Volumetric Modular Magazine - Issue 1

DEDICATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF VOLUMETRIC MODULAR SYSTEMS

SEP/OCT 2021

ISSUE ONE

VOLUMETRIC

MODULAR THE ELECTRIC FORECOURT® A MODULAR WORLD FIRST

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FRESH DIRECTIONS IN CONSTRUCTION With decades of experience to draw on, how does the MPBA view the modular sector?

ZERO CARBON LIVING Designing and delivering a new breed of volumetric modular housing

A RAPID AND AFFORDABLE HOMELESS SOLUTION Support, help and accommodation for people experiencing homelessness in Cambridge

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N E E D F L A ME R ETA R DA NT PA NE LS ?

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N EE D E X TE N D ED EX T ER NA L WA R R A NT I ES ?

We’ve got it!

NEED U LT R A L I G HT PA NE L S ?

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N E E D S USTA I NA BI L I T Y G UA R A NT E ED?

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NEED C L A D D I NG O P T I ON S ?

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CONTENTS PUBLISHING

COVER STORY

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FRONT COVER: ESS Modular PRINTED ON: PEFC 16-33-576 paper stock

by Buxton Press

ESS Modular The Electric Forecourt® ESS Modular recently delivered a state-of-the-art building on behalf of GRIDSERVE at the world’s first fully Electric Forecourt® and is part of GRIDSERVE’s wider ‘sun-to-wheel’ infrastructure, built to deliver low cost, net zero carbon energy to every vehicle that uses one of GRIDSERVE’s chargers.

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12 | Fresh Directions in Construction

Jackie Maginnis at the Modular and Portable Building Association, has been involved in construction related businesses for over 37 years and has been its Chief Executive since 2005 – how has the perception of modular and portable buildings in the UK changed since then?

14 | The Modular Journey – From Factory to Site

As an offsite manufacturing expert and engineer with over 25 years’ experience developing offsite businesses, processes and products, Darren Richards, Managing Director of Cogent Consulting, discusses logistics and the crucial factors with the design and manufacture of volumetric modules.

16 | B for Boutique

Lewes District Council has appointed Boutique Modern to a four-year framework agreement to deliver hundreds of council homes across the district and more widely in East and West Sussex.

18 | Building Safety: does volumetric stack up?

DISCLAIMER: The content of Volumetric 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. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without the written consent of the publishers.

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New legislation on building safety has the potential to act as a stimulus for offsite construction but what are the challenges and opportunities ahead? A recent roundtable discussed how volumetric modular methods can help fit 'the Bill'.

24 | Cleaner and Healthier Living

Some of the UK’s first mainstream modular zero carbon homes have been unveiled with the promise of zero bills, saving consumers £1,000 a year.

26 | Healthy Diagnosis for Volumetric Modular

Stephen Clayton, Pre-Construction Director at The McAvoy Group, sees volumetric modular playing a key role in delivering new healthcare buildings that are sustainable and fit for the future.

28 | A Rapid and Affordable Homeless Solution

PARTNER EVENT:

With a shared ambition to deliver emergency support and accommodation to people experiencing homelessness in Cambridge, Jimmy’s and Foundation200 worked with MODULHAUS™ to change lives for the better.

30 | Championing Modular

30 November 01 December 2021 NCC, BIRMINGHAM To book your place, go to: www.modularmatters.co.uk

As modular technology continues to make its mark on the housing sector, the National Housing Federation (NHF) backed Building Better alliance has appointed three manufacturers to its £600million offsite framework.

34 | Stylish Student Life

Upperton Road Student Accommodation is a purpose-built modular newbuild scheme, delivering luxury high-end student accommodation in Leicester.

38 | A Shift in Delivery

The £1.6billion NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) Modular Buildings Framework will provide a massive boost to the healthcare built environment.

SEP/OCT 2021 | WWW.VOLUMETRICMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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technical innovation & adaptability Built offsite Modular and Portable Buildings are technologically advanced structures that allow you to adapt or repurpose your site with low-cost, innovative, modern, and fully functional structures that can be installed without impacting your everyday routine.

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INTRODUCTION

MAKE IT MODULAR The offsite sector is made up of many technologies, materials and systems. All designed to deliver maximum efficiency to an increasingly complex and carbon-conscious built environment. Within that sphere, volumetric modular technology has become emblematic of the factorybased and manufacture-led approach to construction.

1 The volumetric modular market has grown significantly in the last 3-5 years, with huge amounts of investment entering offsite manufacturing to fund new facilities and innovative products.

More clients, developers, investors, architects, engineers, contractors and installers are now thinking in a ‘volumetric way’ – especially in the design, development and delivery of newbuild and affordable homes.

The adoption of offsite technology and ‘automated manufacturing’ to deliver the UK’s oft-quoted requirement of 300,000 new homes annually, has brought into focus a need to change the way we build. Add to the mix much needed improvement to the quality of student accommodation, education and healthcare facilities – especially during the pandemic – then many different sectors are reaping the cost, quality and productivity benefits that volumetric modular systems provide.

But how big are the opportunities for volumetric modular construction here in the UK and what does it ultimately deliver? For those not steeped in the offsite sector and with an industry awash with terminology and confusing acronyms – what do we mean by volumetric modular? This new publication will clarify and showcase some of the many diverse examples of what volumetric modular methods can achieve.

As outlined in the MMC Definition Framework by the MHCLG Joint Industry Working Group on MMC, volumetric is represented by Category 1, ‘Pre-manufacturing (3D primary structural systems)’. It is defined as: “A systemised approach based on volumetric construction involving the production of three dimensional units in controlled factory conditions prior to final installation. […] The system includes structural performance. Full volumetric units in apartment buildings can include apartment space and common area space. Mini volumetric structural units can include bathroom pods and the like which are structurally stacked and loaded.”

‘Volumetric modular’ is distinct from ‘modular’ construction – where 2D panels are fixed into position onsite to form the module. Volumetric modular can also apply to bathroom and kitchen pods or prefabricated mechanical and engineering (M&E) units – housing building services, boilers and power systems.

Volumetric modular buildings are largely completed within the factory.

The units are then lifted into position and fixed on-site with minimal labour and fewer site and material deliveries.

This precise approach also means much less waste and therefore less environmental impact. Reducing all carbon – but especially embodied carbon in buildings – is a huge talking point as the UK collectively strives to hit net zero carbon targets.

There are many manufacturers in the volumetric modular market – several of these are long term legacy specialists, now rubbing shoulders with fresh faced, digitally savvy and technologically advanced innovators,

all aiming to disrupt a construction industry that has long been characterised by low productivity, slow delivery, expensive and substandard quality, wasteful and resistant to change.

Research suggests that several factors will underpin continued steady growth in the volumetric modular sector – these include an increasing number of pivotal public sector procurement frameworks. Through many channels, the Government has been promoting the wider use of offsite methods generally. Its 2017 announcement of a ‘presumption in favour of offsite’, for projects in the defence, education, health and social care, justice and transport sectors, means that there is now an impetus to boost the use of volumetric and other types of offsite construction.

The Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA) reported that volumetric modular systems make up 60-70% of offsite construction, so these solutions arguably form an approach that is experiencing entirely different growth trends to that of other offsite approaches.

We should not pretend that volumetric modular or offsite construction has every answer but as ilke Homes – one of the flagship new entrants in the volumetric modular housing industry has outlined – volumetric modular represents the most dramatic departure from traditional site-based construction and illustrates both the opportunities and challenges of adopting new ways of building.

Images: 01. Volumetric modular methods are at the core of a cutting edge contemporary built environment.

Courtesy Premier Modular

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COVER STORY ESS MODULAR

ESS MODULAR COMPLETES A WORLD FIRST ESS Modular recently delivered a state-of-the-art building on behalf of GRIDSERVE at the world’s first fully Electric Forecourt® which the company has opened near Braintree in Essex.

1 The Electric Forecourt® is part of GRIDSERVE’s wider ‘sun-to-wheel’ infrastructure, built to deliver low cost, net zero carbon energy to every vehicle that uses one of GRIDSERVE’s chargers. ESS Modular worked closely with the design and architectural teams to deliver a building where drivers can relax and shop in state-of-the-art facilities. It includes a comprehensive retail space hosting WHSmith Travel, Costa Coffee, Boots, Post Office, and Gourmade. The facility also includes a waiting lounge, high-end washrooms, dedicated kid’s area, wellbeing area with exercise bikes that generate electricity, and business meeting room pods.

“The opening of this facility represents a major milestone in achieving GRIDSERVE’s purpose to deliver sustainable energy and move the needle on climate change,” says

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Toddington Harper, Founder and CEO of GRIDSERVE. “It’s our collective responsibility to prevent greenhouse gas emissions rising further, and electric vehicles powered by clean energy represent a large part of the solution. However, charging has to be simple and free of anxiety, which is why we’ve designed our Electric Forecourts® entirely around the needs of drivers, updating the traditional petrol station model for a net-zero carbon world and delivering the confidence people need to make the switch to electric transport today – a full decade ahead of the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars.”

The Braintree Electric Forecourt®, adjacent to Great Notley, just off the A131, enables 36 electric vehicles to be charged simultaneously, with high power chargers that can deliver up to 350kW of charging power, enabling people to add 200 miles of range in

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20 minutes, and much faster in the future as electric vehicle battery technologies mature. Together with GRIDSERVE, the project has been funded by Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC, Innovate UK and OZEV. The Electric Forecourt® is also designed to help people make the process of switching to electric vehicles as simple and straightforward as possible. The upper floor of the on-site building showcases the latest electric vehicles, and there are multiple digitals screens that help people learn about and source electric vehicles.

Unique Engineering Challenges Paul Sherlock, Head of Engineering at ESS Modular, shares some of the unique engineering challenges which this bespoke building posed and how working collaboratively with suppliers and partners ensured an exceptional end product.

