advances in pigment, facing and form mean that precast concrete can sit sensitively in historic or natural contexts, so how can precast solutions bring contextual accuracy and offsite thinking to heritage design?
ONCE SEEN PRIMARILY as a quick, robust way to build, precast concrete has evolved into a highly flexible, richly textured material capable of complementing even the most sensitive heritage sites. By using three key techniques of concrete manufacture: integral pigment, facing and surface treatment and formwork/geometry, designers can create facades that echo local materials, complement conservation areas and blend into landscapes, all while benefiting from the efficiency and safety of offsite production.
Historic renovations straight out of the offsite ‘Scottish play’ book
Perched above the River Ness, Inverness Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. Originally constructed from red sandstone, the castle has witnessed centuries of history, from the Macbeth legends to its partial destruction by Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces in 1746.
The Inverness Castle Delivery Group were tasked with introducing new extensions to the building without compromising the castles original appearance or character. They turned to Creagh
Concrete Ltd to supply a bespoke £34.5million architectural precast cladding system, including bespoke etched concrete columns, facades, copings and sills, along with 678m² of 200mm deep hollowcore flooring. The challenge was to match both the tone and texture of the local sandstone while providing the durability and precision expected of 21st century construction.
The durability of concrete provides long term weather resistance, high fire performance and improved thermal efficiency (with factory installed insulation), properties vital for structures which have stood for over 200 years thus far.
Hitting the right hue
To replicate the distinctive warmth and grain of the original stone, Creagh conducted extensive in-house trials, testing a variety of aggregates, pigments and binders. The final mix incorporated red granite from Creagh’s quarry, combined with white cement and red iron oxide pigment. Using quarry sourced materials allowed control over consistency and gradation, reducing variation.
Each panel was then acid-etched to achieve a refined surface that interacts with light and shadow in the same way as hand dressed stone, achieving harmony with existing masonry rather than visual contrast.
Installation at a heritage site required meticulous planning and co-ordination. Creagh’s site team used
250 tonne and 100 tonne mobile cranes, to manoeuvre and install the precast elements safely within the restricted working area. This method allowed precise placement of large architectural units, ensuring maximum control, minimal disruption and adherence to heritage and safety standards. Offsite production further reduced on-site labour while ensuring high accuracy and tight tolerances across complex elevations.
The toolbox for achieving contextual harmony
Achieving a perfect match in sensitive projects requires early collaboration between architects and manufacturers, ideally at RIBA Stages 2–3, to confirm pigment, aggregate and mould details before planning. Three useful manufacturing techniques for architects and designers to be aware of when designing precast concrete are:
1. Pigment
Adding colour directly into the concrete mix known as integral pigmentation achieves a consistent, longlasting finish. Because the colour runs through the entire panel, it naturally weathers over time and won’t peel or fade like surface paints. White cement and carefully chosen aggregates can also help achieve the desired shade and overall appearance.
2. Facing materials and surface texture treatment
Surface treatment gives precast concrete character and individuality. Precast panels can be designed to replicate natural stone, showcase exposed aggregates, include brick slips and handcrafted textures. Some common approaches include:
• Acid etching: removes a thin layer of cement paste from the surface, revealing the fine aggregates beneath and giving the concrete a more natural, decorative finish.
• Sandblasting: propels abrasive material against the surface to create texture for a visually appealing, tactile finish.
• Polished concrete finish: ground and polished with progressive finer abrasives, producing a smooth, refined surface with a soft sheen to a high gloss. Producing a low-maintenance finish that won’t peel or fade.
• Flexible formwork liners: proprietary or bespoke liners can produce textured or patterned finishes in concrete, achieving decorative effects that mimic stone, wood, or other materials.
• Brick or Natural Stone facing: casting brick slips or natural stone veneers directly into precast units, these elements can achieve the authentic look of traditional masonry while benefiting from the strength, precision, and quality control of factory production.
3. Form and moulding
Concrete is a sculptural material. The geometry of panels including their module, reveal widths, depth, cornice and window surround profiles, is critical to how new buildings ‘sit’ with older neighbours. Modern precast techniques permit curves, cantilevers and bespoke cornices which are produced accurately offsite, facilitating the supply of new concrete that replicates or aligns with the intricacy of older stone crafting.
Design freedom, local fit
Precast concrete is uniquely placed to deliver repeatable, high-quality facades that respect local character. By combining the permanence of integral pigmentation, the tactility of facing and surface treatment and the precision of formwork and geometry, architects can use precast to produce buildings that are both contemporary and contextually appropriate.
Image 1-3:
Inverness Castle was originally constructed from red sandstone, and this feel was replicated using pigmented precast concrete.
Courtesy Creagh Concrete Ltd
New Look for Newland Park
FP McCann has completed a unique supply and build project consisting of 64 luxury apartments in Chalfont St Giles, Berkshire, using its precast concrete structural and architectural frame solution.
NEWLAND PARK is a development by London based Comer Homes. The collection of new apartments and houses sits within the modern country estate and is set to become one of the area’s most desirable residential locations. The high-end development is set on 200 acres of historic private gated grounds offering newbuild houses and apartments next to a grand Grade II listed Georgian era mansion house.
The apartments are located in four individual blocks, each on three levels with undercroft car parking beneath each building. FP McCann were approached by Comer Homes at design stage with consideration of the superstructure above the parking being a precast concrete frame as opposed to a traditional block and brick construction. The modern methods of construction (MMC) precast concrete frame solution has been designed, manufactured and installed by FP McCann – the Tier 2, BIM Level 2 certified supplier. As on all such contracts undertaken by FP McCann, BIM Execution Plans (BEP) were prepared for the Comer Homes development, demonstrating FP McCann’s proposed approach, capabilities, capacity and competence to meet stringent Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR).
The subterranean car park construction consists of precast retaining perimeter walls, internal columns and cross beams,
topped off with prestressed hollowcore planks. Access from ground floor level is via a precast concrete staircase. Above the car park, the FP McCann precast structural frame comprises internal crosswalls, prestressed hollowcore flooring planks and precast stair cores and stair landings.
Integral to the structural frame itself, are the architectural brick-faced insulated sandwich wall and gable ridge panels, offering the attractive external finish to each building from the ground floor up. Another feature of the build are the black acid-etched balconies to levels two and three. Many other offsite features include the factory installation of windows and balcony doors and the fair face finish to internal walls, allowing for follow-on trades to complete their works in a timely and efficient manner. The accelerated construction time typically seen in such offsite precast concrete structural frame builds, saw the Newland Park project completed in just 36 working weeks.
Commenting on the Chalfont St Giles residential development, David Donnellan, Senior Design Engineer for Comer Homes said: “Reducing construction times by 40%-60% compared to traditional build methods has to be factored into addressing the demand for new housing, whether luxury or affordable. Traditional construction methods, while tried and
The high-end development is set on 200 acres of historic private gated grounds offering newbuild houses and apartments
Image 2-3:
The project including the subterranean car park consists of precast retaining perimeter walls, internal columns and cross beams, topped off with prestressed hollowcore planks
tested, are increasingly less efficient to meet the increasing call for quality and environmentally sustainable housing. The Newland Park apartment development is a clear demonstration that offsite construction and MMC in any location lays the groundwork for a more efficient and sustainable homebuilding industry. By embracing these methods, we can build faster, reduce our environmental impact and provide both high-end and affordable living space.”
Customized mesh welding plants for the cost-effective production and bending of bespoke reinforcement mesh for a variety of applications.
The Final Frontier for Offsite Integration
Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) principles are transforming façade delivery inside the offsite construction sector, with Mauerwall providing a perfect example of how to streamline it across low-rise installation.
MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION (MMC) have transformed how low-rise housing is delivered. Structural frames, floors and roofs are now precision-engineered in controlled factory environments, yet the facade has often remained the final holdout – reliant on on-site trades and good weather. For manufacturers pursuing end-to-end certainty, that dependency introduces delay, cost, and inconsistency.
As MMC continues to scale, with panelised and modular systems now delivering thousands of homes annually, the pressure to integrate every element of the build process is intensifying. Policy drivers such as the Future Homes Standard and carbon reduction targets are accelerating this shift, making facade modernisation an operational necessity rather than a design preference.
The industry’s next step lies in reengineering the building envelope itself. By embodying DfMA principles within its design, Mauerwall closes the loop between factory production and on-site assembly by transforming the facade from a traditional site activity into a precision-manufactured component.
From process to product
pre-formed corners, reveals and castellations, allowing architectural detailing to be designed in at the mould stage rather than added on-site.
“By engineering the facade as a repeatable component, we remove uncertainty from installation and gain the same consistency that offsite manufacturers already achieve with walls, floors and roofs,” says Krishan Pattni, Chief Design Officer at Mauerwall.
Designed
for
DfMA workflows
The industry’s next step lies in re-engineering the building envelope itself. By embodying DfMA principles within its design, Mauerwall closes the loop between factory production and on-site assembly by transforming the facade from a traditional site activity into a precisionmanufactured component.
