January 2024 – MMC MAG

Make UK Modular responds to Built Environment Committee letter

Make UK Modular has issued a response to the Built Environment Committee’s letter to the Secretary of State.

“This report is heartening and recognises the important role that Category 1 modular is already playing in solving Britain’s homes crisis, with global leading projects currently delivering thousands of homes. The Committee is right to point to a need for greater clarity around policy which, if it is got right, will ensure a stimulated market at a critical time for homeowners and renters alike. Unblocking the delivery of the 300,000 homes our country needs every year is key, and Category 1 modular can help deliver affordable homes which are economic to run in an ever-tightening labour market,” said Daniel Paterson, director of government affairs, Make UK Modular.

He added: “The current Future Homes Standard consultation aims to make sure all new homes are built to a higher standard from 2025. Make UK Modular encourages the government to use this as an opportunity to listen to innovators in the construction sector on the importance of high fabric standards as a critically important method of increasing sustainability in our future homes.”

“By doing so, the Government can develop a solid long-term strategy prioritising the most innovative forms of building that are already delivering tangible value for the UK while ensuring that innovators within industry do not face penalties for challenging outdated methods of working,” he concluded.

January 30, 2024/0 Comments/by Lyn

Technology

INTEGRATING DATA INTO CONSTRUCTION

In the dynamic realm of construction, success hinges on informed decision-making and precision in project execution. Every construction project is a complex puzzle with multiple moving parts, and unlocking hidden insights can be the key to achieving optimal outcomes.

While reality capture technology plays a significant role in this endeavor, it’s the data it generates that holds the real potential for construction success. In this article, we will delve into how construction professionals are harnessing the power of data. This enables them to make smarter choices, enhance collaboration, and ultimately elevate the quality of their projects.

The Data Goldmine

Construction sites today are brimming with data sources, from site surveys and architectural plans to materials inventory and workforce schedules. However, the sheer volume and diversity of this data can be overwhelming without the right tools and strategies to harness it effectively. This is where data analytics and intelligent software solutions come into play, transforming raw data into actionable insights.

Real-time Decision Support

One of the primary benefits of leveraging data in construction is the ability to make real-time decisions. By integrating data sources such as project timelines, material availability, and workforce schedules, construction teams can identify potential bottlenecks or delays before they escalate into larger issues. This real-time decision support system enables project managers to allocate resources more efficiently, adjust timelines, and keep projects on track.

Enhanced Collaboration

Data-driven insights also foster enhanced collaboration among project stakeholders. Cloud-based project management platforms provide a central repository for project data, accessible to all team members in real time. This shared data environment ensures that everyone is working with the most up-to-date information, reducing the risk of miscommunication and errors. Collaboration is further enhanced by the ability to visualize complex project data in intuitive formats, making it easier for stakeholders to understand and contribute effectively.

The Role of Reality Capture Data

While data from various sources is invaluable, reality capture data stands out for its ability to provide a precise and comprehensive view of the construction site. Technologies like laser scanning, drones, 360-degree cameras, and LiDAR capture site conditions with remarkable accuracy. This data can be seamlessly integrated into project models, directly comparing the digital representation and the real-world site.

Driving Construction Success

In the realm of modern construction, the integration of reality-capture data serves as a powerful catalyst for success. This transformative fusion of technology and data ushers in a new era where construction projects are executed with unparalleled precision and efficiency. The advantages of incorporating reality-capture data are multifaceted and profound. They encompass everything from as-built documentation and clash detection to site analysis and progress monitoring.

This section will explore how the infusion of reality capture data into construction endeavors redefines success. It ensures that projects are completed successfully and with cost-effectiveness, accuracy, and excellence in mind.

1. Accurate As-Built Documentation

Reality capture data ensures that as-built documentation truly reflects the site’s conditions. This accuracy is invaluable for future renovations, facility management, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

2. Efficient Clash Detection

By overlaying digital models with reality capture data, construction teams can identify clashes and conflicts early in the project. This proactive approach minimizes rework and costly delays.