COVER STORY ESS MODULAR “The GRIDSERVE forecourt building in Braintree was constructed wholly from offsite volumetric modular units which were constructed offsite and fitted out to a high degree before being transported to site, being bolted together and fitout being completed. There were several unique engineering challenges to overcome which differentiated this project to more standardised designs as follows:

• Several curved beams form part of the modular floor and roof frames • The roof of the stairs to the rear of the building is a 90-degree curved shape, meaning the wall and roof elements are one and the same • A large area of curtain walling glass was fitted-out offsite which is very sensitive to movement, meaning several design iterations were undertaken for temporary offsite, lifting, in transit and permanent load case conditions to ensure the modular frame would not deflect by too much and potentially crack the curtain walling • There is an area of the first floor to be used as a car show room which has particularly high point loading design requirements • There is a car lift adjacent to the building which had to be treated as a completely independent structure but had to be designed to stay within agreed acceptable distances of the building for tolerance reasons • There is a green wall on one elevation • There are a lot of heavy elements (planter boxes, large tv screens) hanging from the roof at first floor level which required a high degree of spatial co-ordination at design stage • There are large open plan areas within the building footprint which necessitated the introduction of heavy transfer beams, but which were also required to allow a high degree of offsite fit out.

“The curved beams required a very detailed finite element analysis from our structural engineers (a simple beam analysis would not be sufficient for such a section) to account for all loading conditions as noted above (temporary offsite, lifting, transport and permanent), but also required an in-depth knowledge of the steelwork fabrication process to curve the beams.

“Tolerances of such curved beams are notoriously hard to control, and as

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3 we required several of these beams to be the exact same, there was a large co-ordinated effort between our structural engineers, our steelwork fabrication manager and our steel fabrication partners to ensure what was to be delivered to our manufacturing facility would be fit for purpose. The same is true for the curved section of the rear stairs. Rather than a design solution being dictated by our structural engineers, by collaborating with our fabrication partner we arrived at agreed upon design principles and tolerances which delivered a product that everyone was happy with.

“The open plan area of the floor was designed to allow for temporary support columns in very specific locations which would not impede offsite fitout, our standard module installation procedure or the transfer beam install, but would also perform their structural requirements for all load cases as previously mentioned.

This required a problem-solving collaboration effort between structural engineers, steelwork detailers, architects, our manufacturing team and the installation team to ensure the complicated connections and various steel locations would perform as per structural engineer’s requirements.

4 “As a very high level of collaboration was required between all design disciplines, the use of 3D models (Revit, Tekla) and a Common Data Environment (BIM360) was crucial.

This also allowed us to check the model for clashes at regular intervals.

The creation of a digital model meant we used a “single source of truth” approach, ensuring that all design partners are working from the most updated information. During the manufacturing process within our live factory environment, our operatives also have access to these programmes, so that they can manipulate the model for a more global view of the building they are constructing and gain an appreciation for how any small local elements fit into the larger project scope.”

For more information visit: www.essmodular.com Images: 01-03. ESS Modular has completed work on the world’s first fully ‘electric forecourt’ 04. Paul Sherlock, Head of Engineering, ESS Modular

SEP/OCT 2021 | WWW.VOLUMETRICMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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MARKET MOVES

DRIVING HOMEBUILDING AMBITION A busy year for TopHat has seen them bring in a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) from the automotive industry to further boost high-tech innovation into designing and manufacturing newbuild homes.

Buddin did so by leading on the development of the Automotive group – via its Track25 and Horizon 2030 strategies – which included opening two new factories, new product development, setting up a franchised dealership network, opening new regional offices, establishing a logistics network, recruiting talent and implementing a new enterprise system (SAP). Buddin grew McLaren Automotive from a business achieving a £6million turnover and producing zero cars in 2010, to one that posted turnover worth £1.25billion and rolled 4,662 cars off its production lines in 2019. He then went on to lead the wider Group, helping to turn around the finances of the eponymous Formula One team and steering the Group through the COVID crisis.

1 Paul Buddin who was responsible for growing McLaren Automotive to a £1.25billion business in just nine years will lead on the volumetric modular housebuilder’s growth plans. The former head of McLaren Group – who left McLaren Group in May 2021 – will lead on TopHat’s growth strategy as it looks to deliver over 3,500 factory-built houses and apartments a year by 2025.

In his previous role, Buddin was responsible for establishing and growing McLaren Automotive – a business set up in 2010 to break McLaren into the luxury automotive market. Thanks to the company’s investment in new technologies and the agility of its production of luxury sports cars, the manufacturer now competes alongside industry giants such as Ferrari and Lamborghini.

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Backed by his experience at McLaren, Paul Buddin will be responsible for ensuring TopHat secures funding for the company’s rapid expansion plans as it continues to revolutionise the delivery of housing across the UK by harnessing artificial intelligence, precision-engineering techniques and robotics. His experience in high-tech manufacturing will help to streamline TopHat’s manufacturing processes, helping to significantly bring down costs over the long-term.

This will ultimately mean that investors, developers, housing associations and councils will be able to deliver highquality, energy-efficient housing for cheaper.

The former McLaren chief is using his appointment to call on the Government to introduce incentives that will help bring down the capital costs of purchasing and installing the low-carbon technologies – such as air source heat pumps and solar panels – that will help the UK meet its domestic climate change targets.

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“Reaching net zero in housing will require a joint effort from the Government and the private sector,” says Paul. “Through grants and other incentives, policymakers have done a great job in encouraging more consumers to make the switch to electric vehicles in the last 10 years.

As a result, it’s estimated that by 2022 the extra cost of manufacturing battery powered cars versus fossil fuel equivalents will diminish to £1,470. Ministers should now strive to replicate such successes, to help clean up housing’s act and achieve the economies of scale in production that will help bring down upfront costs that will be needed to help ensure the transition is accessible to all consumers.”

“I’ve been incredibly impressed with what TopHat has achieved in such a short amount of time,” adds Paul.

“I consider them an industry leader in delivering homes that are not only high-quality, but highly energyefficient. The company’s business model is more akin to manufacturing, rather than housebuilding. Therefore, I plan to use my decade worth of experience in high-tech manufacturing to help the modular housing pioneer scale up rapidly. If the Government wants to achieve its climate reduction targets and investors want to meet new building regulations in such a short space of time, then factory-built housing has to be part of the solution.”

For more information visit: www.tophat.io Images: 01. Paul Buddin, Chief Financial Officer, TopHat

GET INVOLVED

The housing industry is experiencing unprecedented demand – volumetric modular technology is hailed as the ultimate fast-track solution.

Now is the time to capitalise on this opportunity.

Join the VOLUMETRIC HOMES GROUP today and become part of the community that is driving change.

WHY JOIN THE VOLUMETRIC HOMES GROUP? The VOLUMETRIC HOMES GROUP is a membership led entity which has autonomy to set its own agenda.

Established to drive innovation, influence legislation, regulation and to support the overall growth of the sector, raising awareness of the performance and productivity benefits of volumetric modular technology for the housing sector.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS •

Direct representation within the wider construction industry

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Positive influence and engagement to increase market share

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Dedicated marketing and PR campaign

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Preferential advertising rates in numerous publications including the Offsite Magazine

For more information, contact a member of the team:

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Speaking and sponsorship opportunities

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info@volumetrichomesgroup.co.uk

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MARKET MOVES

ADDING VOLUME TO VOLUMETRIC With plans to build up to 3,000 modular homes a year by 2024, L&G Modular Homes is finally expanding its housing offer after several years of product and system development at its Yorkshire base.

1 L&G Modular Homes have partnered with Town & Country Housing to acquire a site in Broadstairs, Thanet, Kent, for the development of 153 modular homes. Working alongside Town & Country Housing, the scheme, located on Poorhole lane, which will be funded by Homes England, will deliver 153 affordable homes for shared ownership and social rent. A range of two, three and four bedroom houses will be offered through Town & Country Housing’s trading brand, Love Living Homes. All homes have been designed to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ‘A’ rating.

As well as bringing much needed new, high-quality, affordable homes to the area, the scheme will see improvements made to the local area, including the creation of a woodland walk and the planting of 8,500 trees.

With the importance of quality housing having been emphasised over the last year, modular construction is offering an impactful solution, supporting UK jobs and helping to meet government objectives to build more affordable, carbon-friendly housing.

“In a post-pandemic environment, the importance of delivering affordable, carbon-friendly homes, set within green open spaces and at the heart of 10

a well-connected local community has moved to the top of the agenda,” says Rosie Toogood, CEO, Legal & General Modular Homes. “Through modular construction, Legal & General is able to deliver all of this and in half the time of traditional methods. With our delivery pipeline now for 670 homes, the business is making great steps forward.

Our latest scheme in Broadstairs, along with our schemes in Selby, Bristol and North Horsham will really showcase the part modular can play in helping the UK to build back better.”

Colin Lissenden, Development Director at Town & Country Housing, added: “We are delighted to have secured grant funding from Homes England which has really helped to bring our joint vision to reality. We here at Town & Country are committed to making a positive impact on communities by providing more affordable and sustainable homes.

That’s why we’re pleased to be working alongside Legal & General on the upcoming modular construction scheme in Broadstairs. Modular homes are an exciting approach to the UK's housebuilding market, that delivers a fast, efficient, sustainable, and affordable options to local communities.”

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Home seekers can now view show homes at the Portholme scheme in Selby, to see what the modular homes provide. Here, 102 homes have been developed in partnership with Selby District Council, that exceed nationally described space standards and have also been carefully designed to achieve Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ‘A’ rating – currently only attained by around 1% of new homes. A combination of photovoltaic cells and high-quality build standards will bring significant energy savings for residents of the new homes.

Materials are sustainably sourced and the sensitive landscaping at Portholme also adds to biodiversity.