Mauerwall kits are pre-engineered to align precisely with timber frame, structural insulated panels (SIP) or light steel frame superstructures. Fixing locations and tolerances are planned in advance, allowing panels to be positioned and secured without cutting, drilling or extensive adjustment on site. Because the system is pre-pointed and dry-fixed, installation becomes largely weather-independent - a major advantage in maintaining programme certainty. Less scaffolding, fewer trades and shorter installation cycles all translate into safer sites and predictable sequencing. The simplified assembly also enhances safety and workforce efficiency, cutting man-hours at height and reducing the need for specialist bricklaying labour that remains in short supply across the sector.
Developed specifically for offsite manufacture, the A2-s1-d0 noncombustible façade uses a mineral-polymer compound with natural aggregates to recreate the character of traditional brickwork in a lighter, more consistent format. Each Mauerwall panel incorporates
“On live housing schemes we’ve seen façade installation times reduced by more than half compared with conventional brickwork,” adds Krishan Pattni. “That speed allows developers to hit handover dates even when weather would usually halt progress.”
Assurance built in
Performance verification remains critical in an increasingly regulated marketplace. Mauerwall holds KIWA BDA certification, confirming a 60-plus-year design life and Category 1 impact resistance for ground-floor and public realm applications. It has been independently tested to achieve the A2-s1-d0 fire rating required for residential and public buildings. Sustainability credentials are equally robust: Mauerwall delivers up to 50% lower embodied carbon than a traditional brick-facing wall. Panels are factory-batched for material efficiency and incorporate recycled aggregates without compromising finish quality. Lightweight logistics reduce vehicle movements and on-site waste.
Proven
in practice
Mauerwall has already been deployed across several large-scale offsite housing projects, including Civic Living at Houlton and Kitchener Barracks Apartments in Chatham. On both schemes, facade panels were manufactured and installed alongside timber superstructures, maintaining architectural consistency while accelerating delivery. The controlled process also reduces site waste and minimises defects typically associated with hand-laid masonry.
Site installation teams have reported faster sequencing and clean finishes, with panels requiring minimal adjustment once fixed in place. Further residential phases are now progressing as housebuilders integrate the system into wider development programmes. Housebuilders have cited programme reliability and aesthetic fidelity as key benefits. “It’s the combination of speed, compliance and visual quality that’s changing perceptions,” says Krishan Pattni. “Once contractors see how seamlessly
the panels integrate with their build systems, they recognise it as an engineering solution and not just an alternative cladding.”
The next phase of offsite delivery
DfMA thinking is reshaping how the industry approaches every element of a building, and facades are no exception. Systems like Mauerwall demonstrate that performance, precision and design ambition can coexist within a fully industrialised process. By treating the building envelope as a manufactured product rather than a site activity, offsite contractors gain greater control over quality, carbon and cost – while designers retain the freedom to specify the brick aesthetics the UK housing market still demands. As Krishan Pattni says: “The facade is no longer the weak link. With the right engineering approach, it becomes one of the strongest enablers of true modern construction.”
1-4: Mauer combines the timeless look of brick with cutting-edge engineering – helping developers, building system manufacturers and architects achieve more, faster.
Images
Conquering DfMA - 3 Steps to More Efficient Design and DetailingDesign
Offsite methods are seen as the future of the construction industry but to truly deliver on this vision, we need to change the way we are approaching projects. Craig Johnson, AECO Account Executive at Trimble explores the value of DfMA, plus the three ways you can ensure more efficient detailing processes.
DESPITE THE PHRASE offsite ‘construction’, the reality is that the process starts far beyond the final construction phase of a project. Only if a project is designed, modelled and detailed with offsite manufacturing and assembly in mind, can the value of these modern methods be truly realised.
This is where Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) comes into play. It is an approach that drives the design process towards creating a manufactured solution using standardised components, for ease of manufacture and efficiency of assembly. Structures designed in this way can help to push the well-publicised benefits of offsite even further – from a speedier construction programme through to improved efficiency and productivity levels on-site.
However, first you must have your design and detailing processes nailed down. Time can be easily lost at this stage, with inefficiencies common at every turn – whether caused by late-stage design changes, rework or unforeseen site conditions.
One: implement robust design review processes
Outside of ongoing project communication, there should be a baked-in review process that happens at key stages of the design. There is a lot to gain, from reduced rework, improved co-ordination and more efficient project delivery. By embedding these check points into your workflow, you’re not only catching errors earlier but also building a foundation for higher-quality designs and significant cost savings. Some may view these review stages as bottlenecks. However, the reality is that they are important risk mitigation measures that help bring predictability to a project.
Two: standardise your detailing
Already, the offsite conversation is increasingly revolving around the topic of standardisation and the value of adopting a kit of parts approach, with the sector well suited to standardised components and modules due to its largely repetitive and volumetric
nature. You can get ahead of the wave by bringing about a basic level of standardisation within your projects. This can include establishing clear drawing standards and creating templates for common drawing types and reports. Using custom components, intelligent tools and manufacturer-specific content available within some design and detailing software packages, you can take this further still and benefit from a ‘click and go’ approach.
Three: use technology for automated checks
Clash detection is a powerful tool within BIM workflows, being an objective and far faster way to check for clashes and compliance. In many ways, the software becomes a proactive verification tool to save time and money. Rules can be defined by the user to decide whether to focus on clashes between objects, entire models, or between MEP and architectural systems. By running clash detections at regular intervals, you immediately reduce hard, soft, or tolerance-based clashes being missed and causing headaches further into the project. The result? Reduced errors and rework; greater quality control and constructability.
Interested in learning more about how you can implement efficient design and detailing processes? Read the full eBook, available to download here: https://bit.ly/47RL6F9
Images 1-2: Gatwick Airport Station. The role of DfMA is central to offsite construction success
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Invest in Your Carbon Reputation
What can environmental product declarations (EPDs) provide as proof of low carbon credentials and how popular are they? An industry roundtable hosted by sustainability software specialists for construction and manufacturing, One Click LCA, sought to find out.
UNDERSTANDING AND MEASURING the environmental impact of construction products and manufacturing processes is central to the ongoing decarbonisation of the built environment. As part of this drive, EPDs have become an increasingly important way to provide standardised, third party-verification of carbon impact across a product – or building – lifecycle. Is this the new currency of low-carbon credibility in construction?
As elsewhere, the construction industry is increasingly driven by data with the built environment facing unprecedented carbon scrutiny, but as the panel made up from those across the offsite, consultancy, and manufacturing sectors discussed, EPDs are rapidly becoming a new commercial and regulatory driver that can’t be ignored.
One thing is clear. There is a decisive shift in the construction and manufacturing sectors to ‘data-verified, carbon transparency’
and that EPDs are rapidly moving from a “nice-to-have” status to a competitive, commercial (and eventually) regulatory necessity. Their value is recognised not only as a compliance tool but as credible proof of low-carbon performance, a market differentiator, and a mechanism for improving design decisions and whole-life carbon outcomes.
A case for mandatory EPDs
Although not mandated, EPDs are gaining momentum and offer a ‘gold mine’ of data that can justify product use and underline their environmental impact. The Department for Education (DfE) is leading the way, with environmentally focused targets for new schools to provide heathy places to study and work. Essentially, the DfE ‘owns what they build’, are asset managers and building performance is essential for them to understand.
One Click LCA is an industry-leading global tech company helping decarbonise construction and manufacturing. Global, AI-powered, automated lifecycle assessment (LCA) tools let you calculate and reduce the environmental impacts of building, infrastructure, and renovation projects. Product LCA tools enable construction-sector manufacturers to conduct LCAs and publish thirdparty verified EPDs. One Click LCA offers an EPD onboarding and training bootcamp – a structured program designed to upskill teams, accelerate data readiness, and help participants publish verified EPDs.
You can find out about all available courses at: https://academy.oneclicklca.com/collections
“Whilst it’s not mandated,” said Sam Dawe, Technical Manager, Innovaré Offsite. “The DfE have introduced embodied carbon targets for Construction Framework 25. The reason that we’ve got an EPD done is because they have set out targets for the sub-structure, the main frame, the external walls, the internal walls, so projects awarded from 2025 in the next framework for primary and secondary schools, will have to demonstrate how we are accounting for
SIPCO Structural Insulated Panels offer cost certainty for social and affordable housing providers, meeting and surpassing all the requirements of the Future Homes Standard.
SIPs provide sustainable buildings with high thermal performance and air tightness
Higher standards for insulation mean building regulations and low carbon targets are achievable
Low-carbon construction and fabric first approach provides sustainability and energy efficiency
Meets the strict requirements of Building Regulations, BREEAM and Passivhaus Standards
U-values as low as 0.09 W/m²K with minimal heat loss via thermal bridging (Y-value). Typically, 0.025 W/m²K exceeds the accredited and enhanced construction details Y-values of 0.08 and 0.04 W/m²K, respectively
TOP 10 ROUNDTABLE TAKEAWAYS
Accelerate EPD Turnaround – reduce time, cost and complexity of verification through better structured data collection.
Build Commercial Insights – understand how, where, and by whom EPDs are being used to enhance product performance and reduce embodied carbon costs over time.
BREEAM New Construction V7 – this is tightening acceptance of non-verified EPDs, pushing the market toward verified declarations only.
Future Homes Standard – this may indirectly mandate embodied-carbon assessments, which in turn depend on EPD-based data. Part Z could play a future role as well.
