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tangible value for the UK while ensuring that innovators within industry do not face penalties for challenging outdated methods of working,” he concluded.
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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.
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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.
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A dormitory at a military facility, which was built utilizing the new system
Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology
Efficient construction system stacks self-contained modules like Legos
Erecting an entire building from scratch at the construction site can be time-consuming and expensive, which is why many companies look to factory-built prefabricated structures. A new technology takes that idea further, with prefab blocks that are stacked like Lego blocks.
The modular system was developed at the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, by a team led by Dr. Seok-Ho Lim and Dr. Joon-Soo Chung. It incorporates shipping-container-shaped “blocks” that serve as single rooms of a larger overall building.
Each of these blocks consists of two parts. There’s an infill module – which includes the inner walls, inner floor and ceiling – along with an open-topped “PC module,” which consists of two load-bearing exterior side walls and a load-bearing exterior floor.
Modules of both types are transported to the construction site, where a crane is used to lower the infill modules into their corresponding PC modules, thus forming the self-contained blocks. That same crane then hoists each of those blocks into place on a concrete pad, stacking them one on top of another as dictated by the building plan.
In a final step, a roof, stairs and block-connecting corridors are added to complete the structure. All told, the blocks account for 70 to 80% of the whole building.
Not only is the onsite assembly process reportedly much less time-consuming and labor-intensive than traditional building methods, it’s also claimed to generate less noise, dust and waste. Additionally, when the building is no longer needed, the individual blocks can be retrieved and used in other projects.
The Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport recently announced its plans to use the system for the construction of rental houses within the Seoul metropolitan area and in new outlying towns.
“The developed modular construction method will offer effective solutions for addressing environmental issues in the construction industry and housing shortages,” said Dr. Lim. “This technology significantly reduces construction costs and diminishes the need for a large portion of onsite operations, resulting in shorter construction periods compared to conventional concrete construction methods.”
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Porsche Consulting and ABB Robotics team up in construction sector
Porsche Consulting has signed an agreement with ABB Robotics aimed at using innovative technology to improve the manufacturing process of modular housing.
In many countries around the world, the construction sector is struggling to meet the demand for new homes. This is not just due to regulations around meeting environmental performance, but also due to shortages of labour, challenges around supply chain and the sourcing of materials, and growing costs making projects less feasible.
In Germany for instance, the country is forecast to have housing supply shortages in 35 of its cities by 2030, while in the United Kingdom, most major cities already face an acute housing shortage according to government data.
Against this backdrop, builders are investing heavily in new ways of building homes, including modular construction methods and factory-based production (as opposed to building on sites).
This is where the partnership between Porsche Consulting and ABB Robotics comes in. Focused at the intersection of the two domains, the two companies believe their joint capabilities can improve the efficiency of housing manufacturing, while making the process safe and more sustainable.
“We think there is a clear opportunity to transform the way homes are built by automating the process of manufacturing modular components,” said Marc Segura, President of ABB Robotics. “Greater, more intelligent automation is the answer to widespread labor shortages, and this collaboration will boost productivity, allow greater customization, and enable more sustainable and efficient construction practices.”
Eberhard Weiblen, Chairman of Porsche Consulting, added: “In combining ABB’s leading robotic solutions and Porsche Consulting’s knowledge in planning and running state-of-the-art factories, we want to help transform the construction industry.”
“Highly automated factories for buildings can deliver higher quality and more affordable housing. Factories also provide a safer and more hospitable working environment, as construction workers account for around 30% of workplace injuries and are four times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident in comparison to other sectors.”
“Building in a factory setting also will yield green improvements through the reduction in material wastage,” Weiblen continued.
Originating in the automotive industry under the mantle of iconic luxury car brand Porsche, Porsche Consulting is a leading management and digital consulting firm that today works across sectors. The firm has offices in Germany, Italy, France, China, Brazil, and the United States.
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By Dean Fazackerley, Head of Technical Procurement, LHC Procurement Group
With the UK under pressure to deliver hundreds of thousands of new homes a year to address a chronic housing crisis, modern methods of construction (MMC) are increasingly recognised as a means to deliver quality housing at pace. Some reports indicate that MMC homes can be constructed at least 30% faster than traditional methods, and with up to a 25% reduction in costs. MMC can also support the delivery of greener homes of a higher quality; components are less likely to be faulty because they are manufactured in controlled factory conditions, which can also lead to significant reductions in waste.