The Portholme scheme includes up to 30% affordable housing and will showcase how innovation in the industry can bring a step change to UK residential development, whilst delivering a sought-after place to live for a wide range of buyers. The aim is to enhance the urban fabric of Selby and create a thriving new neighbourhood in the heart of this historic market town.

“Having seen these new homes being developed and built in our factory just up the road by local employees,” says Rosie Toogood. “It’s great to see them in place and becoming part of a community. The show homes look fantastic and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to see the highquality sustainable homes that we have created.” The Selby scheme is set for completion by the end of 2021, and first residents are looking to be welcomed into their new homes this autumn.

For more information visit: www.legalandgeneral.com/modular-homes www.lifebuiltin.co.uk/portholme Images: 01. Rosie Toogood, CEO, Legal & General Modular Homes

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Advanced performance: designed to detect fire earlier and activate faster, providing better protection for people and property A modular system that enables more of the installation work to be completed off site, helping to reduce spend on specialist contractors Flexible hosing means joins between modules can be installed seamlessly Connects to the normal domestic water supply, needing only 8 litres per minute – no tank or water supply upgrade required

For more information contact Hadrian Garner, Business Development Manager T: 020 7871 3899 E: hadrian.garner@plumis.co.uk W: plumis.co.uk

MPBA

FRESH DIRECTIONS IN CONSTRUCTION Jackie Maginnis at the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA), has been involved in construction related businesses for over 37 years and has been its Chief Executive since 2005 – how has the perception of modular and portable buildings in the UK changed since then?

1 Modular solutions now make up 6070% of the offsite market, and arguably form a method of construction that is experiencing an entirely different growth trend to that of panelised offsite approaches. Market intelligence from 2018 – 2019 provided evidence of a turnover in the modular and portable building sector of nearly £3,000 million. This figure excludes the turnover from the major players who have recently entered the volumetric modular arena: including banking giant Goldman Sachs, investing £75million into modular housing business, TopHat and Sekisui House partnering with Homes England and Urban Splash. But the largest deal by far was revealed by ilke Homes’ involving a £100million agreement with Places for People.

The surge in demand for modular technology has gone hand-in-hand

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2 with an increase in investment which in turn drives innovation. At the core of offsite manufacture, Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) protocols and Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology empowers optimal configuration of offsite solutions by digitally connecting multidiscipline teams from the beginning of the concept design right through to the development process and beyond.

DfMA means buildings are conceived for offsite manufacture and assembly onsite. While BIM facilitates early design detail and three-dimensional design information, minimising the risk of errors by eliminating the timeconsuming process of translating engineers’ information into cutting lists and assembly drawings. BIM also facilitates the optimising and testing of designs in virtual and pre-production environments.

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A key factor in recent years has been the Government advocating more adoption of modular technology.

Since the publication of Mark Farmer’s report, ‘Modernise or Die’ in 2016 – Westminster has been more outwardly supportive and increasingly have supporting evidence to underpin their involvement and investment.

By far the greatest benefit to our industry is having a guaranteed project pipeline. This gives manufacturers the confidence to invest in research and development to advance modular technology as well as finance larger factory facilities, machinery, robotics and digital technology to constantly evolve and advance the industry.

Technology is ever evolving, and the offsite industry is now integrating BIM and digital design specifications with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Material Requirement

MPBA Planning (MRP) to improve accuracy, productivity and material usage. This technology permits manufacturing simulation and visualisation, clash detection and virtual onsite assembly modelling/programming, which can be enhanced using augmented and virtual reality. The demand for customisation has also led the industry to develop methods for adaptation during the mass production process to meet individual requirements. These modules can be delivered to site prefitted with electrics, plumbing, heating, doors and windows, thereby reducing the onsite building programme and accelerating the overall construction process.

Sophisticated & Technical Developments In her report ‘Building a Safer Future’, Dame Judith Hackitt highlights the need for a system-based approach with a golden thread of information running through the lifecycle of each project from concept to completion.

Central to the concept is guaranteeing the traceability and availability of project data and all decisions relating

STRIKINGLY VERSATILE

to the design, construction, safety performance and maintenance of the building – which not only enhances building safety but alleviates contractual disputes.

With modular construction all data can be validated and coordinated as part of a structured process, which helps provide accurate and reliable information for clients at the point of handover. Modular construction helps ensure client satisfaction and product assurances through the certainty and quality embedded into the build process.

The MPBA was founded in 1938 and its role has changed hugely over the years to be the organisation it is today. When I joined the MPBA it was very much a meeting place for like minds, it was my ambition to drive the association where it could make a difference. We now have a clear remit and objective which is to represent the interests of our members and the industry sector. Working with directors who are also members makes this an association for the industry, run by the industry.

We collaborate with specialist technical advisors to enhance innovation in the design and manufacture of modular buildings. We have also secured a ‘seat at the top table’ and now influence the national construction agenda at a governmental level and promote the benefits of volumetric modular technology nationwide. Looking to the future, as with many sectors, to continue to grow we need new innovative people to join our industry.

With the specialist nature of what we do ‘off the shelf’ training does not fit the bill – so we are developing training to meet our industry’s needs which we will announce later this year.

We are now far removed from the stigma associated with the ‘prefabs’ of yesteryear and I am very proud to play a major role in this transition.

For more information visit: www.mpba.biz Images: 01. Jackie Maginnis, Chief Executive, MPBA 02. BIM and digital modelling is changing the way buildings are designed and built.

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MODULAR LOGISTICS

THE MODULAR JOURNEY – FROM FACTORY TO SITE As an offsite manufacturing expert and engineer with over 25 years’ experience developing offsite businesses, processes and products, Darren Richards, Managing Director of Cogent Consulting, discusses logistics and the crucial factors with the design and manufacture of volumetric modules. load classed as ‘abnormal’ can be exceeded, however this brings in to play further regulations. This will result in either notifications to the authorities or an escort vehicle accompanying deliveries.

An abnormal load is a vehicle that has any of the following characteristics – weight of more than 44,000 kilograms (43.3 ton), an axle load of more than 10,000 kilograms (9.85 ton) for a single non-driving axle and 11,500 kilograms (11.32 ton) for a single driving axle, a width of more than 2.9m and/or a rigid length of more than 18.65 metres. Loads may overhang the end of a trailer, but once this exceeds two metres, additional notifications are required.

1 Due to its positive impact on cost, programme, quality and safety, modular construction has gained considerable momentum. The offsite manufacturing arena is an exciting place to be and we are seeing more inward investment than I have witnessed in decades of working within the industry. For many, volumetric modular is the ultimate expression of offsite manufacture. The more that can

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be achieved in the factory, the better and safer the process becomes overall, but transportation parameters must be factored into the equation.

Transportation Parameters Volumetric module sizes must be determined by balancing the width, length and height with transport restrictions and the cost of haulage and installation. The size of any

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In relation to transport specification, a standard UK flat-bed trailer is 13.5m long. It is generally accepted that a load should not extend beyond 1.5m from the end of the trailer bed and an allowance needs to be made between the load and the trailer headboard to ensure adequate manoeuvrability can be achieved. Any transportable load with a width exceeding 2.9m up to 4.3m, requires two clear days notice to the police in order to be moved. For a width exceeding 5.0m up to 6.1m, in addition to two days notice to the police, a report form needs to be sent to the Highways Agency. Depending on the load being moved and the route taken, in addition to the notifying the Police and Highways, advance warning may also need to be given to bridge and structure owners such as Network Rail.

UK Legislation does not contain any requirement for an abnormal load to be escorted. However, legally enforceable standards exist for the notification of abnormal load

MODULAR LOGISTICS movement to both Chief Constables and the Highway Authorities. The police are not responsible for ensuring the safe operational passage of abnormal loads on the roads – this is the role of the operator. General rules for escort vehicles are: up to 4.3m wide, no escort vehicle, over 4.3m but not exceeding 5m, a private escort and for loads over 5m, a police escort is required.

In addition, any abnormal load travelling within the Metropolitan Police area that is within the M25 – has further time restrictions. No movement of abnormal loads are permitted within this area between peak traffic times of 07:00 to 10:00 and 16:30 to 19:00 – Monday to Friday. Saturday restrictions are 10:00 to 19:00 and on Sundays, the UK norm applies.

Traffic Management and Installation Routes must be planned to take into consideration road sizes and contours together with height restrictions, including natural and man-made barriers such as trees and bridges.

Due to the nature and location of some sites, there may be a requirement for a professional level of traffic management to control both vehicles and pedestrians in and around the area.

The crane selection is calculated on exact structural sizes and module component make-up which will affect the overall gross weight. For some the installation process of modular units can seem complicated and expensive.

However, small units can be delivered to site quite easily and offloaded into position using a truck mounted crane.

The distance a truck mounted crane can lift a unit depends very much on the weight. The heavier the unit, the less reach capability of the crane. So therefore, all lifting capabilities are very site specific.

Depending on site conditions, mobile cranes may be required to lift the unit into hard to reach places. As volumetric and modular buildings get taller, tower cranes are playing a greater role in the installation. The use of mobile tower cranes is prominent on city sites with tight footprints, as they are far quicker to mobilise and more cost effective for a short duration, as well as being quicker than a small telescopic boom crane.

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3 Precision-Controlled The success and appeal of module manufacture rests in the repeatability of units. Load-bearing modules can be steel or timber-based and are pre-fitted with electrics, plumbing, heating, doors and windows, together with finishes. The modules are commissioned prior to leaving the factory, ensuring that defects are minimised, and quality control is very high. By assembling modules in a precision-controlled factory environment, the production line techniques that drive module assembly bring speed of delivery, enhance

the quality of the end product and dramatically improve productivity. Yes, module selection can be significantly influenced by logistics but this ultimate expression of offsite manufacture, brings a wealth of benefits to any building sector.