Local Authorities Pressure – the Greater London Authority via the London Plan, already requires whole-life carbon reporting for large developments – other UK areas are sure to follow.
ATTENDEES
Facilitator: Darren Richards
Managing Director, Cogent Consulting
Transparent Carbon Reporting – EPDs are a transparent way to standardised, third party-verified carbon data and measure of environmental impact.
ESG, CSR and Market Reputation –EPDs evidence responsible, traceable, and efficient manufacturing, increase investment and lender appeal and supply-chain integrity.
Commercial Advantage – an EPD answers many client and specifier carbon questions immediately and clearly.
SME v Big Business – smaller businesses could be left behind on EPD production as resources and expertise are not as available as larger companies.
Offsite v Traditional – an effective tool for comparisons between industrialised construction and factory-based manufacture and traditional build.
If the built
environment is serious about decarbonising, it has to find out the cost of the building – but from a carbon perspective. You would never create a building without knowing the cost of the materials going into it. Without an EPD or the embodied carbon data, it is impossible to know.
Dylan Stoppard, Sustainability Manager, Genuit
Peter Barr
Managing Director, SIPCO
Andrew Cowan
UK & Ireland Business Development Lead, One Click LCA
embodied carbon.” If you can show a client that you have an EPD, it acts as an answer to many of their questions surrounding carbon credentials and makes your business an ‘easier choice’. The Future Home Standards standard – which is fundamentally connected to embodied carbon targets – will also likely mandate embodied carbon assessments, which to all intents and purposes leads to producing an EPD.
Carbon transparency
EPD adoption is accelerating as they help unlock a host of benefits, especially when involved with offsite framework requirements: specification preference, improved bid success, alignment with
Darren Jarman
Managing Director, Lowfield Timber Frame
Martin McGrenaghan
Business Development Manager, One Click LCA
Oliver Rogan
Managing Director, Metek
Trevor Richards Director, Cogent Consulting
Dylan Stoppard
Sustainability Manager, Genuit
Nik Teagle
Joint Managing Director, Frameclad
emerging regulations, enhanced investment appeal, and the ability to demonstrate genuine carbon transparency in a market where greenwashing is rife and carbon claims are frequently challenged.
How to combat this? As was outlined by the panel, there is a need for better consistency of data and a shared understanding of knowledge in similar – if not bordering on identical – products and systems. The offsite sector and its key materials – timber, light gauge steel and precast concrete – are all engaged in decarbonisation in their own ways, but what may be missing is a unified approach amongst similar product developers for industry-wide adoption.
It is universally acknowledged that the built environment needs to reduce its carbon emissions. Offsite manufacture is one sector
Ultimately
it comes down to your commitment, your resource, who you are working with and what tools and data you have. Because that’s key. We have the right insight and the right solutions to help anyone struggling to find their way.
Martin McGrenaghan, Business Development Manager, One Click LCA
that is better positioned that most to capitalise on this shift. The industrialised, factory-controlled environment naturally drives out waste, improves material efficiency, and supports circularity –advantages that traditional construction can rarely match. But without verified data, these advantages can remain invisible, or at least difficult to quantify.
Repeatable processes
The offsite environment means processes are more consistent, with ‘repeatable manufacturing cycles’ that can accommodate the EPD data gathering process more efficiently than traditional construction. Indeed, offsite could “outsmart” traditional construction if the sector moves together quickly, backed by strong data and shared standards. Trade associations have a role to play here in encouraging members to collaborate on common material-specific rules and guidance. This can go a long way to making EPD production simpler and cheaper.
For all the enthusiasm, nobody on the panel downplayed the difficulty of producing an EPD. Collecting accurate product and process data is time consuming, sometimes difficult and can be a prohibitively costly process, and when first beginning the EPD journey can be a ‘shock’. There is a requirement for detailed ‘granular’ records of energy use, material composition, waste production and recycling rates, transport, and people movements. The first EPD information gathering process is often a stark reality check, revealing data silos, many material assumptions and several operational blind spots. Overall, there seems to be a “high level of ‘awareness’ of EPDs but very low level of understanding” on how to achieve them. The time from start to finish can also vary greatly depending on resource, complexity of product/system and size of business – initial EPDs can take 6-12 months on average. Experienced lifecycle analysis (LCA) consultants trained to interpret complex carbon modelling are
busy and in short supply, and demand is in danger of overwhelming available expertise. However, EPD scalability can improve dramatically within organisations, with one business reporting that they completed: “four EPDs in three days after establishing robust internal processes and templated data for similar products.”
Inconsistencies and confusion
A key talking point surrounded the complexity and inconsistency of data. Ever-changing Product Category Rules (PCRs) can sometimes require EPD recalculation mid-process and despite the existence
of standards, manufacturers interpret boundaries differently, especially ‘highly speculative end-of-life’ scenarios. It is impossible to predict what the UK waste landscape will look like in five years, never mind 75 years. “We’re often not talking about the same boundaries,” said Dr. Hafiz Elhag, Sustainability Manager - Concrete Products, MPA Precast. “We’re not actually talking about the same exact rules. There are lots of grey areas within the science of whole life carbon assessment and the science of EPDs. Unless you have some clear rules for every single sector, or the process of doing whole life carbon assessments, there will always be inconsistency. It’s causing a level of confusion. There’s no unified rule book that everyone follows. ”
For all the inconsistencies, the significance of EPDs is huge. Europe has already grown from 3,000 EPDs in 2019 to around 23,000 in 2024, and in 2025 these numbers will be significantly higher. As Andrew Cowan - UK & Ireland Business Development Lead, at One Click LCA explained: “The level of product information is constantly growing and we are taking every EPD that’s out there globally, and putting it into our system and making sure the data available is taking everybody to another level of understanding.”
Positive horizon lines
This suggests EPDs are not a ‘fad’ or part of the latest ‘green wave’ of thinking but a long-term structural and carbon reporting change. Given how long the process can be, starting the EPD journey early is essential, and this was highlighted as a strategic advantage: “what’s best practice today becomes standard tomorrow.” Early adopters can ‘beat the rush’ to EPD verification as client demand grows and verification queues increase, so the advice was clear –start the EPD journey now, or risk being left behind.
Although there is some uncertainty about the journey to securing an EPD – indeed, producing an EPD, “will never be harder than it is today”, it is increasingly understood that they are an enormous opportunity for every business to accelerate decarbonisation rates, strengthen market position, and demonstrate leadership.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
What next?
The roundtable consensus was that the adoption of EPDs is strong and will only accelerate.
The road to 2030 and 2050 net zero targets is paved with many obstacles but EPD investment, provides a credible, third-party verified way of demonstrating low-carbon performance in the construction industry. A badge of integrity and reputation, a tool of competitive advantage, a catalyst for better design decisions and – critically – proof that your sustainability commitments are grounded in datadriven, measurable reality.
Within five years, the panel suggested:
• More frameworks and procurement rules will make EPDs compulsory
• More clients will demand verified product data and carbon credentials as standard
• Greater client and investor pressures for carbon information
• AI will automate substantial portions of LCA modelling and EPD data gathering
• Verification times will lengthen before new consultant capacity and skills are available
Images 1-3: The panel was made up of a mix of commentators from across the offsite material spectrum
Image 4: Factory-processes lend themselves to waste reduction and repetition - ideal for EPD production
Images 5-6:
One Click LCA have seen huge growth of EPD adoption in recent years
Many thanks to everyone that gave up valuable time to attend the discussion. Find out more about EPDs and how One Click LCA can help at: www.oneclicklca.com/en-gb
• Clearer national UK and local government policies will follow the direction of leading European countries – especially the Nordics.
Built Better.
Our passion can be seen in every construction detail, every material choice, every ISO certified quality process, every safe working day, and in every smile by the students and staff of Ireland’s first permanant, modular-built, school for Lucan East ETNS. Co. Dublin.
Custom Drainage System Clicks
Perfectly on Former Kodak Site
Eastman Village is an ambitious, multi-phased project built on the old Kodak factory site in Harrow, with Polypipe Building Services (PBS) currently providing drainage systems for 474 flats, across four towers – working with M&E Contractor, Millharbour on behalf of Barratt London.
THE PROJECT will deliver a complete new urban neighbourhood of over 2,000 homes together with workspace, retail and leisure facilities. The new homes include 40% affordable housing and a new healthcare facility.
The project is highly specified and carefully designed and incorporates many community amenities. The building layout is therefore quite complex, requiring a considered approach to how the M&E elements deliver all the facilities. The drainage system brief was therefore challenging in that the bathrooms were highly specified, but the build schedule was also very ambitious.
The Client, Millharbour Group, decided to use a prefabricated approach to the installation to hit project deadlines, with a highly customised system that would fit the bathroom design specification.
Following an initial analysis, Millharbour worked closely with PBS to create a bespoke solution. It was decided that Terrain FUZE would be the ideal system for the project. Terrain FUZE is made of HDPE, incorporates an extensive range of fittings and is
very customisable. Terrain FUZE is also lightweight and highly resistant to impact and abrasion making it the perfect system for the high-level pipework in the basement. This meant that a single system could be used seamlessly for the whole building, while providing a tailored solution that could be installed rapidly.
