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Brownfield revival: unlocking the potential of offsite on previously developed land

The UK’s housing crisis shows no signs of easing, with demand for affordable, high-quality homes continuing to outstrip supply. At the same time, planners and policymakers are under increasing pressure to protect greenbelt land, promote sustainable development, and rejuvenate urban spaces. In this complex landscape, brownfield sites — previously developed land that is no longer in use — offer a valuable, often underutilised opportunity. But unlocking their potential requires innovation, speed, and flexibility. That’s where offsite construction can make a significant difference. MMC Editor Joe Bradbury investigates:

Offsite and modern methods of construction (MMC) have long been lauded for their speed, efficiency and quality. Yet their role in tackling brownfield challenges is only just beginning to receive the attention it deserves. When deployed thoughtfully, factory-built solutions can overcome many of the planning, logistical and environmental hurdles associated with redeveloping previously used land — helping to create vibrant, sustainable communities without encroaching on the countryside.

Why brownfield matters

The government estimates that there are over 23,000 brownfield sites across the UK, with the capacity to deliver more than one million new homes. These sites often lie in urban areas with existing infrastructure, transport links, and community services — making them highly desirable locations for new development.

However, brownfield projects come with inherent complications. Issues such as site contamination, restricted access, irregular layouts, and the need to preserve or work around existing buildings can deter traditional developers. Site preparation costs can be high, timelines uncertain, and disruption to neighbours significant.

In this context, offsite construction presents a compelling alternative.

Precision, speed and reduced disruption

Offsite methods involve manufacturing building components — or entire modules — in a controlled factory environment, which are then transported to site for assembly. This significantly reduces time spent on-site, limiting disruption to local residents and minimising the impact on surrounding infrastructure.

For brownfield projects in densely populated areas, this is a major advantage. Reduced vehicle movements, shorter construction windows, and lower noise and dust levels help developments progress smoothly, maintaining good relationships with local communities and planning authorities.

In addition, the precise, repeatable nature of offsite construction ensures that even challenging sites can be tackled with confidence. Tight footprints, unusual shapes, and complex layouts can be accommodated through flexible, digitally modelled design processes, often enabling development that would be unfeasible or cost-prohibitive using traditional techniques.

De-risking development with digital tools

One of the major barriers to brownfield development is uncertainty. Site conditions can be unpredictable, and remediation works are often more complex than anticipated. By integrating digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and 3D site scanning early in the process, offsite developers can gain a clearer understanding of the site and optimise the design accordingly.

This front-loaded design approach helps reduce errors, manage costs and de-risk the project — something particularly valuable for housing associations and local authorities working to tight budgets and delivery deadlines.

The integration of digital twin technology also allows developers to simulate energy performance, daylighting, and spatial layouts before construction begins, ensuring the final product is not only technically viable but also environmentally and socially responsive.

Creating quality homes on complicated plots

Contrary to outdated perceptions of prefab as low quality or ‘cookie-cutter’ in appearance, modern offsite construction allows for remarkable architectural flexibility. High-specification finishes, a wide choice of materials, and customisable facades mean developments can be tailored to reflect local character and planning requirements.

For brownfield sites, which may be located in conservation areas or next to heritage buildings, this design adaptability is key. Developers can create attractive, modern homes that complement their surroundings while still benefiting from the efficiency and cost control of factory-based construction.

More importantly, offsite construction tends to deliver superior build quality. With tighter tolerances and greater control over materials and workmanship, homes are built to higher environmental and performance standards, reducing heating bills and improving comfort for residents.

A partner to regeneration

Brownfield development is not just about building houses — it’s about revitalising neighbourhoods. Empty plots and derelict buildings can attract antisocial behaviour, lower surrounding property values, and blight communities. By transforming these sites into places people want to live, we can trigger wider regeneration.

Offsite construction, with its ability to deliver homes faster and more predictably, can accelerate this regeneration process. Schemes that might otherwise take years to complete can be delivered in a fraction of the time, offering immediate improvements to the urban fabric and attracting further investment.

Moreover, the use of local labour in final assembly and site preparation, combined with skills development in offsite manufacturing, brings economic benefits to communities beyond just housing provision.