For more information visit: www.cogent-consulting.co.uk Images: 01. Courtesy Vision Modular 02. Courtesy VOLUMETRICTM 03. Courtesy Portakabin

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SOCIAL VALUE LIVING

B FOR BOUTIQUE Lewes District Council has appointed Boutique Modern to a four-year framework agreement to deliver hundreds of council homes across the district and more widely in East and West Sussex. authorities across Sussex to radically reduce the time and cost of housing procurement and offers guaranteed service levels, best value pricing and faster project completion. We can now build on the great work we've already done over recent years, and further accelerate delivery and improve the quality of affordable homes for residents in Sussex.”

1 The announcement follows a competitive tendering process and establishes a framework that other councils in East and West Sussex and Brighton & Hove can take advantage of. Founded in 2009, Boutique Modern specialises in high-quality, sustainably built, affordable housing that is manufactured offsite at its factory in Newhaven before the completed homes are transported and installed on-site, reducing the impact on the environmental and build-time of developments, ensuring quality and certainty of cost. With 46 employees, 21 of whom live in the Lewes district, Boutique Modern works closely with local employment and training organisations as well having a developed local supply chain.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said: “Building more council homes that are sustainable and so much cheaper and greener to run is at the top of our

agenda, as well as our determination to use council resources to create jobs locally and to support the district’s economy. This new framework is set to generate a multitude of employment and development opportunities for local people and local companies.

There is no doubt that it is a very significant milestone for the district, that I believe will define a new and exciting era of council house building.”

Boutique Modern is currently the only certified B Corporation in the UK modular construction industry – B Corporations are businesses all over the world that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance.

Dick Shone, Managing Director of Boutique Modern, said: “We're delighted to have won this contract from a very competitive field of established and well-respected companies. The framework allows local

CERTIFIED B CORPORATIONS These are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. Certifying as a B Corporation goes beyond a product or service certification. It is the only certification that measures a company’s entire social and environmental performance. From supply chain and input materials to charitable giving and employee benefits.

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Framework agreements speed up the process for appointing a contractor and save significant costs by not repeatedly going through a lengthy tendering process. Additionally, for Lewes District Council it underpins the Co-operative Alliance’s determination to partner with local businesses that employ local people, support local supply chains and utilise modern methods of construction.

Councillor William Meyer, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: This is the latest of many steps taken by the Co-operative Alliance to find ways to help address the acute shortage of genuinely affordable council homes. We currently have 129 council properties either moving though the planning process, under construction or recently completed with local families living in them, and the prospect that this agreement will accelerate the development of many more, is hugely exciting. Boutique Modern has demonstrated a real commitment and belief in the same values that underpin the council’s focus on community wealth building and so I’m delighted we are partners on our mission to deliver more homes in the district.”

For more information visit: www.boutiquemodern.co.uk Images: 01. Palmerston House, Newhaven a modular project previously undertaken by Boutique Modern on behalf of Lewes District Council.

PRODUCT INNOVATION

LIFT OFF WITH EASE Britlift lifting equipment is being utilised across the construction sector and providing an invaluable service specifically to the offsite construction sector and have launched the new 44m Lattice Spreader Beam. design, manufacture, test and certify the perfect solution for your lifting requirement.

1 Having recently supplied the likes of Vision Modular, ESS Modular, Ideal Modular Homes, Offsite Solutions, Modular-AR, Dandara Homes, Galliford Try and many more, Britlift are the partner of choice for bespoke lifting equipment to the offsite and traditional construction sectors. As specialists in lifting engineering Britlift can

Britlift have recently brought to market a brand new size of lattice spreader beam. The larger six tonne WLL capacity becomes the largest capacity (standardised) lattice spreader beam on the market. The Britlift Lattice Spreader Beam comes in two sizes (LAT-3 and LAT-6, 3 tonne and 6 tonne lifting capacity, respectively) and has been designed to lift loads at up to 44m in length (44 lifting connections) in the most cost effective, and economical way. The engineers at Britlift designed the system with transportation, storage, handling, and self-weight at the forefront of their minds.

Possible Lifting Applications (Not Limited To) • Lifting of roofing sheets • Façade panels • Long pipe sections • Bundles of long tube/bar • Wind turbine blades/parts • Rail sections.

Britlift also offer and off-the-shelf modular spreader beam range which can be dispatched within 24 hours and can be configured in a multitude of ways to offer between 2-10 points of lift.

For more information visit: www.britlift.com/rigging-design/ Images: 01. The new 44m Lattice Spreader Beam

IN N O VAT I O N IN L IF T IN G Britlift are a designer and manufacturer of lifting equipment, specialising in the lifting of modular homes, bathroom pods, commercial modules, containerised structures and pre-cast components.

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BUILDING SAFETY ROUNDTABLE

BUILDING SAFETY: DOES VOLUMETRIC STACK UP? New legislation on building safety has the potential to act as a stimulus for offsite construction but what are the challenges and opportunities ahead? A recent roundtable discussed how volumetric modular methods can help 'fit the Bill'.

When the new Building Safety Bill was published in July, it was outlined by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick as a key step in an extensive overhaul to building safety legislation that would create “lasting generational change and a clear pathway for the future on how residential buildings should be constructed and maintained.”

these include early client engagement, quality controlled manufacturing of components, BIM enabled 360-degree oversight of the project value chain and a design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) approach, that enhances efficiencies by using parts designed for ease of production and commonality with other designs.

Further secondary legislation will likely be needed to tidy up the legislation, and training for construction professionals will be necessary during the transition into a new regulatory landscape. However, in light of the Grenfell Tower disaster, the Bill is a game-changer that gives residents more power to hold builders and developers to account and toughens sanctions against those who threaten their safety. The Bill also highlights a raft of challenges and opportunities for offsite developers.

Offsetting these however, critical gaps in the understanding of offsite on the part of architects, safety specialists and other key players that could hamper its uptake as a ‘safe’ solution.

Volumetric modular technology can sometimes be perceived as presenting special challenges because it’s a ‘closed system’ which can mean limited transparency in terms of provenance of parts.

Proponents of offsite are well versed in its advantages. When the methodology is optimally executed,

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As is the case with many offsite approaches, the gap between the quality and reliability created in the factory and how it translates on-site, can be an issue – particularly when these gaps in application or execution

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can derail some of that safety and quality.

Implications for architects As the ‘originators’ of buildings, many architects are increasingly aware of the challenges and opportunities offered by volumetric modular.

For some, the challenges perhaps loom larger, as they note the new complexities and responsibilities exerted by offsite construction, and in particular volumetric methods. A new compliance burden will need to be taken on by architects, along with other stakeholders in the supply chain, meaning new continuing professional development requirements. Certainly, in the context of volumetric modular, architects need more education, so that they can at least have more useful conversations with manufacturers.

Nigel Ostime, Partner at Hawkins Brown, says it’s critical that when the elements of a building are produced by manufacturers, architects fully understand the process, but also

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BUILDING SAFETY ROUNDTABLE that the manufacturers understand architects’ thinking. “It's really important, says Nigel. “That we bring the industry in general together and its knowledge about all of these issues up to a certain standard, because at the moment different players operate in their own pocket of excellence.”

Hawkins Brown recently established a work stream there on design integration, which is intended to bring architects and manufacturers together.

New roles and areas of expertise could also soon emerge to “close the gap” – for example, an MMC advisor or MMC consultant, who might be an architect with knowledge of all categories of MMC, enabling a more informed product selection process for any given project.

Insurance and risk challenges Since the Grenfell disaster, new challenges have emerged in terms of insurance. Professionals and developers alike, are increasingly concerned not just about new professional indemnity (PI) claims, but about the potential for claims for buildings from years ago. PI costs have doubled in some cases, putting greater than ever pressure on building providers, and volumetric modular suppliers.

Indeed, the construction industry as a whole has become more risk averse, with key players such as fire safety specialists requiring higher levels of proof in terms of fire safety, detailed evacuation plans and slower product burn rates, as well as cavity barriers, which act as passive fire protection elements to prevent flames and smoke from spreading via walls.

Fire safety testing More rigorous testing, some of it specifically targeted at offsite construction and volumetric modular, may be required to provide industry surety. Fire engineers are likely to begin pushing for a new suite of testing that's specific to volumetric, as many are increasingly questioning whether current test methods are fit for purpose.

Testing goes some way to ensuring product safety, but there are, literally, gaps in its effectiveness. For one thing, there is a lack of standardised testing across the industry, which has created confusion, and in some cases,

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certain elements of the construction don’t have a test at all. For example, cavity barriers can’t be effectively tested in a controlled setting: tests can put a product through its paces, but don’t effectively replicate real world situations. In areas of a volumetric modular design such as intersections, testing falls short. “The challenge that we have is that people are coming to us with very complicated intersections but asking us then to underwrite these solutions with no means of testing,” says Christopher Hall, External Affairs Director for Siderise.

Perhaps not surprisingly therefore, engagement with testing is patchy.

Some manufacturers are engaged in rigorous testing, while some simply rely on published data, employing a fire professional to look at the details of a build to make sure they comply with the building regulations. Another related challenge for the construction industry as it relates to MMC and fire safety, is incorrect installation. An example of this is the addition of fire stopping measures on-site, adding another potential area of risk.

“A lot of the manufacturers just provide the modules, and this is where I see a big problem,” says Bob Hill, Technical Consultant at Building Life Plans.

“Because then the manufacturers may put the fire stopping in between the modules. Then you've got the cladding manufacturers who come along and put the cladding on, and the module manufacturers don't seem to have a lot of input into that.”

Tom Mason, Associate Director, International Fire Consultants, adds that while the regulations rule against cavities where fire could spread further than 10 or 20 metres, more emphasis should be placed on stopping the fire at the outset. “If a fire has gone into the cavities between modules,” he says. “It generally means something has failed elsewhere in the construction. If it has got through the wall into the cavities between modules, where it could spread around the building, a localised failure has occurred that could lead to a more significant failure.”