The Polypipe Advantage Prefabrication Team created a design that combined buttwelds and expansion joints. The complex stack design could therefore be installed with just a single Electrofusion coupling on the ground floor to connect the stacks to the high-level pipework in the basement.
Robert Bruce, Technical Sales Manager for Polypipe Building Services in London explained: “Prefabrication and careful design really helped deliver the customisation and streamlined installation that the project demanded. After the high-level was installed with the single EF coupling at the bottom of each stack, the guys could just drop each floor section of stack down into the expansion joint below. And being so lightweight, Terrain FUZE is also very manpower-efficient compared to
Images 1-3: Terrain FUZE is made of HDPE, incorporates an extensive range of fittings and is very customisable
conventional systems. One person can carry an entire stack section compared to castiron which would require a team in itself.”
Andy Stylianou, Company Director at Millharbour, adds: “Polypipe Building Services have such a complete understanding of the different techniques available for jointing drainage stacks which, together with their prefabrication capability, meant that we were able to design a system that made quite a complex installation completely straightforward. Because the amount of on-site jointing work was minimised and the system was robust but lightweight, we could use the available manpower very efficiently. A smart solution, and we’re very proud that it was Highly Commended at this year’s Offsite Awards.”
A Decade of Progress, Passion and Pioneering Change
Here we are then – 50 issues of Offsite Magazine and 10 years of offsite market coverage. We thought it’s time for a quick skip through a decade of change, give ourselves a little pat on the back and also try and predict what to expect on the road ahead for the next 50 issues.
WHEN THE FIRST EDITION LANDED in Spring 2016, the term offsite manufacturing still needed some explaining in many corners of the construction world. Fast forward nearly a decade, and the sector is now an established pillar of modern construction – a key player in the national conversation about productivity, sustainability, and the future of industrialised building.
Looking back over 49 previous issues, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of pride and perspective. A lot has changed – in the offsite industry, in the media and publishing and in the wider world. But the core mission of Offsite Magazine remains the same –to champion innovation, collaboration, and the people and businesses driving the transformation of UK construction.
Over every issue, we have remained positive and tried to reflect the best of the sector. The first issues of Offsite Magazine captured an emerging confidence across the sector. Offsite technologies – once seen as niche or experimental – were beginning to move from the ‘margins to the mainstream’. Modular housing schemes, precast infrastructure, and timber frame systems were proving that manufacturingled approaches could deliver quality, speed, and environmental benefits in a way that traditional methods could not match.
The government’s Construction 2025 strategy and later the Farmer Review (Modernise or Die) added momentum, giving policy-level recognition to what the offsite community already knew: the sector had a vital role to play in solving the UK’s housing and skills crises. Radar Media were there from the start, helping to create a platform that celebrated innovation, connected practitioners, and gave visibility to the emerging leaders of the movement.
Resilience in challenging times
Few could have predicted the scale of disruption that lay ahead. The years following 2016 brought uncertainty through Brexit, rising material costs, and then – of course – the COVID-19 pandemic. For many industries, these years were defined by survival. Yet for offsite manufacturing, they also became a proving ground.
When construction sites shut down in 2020, factory-led production and digital co-ordination kept many projects moving. Social distancing highlighted the benefits of controlled environments, precision manufacturing, and reduced on-site labour. In the pages of Offsite Magazine, we saw story after story of ingenuity and adaptability – from volumetric manufacturers pivoting to deliver healthcare facilities, to digital engineers refining workflows that would
OFFSITE
From our first issue to the one you are reading we have remained positive and tried to reflect the best of the sector in all its materials and approaches. We are incredibly proud to have played a part in supporting offsite construction growth, its many innovators and capturing the defining stories of the decade.
permanently change how we design and deliver buildings.
The pandemic years accelerated digital transformation. Tools such as BIM, digital twins, and data-driven DfMA principles, moved from aspiration to necessity. This period cemented the connection between offsite construction and the broader evolution toward ‘industrialised construction’ – a theme that has run strongly through every recent issue.
As the magazine reached its 30th and 40th issues, the narrative shifted from advocacy to maturity. No longer was the question “Why offsite?” but rather “How can we optimise it?” We have witnessed major investment in UK manufacturing capacity — from volumetric housing factories and CLT facilities to large-scale precast operations. We have had
‘disrupters’ entering the offsite sector with huge delivery potential, deep financial backing and no end of technological know-how to fail through a mixture of factors – sometimes unexpectedly and due to external circumstances – but fail nonetheless, and exit to some financial tune, cancelled projects and significant job losses. These developments can’t be ignored.
International expertise has flowed into the UK market, while British innovators have built worldclass reputations abroad. The language, too, has evolved. Today, we talk about platform-based design, kit-of-parts systems, and digital integration as standard practice. The conversations have become richer, more strategic, and more data-led — proof that offsite is no longer the disruptor on the sidelines, but a core driver of construction’s modernisation. Certainly, there’s a real sense of excitement and momentum building around industrialised construction – it feels like we’re standing at the forefront of a genuine transformation in the way we design, manufacture and deliver buildings.
Publishing in a digital age
It’s not only the construction industry and offsite sector that has evolved. Publishing has changed dramatically since 2016. What began as a quarterly print magazine has grown into a multi-channel ecosystem: digital editions, newsletters, webinars, and live events that connect thousands of professionals across disciplines. Through partnerships with organisations such as BUILDOFFSITE, Constructing Excellence, and a range of partner trade bodies, Offsite Magazine has (hopefully) become a trusted source of knowledge and a forum for collaboration.
OFFSITE
The Road Ahead – industrialised construction and beyond
So what of the next 50 issues? If the past decade has been about proving the value of offsite, the next will be about integration, automation, and scale. What can we expect to see and what will you be reading about in future issues. Here are our predictions for the future of offsite manufacture and some core themes that this publication will be investigating more.
Greater investment in R&D – exploring advanced materials, carbon reduction, and circular economy principles. Does a greener and more sustainable approach cost more money? Is it a myth and does a circular mindset need to be difficult?
More automation and integrated supply chains – these will continue to be drivers of innovative manufacturing, precision, consistency, productivity and healthier and safer working environments. How will construction supply chains operate like advanced logistics networks, data-linked, transparent, and efficient?
Deeper digital integration – data and software are connecting design, manufacturing, and construction through seamless workflows. AI-driven generative design tools are optimising structures for performance and cost in real time – potentially in ways that nobody has thought of yet.
A full embrace of DfMA – adopting kit-of-parts approaches, playbooks and platform thinking. The potential for these to transform any kind of project is enormous. Fully autonomous manufacturing lines producing building components with near-zero waste – it has to happen.
Increased UK & global collaboration – if the built environment is to improve, architects, engineers, and manufacturers need to partner better and unlock the potential of data-rich, standardised systems. Where appropriate, knowledge sharing is everything.
Celebrating a shared journey
As we celebrate this 50th milestone, it’s worth remembering that Offsite Magazine is more than just pages and pixels. It’s a chronicle of a community and of people who believe in a better, smarter, and more sustainable built environment.
Many readers will know Julie Williams, Radar Media’s Business Development Director very well: “It’s great to look back on how Offsite Magazine has evolved over the years and how, alongside that growth, we’ve built a truly loyal and engaged network of supporters, advertisers and content contributors who have helped sustain and strengthen the platform. What began as a niche publication has become the industry’s shop window for new innovations, emerging technologies and project successes. Today, leading players across the offsite and industrialised construction sectors see Offsite Magazine as the go-to platform to showcase their achievements and share knowledge and that’s something we’re immensely proud of.”
That is echoed by everyone on the Radar Media and Cogent Consulting teams, who are incredibly proud to have played their part in supporting the sector’s growth, celebrating its innovators, and capturing the defining stories of the decade. Here’s to the next 50 issues, capturing stories, championing innovation, and inspiring the next generation of construction professionals, to create a better built environment for us all.
Images 1-3:
Over 50 issues we have tried to deliver positive and inspiring coverage of what makes the offsite sector tick
Airtightness Simplified and Certified: A Decade of Wraptite®’s BBA
November 2025 marks ten years since Wraptite® – the self-adhered, vapour-permeable airtightness membrane from Proctor Group – first received BBA certification.
OVER THAT DECADE, it has become one of the go-to external airtightness solutions in the UK and worldwide, recognised for combining airtightness, vapour permeability, and simplicity of installation.
From innovation to industry standard
Originally developed for the North American market, Wraptite® addressed the issues of vapour-impermeable membranes, such as mould growth. In the UK, vapourpermeable membranes were preferred, but options were mechanically fastened, often air permeable, and limited in performance. Proctor Group refined both membrane and adhesive technologies, launching selfadhered Wraptite® in 2009 – the first of its kind. As UK building regulations pushed for greater energy efficiency, Wraptite® offered a solution that improved performance without thickening walls or adding costly insulation.
The proof in performance
In 2015, a Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5 show home in Cambridgeshire demonstrated the effectiveness of Wraptite®. The traditional internal air and vapour control layer achieved 0.99m³/m²/hr after remedial work, while the Wraptite® section achieved 0.87m³/m²/hr without additional
sealing. Later that year, BBA certification confirmed its reliability, followed by Passive House component approval.
