The Innovations

Modern Methods of Construction

What are Modern Methods of Construction?

The office of the Deputy Prime Minister defines modern methods of construction (MMC) as a process to produce more, better quality homes in less time. Under this general heading there are a number of construction methods that can be classed as MMC. There are many modern methods used in the Irlam project. For instance, unlike the conventional ‘brick and block system’, the structures of the different houses are built using the following methods:

Timber frame: For the Eco and Energy Homes
Steel frame: For the Techno Home
Concrete frame: For the Lifetime and Modular Homes

In addition to using the basic structures there are a wide range of other innovative techniques used to build the houses.

Why Use Modern Methods of Construction?

At the same time as there is an increased demand for the provision of new housing, the industry is widely felt to be facing a skills shortage. Against this background it is essential that house builders use the most modern techniques to produce more, better quality houses in less time. According to the National Audit Office when using MMC:

It should be possible to build up to four times as many home with the same on-site labour
On-site construction time can be reduced by over a half

To find out more about an innovation, click on its title below.

Products
	Eco House	Techno House	Lifetime House	Modular House	Energy House
Timber Frame Uses wood rather than bricks as the main structural material.
Structurally Insulated Panel Roof System Advance roofing systems, easy to install and high performance
Concrete Panel Basement A pre-cast concrete basement which greatly increases available floor space using a rapid and trusted construction method.
Steel Frame A steel frame, modular structure minimises constuction time
Volumetric Steel Pod Factory manufactured and assembled rooms (pods) which are then assembled together on site within a steel frame.
Brick-Slips Uses traditional materials (light weight brick) in a modern method.
Concrete Bathroom Pod Volumetric Pod technology that consists of modular pre-cast concrete structures manufactured in the factory from light weight reinforced concrete.
Pre-Cast Concrete Piles Pre-cast concrete piles quick to install and very cost-effective.
Concrete Panel Construction The house is built from factory manufactured pre-cast concrete panels
Precast Insulated Ground Floor A lightweight floor with excellent insulation
Promonta Blocks Promonta blocks provide non-load bearing internal wall partition blocks consisting of solid gypsum with a tongue and groove connection.
Self Cleaning Glass The unique dual-action of the Pilkington Activ™ coating uses the forces of nature to help keep the glass free from organic dirt.
Positive Pressure Ventilation Positive Pressure Ventilation introduces outside dryer air into the home lowering the moisture content.
Balcony Window System A double window in the roof that opens into a balcony
Space4 A modern timber frame system utilising precision manufacturing techniques

DID YOU KNOW?

On average each person in the UK generates just over half a tonne of household waste per year