The fact remains that many fire safety specialists are currently underinformed about volumetric modular technology and how it performs. A concerted effort to educate them about how volumetric modular should be treated in a fire safety context is key

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to ensuring industry confidence, as more uptake of modular methods are expected in the years to come. Within this new safety landscape, the better offsite companies look set to thrive by investing in more R&D, investing in education and training, and providing full disclosure about their methods and products.

“It's really important that we bring the industry in general together and its knowledge about all of these issues up to a certain standard, because at the moment different players operate in their own pocket of excellence.”

Nigel Ostime, Partner, Hawkins Brown The golden thread One of the much heralded benefits of offsite manufacture is that BIMenabled MMC presents an opportunity to create a consistent through-line or ‘golden thread’ of information accessible by all stakeholders involved in the building process. This approach has potential advantages in improving safety outcomes. Once initiated, created, stored and updated, this information is critical in providing continuity across safety measures that have been installed in a factory and those completed on-site.

Adopting this golden thread approach enables architects and other construction stakeholders to stay on the same journey and keep informed about what measures are being implemented and why, at every stage of the process. In the context of the Building Safety Act, BIM-enabled companies who increasingly have end-to-end control of their materials procurement will have a natural advantage. Many in the offsite sector predict this could lead to more volumetric players entering the marketplace – certainly in the medium and high-rise markets.

Volumetric – pros and cons Within the whole gamut of offsite construction, the wide range of products and approaches available makes testing, safety and compliance in general a challenging prospect.

Amid a plethora of product options for offsite construction, volumetric

BUILDING SAFETY ROUNDTABLE

Facilitator: Trevor Richards Operations Director, Cogent Consulting

Christopher Hall External Affairs Director, Siderise

Ian Abley Principal Consultant, Fire Protection Association

Maciej Pulawski Head of Innovation, Premier Guarantee

Bob Hill Technical Consultant, Building Life Plans

Merlyn Forrer Associate Fire Engineer, Design Fire Consultants

Michael Hough Director, MJH Structural Engineers

Lindsay Richards Managing Director, The Richards Partnership

Jim Cowell UK Technical Director, The Elliott Group, MPBA Technical Committee

Nigel Ostime Partner, Hawkins Brown

Tom Mason Associate Director, International Fire Consultants

Alun Macey Construction & Innovation Director, Pocket Living

modular, although complex, does have some built-in advantages. One of these is that manufacturers can cover most aspects of the work to a build a module, often employing highly specialised people to do so, across each individual element of the build.

The result, when executed correctly, is a more uniform, unified final product.

In addition, one of the main selling points of volumetric design, is the quality control of the material or the components within a factory setting.

However, it’s often when the module arrives on-site that problems can occur. More industry and supply chain ‘connectivity’ is required, enabling all levels of professional to understand what happens in the factory and to carry that through to site installation.

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BUILDING SAFETY ROUNDTABLE The potential for improved installation quality in a factory environment is considerable, but it’s also important to ensure that the requirements are clear and that manufacturers aren’t simply relying on products and approaches used in traditional construction – the expecting them to be transferable to an offsite setting.

Manufacturers are capable of bringing volumetric elements to a high level of factory-fitted quality, but that quality loses consistency once the product leaves the factory, with lack of clarity and continuity about execution on-site. If volumetric modular continues to grow rapidly, it’s possible that building control specialists and warranty providers may need to do more to close this gap.

There is also an opportunity for the client or the modular manufacturer, or perhaps both, to employ specialist consultants, (that MMC consultant again), to do inspections that ensure correct installation and compliance of modules.

Learning curves However, training and education are already being undertaken in this area, says Jim Cowell, UK Technical Director, The Elliott Group. “We do have the ability to get people properly trained, to have really robust policy procedures in our factories that can be documented and photographed, and to have continuity between site and factory.”

Clearly, more widespread training standards are required, and arguably it shouldn’t just be up to individual organisations to implement it. Lindsay Richards, Managing Director, The Richards Partnership, adds that training for new kinds of roles will optimise one of the main marketing points of volumetric, which is quality control of the material or the component.

“In terms of retraining of individuals, it could be about looking at the equivalent of what we would call a clerk of works, in other words that individual who is trained to understand what has been constructed in the factory and is able to take that forward in relation to a controlled installation on-site.” This can close the problematic gap between the manufacturing environment and on-site installation.

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LESSONS & OUTCOMES Architects Involvement – architects need greater engagement with offsite construction and volumetric modular providers so better joined-up conversations with manufacturers and safety specialists can occur.

Education & Training – the construction supply chain including fire safety engineers need better training on the details that drive offsite and volumetric modular manufacture.

Insurance & Risk – post-Grenfell, PI costs have surged, necessitating a suite of measures to provide greater safety measures both for construction related businesses, building owners and occupants.

Product Warranties – another piece of the puzzle, product warranties are useful, but are unlikely to provide comprehensive coverage.

Testing & Accreditation – product testing helps provide a degree of certainty, but it’s not a catch-all solution. Testing regimes are disparate and absent in some areas – and can be seen as impractical and hamper progress.

New testing regime for specific elements of volumetric modular could be useful.

Industry Champions – new ‘expert adviser’ roles may emerge as offsite construction continues to grow. These will provide continuity and consistency across the offsite supply chain.

Quality Opportunities – under new safety regulations, offsite companies have an opportunity to differentiate themselves from traditional methods as a safer ‘best practice’ option with quantifiable data.

The way forward Offsite construction comes in many formats and finding a single way of ensuring its compliance with new safety regulations, guidelines and the Building Safety Bill is no simple matter.

But new consultancy/adviser roles with individuals directly connected and experienced with offsite, that includes oversight of safety requirements may help remedy this problem. Meanwhile a more general push to train and educate the wider industry, from architects, to fire safety engineers and installers to embrace more joined-up thinking between design, manufacture and installation onsite is critical.

“There is a lot of testing that is applicable and can be carried out on buildings, but do we have the test evidence for the smaller bespoke volumetric elements?”

Tom Mason, Associate Director, International Fire Consultants There are best practice examples of well-designed, safe buildings in both traditional and offsite construction, but undoubtedly, the

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manufactured element of offsite and volumetric modular in particular has the potential to be standardsetting. “There’s an opportunity for manufacturers to demonstrate how manufactured construction can be more sophisticated than traditional construction,” says Alun Macey, Construction & Innovation Director, Pocket Living. “They operate within a controlled environment with much more stringent processes, with repetition and standard details and testing at the heart of what they do.”

The feeling is that offsite delivery – and by extension volumetric modular technology – has reached a pivotal moment in its acceptance by clients, investors and developers and we are approaching a new frontier of knowledge. “Volumetric offers marvelous opportunities to get it right,” says Siderise’s Christopher Hall.

“I think we need to understand what ‘right’ looks like from all perspectives, but its potential is real.”

Many thanks to all participants for their time and contributions to the online discussion.

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ZERO CARBON

CLEANER AND HEALTHIER LIVING Some of the UK’s first mainstream modular zero carbon homes have been unveiled with the promise of zero bills, saving consumers £1,000 a year. ilke Homes is calling on its partners, its supply chain and the wider construction industry, to work together to speed up delivery. As has occurred with EVs, collaboration between parts manufacturers and Government incentives have significantly brought down the cost of materials and ensured more skilled engineers have been trained up. Like a car chassis, with manufacturers like Audi, VW, SEAT and Skoda using the same chassis for different types of vehicle, modular homes can be specified for a range of price points using the same base. This means that there is an opportunity to find significant efficiencies through scaling up manufacturing.

1 Housing is responsible for more than a quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions.

Last year, only 1.6% of newbuilds in the UK were built to the top standard of energy-efficiency, equivalent to just 3,457 homes.

Currently, like electric vehicles (EVs) and most green technology, zero carbon homes cost a bit more than standard fossil fuel heated homes because of the cost of installing additional insulation, heat pumps and solar panels but also as incentives are still provided to developers from gas network providers. Factory manufactured homes create less waste and are more thermally efficient because many of the components

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come pre-assembled or are cut and manufactured using robots. Having already trialled zero carbon homes for five councils and housing associations, Yorkshire-based ilke Homes is now rolling out a mainstream zero carbon home to help investors go green. ilke Homes says that the small cost premium will be eradicated totally by 2030 thanks to reductions in key component costs and advances in its manufacturing processes, robotics and AI-driven design. This means investors and housing associations will not have to pay more for a zero carbon home while consumers living in an ilke ZERO house will pay nothing for energy, saving nearly £1,000 a year on bills.

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“Government is rightly pushing construction to drag itself into the 21st century and we need to replicate the successes seen with solar, wind and EVs where industry came together, drove down costs and drove up skills,” says Dave Sheridan, Executive Chairman at ilke Homes. “We’ve spent years investing in our factory and this mainstream zero-carbon home is a great example of how the private sector can respond to politicians’ net zero pledges. There’s a huge opportunity here to tackle fuel poverty while helping investors meet their green targets. But we need our supply chain and our partners to work with us. Driving down the cost depends on scale and equally, we need to act now.

“Building zero-carbon homes now will pay off very quickly, because very soon councils, housing associations and homeowners will face carbon taxes and stare down the barrel of huge retrofit costs which can all be avoided. Low-carbon technologies are improving all the time but while some firms claim we don’t have enough of the right skills to build zero carbon homes en masse now, we believe that these are the very vested interests that have held back construction over the decades.”

ZERO CARBON

2 As well as tackling the climate crisis, given homes built to ilke ZERO specifications will see households potentially pay nothing for their energy, these homes could play a key role in reducing fuel poverty. ilke ZERO is able to achieve a zero carbon specification by:

• Fabric: A home’s walls, floors and roofs are highly insulated, while all windows and doors are incredibly airtight. This helps ensure heat does not escape and stops draughts.