What makes Wraptite® unique?
Wraptite® combines properties competitors struggle to match. Its high vapour permeability (Sd 0.039 m) meets BS 5250:2021 requirements for breathable membranes for both walls and roofs, ensuring construction moisture dries quickly. Its patented vapour-permeable adhesive allows vapour transmission through the membrane without the need for primers, tapes, or complex detailing. While alternatives may seem cheaper per square metre, Wraptite’s® self-adhered simplicity reduces installation time, accessories, and overall cost. It’s proven fire performance, backed by full testing and certification, further distinguishes Wraptite® providing specifiers with trusted, verified performance.
From pioneering projects to global recognition
Wraptite®’s journey began with real-world successes, such as revitalising a stalled log cabin project in Aberdeenshire in 2013. Since then, it has featured on projects of all scales – from boutique builds to landmark developments.
Images 1-3: Wraptite® combines properties competitors struggle to match and has become a de facto top performing building membrane
Internationally, it has protected the Sunshine Mosque dome in Melbourne and the steel structure of London’s Canary Wharf ‘Diamond Tower.’ Internally, at Bower House, it helped an offsite insulation system cut energy bills by 50%.
Supporting the next generation Proctor Group takes pride in Wraptite®’s role in high-quality learning environments, including Riverside Primary, Tayside schools, Dumfries High School, and Currie Community High. It was also key in Exeter’s St Sidwell’s Point – the world’s first Passivhaus leisure centre – and in Proctor Group Managing Director Keira Proctor’s own eco-house.
Ten years on but just the beginning
A decade of BBA certification is a milestone, but Wraptite® continues to evolve. With ongoing research and development, it stays ahead of imitators, backed by independent verification and technical excellence. As the industry faces challenges from climate change to sustainability, Wraptite® sets the benchmark for airtightness, reliability, and performance.
The Offsite Superstars
The Offsite Awards 2025
people
rewarded the many projects,
and products driving forward offsite manufacture across the UK and internationally. In case you missed out, here is a reminder of the evening’s big winners.
CELEBRATING the significant achievements of the industry over the past twelve months, the Offsite Awards – held at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 16 September during OFFSITE EXPO 2025 – saw over 400 guests gather to celebrate ground-breaking achievements and pioneers who are developing radical new offsite technologies, innovative product developments and landmark projects using industrialised, factory-based methods.
The Offsite Awards are renowned for unearthing projects that may be small in stature but impressive in innovation and imagination – it’s not just about the major players and iconic ‘big ticket’ buildings. Every year, the awards give an incredible insight into the breadth and complexity of offsite projects across the built environment. The 2025 Awards received over 200 entrants across 21 categories, giving the judging panel the arduous task of selecting the winners from a wealth of worthy finalists.
Offsite manufacture and the concepts driving industrialised construction are higher than ever up client agendas and will deliver sustainable and lasting change – especially as society grapples with net zero carbon challenges. With an increased focus on better performance, productivity improvements, streamlined manufacturing and delivering safer, more energy efficient buildings, offsite is central to delivering a healthier construction landscape.
The ever-positive Mark Durden-Smith hosted and ensured that the evening cracked along smoothly and was highly entertaining. The relaxed networking vibe offered the perfect opportunity for everyone to network and discover more about the many inspiring entries.
It was a great night for B&K Structures, Bywater Properties, Gilbert-Ash, Webb Yates, FCB Studios Engenuiti and Stora Enso, who took home an armful of awards including the coveted ‘Winner of Winners’ award for their project at Paradise SE11. You can read more about Paradise S11 inside this issue, where this six-storey, mass timber office building is being hailed across the construction industry as a true milestone for London’s commercial property alongside the timber and offsite construction sectors.
Huge congratulations to all the 2025 winners. You can see them all over the next few pages.
OFFSITE AWARDS 2026 & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Offsite Awards provides one of the most effective platforms for targeting the offsite industry, presenting the ideal opportunity to maximise exposure and penetrate this economically important market. The 2026 marketing campaign will be launching soon with the Awards entry platform opening in January 2026.
To discuss 2026 promotional opportunities please contact Pip Pearce on 01743 290001 or email: pip.pearce@radar-media.co.uk
To keep up to date with developments and find out more about the 2026 Offsite Awards visit: www.offsiteawards.co.uk
Award winning modular solutions
With over 50 years’ experience, McAvoy is at the forefront of the offsite manufacturing industry.
Our extensive portfolio of temporary and permanent projects showcases our ability to deliver high-quality, innovative building solutions, as a strategic partner of choice.
At MTX, our full-service construction solution brings together design, build, finance, operation and maintenance expertise for healthcare building projects throughout the UK. From financial structuring to long-term facilities support, we offer NHS Trusts one single, streamlined route from concept to completion – ensuring every stage of delivery is aligned.
With a proven track record of delivering high-quality results on time and to budget, we’re committed to shaping the future of NHS estates to meet the demands of modern healthcare – better, faster and greener than ever.
Client of the Year
Regal Properties - Fulton and Fifth
Commercial Project of the Year
Explore Manufacturing - 25 Baker Street
Contractor of the Year
McAvoy Group
Digital Innovation Award
DataForm Lab - DataForm Lab Platform
Education Project of the Year
B&K Hybrid Solutions, Design Engine, Buro Happold, Engenuiti, Beard Construction & Stora Enso - Stowe School - Design, Technology & Engineering Building
Engineer of the Year
Engenuiti, Webb Yates and OFRParadise SE11
International Project of the Year CES Group - Dallas Fort Worth Airport, Texas, USA
Healthcare Project of the Year
Wernick Buildings - Peterborough Hospital
Product Innovation Award
Ultrapanel Building Technologies - Ultrapanel Next Generation SIP Systems
Project/Construction Manager of the Year
Kier Construction - HMP Millsike
Winner of Winners
Bywater Properties, B&K Structures, Engenuiti, Webb Yates and Stora Enso - Paradise SE11
Residential Project of the Year
PCE Ltd and Regal - Fulton and Fifth
OFFSITE AWARDS - Many thanks to everyone that took the time to enter the 2025 Awards. The levels of expertise shown in every category was exceptional and the panel of judges were overwhelmed with the entry quality. The 2026 Entry Platform will be open in January 2026.
Offsite Pioneer of the Year Integra Buildings
Paradise SE11
A multi-category award winner and crowned Winner of Winners, this six-storey, mass timber office building in the heart of London, is setting new benchmarks in offsite manufacturing, fire safety and sustainable construction.
DELIVERED BY B&K STRUCTURES (BKS) in collaboration with a pioneering project team, the building stands as a true milestone for both the commercial property sector and the timber construction industry. As the UK’s largest mass timber office building completed since the introduction of tighter fire regulations, Paradise marks a critical shift in what is possible with engineered timber.
The project’s success largely hinged on early involvement from specialist subcontractors. The team were engaged from the early design stages, supporting the project team – including Bywater Properties, Gilbert-Ash, Webb Yates, FCB Studios Engenuiti and Stora Enso – with comparative studies across structural systems, assessing the embodied carbon impact of various material options. The result of these efforts informed a timberfirst approach and delivered a structure that will remain carbon negative for 60 years.
Through DfMA principles, digital modelling, and CNC-precision manufacturing, each component of the frame was produced to millimetre accuracy. This approach ensured that the highly visible elements, such as the building’s distinctive V-shaped glulam columns, could be
delivered to an exceptional finish, with precisely aligned dowelled joints ensuring a refined final aesthetic.
Situated adjacent to the Waterloo railway viaduct, public parks and residential properties, Paradise’s complex positioning provided unique challenges. As such, the logistical strategy was considerable, with the advantages of a timber solution playing a critical part. Prefabricated cross laminated timber (CLT) panels and glulam beams were delivered in precise erection sequence, reducing on-site handling and disruption. A centrally located tower crane and phased construction approach allowed efficient installation, while edge protection and connection plates were installed prior to lifting, improving site safety and speed. This project combined offsite manufacturing with integrated logistics planning, accelerating construction while minimising risk and waste.
The project’s success largely hinged on early involvement from specialist subcontractors. The team were engaged from the early design stages, supporting the project team – including Bywater Properties, GilbertAsh, Webb Yates, FCB Studios Engenuiti and Stora Enso – with comparative studies across structural systems, assessing the embodied carbon impact of various material options.
Paradise SE11’s most significant breakthrough is its achievement of a 90-minute fire rating for its fully exposed timber elements – surpassing the 60-minute limit set by Eurocode guidance. To achieve this, the design team collaborated on a bespoke, full-scale, load-bearing compartment fire test, which replicated
real-world connection details and fire scenarios. This pioneering test validated the fire resilience of the dowelled connections, confirmed auto-extinction, and demonstrated that adhesives used in the CLT planks did not delaminate under heat. Bywater Properties are now using this data to inform the fire strategy on future projects, underpinning its importance within the Paradise project.
With a fully exposed internal frame, Paradise demanded meticulous moisture control to preserve the aesthetic integrity of the timber. BKS implemented a comprehensive moisture management strategy, including end-grain sealant for the CLT panels, immediate on-site joint taping, and close coordination with Gilbert-Ash, to ensure moisture management was considered by following-on trades throughout installation. These strategies were instrumental in preventing staining or water damage during what became one of the wettest winters on record – a serious achievement which helped maintain programme certainty and the high quality of the finish.