Looking ahead

The levelling-up agenda and national planning policy both highlight the importance of building on brownfield first. But to turn ambition into action, we must adopt the right tools. Offsite construction offers a unique opportunity to tackle brownfield challenges head-on — with speed, flexibility, and environmental performance built in from day one.

By marrying digital innovation with precision manufacturing, we can unlock the full potential of the UK’s brownfield land, creating the homes and communities of tomorrow without sacrificing the green spaces we all depend on.

Now is the time to think differently about how we build — and where.

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FP McCann Offsite Precast Concrete Structural and Architectural Frame Solution specified on distinctive Buckinghamshire housing development

FP McCann has completed a unique supply and build project consisting of 64 luxury apartments in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire. The high-end development is set on 200 acres of historic private gated grounds offering new-build houses and apartments next to a grand Grade II listed Georgian era mansion house.

Newland Park is a development by London based Comer Homes. The collection of new apartments and houses sits within the modern country estate and is set to become one of the area’s most desirable residential locations.

The apartments are located in 4 individual blocks, each on three levels with undercroft car parking beneath each building. FP McCann were approached by Comer Homes at design stage with consideration of the superstructure above the parking being a precast concrete frame as opposed to a traditional block and brick construction. The Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) precast concrete frame solution has been designed, manufactured and installed by FP McCann, a Tier 2, BIM Level 2 certified supplier. As on all such contracts undertaken by FP McCann, BIM Execution Plans (BEP) were prepared for the Comer Homes development, demonstrating FP McCann’s proposed approach, capabilities, capacity and competence to meet stringent Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR). 

The subterranean car park construction consists of precast retaining perimeter walls, internal columns and cross beams, topped off with prestressed hollowcore planks. Access from ground floor level is via a precast concrete staircase.  

Above the car park, the FP McCann precast structural frame comprises internal crosswalls, prestressed hollowcore flooring planks and precast stair cores and stair landings. Integral to the structural frame itself, are the architectural brick-faced insulated sandwich wall and gable ridge panels, offering the attractive external finish to each building from the ground floor up.  Another feature of the build are the black acid-etched balconies to levels two and three. Many other MMC features include the factory installation of windows and balcony doors and the fair face finish to internal walls, allowing for follow-on trades to complete their works in a timely and efficient manner. The accelerated construction time typically seen in such offsite precast concrete structural frame builds, saw the Newland Park project completed in just 36 working weeks.

Commenting on the Chalfont St Giles residential development, David Donnellan, Senior Design Engineer for Comer Homes says, “Reducing construction times by 40%-60% compared to traditional build methods has to be factored into addressing the demand for new housing, whether luxury or affordable. Traditional construction methods, while tried and tested, are increasingly less efficient to meet the increasing call for quality and environmentally sustainable housing. The Newland Park apartment development is a clear demonstration that offsite construction and MMC in any location lays the groundwork for a more efficient and sustainable home building industry. By embracing these methods, we can build faster, reduce our environmental impact and provide both high-end and affordable living space.”

Project: New Residential Development – Newland Park, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire

Client: Comer Homes 

Precast Frame Installation: FP McCann

FP McCann Products Supplied: 

Precast Concrete Retaining Walls; Columns; Beams; Prestressed Hollowcore Planks; Internal Crosswall; Precast Stairs and Landings; Acid -Etched Balconies; Architectural Brick-Faced Insulated Sandwich Wall and Gable Ridge Panels

For further information
on FP McCann’s off-site building solutions, contact the team at Littleport 01353 861416

fpmccann.co.uk/ precast-off-site-building-products

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Water usage will be key in future developments

The longer-term environmental impact of the UKs water deficit could cause further damage on the natural environment and could restrict future development.  Combining the increasing Per Capital Consumption (PCC) with the UKs growing population means that by 2050 the UK water deficit is predicted to be 5000 mega litres per day.  

 

Future water plans include transporting water across the country and building new reservoirs.  However, 65% of the water deficit will have to be met by a reduction in consumption. To help achieve this, all major water companies have been set PCC reduction targets of up to 11%.

