On 1 July, Building Insights LIVE brought together leading housebuilders, modular construction specialists, architects, consultants and academics at Asia House in London to explore the challenges preventing wider adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA).
Held in partnership with Ibstock Brick and Medite Smartply, the round table examined why MMC continues to face significant barriers despite its potential to accelerate housing delivery, improve building performance and address the construction industry’s ongoing skills shortages. The discussion explored how industry culture, economic uncertainty and a lack of consistent demand have restricted investment and adoption.
With the Government targeting 1.5 million new homes, delegates discussed why offsite manufacturing remains underutilised and what needs to change to encourage greater uptake. From timber frame construction and standardisation to supply chain collaboration, design integration and investment confidence, the discussion explored how MMC could become a more established part of mainstream housebuilding.
The debate covered manufacturing capacity, skills, procurement, design processes and the challenges of securing a reliable pipeline of projects. A key theme was the need for greater collaboration, long-term commitment and more standardised approaches, recognising the role MMC can play in delivering high-quality, sustainable homes at the scale and pace required.
Event Chair:
- James Parker, Managing Editor, Housebuilder & Developer
Attendees:
- Sam Stacey, Director, A7C
- Tony Woods, Technical Manager – Construction and Sustainability, Procurement for Housing
- Rory Bergin, Partner, HTA Design architects
- Andrew Orriss, Interim Chief Executive, Structural Timber Association
- Stephen Wightman, Director, UK MMC Lead, AtkinsRéalis
- Nigel Ostime, Consultant, Hawkins\Brown Architects
- Richard Quarry, Equity Partner, Baker Ruff Hannon LLP
- Jack Brayshaw, Director of Research and Innovation, Vistry
- Andrew Shepherd, Managing Director, Ibstock Brick
- Roly Ward, Head of Business Development, Medite Smartply UK
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OrganisationsIbstock Brick Medite Smartply UK