Paradise has already had a transformative effect on its stakeholders. Following the project’s success, Bywater Properties has adopted a timber-first commitment across its future developments.
Paradise is a proud demonstration of what is possible when early engagement, collaboration and innovative vision align. By delivering both elements of the combined mass timber and supporting steelwork package (including 2074m³ of CLT and 260m³ of glulam), BKS’ integrated approach proved key, ensuring consistency, quality, and cost efficiency
throughout. The success of Paradise is a testament to the entire project team, who together delivered a beacon of sustainable design and a clear blueprint for the next generation of commercial buildings. 4
Images 1-4: Paradise is the latest landmark timber structure
Structures
From Insight to Impact
How do we rethink value in offsite construction? Eva Magnisali, Founder & CEO at DataForm Lab, explains how it can be done in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
RECENT YEARS have seen remarkable advances in digitisation and technology adoption. Yet, a persistent challenge remains: the gap between digital ambition and operational reality. This gap is often concealed within complex workflows, fragmented data systems, and disconnected decision-making processes.
Our software platform seamlessly links design and manufacturing, enabling manufacturers to automatically configure products, instantly translate designs into production drawings and machine code, and simulate and optimise factory operations through dynamic scheduling. Yet, as we’ve worked alongside manufacturers across sectors, we’ve observed a recurring challenge: many organisations struggle to capture their current operations in a measurable way and to prioritise improvement initiatives effectively.
This often leads to missed opportunities, misaligned investments, and stalled progress towards workflow automation. What’s needed first is clarity: an evidencebased understanding of where value is created, where it’s lost, and how process improvements align with business goals. To provide that foundation, we developed our Value-Based Analysis service – a high-impact framework designed to uncover what truly drives performance in offsite manufacturing.
Why Value-Based Analysis is critical Too often, manufacturers approach optimisation as a technical challenge –adding software, robotics, or systems in
isolation. But without a clear picture of how processes, data, and business objectives interact, those investments risk addressing symptoms rather than causes. Our ValueBased Analysis reframes the conversation. It captures the ‘as-is’ state of operations, maps interdependencies across the design-toproduction value stream and identifies the key leverage points for meaningful change. The result is a transition from assumptionbased decision-making to a fully evidencebased strategy for improvement.
From complexity to clarity
At DataForm Lab, we simulate the value stream to visualise the entire production ecosystem – both at the project and factory level. By modelling workflows dynamically, we can reveal bottlenecks, quantify nonvalue-added time, and expose where data discontinuities are undermining productivity. Scenario analysis then allows us to quantify the impact of potential improvements before changes are made, helping teams invest effort where it matters most.
Beyond operational efficiency, this work promotes strategic alignment, ensuring that every improvement directly supports our client’s business KPIs, whether that’s throughput, cost reduction, quality, or sustainability. A key part of this work is to adapt optimisation initiatives to each manufacturer’s unique business model, recognising that, for instance, a custom product manufacturer will have very different priorities and constraints than one focused on standardised production.
Image 1-2:
The Value-Based Analysis service is a high-impact framework designed to uncover what truly drives performance in offsite manufacturing
Implementing the DataForm Platform
Of course, true transformation doesn’t stop with process mapping. Our Value-Based Analysis delivers a data-backed roadmap for improvement, but true transformation begins with implementation. That’s where the DataForm Platform comes in. By automating design-to-manufacturing workflows and optimising production scheduling, it transforms what was once a fragmented process into a seamless digital thread; one that drives both operational efficiency and strategic growth.
Looking ahead
In an industry increasingly defined by data and digital integration, understanding where value is created or lost is no longer optional. A Value-Based Analysis is more than a diagnostic exercise; it’s the foundation for strategic transformation, enabling manufacturers to connect process insight with long-term growth.
At DataForm Lab, we believe that true innovation begins with clarity. By revealing the connections between process, data, and performance, manufacturers can unlock smarter, more resilient ways of working. If you’re ready to explore how this approach could reshape your organisation’s path to digital transformation, connect with us and let’s start the conversation.
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Proud members of
Hinged
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SMA5243
Building Skills for a Changing Industry
Polly
Wilkinson,
Head of
BRE
Academy explores why investment in people matters as much as investment in projects, and how digital innovation must be balanced with creativity and human ingenuity.
AS OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION moves from the fringes of experimentation to the mainstream of delivery, one issue continues to dominate the conversation – capability. The sector is under pressure to not only embrace new technologies but also to develop the skills and knowledge required to make them work in practice.
Without the right people, processes and understanding, even the most advanced tools cannot deliver their full potential. While technology and materials often take centre stage in discussions about industrialised construction, the deeper challenge lies in people and processes.
Understanding how different skillsets connect and aligning them through shared standards such as BIM ISO 19650 remains one of the toughest yet most vital steps toward integrated delivery.
One of the most critical capability gaps holding back offsite construction adoption is the lack of understanding of the wider skillsets and how each part contributes to the overall construction process and outcome. This siloed approach makes it difficult to build a truly integrated workflow.
A key challenge is implementing standards like BIM ISO 19650 and using a shared Common Data Environment (CDE) effectively. Ensuring that everyone is aligned, using the same information
and understanding how to contribute to it is essential, and that includes using consistent language, naming conventions and documentation so that information is not lost or misinterpreted.
Ultimately, many of the barriers are not just technical but cultural and organisational. Addressing them requires a shift in mindset, better onboarding and standardised communication across the MMC workflow.
The case for investing in skills
Investment in technology alone cannot drive transformation. Across global markets, the pace of skills development varies widely, shaped by local conditions, education systems and cultural factors. Recognising this uneven landscape reinforces why capability building must evolve in parallel with technical innovation.
The strongest case for investing in skills and capability alongside investment in technology and projects is simple – without the right skills, there’s no meaningful implementation. You can have cutting-edge tools and ambitious plans, but without people who understand how to use them, adapt them and drive them forward, delivery will stall.
Skills development is not a one-off exercise. It is a continuous process that
Images 1-2:
The range of skillsets required for the developing world of industrialised construction need more training and understanding
must keep pace with technology itself. As automation and digital platforms advance, investment in people must grow at the same rate, ensuring every innovation is matched by an equal rise in confidence and competence.
Turning insights into real change
Through the BRE Academy, that expertise is channelled into training and upskilling programmes designed to help professionals apply new standards and best practice with confidence. As the training arm of BRE, which has over 100 years of experience in research, innovation and standard-setting, the Academy is uniquely positioned to translate technical knowledge into industryready skills.
By bridging the gap between research and real-world application, the Academy turns innovation into measurable results, from better building performance to safer and more sustainable delivery on the ground. Our purpose is to support industry by not only advancing knowledge but by ensuring it’s accessible and applicable, enabling professionals to confidently apply best practice in their roles and contribute to a safer, more sustainable built environment.
Find out more at: www.bre.ac
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Building Connected Communities Through Modular Innovation
In today’s fast-evolving housing market, flexibility, sustainability, and community have become essential values. Daiwa House Modular Europe is leading this transformation with its innovative approach to modular construction – exemplified by a recent special housing concept of 135 apartments delivered for affordable housing.
A
vibrant, inclusive community
The development brings together residents aged 27 to 40, creating a diverse and active community built on shared values of connection and participation. Designed for those who consciously choose collective living, the complex encourages social interaction through a range of shared spaces and activities. From cooking and language classes in the communal living room to game
nights and casual gatherings, the building is more than a place to live — it’s a place to belong. Facilities such as the ‘Miele Laundry Boutique’ and professional workspaces further enhance the sense of togetherness, providing residents with both comfort and convenience.
Thoughtful design and modern comfort
Architecturally, the complex consists of a striking L-shaped main building by the waterfront, complemented by two adjacent structures. The project includes 28 studios, 103 two-bedroom, and 4 threebedroom apartments, all fully furnished and equipped with private kitchens and bathrooms. Communal areas, including a lush courtyard garden, a roof terrace, and a spacious shared lounge, have been carefully designed to foster everyday encounters. An on-site manager ensures smooth operations and supports the residents’ community life.
Advanced modular construction
At the heart of the project’s success lies Daiwa House Modular Europe’s state-of-the-art factory, which opened in May 2024. Using advanced automation and robotic precision, the modular units were produced rapidly without compromising on quality. The building’s exterior showcases innovative craftsmanship: smart steel portals and integrated façade elements conceal module seams and incorporate ventilation grilles for the Nilan multifunctional MVHR system. The result is a sleek, cohesive design that looks and feels like a traditionally constructed building but built in a fraction of the time.
Sustainable flexibility for the future
The entire project, from factory production to onsite assembly, was completed in just seven months, a powerful demonstration of Daiwa House Modular
Europe’s ability to deliver sustainable, high-quality housing at speed. Delivered as part of our ambitious residential strategy, this development showcases a vibrant mix of homes designed for every stage of life. From stylish one, two and three-bedroom apartments and modern two-bedroom terraces to spacious fourbedroom townhouses, assisted living residences, and dynamic student accommodation. Daiwa House Modular Europe continues to redefine what’s possible in residential construction, building not just homes, but communities for the future.