At the recent Waterwise Conference, Helen Wakenham, Director of Water, Environment Agency stated that water efficiency ‘should be embedded into the plans we have for housing’.  She continued ‘if water efficiency is embedded in our homes and our products it becomes easy to do’

Achieving PCC targets by building water efficient homes

OFWAT have recognised that water efficient homes are the key reduce consumption and have established basic standards for new build homes.  In all new properties, developers will be given financial rewards for designing in basic water conservation measures, known as the Common Environmental Incentive including low volume dual flush toilets, low flow taps and showers and water efficient washing machines and dishwashers. For achieving these standards developers will receive a rebate of £172 per property.

 Water companies have the option to introduce enhanced standards for additional incentives and United Utilities are amongst the first to embrace this.  From April 2025 additional financial incentives will be available for the installation of a whole site flow regulator.  These modulate the flow entering customer premises, so limiting the amount used by the customer.  Without a degradation of service or any behavioural change, there is a ‘natural’ reduction in consumption.  As these products are fitted to the main water supply, and not each individual outlet they remove any risk of consumer interference and ensure that minimum standards of water supply are maintained as specified within the Water Industry Act and Water Fittings Regulations.  

Groundbreaker – the high reward solution

In any property with a meter Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo® can be installed between the water meter and manifold in any water meter enclosure. So, meeting the enhanced incentive standard, and receiving the additional rebate of £100 for an outlay of a maximum of £30.  

Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo® has several flow modulation ranges are available which enable the perfect balance between usage reduction and service provision, and all meet or exceed United Utilities required flow rate.  As an added benefit, the Groundbreaker’s LoFlo Check Valve systems have the unique property of providing whole site protection against contamination by back flow (up to fluid category 2) as standard, so protecting the water network.

• Steve Leigh is a Fellow of the Institute of Water and Managing Director of Groundbreaker Systems and was winner of the Home Builder Federation’s “Utility Individual of the Year for 2016”.

• Groundbreaker Systems won the HBF’s ‘Utility of the Year’ in 2018.

• Groundbreaker Systems are 2023 winners of the Building & Facilities News as Company of the Year for Innovation in Sustainable Water Management

For further details please contact Groundbreaker Systems at www.groundbreaker.co.uk

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How modular is tackling the UK’s grid constraints

As the UK accelerates its transition to net zero, the built environment must not only decarbonise but do so quickly, cost-effectively and at scale. Offsite construction — the process of manufacturing building components in a controlled factory environment before assembly on-site — is emerging as a transformative force in this movement. While the method is already well regarded for its speed, precision, and reduced waste, a less discussed but equally important benefit is its capacity to improve energy efficiency across the life cycle of buildings. MMC Magazine Editor Joe Bradbury discusses:

Energy efficiency isn’t just about insulation or heat pumps. It’s about how materials are sourced, handled, and assembled, how buildings are designed to perform, and how operational energy demand is minimised over decades. Offsite construction enables greater control and repeatability at every stage of this process, offering a genuine leap forward in creating buildings that are not just less carbon-intensive to construct but significantly more efficient to run.

Factory precision, airtight performance

In traditional construction, the performance gap — the difference between how a building is designed to perform and how it actually functions — is a common issue. On-site variables, such as weather conditions, inconsistent workmanship, and complex coordination between trades, can all lead to compromises in quality and consistency.

Offsite construction, by contrast, takes place in a highly controlled factory setting. This environment allows for tight tolerances, repeatable processes, and rigorous quality assurance procedures, resulting in consistently high levels of build quality. Elements such as walls, floors, and roof panels can be manufactured with precision engineering, ensuring better insulation, reduced thermal bridging, and superior airtightness.

This level of control plays a significant role in improving energy performance. In fact, studies have shown that offsite buildings can achieve up to 30% better airtightness than their traditionally built counterparts, reducing the energy needed for heating and cooling. This, in turn, lowers operational carbon and reduces energy bills for occupants — a crucial factor in addressing fuel poverty.

Whole-life efficiency: Thinking beyond handover

Too often, conversations around energy efficiency stop at the point of handover. But if we are to meet the UK’s climate commitments, we must shift towards a whole-life carbon mindset — one that considers the energy and emissions embedded in both the construction and operation of buildings.

Offsite construction naturally aligns with this philosophy. Because it encourages integrated design and manufacturing workflows from the outset, energy performance can be built in from the early design stages. With digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Twins, manufacturers can simulate and optimise a building’s thermal performance, lighting, ventilation, and orientation before a single module leaves the factory floor.