Being manufactured in a factory - as opposed to a field - means everything can be done at higher quality • Efficiency: Highly efficient LED lighting that use less than a quarter of the energy of a halogen bulb is incorporated into the design, as well efficient water fittings and ventilation systems • Renewable energy: Fossil-fuel gas boilers are replaced by low-carbon air source heat pumps that use a third of the energy. In addition, solar panels, that now cost less than traditional roof tiles, generate more electricity than a house requires, providing free energy for consumers and income from exported electricity Mark Farmer, the Government’s Champion for modern housebuilding, said: “The Government continues to be highly supportive of modern methods of construction (MMC) and as efforts ramp up to meet the UK's net-zero carbon targets by 2050, it’s going to be vitally important that the house building industry delivers more energy-efficient housing to avoid costly retrofitting programmes later down the line. Achieving this will

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GREENWICH COUNCIL Over the last three years, ilke Homes has already delivered zero-carbon homes for both private and public sector clients, including Greenwich Council, Home Group and Positive Homes, in locations spanning the UK, such as London, Newark and Gateshead. ilke Homes recently delivered four zero-carbon homes for Greenwich Council on Robert Street as the local authority gears up to meet its pledge of reaching netzero carbon emissions by 2030. The eco-homes exceed zero-carbon standards in the UK. Each home is capable of producing energy back to the grid, showing the potential for mass market roll out using ilke Homes factory technology and the technology installed in homes.

By using precision-engineering techniques and digital design, all four homes have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating well-above the highest category of ‘A’. In the UK, only 1% of newbuilds are ‘A’ rated, while the average rating is ‘D’.

Due to high levels of energy-efficiency, the new homes, which were delivered in half the time of traditional methods and came fitted with individual air source heat pumps and solar panels, will be able to be heated on as little as £1-a-day. For context, a modern gas boiler produces 12 times as much carbon dioxide as ilke Homes’ heat pumps.

Laura Bujanauskiene, a resident of an ilke ZERO home in Greenwich, said: “My family and I love living in this home and I firmly believe that everyone else would.

Although it’s not cheap to build these homes, I would certainly recommend making the move to zero-carbon living. Our bills are kept low and we can sleep well knowing our home habits are making minimum contributions to emissions.

These are the homes of the future.”

require a greater focus on high quality factory-based production.”

Mike De’Ath, Partner at architecture firm HTA Design, adds: “Manufacturing homes in factories is the only way we can decarbonise housing stock, at scale, and we have to do this if we’re to stand a chance of meeting our obligations. Like the Model 3, ilke ZERO could be a Tesla moment as there’s significant demand for a mainstream, zero carbon home. What’s critical now is that we have the right policies and incentives to encourage the right skills and technology to

be developed so that all modular manufacturers and developers can benefit and work collaboratively to reduce the impact of housing on the environment.”

For more information visit: www.ilkehomes.co.uk Images: 01-03. The newbuild homes will deliver carbon savings and save money for residents

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HEALTHCARE

HEALTHY DIAGNOSIS FOR VOLUMETRIC MODULAR Stephen Clayton, Pre-Construction Director at The McAvoy Group, sees volumetric modular playing a key role in delivering new healthcare buildings that are sustainable and fit for the future.

1 The ‘Prefabricated Volumetric Building Systems Market Report’, published in 2020, predicted that the volumetric modular sector would grow by 14% by 2024 – the pandemic may well have accelerated that trajectory, certainly in the healthcare sector where speed of delivery, cost certainty and limiting disruption has never been more important.

Despite its many benefits, the use of volumetric modular to deliver healthcare projects has historically been limited – predominantly due to client misconceptions around design and aesthetics, and the mistaken belief that the end-result would be boxy, grey and uninspiring. However, in recent years we have seen a host of fantastic healthcare projects that have quickly dispelled those myths. Cramlington – a £15million Ambulatory Unit delivered for Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital – is one such project.

Integrating seamlessly with the existing building, it was designed to mirror its façade and includes in-situ built curves.

Along with great design, Cramlington also encapsulates the many benefits of choosing volumetric modular as an alternative to traditional construction methods, including speed of delivery.

As the healthcare industry works to tackle lengthy waiting lists and rising demand in the wake of the pandemic, we are likely to see a rise in the number of new healthcare facilities built using modular construction to cut the delivery timescale. At Cramlington

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2 we were able to reduce the construction programme by 50%, with the 294 steel-framed modules craned into position just ten months after our initial meeting with the NHS Trust.

Perception has undeniably shifted, with volumetric modular now seen as a viable method for delivering permanent solutions, not just stopgap, temporary buildings. £3.4billion has been allocated to develop and upgrade 40 new hospitals over the next 10 years and it’s likely that volumetric modular will play a key role.

Sustainability is also likely to be a prominent factor in decision-making as the UK gears up for COP26, and in light of the UN Climate Change Report, commitment to developing and operating green buildings will continue to grow in importance.

Volumetric modular offers a series of sustainability benefits, from the way buildings are designed and built through to the way that they operate throughout their lifecycle.

Long-term sustainability and resilience are central to our approach to responsible business, coupled with a focused ESG strategy, and that is reflected in all our projects. With each individual module manufactured and fitted out in a factory environment, projects benefit from significant waste material reductions, as well as reduced energy consumption via transport to and from site. There will also be far fewer people on-site, which further reduces fuel and energy usage.

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3 The reduced manpower on-site is particularly appealing for healthcare projects, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Hospitals must continue to limit unnecessary footfall, while minimising disruption to patient care as much as possible. Any new facility built using traditional construction will require a much larger team on the ground, for a much longer period of time.

Along with a tranche of major benefits, innovation in volumetric modular is also progressing apace. New capabilities and technology have expanded the possibilities, including bespoke, specially engineered modules and structural flooring solutions, for example. Intelligent design creates efficient patient flows and a logical, integrated care pathway to deliver an enhanced experience for both staff and patients. The main goal for any provider is to deliver a consistently high quality of care for patients, and offsite construction will continue to play a key role in providing the right facilities. The use of volumetric modular will ensure that new buildings are well designed, fit for the future and completed efficiently on time and on budget.

For more information visit: www.mcavoygroup.com Images: 01-03. Modular construction is going to play a vital role in the UK’s ‘Build Back Better’ drive thanks to its speed and efficiency.

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MODULHAUS™ CASE STUDY - CAMBRIDGE

A RAPID AND AFFORDABLE HOMELESS SOLUTION For 25 years Jimmy’s has been providing help to people experiencing homelessness in Cambridge, delivering emergency support and accommodation. With a shared ambition, Jimmy’s and Foundation200 worked in partnership to change lives for the better – with MODULHAUS™ providing the solution.

1 Through an unparalleled range of skills, the offsite manufacturing experts at VOLUMETRIC™ have dedicated time to developing a practical, robust and cost-effective homeless solution to specifically meet the needs of those who have limited resources and yet are striving to put an end to rough sleeping.

VOLUMETRIC™ adopts a partnership approach and works in close collaboration with Foundation200 – a newly formed charitable trust set up by the Hill Group to commemorate their 20th anniversary. Hill Group has pledged to help the homeless by gifting 200 fully fitted homes – but these are also available for purchase

by Local Authorities.

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Based on extensive market research and utilising modern methods of construction, MODULHAUS™ - a new concept in volumetric modular homes for rough sleepers, has been developed and rigorously tested to help overcome the nationwide crisis.

As modules have been designed and manufactured to meet a specific need, close collaboration with Councils, Local Authorities and Third Sector Organisations was facilitated to ensure the design and specification is fit for purpose.

People in Cambridge who found themselves sleeping rough have been given a great opportunity to restart their lives with the opening of 16 MODULHAUS™ units across three sites in the region which have been

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gifted by Foundation200 and installed on land owned by Cambridge City Council. Jimmy’s will manage and provide support to the new residents and work with the Council and other local organisations to continue to provide help to people who need it most.

Robust and Relocatable BOPAS certified and LABC Assured, MODULHAUS™ is a relocatable and robust one-person home with a 60year design-life that offers exceptional energy efficiency, outstanding functional performance and superior quality. Accommodation modules are delivered to exceptional standards, fully equipped and future-proofed for Building Regulation changes – arriving 100% complete, ready for simple site connection and commissioning.

MODULHAUS™ CASE STUDY - CAMBRIDGE

2 Design features include 24m2 of internal fully fitted living space with furnishings, shower-rooms and kitchens complete with white goods and utensils. Stackable to two storeys, MODULHAUS™ sits on six foundation pads to minimise groundworks and requires only electric, water and waste connections.

Offering a safe, independent and innovative interim housing solution – MODULHAUS™ exceeds the guidelines outlined by the Future Homes Standard – energy costs are reduced to less than £5 per week. This innovative volumetric solution provides greater dignity and independence to the most vulnerable members of society whilst also relieving the burden of ongoing expenses and fuel poverty associated with traditional temporary accommodation.

Mark Allan, Chief Executive of Jimmy’s Cambridge, said: “These modular homes provide further opportunities to people who are homeless. They are a steppingstone for people who have been sleeping rough to give them real support and renewed hope to overcome a very difficult period in their lives.”

Sustainable and Energy Efficient To maximise the benefits of modularisation, modules are conceived to optimise a Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) methodology and allow for the highest levels of offsite added value. This strategy reduces waste and makes best use of materials – all offcuts are reused or recycled.

The energy strategy for MODULHAUS™ is designed to exceed the Future Homes Standard with Environment Band A rating and emissions as low as 229.5KG CO2/year. Significantly exceeding energy efficiency and sustainable requirements – modules are 100% factory fitted, delivered in one load, virtually eliminating traffic to site.

Installation on six foundation pads, reduces groundwork and minimises concrete requirements.

Low energy lighting and white goods together with controlled flow shower mixers and dual flush cisterns are factory fitted to minimise energy and water consumption. Renewable energy technology is built into every unit including Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP), Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems.