Despite this, the take-up of MMC has been modest owing to some trepidation within the sector. We believe this could be down to a misunderstanding of the barriers to entry into MMC, and complications with public sector procurement constraints. It can be seen as an expensive luxury, with many manufacturers working to their own designs, and complex to manage with new supply chains and stakeholders to work with. We have also heard the perception that public procurement constraints limit a local authority’s ability to develop the right relationships required for MMC.
However, through framework agreements, the contracting authorities can manage this process much more easily, with a single point of contact and access to technical expertise that aligns with all RIBA Plan of Work 2020 stages, from the initial stages through to design, construction, handover, and use.
Dedicated MMC frameworks
Earlier this year, our Modern Methods of Construction of New Homes (NH3) framework went live. It is the successor to NH2, which enabled £93.5m-worth of offsite homes projects with a total forecast value of £277m.
NH3 has been shaped by extensive engagement with housing contractors and manufacturers. It allows for a range of housing types, from low rise and medium/high rise, through to specialist accommodation such as care homes. The framework also provides for delivery of ‘room in the roof’ projects and adaptive pods.
Framework agreements like this allow relationships to flourish over a longer-term period and help set out an integrated supply chain. We see it as a vital tool to drive programmes for low-carbon, modern homes for housing associations and local authorities across the country
Quality assessments
Our commitment to becoming a Gold Standard framework provider means that as part of the development of NH3, we conducted an in-depth assessment of all potential suppliers.
This began with a questionnaire tailored depending on the workstream: 3D modular systems; 2D panelised systems; main contractors delivering MMC solutions; and groundworks and site preparation for MMC housing projects.
To evidence their capability to deliver MMC projects for the workstreams they had applied for, applicants to the framework were quizzed on everything from what training they provide staff with to how they demonstrate KPIs, and how they monitor customer feedback during projects. For consistency, two colleagues from our dedicated centre of technical excellence assessed each workstream. Following this, we spent a day on site with each manufacturer to conduct in-depth factory assessments to assess their factory process. Again, applicants were scored for the following:
Quality of products
Including structure, cladding, finish, and M&E installation, throughout the construction process from goods in down the production line to storage and dispatch.
Pre-manufactured value – what level of automation was used throughout. Environmental and waste management – what measures were taken to minimise environmental impact and waste management. For example, how do they reduce energy usage on premises in terms of heating and lighting? How do they manage water usage during manufacturing and in the offices? Which materials are they using in manufacturing? And are there any EV charging points available to use?
Process management
We observed the quality control process for elements down the production lines, how products are marked up on the production line, the worksheets for products, and inspection and sign-off at each stage. Quality of temporary weather protection during storage at the factory/on site and transportation. Scores from the questionnaires and factory assessments were added together to calculate a final score, and those who scored the highest were awarded the highest allotted award.
Appetite for offsite
One thing that was evident during the assessment process was the sheer passion among industry professionals who want to champion and promote MMC. Fortunately, we are seeing local authorities beginning to look past the barriers to entry to see the value MMC can bring; our NH2 framework – the successor to NH3 – led to a pipeline of nearly 5,000 MMC homes across 133 projects. The government’s push towards MMC in its policies – especially the Affordable Homes Programme – should see this figure increase further.
TG Escapes provide timber frame, net-zero buildings offering a highly flexible, bespoke, turnkey, architectural design and build solution to a wide range of customers. Biophilic design principles are combined with sustainable materials and the latest technology to create buildings that are beautiful, ergonomic and inspiring for their occupants whilst offering exceptional environmental integrity. One of their more recent projects was commissioned by Brune Park Community School which is part of the Gosport and Fareham MAT.
The school needed to replace an old SCOLA building, which had poor insulation values and provided an uncomfortable learning environment. They selected TG Escapes to design a building providing flexible classroom space, including conferencing facilities to also act as a local community business hub. The building includes nine classrooms which can be opened up, breakout and office spaces and a large atrium.