Furthermore, modular buildings can incorporate low-carbon technologies — such as solar PV, ground or air source heat pumps, MVHR systems, and battery storage — as part of the manufacturing process. These components are installed in ideal conditions, improving reliability and making commissioning more straightforward. The result? Buildings that not only meet but often exceed Part L and Future Homes Standard requirements.

Reducing waste, reducing energy

Energy efficiency isn’t just about energy use during a building’s lifespan. The embodied energy of construction — that is, the energy used to extract, process, transport and install materials — must also be minimised. Here too, offsite construction has a clear advantage.

In traditional construction, material wastage is a significant problem. Plasterboard offcuts, timber trims, misordered products, and overdelivered bricks often end up in skips. According to WRAP, the UK construction industry generates over 60 million tonnes of waste annually — a third of the nation’s total waste output.

Offsite manufacturing allows for precise material planning and just-in-time delivery, significantly reducing excess. Factory offcuts can often be reused or recycled on-site, contributing to a circular economy model. Additionally, with less vehicle movement and fewer deliveries required for installation, transport-related emissions are also reduced.

This lean approach to resource management means that less energy is used across the entire supply chain, supporting broader decarbonisation goals and making the most of increasingly scarce materials.

Energy-positive buildings: Raising the bar

As the industry moves beyond zero carbon and towards net positive outcomes, offsite construction will play a critical role in the delivery of energy-positive buildings — structures that generate more energy than they consume over their operational life.

By integrating high-performance fabric-first designs with renewable energy systems during the manufacturing stage, it’s increasingly possible to produce homes and commercial buildings that produce a net surplus of energy. These buildings can export power back to the grid or support energy sharing within communities, helping to decarbonise local energy systems.

In offsite factories, renewable technologies can be tested, pre-commissioned, and integrated with smart control systems as standard. This ensures that the technology works seamlessly from day one, offering occupiers a plug-and-play energy solution with minimal maintenance requirements.

Moreover, with smart metering and IoT connectivity, offsite-built properties can offer real-time energy performance data, helping occupants understand and adjust their usage. These data insights can also feed back into the design and manufacturing process, enabling continuous improvement and learning.

Retrofitting and repeatability

Another area where offsite construction can support national energy efficiency targets is in retrofit. With millions of existing homes in the UK performing poorly in terms of energy use, improving the energy efficiency of the current housing stock is a pressing priority.

Here, offsite methods can provide scalable, cost-effective solutions. Using prefabricated insulated panels, external cladding systems, and pod-like extensions, entire building envelopes can be upgraded with minimal disruption to residents. The Energiesprong model — pioneered in the Netherlands and gaining traction in the UK — is a prime example of this approach in action.

In the social housing sector, offsite retrofit solutions can help providers meet the Decent Homes Standard, reduce tenant energy bills, and improve wellbeing — all while achieving the energy performance necessary to support net zero ambitions.

Furthermore, because offsite processes can be repeated with high levels of consistency, large-scale retrofitting programmes become more viable, helping local authorities and housing associations address backlogs and meet compliance deadlines.

A strategic opportunity

For developers, housing associations, local authorities, and policymakers alike, offsite construction presents a strategic opportunity to lock in energy efficiency from the ground up. With building regulations tightening and public scrutiny around environmental performance increasing, investing in energy-smart construction methods makes both environmental and economic sense.

And it’s not just about compliance. Energy-efficient buildings tend to have better market value, lower running costs, and happier, healthier occupants. In a post-pandemic world where indoor air quality, natural light, and thermal comfort have taken on new importance, offsite construction can deliver homes and workplaces that people genuinely want to live and work in.

Policy, procurement, and progress

To fully realise the energy-saving potential of offsite construction, supportive policy frameworks and forward-thinking procurement strategies are essential. This includes incorporating whole-life carbon assessments in planning and funding criteria, incentivising the use of low-carbon materials, and providing clear guidance for energy performance in public sector construction.

Government bodies, especially those delivering new hospitals, schools, and housing, should lead by example by specifying offsite and MMC solutions in their projects. By doing so, they can stimulate demand, drive innovation, and encourage the wider supply chain to invest in energy-efficient manufacturing processes.