Combined with a highly airtight and well insulated structure, U-values as low as 0.09W/m²K are achieved.

As there may be a requirement to stack the modules the structure is formed from hot rolled steel point loaded corner post frames, infilled with insulated profiled steel panels.

Walls are lined with a fire rated A1 non-combustible board to provide fire and acoustic performance, whilst encapsulating building services.

Internal floors are formed using steel profiled joists within a steel ring beam.

Roofs are formed following the same principles as the floor construction but with a spray applied roofing membrane – guaranteed for 25 years to first maintenance.

3 The fully non-combustible modules have minimal externally mounted features to avoid damage. Integrated gutters and downpipes reduce the potential for vandalism. For additional security, all modules include Secured

By Design windows and external doors.

Life Changing Opportunity We live in one of the most advanced countries in the world and yet too many people still sleep rough on the streets every night. Advanced volumetric modular technology has been used as a positive force to help alleviate the crisis.

A resident who moved into one of the new homes said: “I’m loving my new place, it’s perfect for me and I’m enjoying having my own safe space. I feel lucky and am really grateful for this opportunity.”

For more information visit: www.volumetric.co.uk

PROJECT TEAM Client: Hill Group/Foundation200 Charity: Jimmy's Cambridge Architect: Geraghty Taylor Architects Engineering Design: Cogent Consulting Manufacturer: Volumetric Modular

Images: 01-03. A new concept in volumetric modular homes for rough sleepers will help overcome a nationwide crisis.

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OFFSITE HOMES FRAMEWORK

BUILDING BETTER CHAMPIONING MODULAR As modular technology continues to make its mark on the housing sector, the National Housing Federation (NHF) backed Building Better alliance has appointed three volumetric modular manufacturers to its £600million offsite framework.

1 Building Better, the NHF-supported alliance of 29 housing associations and local authorities working together to increase the use of modern methods of construction (MMC), has now appointed three manufacturers to deliver its first offsite homes framework. The Building Better framework comes as housing associations move away from traditional housebuilding and towards offsite construction that can deliver homes in half the time, that are up to 70% more sustainable. Thanks to shorter construction programmes, modular housebuilding can help generate faster revenue streams for housing associations. This also means

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housing associations will benefit from having to spend less on retrofitting further down the line.

Procurement for Housing (PfH) and Building Better have signed up Ilke Homes, Impact Modular and TopHat to the volumetric framework which is worth up to £600million over five years. Social housing providers will be able to procure pre-manufactured 3D construction systems for both houses and apartments through the deal.

Over 185,000 homes are managed by the 29 housing associations and local authorities that make up Building Better. Initially, they will build

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at least 800 new offsite homes via the framework with a further 4,500 properties to be produced using modern methods of construction before 2026. This pipeline will grow as more social housing providers join the alliance.

PfH and Building Better have appointed the three successful manufacturers to the framework on a direct award basis. This means that housing associations and local authorities won’t need to go through any additional tender process. It is estimated that this streamlined contracting approach will save each housing provider around £15,000 in procurement costs alone.

OFFSITE HOMES FRAMEWORK

2 All MMC homes procured under the Building Better framework will be able to meet the government’s ‘zero carbon ready’ Future Homes Standard, they will take a ‘fabric-first’ approach prioritising insulation ahead of add-ons like solar panels, they will meet nationally described space standards and have the option to be wheelchair accessible. Offsite homes developed by Building Better members will also be certified by the Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) and be assessed and accepted by a NHBC building warranty.

Set up in 2018 as part of the National Housing Federation’s Greenhouse innovation programme, Building Better aggregates demand from its members so they can procure high quality, sustainable, offsite homes, at the right price, confident in the fact that these homes will meet their customers’ needs. Building Better also collaborates with offsite manufacturers, listening to their feedback, learning and innovating together. This partnership approach improves quality, safety, energy efficiency, downstream maintenance and resident satisfaction.

Trina Chakravarti, Project Director of Building Better said: “In the past, housing associations, local authorities and manufacturers have often gone through the MMC process alone - there is no aggregation of knowledge or resources, and mistakes are repeated. We want to change this through early, honest partnership working between social

housing providers, manufacturers and residents, sharing information and learning together to improve MMC and overcome traditional barriers.”

Established in 2004, PfH is a national procurement consortium dedicated to the social housing sector and supported by the National Housing Federation (NHF), Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and HouseMark.

Collectively our Members manage more than 75% of UK’ social housing stock, with PfH helping them to achieve efficiency savings using a wide range of services including framework agreements, spend analyses, strategy reviews, consolidated billing and comprehensive reporting.

Steve Malone, CEO at PfH said: “By assessing the MMC market, narrowing the field and appointing just three manufacturers, our goal was to reduce much of the due diligence and procurement complexity that housing associations and local authorities often face around MMC. Ilke Homes, Impact Modular and TopHat all impressed

3 us with their commitment to the collaborative ethos of this framework.

For them, involving residents and working closely with housing providers is key to continually improving their MMC offer.”

Due to COVID-19, the number of people on housing association waiting lists has only increased, with a recent report from Local Government Association stating that housing waiting lists could hit more than two million this year, due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than ever, housing associations now need innovative methods of building that allow them to meet this demand.

Find out more at: https:// procurementforhousing.co.uk/mmccategory-1-framework/ www.housing.org.uk/buildingbetter Images: 01-03. The volumetric framework is worth up to £600million over five years.

Courtesy TopHat

WHO’S INVOLVED? Building Better’s MMC Category 1 Construction Systems framework covers pre-manufactured, three-dimensional buildings that are factory-produced and delivered to site. There are three lots: • Lot 1: Low rise housing AND low and medium rise apartments (manufacturer is TopHat) • Lot 2: Low rise housing (manufacturer is Ilke Homes) • Lot 3: Low and medium rise apartments (manufacturer is Impact Modular).

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30 November 01 December 2021 NCC, BIRMINGHAM

In partnership with Volumetric Homes Group (VHG) and the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA); MODULAR MATTERS Conference & Exhibition is set to return to Birmingham for its fourth year on 30 November and 01 December 2021.

This two-day conference and exhibition presents a prime business opportunity to gain insight and network with those who are shaping the future of the volumetric modular industry as it focuses on the latest developments, innovations, and investments in the volumetric modular offsite sector.

In recent years, the need for rapid, reliable, and sustainable solutions has become more essential than ever to help battle Britain’s housing crisis and the global climate emergency.

Providing Britain with a beacon of light, volumetric modular technology has been placed at the forefront of offsite techniques due to its remarkable impact on reducing cost, carbon emissions and landfill whilst increasing quality and safety. In addition to this, advanced modular techniques reduce build times by an astonishing 50-60%.

Historically, offsite construction has been considered a novelty but as we enter a time where sustainability is crucial, we are seeing a significant shift towards more modern methods of construction.

MODULAR MATTERS demonstrates how to tackle industry challenges through a range of project case studies, innovative architecture and building design, IT and software development, as well as presenting what the future of manufacturing may look like with presentations from a collection of the UK’s leading volumetric modular manufacturers.

Event Partners:

mpba

modular & portable building association

PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE MODULAR MATTERS provides positive return-on-investment and will be one of the best attended events dedicated to the volumetric module manufacturing sector.

Why Exhibit at MODULAR MATTERS?

• Raise your company and product profile through direct interaction with key target audiences generating highly qualified leads • Take advantage of the event’s extensive digital marketing campaign • Relax in the knowledge that our dedicated team will guide you through every step of the process starting pre-event, onsite and post-event to maximise your return on investment

Why Sponsor MODULAR MATTERS?

Choose from our range of MODULAR MATTERS sponsorship packages to secure exposure for your company. Aside from high-level branding, these packages also offer networking, thought leadership, speaker and lead generation opportunities.

EXHIBITOR & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE CONTACT THE TEAM ON: 01743 290042 julie.williams@radar-communications.co.uk

MODULAR MATTERS Conference & Exhibition is aimed at attracting construction clients, construction professionals, architects, surveyors, engineers, contractors, facilities managers, building product manufacturers and suppliers.

Tickets: One Day £125+VAT | Two Days £225+VAT

To book your place, go to:

www.modularmatters.co.uk

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

STYLISH STUDENT LIFE Upperton Road Student Accommodation is a purpose-built modular newbuild scheme, delivering luxury high-end student accommodation in Leicester.

1 The scheme consists of 46 selfcontained studio apartments for student living, includes a gym, cinema room, and private study areas as well as indoor and outdoor communal areas. The project was for the refurbishment of an existing block and the design and construction of two additional three-four storey blocks housing the studios, self-contained flats, and ancillary accommodation.

The development is 1900sqm and Block A and in parts to Block C Roof there is a green roof. The scheme is located within cartilage of a Grade 2 listed building and the design was developed with this in mind. Utilising MAS skills and expertise in old and new approach, a well-balanced contextual design approach was applied. Upperton Road will provide a new level of much needed

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contemporary student accommodation within Leicester city centre providing all the necessary facilities on site, creating a luxurious environment for students to thrive in.

Upperton Road is the fourth highend student accommodation project delivered by the trio formed by the same client, contractor and architect. This continuing partnership has helped create some of Leicester’s most sought-after student accommodation.

Utilising MAS skills and expertise in old and new approach, a wellbalanced contextual design approach was applied. This luxury student development is located within a short walking distance to the main campus centre of De Montfort University, it has good connections to Bede Park

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and Nelson Mandela Park to the south by foot along Regent Road. These connections allow easy access for the students to the various University departments and to local services and facilities within the area, bringing additional life and vitality to the location.

The 46 self-contained, ultra-modern and smart studios have various internal and external communal spaces. Each of the studios has been designed with comfort and quality in mind, taking into account good on-site amenities and featuring an open courtyard towards the rear elevation. The layout for each room is designed to be spacious to allow for a flexible flow of movement. Each studio is designed to allow for a double size sofa in the room, if needed, with generous views towards all elevations.