GFM were keen on an operational net-zero solution and were impressed by TG Escapes understanding of their requirements. They also considered a volumetric and traditional build but the timescales didn’t suit. The 1001m2 building, completed in 26 weeks onsite, achieved an A+ EPC at minus 3 at a cost of £2.8m including demolition, temporary construction and external landscaping.
Kevin Rochester, Head of Estates at GFM says;
“The green aspect is a big plus for us now that we are trying to move into the world of sustainability. We also just felt in the commissioning process TGE were really enthusiastic about the project as a flagship building whereas the others seemed to see it as just another project. The other buildings were also fantastic but TGE had the eco thing and the chemistry was right.”
Andrew Cowlard, Associate Director at MEB Design acted on behalf of GFM as contract administrators;
“I found that it was very positive because in our role, a traditional job is a lot more involved. And because TGE offers a one-stop-shop solution with their own project management, they almost manage it all themselves so there was less involvement required from my side. Overall it was quite seamless.”
Kevin Rochester;
“I am delighted with our experience of TG Escapes, from the initial tender exercise right through to the successful completion of the build. They have maintained an exceptional standard of communication throughout the project which has facilitated a smooth collaboration. Their prompt and professional response to queries has significantly contributed to the efficacy of the entire process and we commend TG Escapes for their unwavering dedication to adhering to the project timeline. Operating within a bustling school environment, the absence of conflicts between the contractors and the broader GFM School community is a testament to their ability to seamlessly integrate their operations. The meticulous attention to detail is evident and speaks to their commitment to excellence. Their team’s courteous and respectful demeanour has made collaboration a true pleasure.”
At the recent opening of the building, senior staff and board members commented;
“We have both single classrooms and open classrooms enabling us to teach in creative ways. The large amounts of glass and open plan spaces allow us to see the outside and bring that outside into the classroom which is always really positive for mental health and well-being.”
“It is also an eco-friendly building that sustains its temperature, provides a sustainable environment for learning and creates a space that people actually want to learn in.”
“This building is very special, it is a landmark in Gosport already and it will certainly be a focal point for Brune Park School.”
TG Escapes are PAGABO approved, STA and Construction Line gold members and have been recognised by several prestigious bodies, winning “Project of the Year” and “Public Sector Innovator of the Year” at the 2023 Modern Methods of Construction Awards, alongside “Contractor of the Year” at the 2021 Education Estates Awards. Customers score them 4.9 out of 5 from over 187 customer reviews.
For more information and case studies visit the website
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Sheffield’s first ‘net zero in operation’ Council homes lifted into position
Over three days in August 2023, Sheffield’s first ‘net zero in operation’ council homes were safely lifted into position at the Duffield Place site in Woodseats.
Before being transported to site, the homes were built in a quality-controlled UK factory using a light gauge steel frame – a type of construction known as ‘volumetric off-site’ or ‘modular’.
Sheffield City Council is working with ZEDPODS Ltd to deliver six self-contained single person, high-quality homes. They have been built using ZEDPODS award winning low energy modular construction system.
The homes were designed by ZEDPODS team of in-house architects, using a ‘fabric-first’ approach – with walls, ceilings, windows, doors and roofs all super-insulated, achieving high levels of air tightness. The homes are all electric, fitted with heat pumps and rooftop mounted solar photovoltaic panels. This ensures that 100% of the in-use carbon emissions are offset, making the homes ‘Net Zero Operational Carbon’. This significantly reduces running costs for residents and contributes to the council’s ambition to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2030. In addition, a whole life cycle carbon assessment is being undertaken to identify all environmental impacts of the scheme over its lifetime.
The on-site works started in March 2023, at the same time the homes were being manufactured off-site. This reduces the construction time by up to 50% compared to a traditional construction project. It also reduces the impact and disruption of construction related activity in the local community. The new homes are expected to be completed during Winter 2023/24.
These homes are being delivered as part of the council’s Stock Increase Programme, with investment from both the council (including from the Local Renewable Energy Fund) and the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
This project also delivers another first for the city – the Council’s first dedicated move-on homes. The homes will be managed by the Council, providing access to both an affordable home and individual support for people who have previously experienced homelessness. This support will help people to successfully move to a permanent home within two to three years.
