A new consortium will lead the standardisation of components used in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
Specialist MMC consultancy, Akerlof, has been appointed to head up a team of firms to help shape a new Modern Methods of Construction Standardisation Research and Kit-of-Parts project.
Professional services firm, Buro Happold, HLM Architects, and project management specialist, Limberger Associates, will join Akerlof.
The Offsite Alliance is also involved as a stakeholder for the project.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) aims to develop an open-source kit-of-parts that will encourage quicker uptake of MMC within the housing sector.
A kit-of-parts typically denotes a collection of building components that are pre-engineered and designed for assembly in a range of ways to create a building.
It follows commitments by government set out in the Transforming Infrastructure Performance: Roadmap to 2030 which outlines its vision for innovation and reform in infrastructure delivery, and key policies and guidance for how public works projects and programmes are assessed, procured and delivered in The Construction Playbook.
“The project represents a key step by government to translate policy into practice,” said Akerlof.
The consortium of partners will collectively undertake research and engagement with the industry to help shape a strategy that uses standard parts.
- Buro Happold – Kit-of-parts development
- HLM Architects – MMC standardisation research
- Limberger Associates – Project leadership and management
The focus of the project will be on MMC Categories 2 (2D primary structural systems) and 5 (non-structural assemblies and sub-assemblies).
Extensive consultation with the wider industry and supply chain will ensure the solutions reflect the requirements of the sector and unlock growth within the MMC market, said Akerlof.
“Standardisation at scale must be built on consensus,” said Gaynor Tennant, co-founder and chairperson of the Offsite Alliance. “We are thrilled to support industry engagement for this project. Bringing together manufacturers, consultants, research and innovation institutes and clients to share ideas, challenges and opportunities for standardisation will ensure solutions focus on interoperability and help to unlock barriers within the market.”
Housing minister, Rachel Maclean MP, added: “I encourage all industry partners to engage in this research which will harness the benefits of Modern Methods of Construction, drive up productivity in the sector and help deliver the high-quality homes this country needs.”
Enjoyed this? Try £1.3bn Trans-Pennine project is ‘biggest challenge to date’ – RSK
Get industry news in 5 minutes!
A daily email that makes industry news enjoyable. It’s completely free.