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

2 The bed space and study area are located nearest the window to allow natural light to be utilised during the day and there is plenty of storage combined with personal en-suite shower room facilities and a kitchenette. The site also boosts amenities such as a gym, cinema room, study pods, internal and external spaces as well as a laundry room and a large outdoor cycle store.

The teams involved drew on their extensive record of working in busy locations and managing the challenges of constrained sites through the construction of this complex in the city centre. Solutions introduced to cut construction time, minimise disruption and ensure excellent quality included the use of modular bathroom pods which were manufactured in factory conditions and delivered fully fitted to site. The use of precast concrete for stairs and intermediate floors also contributed to less environmental damage and meant the project was delivered on time despite lockdown restrictions and difficult circumstances in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Less energy and resources were used and less waste was produced onsite due to the fact that the modular bathroom pods were manufactured to precision in a factory and delivered

3 to the site on time. As the bathroom pods were manufactured offsite there was greater manufacturing precision, materials were more accurately calculated, reducing energy consumption and running costs. By manufacturing offsite there were less workers needed on site thereby reducing running costs too.

The use of a crane provided a faster installation process saving on both construction time and cost. Using offsite technology also meant that delivery was guaranteed on time and to the highest quality as mitigating circumstances such as bad weather did not delay the project. The design didn’t need to allow for margin of error and therefore costs for remedying

4 construction defects have been greatly reduced. The project was delivered on time ready for University students to accommodate at the beginning of the academic year 2020/2021.

Director Neil Thakkar, from client, Zone Developments said: “This project is set to deliver exciting, contemporary student accommodation in an excellent location.”

For more information visit: www.masarchitecture.co.uk Images: 01-04. The 46 self-contained, ultra-modern and smart studios have various internal and external communal spaces.

SEP/OCT 2021 | WWW.VOLUMETRICMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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VM ADVERTORIAL

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES AS M-AR TREBLES TURNOVER It’s been an exceptional year for the construction industry as a whole but for off-site contractor, M-AR, it’s been exceptional for all the right reasons – with record-breaking sales and turnover reported. And now the company has its sights set on breaking even more records this year and beyond.

2 1 The Hull-based off-site contractor, which is still privately owned today, was founded in 2007 and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

It primarily operates across the residential sector, both private and social housing, as well as education and the commercial sectors.

M-AR: the 2020 results are in Following a period of unprecedented growth, M-AR has reported an increase in turnover of more than 300 per cent up on the previous year. This makes the year ending March 2021 truly exceptional – especially in the face of industry-wide challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent national lockdowns.

M-AR has reported annual turnover in excess of £20 million for 2020/2021 and, with a clear strategy is on track to increase turnover by a further 50% in 2021/2022. Moreover, the company’s profitability also increased significantly, making it M-AR’s most successful year to date and the sign of things to come as it makes a name for itself as a trusted offsite contractor.

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What’s the secret to M-AR’s success?

M-AR works in partnership with customers and supply chain partners to find the right solution for each project brief, using its expertise to tackle any challenge to create and deliver schemes without compromise.

The company primarily focuses on volumetric schemes but has the ability to provide alternative construction solutions, making its offering truly unique.

M-AR also owes its success to its continued commitment to selfinvestment in all areas of the business with the latest period of growth fuelled by large-scale company-wide investment. M-AR was early to the housing market and is now part of the Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) and has invested significantly in its technology to allow it to increase its offering within the housing market.

In the last year the company has appointed 35 new members of staff, moved to a brand-new dedicated 100,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility and invested over £2m in new machinery and equipment.

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This ongoing investment will continue to reduce the cost base for its customers and lay the foundations for M-AR’s ambitious five-year growth plans, allowing it to increase the volume of projects it can deliver sustainably and without impacting on quality or customer service.

What’s next for M-AR? Ryan Geldard, Operations Director at M-AR commented: “We’re delighted that our novel approach is working well for our customers, and that is reflected in our financial results and forward order book. We’re entirely focussed on creating better project outcomes and lowering costs for our customers through our holistic assessments of their needs and by aligning our people and technology, merging the gaps between traditional contracting and manufacturing.

“Our management team is committed to making M-AR a happy and healthy place to work and also supporting our peers in industry to drive better collaboration. We’re first in line on many great initiatives that are breaking the mould of how high quality housing is delivered.”

For more information visit: www.m-ar.co.uk Images: 01-02. Modular construction is going to play a vital role in the UK’s ‘Build Back Better’ drive thanks to its speed and efficiency.

Simply M-ARvellous At M-AR we do modular differently. And we’re proud of that.

As your off-site construction partner we work with our clients to create the building space you want in the residential, commercial and education sectors. Turnkey D&B solutions, engaged communication and an innovative problem-solving approach.

So what are you waiting for, why not get in touch with us and see how the M-AR approach will maximise your investment.

Simple really.

01482 635 081 | buildingrelationships@m-ar.co.uk

HEALTHCARE

A SHIFT IN DELIVERY The £1.6billion NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) Modular Buildings Framework will provide a massive boost to the healthcare built environment these frameworks will be offsite manufactured using our range of patent pending and trademarked offsite manufactured products, here in the North East of England, at our newly-expanded 270,000sq ft factory in Cramlington.”

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1 The Modular Buildings Framework provides a ‘compliant route to access modern methods of construction (MMC)’. This framework agreement includes the purchase, hire or lease of modular solutions including offsite building solutions, modular hospital buildings, patient offload departments (PODs) and education solutions. The framework for modular buildings provides bespoke solutions from office space to student accommodation, and from care homes to homeless shelters.

This framework is open to the NHS, local authorities, schools, academies, sixth form colleges, universities, the MOJ, MOD, and other public sector organisations.

The efficiency gains from modular and offsite manufactured solutions support the delivery of the government's construction and industry strategy targets, which include time and cost savings as well as whole-life cost benefits and in use savings. This modular building framework in turn provides a fully UK compliant route for NHS and public sector organisations to procure all types of modular building solutions. The framework agreement has been awarded following a fair and open competition across the offsite construction and modular buildings market.

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Merit – one of the key providers and offsite construction specialist for technically complex, zero-carbon emission buildings has secured a number of significant framework appointments in the first half of the year, including winning a place on the £1.6billion NHS SBS Framework.

NHS Trusts, and a range of other NHS and public sector organisations, are now able to contract Merit Health, the company’s dedicated healthcare and life sciences division, to design and build a wide range of buildings and facilities. Merit’s unique approach centres on a range of standardised Pre-Assembled Modules that can be integrated into tailored client designs, with an emphasis on build speed and low cost, without compromising on quality.

Tony Wells, Managing Director at modular provider Merit, said: “We passionately believe that the right approach to hospital building can help support the NHS’ net zero carbon commitment. Our innovative zero carbon facility designs are already improving energy efficiency and eliminating fossil fuels, which brings significant operating savings as well as helping tackle climate change.

All projects called off through

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Speaking about joining the framework, ModuleCo Healthcare Managing Director, Alan Wilson, added: “It’s been a tough year for the NHS, but now more than ever it needs our support.

Through this framework, the NHS will have easy access to our cost-effective and reliable construction methods with the reassurance that facilities will always be of the highest standard. We are delighted to have been included in the latest SBS modular buildings framework. It’s fantastic to be officially and nationally recognised as providing high-quality modular solutions and we look forward to continuing to work alongside NHS Trusts to provide quality modular solutions.”

The NHS SBS modular construction framework acknowledges the benefits provided by modular building approaches, including the significant improvement these bring in terms of efficiency. In addition to cost advantages, modular construction also comes with considerably faster delivery times, and minimal on-site disruption. Modular buildings are also a more sustainable option, supporting the NHS to achieve its net zero targets.

The specification has been developed through consultation with the market and offsite experts and will run 5 July 2021 until 4 July 2023.

Images: 01. Healthcare facilities can be transformed by volumetric modular methods. Courtesy Merit 02. PM Boris Johnson touring the Hereford County Hospital modular project. Courtesy MTX

MODULHAUS

™

THE RAPID AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING SOLUTION

Industry acclaimed concept in volumetric modular one-person homes, designed and developed by VOLUMETRIC™ – specialist offsite manufacturers of custom-built homeless and key worker solutions.

Robust solution with 60 year design life BOPAS certified & LABC Assured Exceptional energy efficiency Outstanding functional performance

If you have an enquiry please contact the VOLUMETRIC™ team:

Superior quality

E: info@volumetric.co.uk

Fully non-combustible structure

T: 01743 290 020

M O D U L A R T E C H N O LO GY I N N O V AT I O N

www.volumetric.co.uk

STEEL FRAMING SYSTEMS

PRECISION ENGINEERED MODULAR SOLUTIONS Achieving structural strength and building safety is vital in the volumetric modular design process.

THRUBUILD® LOADBEARING Our advanced range of robust loadbearing solutions - supplied as a kit of parts or fully assembled volumetric modules.

THRUWALL® NON-LOADBEARING When the module is constructed from a hot rolled steel framework, our non-loadbearing light steel frame Thruwall® system delivers the ultimate performance assured volumetric modular infill solution.

BEST FIRE EXPERTS IN THE UK As part of Etex, we have some of the best fire experts in the UK on our team and technical support is there for specifiers throughout the lifecycle of the project, from concept to completion – in person, online, or by phone.

• Custom Manufactured to Meet Specific Performance • Test Evidence and Performance Data • 60 – 120 Minutes Fire Resistance Options • Dimensional Accuracy, • Enhanced Strength to Weight Ratio • DfMA Protocols • World Class Manufacturing Ethos

From acoustic and thermal performance to durability and fire resistance – we understand the challenges involved.

To find out more go to:

www.eosframing.co.uk MANUFACTURING MEMBER 1224 14 1224-CPR-0571