As part of Changing Futures Sheffield, the Council has received valued input from people with lived experience of housing support services to develop this project.
Chair of Sheffield City Council’s Housing Committee Councillor Douglas Johnson said:
“I am delighted to see the council deliver its first ‘net zero in operation’ council homes – this is an important step for the city as we continue to find ways to address the net zero challenge and reduce the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on our residents. I look forward to visiting the new homes, and I will be particularly keen to talk to residents about their experience of living in these homes”.
“It’s also great to see this project deliver much needed supported housing on a council-owned brownfield site, whilst at the same time retaining and enhancing the adjacent green space through the planting of new trees”.
Tom Northway, Chairman at ZED PODS Ltd said:
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Sheffield City Council to bring their first modular zero-operation carbon housing scheme into fruition as part of a full turnkey design & build package”.
“These houses will be of the very best design in terms of environmental performance and internal specifications, providing ultra-low energy bills for residents. Our inhouse team have worked closely with the client in every stages – from concept design to planning, from offsite fabrication of modules to training their maintenance team before the modules were brought to the site”.
This will be ZEDPODS’ first project in the City and is a brilliant example of how working with the local community, council officers and supply chain partners we can unlock constrained sites and deliver much needed affordable homes”.
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Modular housing has the potential to be a significant part of the solution to the housing crisis for several reasons. Firstly, the energy efficiency of modular homes is a major advantage. Factory engineering in the construction of modular homes allows for high levels of sustainability, resulting in reduced energy consumption. The energy savings offered by modular homes can lead to significant cost reductions for homeowners, making them more affordable to live in. These energy-efficient homes not only benefit the occupants by lowering their energy bills but also contribute to overall environmental sustainability.
Additionally, the adoption of modular housing can enhance productivity and efficiency in the construction industry. Traditional builders have been slow to embrace new construction methods, and the housing industry has been resistant to modernization. However, modular homes offer the potential for increased productivity and streamlined construction processes. By adopting factory-built housing, the construction industry can address the flaws in the housing market and work towards meeting the ambitious targets set by the government for new home construction.
Modular buildings also have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional builds. The reduced number of deliveries to the construction site leads to fewer emissions and less disturbance and pollution for nearby residents. The environmentally friendly aspects of modular construction, including its lower carbon footprint and reduced waste generation, can drive demand for this construction approach. As residents become more aware of the benefits, they are likely to advocate for modular construction in their neighborhoods, which can encourage local authorities to prioritize the use of modular methods in delivering new homes.
Furthermore, the efficiency of modular home construction is evident in the significant reduction in material waste compared to traditional builds. Research has shown that modular construction generates 90% less material waste, making it a more sustainable option. This reduced waste not only benefits the environment but also contributes to cost savings and more efficient resource utilization.
While there may be some initial challenges and higher construction costs associated with modular housing, such as the need for established builders to adopt these methods, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment. The potential to address the housing crisis, achieve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and minimize waste makes modular housing a promising solution for the future.
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The sudden closure of a £29M modular-built school in Essex due to structural issues is unlikely to be an indication of flaws with modular construction, the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA) has said.
Only three years on from its completion, Sir Frederick Gibberd College in Harlow announced this week that its main building and sports hall block will be closed with immediate effect. The news came following a report from technical consultants from the Department for Education (DfE) that identified “structural irregularities”.
A statement from the school said:
“In April of this year, the DfE instructed a technical survey of the main school building which raised some queries about the structure. Following further analysis of the survey information, a report and risk assessment on the building structure was delivered to the DfE and shared with the trust late last week. Having regard to the reports received, the DfE is no longer able to verify the structural safety of the building, hence its advice to close.”
Staff and pupils from the school have also told ITV News that there were cracks, flooding and black mould in the school – particularly evident in the sports hall, which was not built modularly.
The school was built by contractor Caledonian Modular in 12 months between March 2020 and March 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.
The main school building comprises 198 individual modules that were manufactured in a factory in the Midlands complete with concrete flooring, internal fit out and external cladding.
Watch a timelapse video of its construction:
Caledonian Modular, which had a place on the DfE’s £3bn modular framework, went into administration in March 2022 owing £20M to suppliers and clients.
