It has been a rocky road for MMC, as despite initial success, a number of high profile housebuilders went into administration last year, citing reasons such as unstable market conditions and fluctuating demand patterns, both of which make it challenging to predict future requirements and allocate cash flow accordingly.

However, all is not lost in this sector, as a recent report from NBS and Glenigan suggests that almost half of new build projects now incorporate some level of offsite manufacturing or construction, and the Building Safety Act is promising to clamp down on on-site design changes, which will require construction firms to focus greater attention during the design and planning phases of their projects.

Potential to revolutionise the housebuilding sector 
 

The government has long hailed MMC as the answer to numerous issues facing the construction industry. The high cost of raw materials, unstable supply chains and a lack of skilled labour were all said to be problems that could be overcome through the use of MMC techniques, however, as identified by the House of Lords Built Environment Committee, the lack of clear objectives and milestones has resulted in relatively few visible gains.

The sector is under intense scrutiny and needs to demonstrate that MMC represents value for money. It is also vital that leading experts in the field engage with government representatives and industry bodies to establish acceptable warranties and insurance premiums for new build MMC properties, which would likely increase uptake in these homes. 

The statistics
 

In November 2023, NBS and Glenigan published the 2023 NBS Digital Construction Survey in which they revealed that 57% of respondents had, since 2021, participated in projects that involved an element of offsite construction. 

These respondents had primarily been involved in projects involving the offsite manufacture of sub-assemblies and accessories, in which components of all sizes, ranging from small items such as door handles through to staircases and roof trusses, are manufactured and assembled in controlled environments and transported to site for integration into the build. 

Other areas in which offsite construction techniques are particularly prevalent include panelised systems and volumetric pod construction. Many new build homes, office buildings and educational facilities are embracing these forms of MMC for their cost effectiveness, agility and quality control. 

However, the main area in which a concerted effort is required to deliver improvements is in the field of modular construction. Only 34% of the survey respondents had been involved in projects in which entire buildings were constructed using modular construction techniques and offsite facilities, despite recent successes including London’s Greenford Quay which should have raised both the profile of MMC techniques and its reputation.

Opportunities for improvement 
 

Housebuilder Bob Weston has been a strong advocate of offsite construction for many years, and it seems that he is not alone. Recognising the health and safety, agility and quality improvements made possible by offsite construction, other construction companies are following in his footsteps and investing in their own facilities.

Investment on a scale such as this highlights a commitment from the industry to cushion itself against volatile market conditions and meet increased demand. Although skilled labour shortages continue to be problematic, owning facilities enables companies to put in place appropriate technological solutions, thereby increasing throughput and operational efficiency while minimising costs. 

Whether your company intends to pursue MMC techniques for their environmental benefit or because there is a clear return on investment, it would seem that now is the time to investigate the options that are available to you.

With our help, you can be a pioneer
 

At Build Space, we firmly believe that MMC is an important part of UK housebuilding activity, and as an industry, we simply need to be clearer in setting goals and expectations, planning and managing our builds and reporting progress clearly and regularly. By setting a coherent strategy at the outset of any new building project, it is possible to assess whether it is on track to succeed against its objectives and to put in place restorative actions where necessary.

At Build Space, we have access to project professionals who can manage your build from start to finish, setting clear goals and monitoring and reporting against them. With our help, you can build a team that will stand you in good stead for success and pioneer an exciting path into the future of modular construction in the UK