Education and skills development will also be crucial. The transition to energy-efficient offsite construction will require a workforce proficient not only in assembly but in data-driven design, digital modelling, and renewable systems integration. Collaborative efforts between industry, academia, and training providers can help build this future-ready workforce.

In summary

The shift to net zero requires bold, transformative action across every part of the built environment. Offsite construction is not merely a technical solution — it represents a systemic change in how we design, deliver, and operate buildings.

Energy efficiency is no longer a nice-to-have; it is a critical metric of building performance. Through precision engineering, integrated technologies, and a whole-life approach, offsite methods offer the most robust route to delivering buildings that meet today’s energy challenges — and tomorrow’s expectations.

As we power up the future of construction, it’s clear that the factory floor holds the key to some of the industry’s most pressing energy and carbon challenges. Now is the time to unlock its full potential.

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Datum PhaseChange the award winning manufacturer

Datum PhaseChange Ltd an award winning manufacturer of Phase Change Ceiling tiles for Schools and Hospitals have been manufacturing ThermaCool® ceiling and wall tiles since 2008. Helping reduce the energy demand of HVACs and adding thermal mass to lightweight buildings.

PCMs Explained

PCMs (phase change materials) are materials that undergo a phase change transition from solid to liquid and liquid to solid to absorb or release large amounts of latent heat at a relatively constant.

Reduce Energy Demand

Essentially, PCMs work in the same way as a material with thermal mass – capturing and releasing energy to smooth out peaks and troughs of the heating and cooling cycle. By removing these peaks and troughs, often as a result of air conditioning systems, phase change materials manage the internal temperatures more effectively and efficiently to provide a comfortable working temperature throughout the day.

Increasing thermal mass Phase Change Materials are a lightweight solution for thermal mass that can be up to 9 x lighter than heavy density concrete.

A comfortable working temperature PCMs smooth out temperature peaks of a building resulting in an improved working environment.

ThermaCool® Innovation

Through this natural process of phase change, we have used the technology in our ThermaCool® wall and ceiling products, giving both thermal mass to lightweight structures and also significantly reducing the energy demand of climate control systems.

For use in both new build construction and retrofit of commercial and residential buildings, our ThermaCool® products reduce the energy consumption of climate control systems. Our products offer competitively priced, easy to install solutions that yield significant energy and carbon savings for your building.

Thermal Mass Explained

A thermal mass is a material that absorbs heat from a heat source, and then releases it slowly. In buildings, thermal mass is provided by the structure of the building.

Buildings constructed of lightweight materials such as steel or timber are not considered to have good thermal mass properties compared to concrete, brick and stone.

The ability to absorb and release heat enables buildings with thermal mass to respond naturally to changing weather conditions, helping to stabilise the internal temperature.

Benefit throughout the year

The role of a buildings thermal mass can be of benefit throughout the year. During the warm weather in summer, heat will be absorbed by the thermal mass in order to prevent overheating in the building, providing a more comfortable living or working environment. During the winter, when heating demands are at their greatest, thermal mass can help reduce fuel consumption by absorbing heat produced from occupants, lighting and IT during the day and then slowly releasing them overnight as temperatures fall, reducing the need for additional heating the following day.

Reduce your emissions

18% of UK’s CO2 emissions come from public and commercial buildings. Our ThermaCool® products drastically reduce the demand for energy, can be widely introduced, enabling the greatest reduction in CO2 emissions per pound spent. Our ThermaCool tiles incorporate our microencapsulated phase change material when installed as either as replacement for existing tiles in a retrofit project or as a complete system for newbuild construction they provide a cost effective and lightweight thermal mass solution.

ThermaCool Tile – It is what’s on the inside that counts

In buildings where the thermal mass benefits from the building fabric is lost due to improved insulation and airtightness measures, or in steel or timber structures which have little or no thermal mass performance, the ThermaCool® tile offers an easy to install, cost effective and lightweight thermal mass solution.

Four tiles. Four unique benifits

ThermaCool® tiles are available either as a perforated acoustic tile, a solid tile with a light textured finish, glass wool/gypsum composite or metal plain or perforated tile.

Preformed plain or perforated gypsum tile

Is a preformed tile manufactured from recycled gypsum. Light textured or perforated Class D absorption.

