The benefits of modern methods of construction, assembling elements of homes offsite, are proven to bring efficiencies. From cost and time onsite to reduced waste, increased sustainability, skills shortages addressed and higher quality homes that close the performance gap, they are believed by many to be the way forward. However with a range of financial challenges persisting the sector, MMC with its attendant upfront costs has struggled to gain mainstream traction, despite a series of major investments. Our round table will bring the industry together to look at the prognosis, and how a positive future for MMC could be unlocked, including bringing in existing examples of offsite innovation across the supply chain.
Whether housebuilders pursue pre-manufactured or panelised approaches to certain elements, or full volumetric or even Design for Manufacture and Assembly, MMC has an important role. But they must confront and embrace a culture change required in order to bring many aspects formerly done onsite into a much more controlled, factory environment, overseen by different entities. Volume housebuilders have put serious investment into offsite, even building their own factories, however what is the likely scenario for an SME housebuilder looking to engage with MMC?
Key interventions may be needed by Government unleash the power of offsite at scale, which may be the only way to deliver its 1.5 million homes goal. While it has launched its Affordable Homes Programme of funding with a requirement for MMC to be used, an MMC Taskforce to drive adoption, and tasked Homes England to make funding conditional on its use, what is the viability of such approaches for the wider community of housebuilders, and ‘traditional’ housing developments?
What can the industry learn from the former pitfalls experienced, and how can housebuilders and the construction supply chain fully engage with the benefits of MMC in the future – our round table will reveal all.