Two Cornwall schools constructed by Caledonian Modular, Launceston Primary Academy and Newquay Primary Academy, were demolished in April this year. Both schools were only partially constructed before “several construction issues” were noticed by the DfE, leading to them being torn down.
Following surveys by the DfE, Haygrove School in Somerset, which was also constructed by Caledonian Modular, has been told that it cannot use its main building until further notice.
Regarding the closure of Sir Frederick Gibberd College, a DfE spokesperson said:
“We recognise that while these are isolated issues, they are very concerning to children and their families. We will be investigating what has happened and continue to work with schools and local authorities to minimise the impact of closures and ensure continuity of education for all pupils.”
DfE declined to share the technical report into the structural issues at Sir Frederick Gibberd College with NCE.
MPBA development director Richard Hipkiss told NCE:
“We don’t know any of the specifics except that it’s structurally unsafe – it could be to do with the construction method, it could be to do with the civils, it could be to do with how it was assembled.”
Nonetheless, Hipkiss placed the blame on Caledonian Modular. “I don’t think this story is a reflection of the construction methodology, but potentially of the constructor,” he said.
He highlighted the fact that the company had not become a member of the MPBA even though it was “approached several times”.
“We have a code of conduct to be a member,” Hipkiss said. “The MPBA promotes best practice, the development of standards, the competence of people. We do scrutinise members, particularly manufacturing members, when they apply – but I can confirm that Caledonian never applied for membership.”
Moreover, Hipkiss believes that the failure of Sir Frederick Gibberd College should not divert the public sector away from modular construction. Since 2021, the government has committed to rebuilding 400 schools around the country, with the latest order of 239 coming in December 2022. Hipkiss believes that modern methods of construction and volumetric modular construction (such as that seen on Sir Frederick Gibberd College) are essential to meet this demand.
He believes that Caledonian Modular’s failures are a “one-off situation” that is unlikely to be repeated. “It’s not a reflection on MPBA membership,” he said. “I could name a dozen of our manufacturers that have been operating successfully without issue since the 1950s.
“There are problems with traditional construction methods every now and again, as with any construction method. There are also many modular schools out there that are award winning and meet the client brief.”
Anglia Ruskin University professor of sustainable construction methods Saul Humphrey says that quality control might have been an issue for Caledonian Modular, particularly pertaining to cash flow issues.
“As with anything that’s innovative or less tested, perhaps with less mature supply chains, quality control is often compounded when there’s an issue regarding cash flow or solvency,” he said. “Knowing what happened next with Caledonian Modular and its insolvency, one wonders if there could have been some link to cash viability and paying of supply chain.”
“Often with these offsite modular businesses, they’ve spent so much setting up offsite factorires that they can’t do enough to recover that capital investment.”
Humphrey believes that the reports of cracks and mould leads to questions of structural integrity in the design, which in turn suggests a systemic failure with the construction company’s methodologies – especially as two of its other schools have also been condemned.
“I think there can sometimes be a focus with 3D modular companies to be very good at building the box but sometimes less experience at connecting modules together in a live site environment and integrating them with the appropriate mechanical and electrical systems, components and structures,” he said. “One wonders if there’s been quite enough time spent on connections, junctions, avoiding interstitial condensation, ensuring the right ventilation strategies.”
He points out the cracks in the sports hall as evidence of the contractor’s inexperience.
“The sports hall was the only part that wasn’t 3D modular, it looks like a gauge steel frame construction, but that also appears to have structural defects,” he said. “Again you’ve got a modular company doing something they may not be particularly experienced in.”
Unlike the MPBA, Humphrey believes that the DfE should take time to reconsider the modular approach to school building.
“I think it should pause, reflect and immediately take expert soundings to find the cause on each of these problems,” he said. “It could just be a Caledonian problem, not a modern methods of construction problem, but equally you couldn’t justify continuing if there is a question over the methodology.
“And just imagine all that embodied carbon sitting in that unused building. In a world facing the reality of climate change, we shouldn’t be building things twice.”
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Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, you cannot refuse them without impacting how our site functions. You can block or delete them by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website.
Other external services
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
Privacy Policy
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.