Acoustic medical hygenic

Is a square edge or tegular tile installed in our Clic In modular grid 24mm/15mm. Suitable for dry areas where disinfection and cleaning is resistant to mould and bacteria growth and to common detergents and disinfectants.

A glass wool/gypsum composite tile. Hygienic for Hospitals and Health centres tile for a 600x600mm module, fitted with a suspended T-grid for easy installation.

Caprice acoustic

ThermaCool® Caprice is a class A acoustic tile light textured square or tegular edge, installed in our Clic in modular grid 24mm/15mm.Simple elegant appearance with excellent acoustic performance perfect for classrooms, meeting rooms, and conference areas.

A composite glass wool/gypsum acoustic tile for Schools. a 600x600m module, with improved acoustic performance class A sound absorption.

Metal composite

A composite tile where increased thermal and acoustic performance and aesthetic finish is required.

Metal ceiling tile plain or perforated ThermaCool® ceiling tiles are installed into a conventional suspended ceiling system like our ThermaCool® Clic In 24mm/15mm grid.

Suspended Ceiling Integration

ThermaCool® ceiling tiles are installed into a conventional suspended ceiling system like our ThermaCool Clic In 24mm grid, heat from people, lighting, small power items etc is absorbed and stored by the tiles over a defined temperature that is within the human comfort range. This heat is later released as the room temperature cools, giving the building lightweight thermal mass.

therma.cool

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The benefits of a modular healthcare 
building to expand your medical facilities

Expanding medical facilities is a challenge many healthcare services face, especially when time and budget constraints are significant. Modular healthcare buildings offer a more efficient way to meet this demand. Designed for flexibility and rapid deployment, these structures provide high-quality, customisable spaces tailored to a wide range of medical needs. Whether you’re planning a new ward, operating theatre, office space or a complete medical facility, a modular building could be the solution to support scale operations quickly while maintaining a high standard of care for patients. 

 

Fast delivery of a modular building

The efficiency of a modular healthcare building lies in its ability to significantly reduce manufacturing and installation time, completing projects in nearly half the time of traditional methods. By producing modules in a controlled factory environment, delays are minimised while site groundwork progresses simultaneously. Once completed, modules are transported, craned into place, and assembled on-site, either side-by-side or stacked up to five modules high. This streamlined process enables healthcare facilities to scale quickly, meeting accommodation demands with speed and flexibility, ensuring vital services are operational without unnecessary delays.

Flexible systems are designed to deliver compliant healthcare spaces

Whatever your requirements, modular healthcare buildings can be tailored to meet the NHS’s spatial and technical needs. Fully HBN and HTM-compliant spaces can be ready for fit-out in as little as 24 hours. From wards and theatres to waiting rooms and office spaces, modular systems offer the flexibility to scale and address critical demands.

In emergencies, modular buildings provide rapid, essential facilities such as intensive care units, isolation wards, and triage centres, enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. These spaces are designed for seamless integration and futureproofing, ensuring they meet both urgent and long-term requirements.

Modular theatres, staff rooms, and other facilities can be swiftly deployed with minimal disruption to healthcare services. Built to the highest standards in controlled environments, they meet healthcare regulations while remaining durable and cost-effective. Custom features, including rest areas and kitchenettes, support staff well-being, whilst implementing reductions in waste and operational costs due to the energy-efficient, sustainable designs.

Reduced disruption in your estate 

Each modular healthcare building is meticulously designed and manufactured in a controlled factory environment before being delivered to your site for seamless installation. With most of the construction happening off-site, noise, dust, and on-site activity are significantly minimised, ensuring nominal interference with daily operations. This efficient process is particularly beneficial in healthcare environments where maintaining a calm and uninterrupted atmosphere is essential. The streamlined installation ensures your facility can continue functioning as normal, with the added benefit of accelerated project timelines.

Why choose Wernick for your modular healthcare building?

At Wernick Buildings, we excel in designing and delivering permanent modular building solutions that combine advanced offsite construction with sustainable practices. Our systems enable swift project delivery while maintaining quality and fostering architectural creativity.