Find out more by contacting: Nicky Jones, Business Development Manager on 01792 946284, email enquiries@dhme.eu or visit www.dhme.eu
Images 1-4: Special housing concept of 135 apartments delivered for affordable housing
MPBA: Roadmap to Net Zero
Marking a major milestone for the offsite construction sector, the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA) and its members have unveiled the industry’s first Roadmap to Net Zero. Chief Executive, Jackie Maginnis discusses the vision and collaborative effort behind its creation.
OUR ROADMAP TO NET ZERO, charts a bold course for the UK non-domestic modular and portable building sector to achieve whole life carbon neutrality by 2050. In 2024, the MPBA formed our Sustainability Committee, tasked with steering the sector toward a greener, more resilient future. From the outset, the committee focused on three core priorities: understanding the sector’s needs, evaluating current progress both collectively and within individual organisations, and crafting a practical, actionable implementation plan for the industry.
At the heart of the committee’s work are critical sustainability goals, including a clear, sector specific definition of net zero carbon, with a strong emphasis on whole life carbon impacts. This approach ensures members can see the full carbon footprint of the buildings they produce. From material sourcing and construction through to end-of-life reuse or demolition – rather than just the design and manufacturing stages.
Cutting-edge knowledge
Backing the committee in this mission is a team of leading sustainability experts, including Net Positive Solutions, Green Thinking and Lifecycle Sustainability. Their guidance brings cutting-edge knowledge, practical strategies, and real-world insight into carbon reduction, ensuring the committee’s initiatives are not just ambitious, but achievable and effective.
Early feedback from MPBA members, gathered through a comprehensive sustainability survey, shows strong sector wide commitment. Over 80% of respondents reported that sustainability and the drive to achieve net zero are central to their business development. Impressively, nearly half of all members have already carried out some form of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) or Embodied Carbon Assessment, demonstrating meaningful progress in understanding and tackling the carbon footprint of their buildings.
A central achievement of the committee is the roadmap to 2050, which sets out key milestones and priorities to guide the sector’s journey to net zero. This long-term plan is more than a vision – it provides a structured framework that empowers our members to take meaningful, measurable action, cutting emissions and improving sustainability at every stage of the building process.
These survey findings and expert-led initiatives highlight a sector that is aware, engaged, and actively
taking steps toward sustainability. With strong member commitment, expert guidance, and a clear focus on actionable, long-term goals, the MPBA Sustainability Committee is poised to lead the modular building industry toward a truly net zero future.
Action on whole life carbon
Over the next 12 months, the MPBA, together with our member organisations, will take a leading role in groundbreaking research led by Swansea University, tackling the challenge of demonstrating the whole life carbon benefits of modular and portable buildings in achieving the UK’s net zero carbon targets.
By harnessing data from across the sector, the MPBA will collaborate closely
with researchers to develop a dedicated methodology for meeting the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UK NZCBS) specifically for modular construction. This collaboration will not only align modular building practices but also strengthen coordination, improve knowledge sharing and capture lessons learned.
Image 1
Premier Modular generate zero waste in the manufacturing process
Image 2: MPBA Roadmap to Net Zero
Image 3: The circularity of modular construction
These survey findings and expert-led initiatives highlight a sector that is aware, engaged, and actively taking steps toward sustainability. With strong member commitment, expert guidance, and a clear focus on actionable, long-term goals, the MPBA Sustainability Committee is poised to lead the modular building industry toward a truly net zero future.
While the upfront carbon emissions associated with the manufacture of modular buildings (from cradle to grave) are relatively well understood, the long-term benefits during a building’s operational life remain largely undocumented. This research aims to fill that critical gap, providing robust evidence of the sector’s whole life carbon performance. The insights generated through this project will pave the way for a tailored net zero carbon methodology for the modular and portable building sector, helping MPBA members and their construction clients – take confident, measurable steps toward meeting the ambitious targets outlined in the MPBA Roadmap.
Leadership and commitment
Building on the achievements of our Sustainability Committee, we will be introducing a Net Zero Charter for members – setting out clear commitments, milestones and responsibilities. This will not only provide a framework for action but also offer a visible mark of credibility for clients and stakeholders, encouraging transparency and accountability across
the sector. At the same time, the MPBA will play a powerful advocacy role, ensuring the benefits of modular construction are recognised in government policy, pushing for realistic but ambitious regulation, and securing incentives to accelerate lowcarbon adoption. By developing sector specific guidance, tools and benchmarks for measuring whole life carbon, we can help standardise approaches and align the industry with the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard.
Through gathering and publishing industry wide data, facilitating collaboration across the supply chain and recognising member achievements through awards and marketing initiatives, our association can both drive continuous improvement and raise the sector’s profile. In this way, we can act as the voice, guide and accelerator for change – helping our members not only meet but lead the UK’s net zero ambitions.
Reshaping Offsite Construction with OSM
With a rebranded and reimagined way to showcase its offsite manufacturing expertise, what can ‘OSM’ deliver? Mark Griffin, Head of Growth and Development at OSM – explains what this bold step forward means in its journey to industrialise construction.
AT NG BAILEY, we’ve been pioneers in offsite manufacturing for over 25 years, operating from our dedicated facility in Bradford. With a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, prefabricated MEP solutions, we’ve long championed the benefits of offsite construction.
By bringing together the best of bespoke engineering and standardised products, we’re offering a smarter, safer, and more sustainable way to build. Our aim is to transform buildings and infrastructure through innovative, high quality offsite manufacturing solutions, with a vision to be the UK’s partner of choice when it comes to providing solutions for the built environment.
OSM unites five core services under one roof – OSM Assembly, OSM Weld, OSM Ventilation, OSM Hire, and our new consultancy offering, OSM Consult. This integrated approach allows us to deliver tailored solutions with the speed and efficiency of industrialised manufacturing.
Our route to industrialisation
The construction industry is shifting from a traditional engineered-to-order model to one that embraces industrialised methods. At OSM, we believe this transition is only possible when we stop viewing modern methods of construction (MMC) in isolation and instead forge a seamless connection between all elements of offsite delivery.
Our approach starts with a catalogue of standardised products, forming the foundation of every project. From there, we layer in customisation through our expert consultancy, ensuring each solution is precisely engineered to meet our clients’ needs. This hybrid model delivers the best of both standardisation and customisation. The benefits are clear. Offsite manufacturing improves sustainability, boosts productivity, enhances quality, and significantly reduces health and safety risks. In fact, our facility has recently surpassed two million RIDDOR-free hours, a testament to the safety and reliability of our methods.
OSM CONSULT
Our consultancy service provides expert guidance across all stages of a project. From MMC strategy and feasibility studies to BIM modelling and engineering technical management, OSM Consult helps clients unlock the full potential of your project with a focus on offsite manufacturing. Speak to our team to explore how we can support your next project.
OSM VENTILATION
With over two decades of experience in modular MEP assembly, we’re excited to expand our capabilities with OSM Ventilation. This new in-house service offers high-quality DW 144, Fire-rated and stainless-steel ductwork solutions, manufactured to exacting standards which can be seamlessly integrated into our modular builds. It’s another step forward in delivering complete, efficient offsite systems.
Images 1-2: OSM unites five core services under one roof to provide an integrated approach to industrialised manufacturing and brings together decades of knowledge and experience For clients seeking innovative, efficient, and future-ready MEP solutions, OSM is the partner of choice. Find
We’ve pioneered offsite manufacturing for decades. With a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, prefabricated MEP solutions, we’ve championed the benefits of offsite construction.
Is the UK System-Ready or Being Left Behind?
At Offsite Expo 2025, BUILDOFFSITE speakers were blunt – if the UK is serious about net zero, productivity and retrofit – then offsite isn’t optional, it’s the only system-ready route to scalable, investable outcomes. Industry advisor Fareita Udoh picks out some key comments.
TRADITIONAL BUILD chases the lowest CAPEX and leaks OPEX but offsite balances both and proves it over a building’s life. With Europe’s CBAM and tougher EPDs tightening the rules, policy now has a choice: chase newbuild optics, or back the hard graft of retrofit and carbon credibility. The message that followed was simple: Retrofit is infrastructure. Standards build confidence. Skills are the new infrastructure. Inclusion fuels innovation. We don’t have a construction problem. We have a systems problem and offsite fixes the
system: balanced CAPEX/OPEX, predictable outcomes, and hard data investors trust. At Offsite Expo over five sessions, there was one challenge and one conclusion – retrofit at scale is the UK’s only credible path, if we pair standards, skills and digital with pipelines that kill factory downtime.
The retrofit mandate
Session 1 set the tone with urgency. Emily Braham, Strategy & Operations Director at Energiesprong UK, argued that retrofit is still structurally broken. “In retrofitting
Image 1:
The 2025 panel discussions centered on retrofit and digital progress across offsite delivery
housing, it’s just too fragmented,” she said. “We’ve got a lot to learn from infrastructure clients who deliver these programmes.”
The carbon case came from Graeme Jones, Chairman of C-Probe Systems. “The impact of tearing down and building shiny new buildings is catastrophic,” he said. “Every time we demolish, we lose decades of embodied carbon. Retrofit isn’t just cheaper and faster — it’s the only way to protect what’s already been invested in the built environment.”
