Tide Construction Takes on UK's Tallest Modular Tower

In a major boost to the profile of modern methods of construction (MMC), the developer and contractor Tide Construction has been granted planning permission for what will be the tallest modular tower in the UK and the second tallest in the world.

BuildSpace has been working in partnership with Tide for three years, fulfilling their recruitment needs and providing several members of their senior management team. Our companies share a commitment to the promotion of MMC and plan to work together on future projects for many years to come.

The 48-storey building at London's Canary Wharf will provide accommodation for over 1,000 students and is to be crowned with a roof garden. Designed by EPR Architects, 30 Marsh Wall will mark the latest of Tide Construction's appearances in the list of industry firsts. It follows the company's earlier twin-tower project at George Street in Croydon and its residential development at Greenford Quay in Ealing. At 38 and 43 storeys, the George Street towers held the title of the UK's tallest modular tower which 30 Marsh Wall is to inherit.

Modular offsite construction is being recognised throughout the world for its cost-efficiency, its speed and its inherent environmental responsibility. The UK industry is pioneering this revolutionary method but is in constant competition with other advanced economies including many in the Far East. Although the international record will remain in the hands of the developers of Singapore's 56-story Avenue South Residences, the UK MMC specialist is determined to maintain its reputation as a world leader.

30 Marsh Wall will be constructed from precision-made modules manufactured offsite by Vision Modular Systems, which is a sister company to Tide. The building will incorporate a light bronze aluminium band which will extend vertically on the main façade up to the full height of the building. When completed, the Canary Wharf development will increase Tide's pipeline to more than 3,000 homes, with plans for further expansion already well underway.

John Fleming is the chairman of Tide. When asked about the significance of 30 Marsh Wall, he said: "This landmark scheme bolsters our portfolio of major schemes in London, further strengthening Tide and Vision's role in revolutionising the way in which homes are delivered in the UK. Working in close collaboration with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and our consultants, this scheme will further demonstrate the power of modular to deliver buildings of the highest architectural quality with world-leading engineering."

The scheme is a valuable demonstration of the many benefits of modular building. By manufacturing the modules offsite and only venturing onsite to assemble them, Tide is reducing site waste by 80%. Furthermore, any waste that is generated will be recycled.

Tide has experienced sustained year-on-year growth over the past 10 years. Although the company also employs traditional building methods, it is the successful application of Offsite Manufacturing Methodologies (OSM) which distinguish it from the vast majority of its competitors. Not only do they achieve drastic reductions in waste and carbon emissions, but they also have a record of delivering finished projects with a 50%-60% time-saving.