3. Precise Site Analysis

Data from reality capture enables precise site analysis, allowing project teams to optimize layouts, assess site conditions, and plan logistics accurately.

4. Progress Monitoring

Construction progress can be monitored and compared to project schedules using reality capture data. Deviations from the plan can be detected early, allowing for timely corrective action.

Leveraging Data for Construction

In the era of data-driven construction, uncovering hidden insights is not a luxury but a necessity for success. By leveraging data from various sources, including reality capture technology, construction professionals are equipped to make informed decisions, enhance collaboration, and ultimately deliver high-quality projects on time and within budget. The construction industry’s future is undoubtedly data-driven, and those who harness its power will stand at the forefront of innovation and excellence.

Source: Intelligent Living

January 21, 2024/0 Comments/by Lyn

Modular Construction

MMC: ‘The only Realistic way to Resolve the Housing Crisis’

We have observed a trend of more projects being carried out either wholly or using some element of off-site fabrication of modular buildings or other modern methods of construction. Some commentators have suggested they expect the market for modular buildings to grow in excess of 6% year on year.

It is easy to see why it is proving popular and this approach and utilising modern techniques and processes can enhance efficiency, quality and sustainability.

We anticipate this trend will continue into and throughout 2024 for a number of reasons:

The comparative speed with which modular buildings are normally carried could assist in reducing both parties’ exposure to the risk of high levels of inflation.
Modular buildings will likely provide the most cost effective and efficient long-term solution to the RAAC crisis.
The use of modular buildings is considered a more sustainable approach to building.
Modular residential buildings are seen by many as the only realistic way to resolve the housing crisis and it may be particularly relevant in an election year or a year in which a new government comes into power.

Modular building contractors: Employer considerations

In terms of the effect this could have from a legal perspective, a significant increase in popularity for modular buildings could see demand outpacing supply and lead to stock issues and more projects falling into delay.

As modular building companies appear more susceptible to cash flow issues and external economic forces, a potentially volatile economic climate may see more modular building companies cease trading.

It is therefore as important as ever for employers to ensure that they are adequately protected in the event that their modular building contractor ceases trading after it has paid for pre-fabricated buildings that are stored off site.

Employers will want to ensure vesting certificates and, if appropriate and available, bonds are in place to offer protection in the event of contractor insolvency.

One of the downsides of modular construction is that if a defect is caused during the construction process in the factory, it is likely that the same defect could be repeated on every single property produced by that factory using the same methods.

Although the JCT is releasing a new suite of contracts it is not anticipated that this will include a new specific contract for modular buildings or any specific clauses in a nod to modern methods of construction.

We understand the JCT feel that their current suite of contracts already facilitates modern methods of construction and it is therefore unlikely the new suite will depart too greatly with concessions for modern methods of construction.

We also anticipate that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) will continue to take steps to standardise modular buildings and other modern methods of construction through their ongoing ‘Modern Methods of Construction Standardisation Research and Kit of Parts’ project to develop an open-source kit of parts that will encourage the uptake of Modern Methods of Construction.

We understand the DLUHC feels standardisation is necessary to speed up research and integrate modern methods of construction deeper into the industry, believing that a collective move towards standardisation and learning collectively will speed up research, speed up construction programmes and allow us to harness the potential of modern methods of construction quicker.

This view is not held by everyone however, with at least one major firm expressing extreme concern that the move towards standardisation will greatly reduce the potential for innovation.

Source: Lexology

January 21, 2024/0 Comments/by Lyn

Modular Construction

New Scottish Homes ‘cutting-edge and environmentally-friendly’

NORTH Ayrshire Council’s newest housing development – built by modular construction specialist Connect Modular – has been officially opened by provost Anthea Dickson.

The new homes at Afton Court, Stevenston, replace former sheltered housing complexes in the town. The £1.34 million development, supported by £0.66 million of Scottish Government funding, has seen the creation of six new amenity bungalows built using ‘cutting-edge and environmentally-friendly’ techniques.