We specialise in healthcare solutions tailored to NHS requirements, including fully compliant modular wards delivered and ready for fit-out within 24 hours. Our hybrid approach integrates modular and traditional methods, providing cost-effective, high-quality facilities, all while adhering to rigorous standards. By leveraging modular construction, healthcare providers can minimise downtime, reduce disruption, and ensure that patients have access to state-of-the-art surgical facilities.

To begin your modular building project, contact Wernick Buildings here. 

www.wernick.co.uk

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Combilift Unveils Self-Propelled Inloader at Bauma 2025

Munich, Germany – Combilift, the global leader in innovative material handling, unveiled its pioneering Self-Propelled Inloader ‘COMBi-SPI’ at Bauma 2025. This highly anticipated launch marks a significant milestone in the transport of high loads, such as precast concrete, wall panels or glass A-frames, within production facilities and yard environments.

Revolutionising High-Load Transport

Development of the COMBi-SPI began in April 2022, driven by the need for an efficient, manoeuvrable, and cost-effective alternative to expensive trailers and trucks. The objective was clear: to create a versatile solution capable of handling 30-tonne loads on industry standard Inloader Pallets with superior visibility, agility, and ease of operation.

The collaboration with Spaansen, a specialist in precast concrete, influenced the design through to the final stages. Early prototypes focused on reducing overall length and width and enhancing manoeuvrability for working in busy production facilities. However, the project took a significant turn when Spaansen opted for a fully electric model mid-development. This shift required a complete redesign to integrate the electric wheel motors as well as fit the interchangeable batteries into the legs of the machine.

Advanced Features for Unmatched Performance

  • Side-Facing Cab: Provides operators with a clear view of both the load and direction of travel, ensuring enhanced safety and precision.
  • Sliding Load Supports: Adjustable supports along the chassis to accommodate various load lengths and heights during travel.
  • Pivoting Front Dual-Wheel Configuration: Eliminates the need for suspension, optimises stability and gives a tighter turning circle.
  • 300mm Ground Clearance: Designed for both concrete and gravel yards, offering reliability across diverse work environments.
  • Power Options: Available in Electric (with interchangeable battery system), Diesel, and LPG, catering to different operational needs.
  • Large Solid Tires for durability and yard maintenance.
  • Compact Yet Powerful: The short chassis enhances load support, maintains a low centre of gravity and offers more manoeuvrability, especially while operating within production facilities.

Industry-Changing Efficiency

With unmatched manoeuvrability and faster operational speed, the Self-Propelled Inloader transforms yard-based logistics by eliminating the reliance on multiple trailers and shunters, significantly enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs for businesses handling oversized, high loads.

“This project showcases Combilift’s commitment to innovation and customer-driven design,” said Josh Moffett – Heavy Equipment Manager at Combilift. “We’ve leveraged decades of expertise in specialised transport machinery to develop a state-of-the-art solution that meets the evolving needs of the concrete and glass industries.”

The Self-Propelled Inloader is now on display at Bauma 2025 at stand FS.1003/4. Attendees are invited to experience this revolutionary solution firsthand and discover how it redefines material handling for high-load applications

For further information, visit www.combilift.com/spi or contact our team at Bauma 2025.

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves visits Premier Modular factory

Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited East Yorkshire based construction company Premier Modular today.

Premier Modular in Driffield said the modular industry contributes significantly to the UK economy and can boost capacity in schools, hospitals, infrastructure and emergency housing across the UK. The Chancellor undertook a site tour, factory visit and an in-person briefing with Group CEO, David Harris, to discuss the opportunities of modular construction and its role in meeting ambitious infrastructure targets.

David Harris, Group CEO of Premier Modular, said: “Being able to demonstrate first-hand the contribution that the modular construction industry has on facilitating growth, has been a real pleasure.

“Giving it the national recognition, as an important lever in the UK’s growth agenda, is crucial to reach the Government’s ambitious targets. Without collaboration between public sector and private businesses – which can lead the charge with quality, pace and reliability top of the priority list – these growth ambitions will not be met.

“We’re proud to be at the forefront of that and have our facilities as the backdrop of these latest announcements.” Premier Modular said it supports social initiatives and has a growing apprenticeship programme which has expanded year-on-year in order to close the local skills gap and provide fulfilling long-term careers.