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Breaking the retrofit bottleneck
Session 2, chaired by James Talman CEO of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, exposed why retrofit keeps stalling – procurement drag, insurance caution, and planning paralysis. Threading through the debate was the thorny issue of NIMBYism. Communities that once embraced change now often block it, as endless consultations add cost and time. For the panel, this has become one of the greatest bottlenecks — not a technical failure, but a cultural and political one. Procurement and planning reform are as urgent as technical solutions. Without them, retrofit risks remaining a policy aspiration rather than a delivery reality.
Standards in action
Session chair Dan Rossiter, Built Environment Sector Lead at BSI, set the scene for why standards matterconsensus-built rules that bring order, reduce risk and unlock investment. Published in April, PAS 8700:2025 – Modern methods of construction for new build residential properties – gives clients and delivery teams a consistent, material-agnostic framework across the project lifecycle, aligning with roles such as the MMC Adviser.
The chair and presenters were joined on the panel by Dr Ali Saad, Lecturer in Construction Engineering and Project Management at Loughborough University School of Architecture Building & Civil Engineering and Trudi Sully, Director - Industrialised Design & Construction at Mott MacDonald.
The panel dug into retrofit standards—PAS 2030:2023 (now in its sixth edition) on installing energy-efficiency measures in existing homes, and PAS 2035:2023 (now in its second) on wholehouse retrofit—underscoring how these evolving frameworks are shaping practice. The bottom line –standards are voluntary, but powerful.
Securing the digital future
Chair Kevin Reeves, AVOVE Utilities & CLC Digital opened with stark diversity data, showing how far construction lags other industries. Digital transformation, the panel argued, is as much about people as it is about tools. “For industrialised construction to be a success in the UK, we need to think at city scale and be bold, harnessing both the existing technology available whilst planning for a very different AI-enabled future, considering the impact on people in our sector.”
For Faye Allen, RIMKUS best-selling author Building Women, the barrier is cultural. “We need to move beyond the stereotypes,” she said. “Construction is digital, global, and open to all voices.” AI and automation are not job killers, but catalysts for human-machine collaboration in offsite factories where data and robotics converge.
Pathways to progress – skills for tomorrow If retrofit is the mandate, standards the framework and digital the culture shift, then skills are the make-or-break enabler. Session 5 asked the toughest question: who will do the work—and how fast can we build their capability?
Philip Barnaby of SGB Civils opened with a blunt audit of the pipeline and a challenge to education. “Curriculum reform is non-negotiable,” he argued. “Digital design, carbon literacy and offsite manufacturing must be embedded now—not bolted on later.” The sector won’t transform if tomorrow’s workforce is taught yesterday’s content.
David Emery of the Supply Chain Sustainability School pushed that urgency onto the jobsite. “We need carbon-literate site managers as much as carbonliterate designers,” he said, reframing the shortage as a mindset gap as well as a numbers game. Competence must be consistent from studio to site.
Threaded together, the panel offered a practical playbook: modernise curricula, professionalise carbon skills on and offsite, use rapid pathways to fill urgent gaps, deploy digital learning to keep pace—and put SMEs at the centre. The verdict was emphatic – skills are the new infrastructure. Without a workforce that is carbon-literate, digitally fluent and diverse, no policy or capital stack will deliver net zero—or industrialised construction—at the speed the UK needs.
The question is no longer can offsite deliver. It’s whether the UK will back the only system-ready route that can – powered by carbon literacy and digital competence, with factory downtime designed out of the system.
Find out more at: www.buildoffsite.com
URGENT ACTION REQUIRED
The BUILDOFFSITE Summit gave the industry confidence but what next?
• Decarbonise the built environment by 2030. Treat retrofit as national infrastructure and scale system-ready solutions across homes and non-domestic assets
• Kill downtime, grow capacity. Build predictable pipelines and portfolio-based, performance procurement so factories can plan. Use digital production control, and data-driven scheduling to smooth demand—protecting margins while cutting carbon
• Reform procurement and planning. Shift to performance-based contracts and streamlined consent; end demolition-by-default and consultation drag
• Mandate assurance. Leverage PAS 8700 with PAS 2030/2035 and BOPAS to convert ambition into investable, auditable delivery
• Invest in skills for tomorrow. Build a carbon-literate, digitally fluent workforce— boardroom, factory, and site—so outcomes are measurable, repeatable, and scalable.
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Peterborough Hospital Ward Expansions
With a significant challenge in increasing its bed capacity during the winter, Peterborough Hospital faced a time when demand for healthcare services drastically peaked. To meet this need efficiently, the hospital turned to modular building specialist Wernick.
THE NEW TWO-STOREY BUILDING consisting of 22 modules added 20 beds with ensuite facilities and included essential hospital infrastructure such as a reception area, pantry, offices, and utility rooms. To ensure aesthetic harmony with the surrounding buildings, a terracotta rainscreen cladding was incorporated.
Wernick’s modular solution not only met the immediate requirements but also provided a flexible option for future expansion. The quick installation process helped minimise disruption to ongoing hospital operations, a crucial factor in a healthcare setting. This project is an example of how modern construction techniques can adapt to the evolving needs of the healthcare sector, offering both efficiency and highquality patient environments.
Peterborough Hospital required an emergency facility delivered on time, with minimal disruption to hospital activities. “The reason why we needed to expand our hospital bed base is because we were under real pressure in the winter months,” said David Moss, Director of Estates and Facilities at Peterborough Hospital. “The additional 20 beds will be used to alleviate some of the pressures that we will feel in the winter period. We needed a solution to be delivered quickly, so we went for a modular option.”
Manufacturing a building in a factory setting
whilst building work takes place on-site cuts construction programmes by approximately 50%. Movement of vehicles and the number of personnel required for each project can be reduced by as much as 90% compared to many ‘traditional’ build programmes. This means lower noise pollution and disturbance to patients, as well as fewer carbon emissions. Sites with tight access points or a small footprint also benefit from decreased movements on-site. Where required, modules arrive with interior fixtures and fittings in situ, decreasing the time required at the location further.
Modules are constructed to strict standards – Wernick’s modules are manufactured under ISO 9001 and 14001, in a dedicated facility, using a building system which fits the client’s budget and aesthetic. These systems are carefully designed to minimise material waste during the construction phase, and any waste produced is fully recycled, all without compromising the performance of the building for its intended use.
The look of the building was an important consideration for the hospital trust, which specified external cladding to match the buildings already on-site. The result is a building that is indistinguishable from the surrounding hospital building. A link to the main rehabilitation building, provided using
The project demonstrated the effectiveness of modular construction in addressing urgent healthcare infrastructure needs, particularly when speed and quality are paramount
an additional module, further creates the illusion of a building that has always been there.
For futureproofing, additional modules can be added to the building later, either alongside, linked to, or on top of the existing building. Again, this is ideally achieved with early engagement with a modular building supplier. You can expect a typical design life for a modular building of 50+ years, and with normal general maintenance, will provide all the comfort you’d expect from a ‘permanent’ building.
Mark Carter, Commercial Director at Wernick Buildings said: “Our work in Peterborough stands as a testament to how modular buildings can effectively relieve the pressures on healthcare facilities and support the growing demand for accommodation space. By employing our modular construction approach, we were able to deliver high-quality accommodation swiftly, minimising disruption to ongoing medical services. We are proud to deliver a building that helps Peterborough Hospital to continue their vital work in a well-equipped and supportive environment.”
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Dates for your diary
Tall Buildings Conference North
10 February 2026
Manchester
As the UK’s cities undergo unprecedented skyline transformations through tall building developments, these events will provide essential platforms for sector professionals to share insights on regional projects, planning policies and best practices across the country’s thriving high-rise market.
MMC Ireland National Conference
05 March 2026
Johnstown Estate, Meath
One of the latest and most well-received additions to the offsite industry calendar, MMC IRELAND NATIONAL CONFERENCE, is returning for 2026! The event will offer a fresh perspective and insight into the trends, technologies and engineering innovation driving the Irish offsite construction market.
Industrialised Construction Awards Entry Deadline
13 March 2026
Online
To celebrate the leaders driving this new era, the INDUSTRIALISED CONSTRUCTION AWARDS will recognise the organisations, technologies and people accelerating the UK’s journey from construction to production - and demonstrating that better ways of designing, manufacturing and assembling buildings are not only possible, but already happening.
Industrialised Construction Conference
21 & 22 April 2026
London
The UK’s only INDUSTRIALISED CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION is returning for 2026. Industrialised solutions transform the building process by leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques, underpinned by automation, robotics, and digital technologies.
Offsite Awards Entry Deadline
29 May 2026
Online
The OFFSITE AWARDS shine a spotlight on the most pioneering achievements - from forward-thinking designs to cutting-edge technologies, we honour those driving transformation in the built environment. Each year, our platform brings industry leaders, professionals, and innovators together to celebrate success stories and share best practices that define the future of construction.
*For further technical information and fire test reports, contact us on +44 (0)161 905 5700 or e-mail info@glidevaleprotect.com www.glidevaleprotect.com/frsolutions
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