The homes were built in sections offsite by Ayrshire firm Connect Modular – part of the Wee House Group – before being assembled on site.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for green environment and economy at North Ayrshire Council, said,

“This is a significant development for us in a number of ways. Not only will it provide wonderful new town centre homes for our residents, but it is also another step on the way to our ambitious target of building more than 1,600 new homes across North Ayrshire. We are more than halfway towards that target with almost 900 new homes completed.

“While all our new homes are built with the climate crisis in mind, the Afton Court development goes a step further and saw the developers, Connect Modular, employ their innovative approach which is mindful of the environment and cuts down on waste. The bungalows were built in a controlled factory environment using sustainable practices, helping to reduce waste and energy required.

“The modern, energy-efficient homes have enhanced building insulation, air-source heat pumps and solar photovoltaic panels. We’re extremely proud of this development and are delighted with the feedback we’ve received so far from tenants.”

Richard Reid, acting CEO at Connect Modular, added,

“We are delighted to have partnered with North Ayrshire Council in the design, construction, and delivery of these amenity bungalows at Afton Court, Stevenston. Our modular construction methods were instrumental in minimising disruption to the community that closely surrounds the compact urban infill site.

“Furthermore, with volatile weather conditions, we were able to bring programme stability through constructing modules in our protected environment, as well as the inherent quality enhancements associated with volumetric construction.”

All bungalows were constructed inside Connect Modular’s Ayrshire-based manufacturing facility with kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing and electrics all pre-fitted before the different sections were assembled on site.

Source: Project Scotland

January 20, 2024/0 Comments/by Lyn

Environment

Can you make a wind farm out of wood?

Meet the Swedish start-up making clean energy even greener

Wind power is a major piece of the puzzle in decarbonising the grid. But the giant constructions usually rely on carbon-intensive materials like steel.

Swedish start-up Modvion is channelling Scandi design to combat this problem and create ‘net zero wind power’ by erecting wooden towers.

The company recently debuted the world’s tallest wooden wind turbine tower, near Gothenburg in southwest Sweden.

The 150-metre-tall construction features a 2 megawatt generator that is now supplying enough clean energy to power around 400 homes.

Is wood a good alternative to steel for wind towers?

Steel – the more common material for wind turbine towers – is favoured for its strength and durability. But as towers get ever taller, the logistics of putting them in place become more complex.

Huge pieces of metal are heavy and difficult to transport. The high steel towers require extra enforcement to carry their own weight.

Modvion’s laminated wood towers are manufactured from modules that are easy to stack onto lorries and do not need reinforcement.

With a higher strength to weight ratio, they enable lighter construction and can be assembled by a small crane before being lifted into place.

They can also be joined together with glue, rather than the thousands of bolts needed for steel towers that require regular inspection. A coat of watertight paint protects them from the elements.

Cost-wise, wooden towers work out less expensive than steel towers over time, according to Modvion. The cost advantage is greater for taller towers, and they are also shielded from the fluctuating price of steel.

So far, Modvion has only installed wooden towers on land. But with minor adaptations, it says they could also be used offshore.

In theory, wooden towers could be built as high as 1,500 metres, but current demand is closer to 150-200 metres.

How do the emissions of steel and wooden wind towers compare?

The life cycle emissions of a 110-metre-tall steel wind turbine sit at around 1,250 tonnes of CO2, according to Modvion.

This is slashed by 90 per cent – to around 125 tonnes – for a wooden tower.

When they need to be decommissioned, wooden towers can find new life as high-strength beams for the building industry, further reducing their footprint.

We like to see our towers as vertical storage of future building material,

“We like to see our towers as vertical storage of future building material,” says Modvion.

Building towers in wood lowers the emissions from wind power plants by approximately 30 per cent per kWh, they estimate.

Between 300 and 1,200 cubic metres of wood are needed per tower. The company uses Scandinavian spruce from sustainably managed forests, for which re-growth exceeds logging.

Source: Yahoo News