In her speech yesterday, Reeves said: “The problems in our economy, the lack of bold reform that we have seen over decades, can be summed up by £100m bat tunnel built for HS2 – the type of decision that has made delivering major infrastructure in our country far too expensive.

“So we are reducing the environmental requirements placed on developers when they pay into a nature restoration fund that we have created so they can focus on getting things built – and stop worrying about the bats and the newts – to build a new infrastructure like nuclear power plants, train lines and wind farms more quickly.”

Source: Hull Live

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New research addresses negative perceptions around MMC

A new independent study is proposing steps to improve public perceptions of modern methods of construction (MMC) and increase its adoption in the public and private sectors.

The research, carried out by Dr Ali Saad, lecturer in construction engineering and project management at Loughborough University, includes contributions from CIOB members Professor Chris Gorse, Professor Chris Goodier and Professor Mohammed Dulaimi.

It also has a foreword by CIOB chief executive, Caroline Gumble.

The publication of the paper comes against a backdrop of waning confidence in MMC after high-profile business failures in the sector, including the recent insolvencies of Ilke Homes, Caledonian Modular, Beattie Passive and Module-AR.

The research found that the disjointed nature of MMC organisations, poor communication around what MMC is, and unfair value comparisons are some of the issues negatively impacting perceptions and confidence.

Recommendations
To challenge these perceptions and increase confidence among public and private sector decision-makers, the paper makes seven recommendations:

Standardisation of systems among MMC providers to ensure ease of handover in the event of organisational failure;
Developing and implementing a fair and robust longitudinal comparison criterion that goes beyond cross-sectional assessments;
Developing a ‘living’ MMC descriptive glossary that specifies and comprises the key terms used in MMC design, manufacturing, production, transportation, and assembly;
Developing a nationwide ‘exemplar source’ that compiles success and failure stories of MMC project delivery and implementation;
Modifying public procurement practices to allow for the development of a relationship history with MMC organisations;
Collaboration across the different MMC phases in realisation of pre-manufactured value;
Planning policies must promote rewarding change instead of indirectly discouraging innovators by delaying permissions merely due to unfamiliarity.
“The key recommendations presented in this practice paper aim to challenge MMC organisations, clients, and the government to rethink the ways they portray and drive confidence,” Saad wrote in the study’s introduction.

“This is increasingly important, particularly at a time when the downfall of some leading MMC organisations has negatively impacted a favourable image. Consequently, this paper reiterates the need to pursue premanufactured value as a key approach to deliver the needs of the public.”

Source: Construction Management

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Eco Buildings Group receives order for 10,000 prefab homes

Eco Buildings Group, a UK-listed modular housing company whose factory is in Albania, says that it has received a letter of intent confirming a £190m order from the Dominican Republic for 10,000 houses.

The order follows a visit by a Dominican Republic delegation, led by housing minister Carlos Bonilla Sanchez, to Eco Buildings’ manufacturing facility in Albania.

“With products that are up to 50% cheaper, two-thirds lighter, and five times faster to build than conventional homes, our technology is uniquely positioned to address the Dominican Republic’s pressing social housing needs,” the manufacturer said.

Eco Buildings’ glass fibre-reinforced gypsum (GFRG) panels have already been certified in Chile and approved for use across multiple Latin American markets.

Following the visit and subsequent negotiations a letter of intent has been signed with Gramma Constructora SRL, a large private construction company in the Dominican Republic. This agreement outlines the purchase of 10,000 modular homes over the next five years, subject to regulatory approvals.

A sample wall is already on its way to the Dominican Republic for evaluation and testing. Gramma Constructora SRL has committed to acquiring an initial tranche of 2,000 units a year on receiving the necessary government certifications. There are also talks about setting up a manufacturing facility in the Dominican Republic.

Eco Buildings chief executive Sanjay Bowry said:  “We are very pleased with the progress achieved during the Dominican Republic delegation’s visit to our Albanian factory. Their enthusiasm and recognition of our technology’s value reaffirms Eco Buildings’ ability to meet critical housing challenges globally. The successful alignment of our vision with their housing strategy marks the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term, impactful partnership.”

“We look forward to formalising agreements in the near future and contributing to the Dominican Republic’s social housing initiatives, helping to deliver thousands of homes that are not only affordable but also sustainable and high-quality.”

Source: The Construction Index

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