Government Appoints Consortium of Firms to Standardise Modern Methods of Construction for Housebuilding

The government has embarked on a new project to develop an open-source kit of parts to encourage the uptake of modern methods of construction (MMC). The project, which is being referred to as ‘Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Standardisation Research and Kit of Parts’. It is being launched by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).

The project follows through on commitments that were set out within the Transforming Infrastructure Performance Roadmap to 2030 and Construction Playbook and is a key step by the government in turning policy into practice.

Through a competitive tender, the DLUHC has appointed specialist consultancy Akerlof to lead a consortium of partners that includes Limberger Associates, Buro Happold and HLM Architects. The participating firms will work collectively to undertake research and engagement and assist in creating a strategy for standard parts.

The project will focus on MMC Category 2, which is 2D primary structural systems, as well as Category 5, which is non-structural assemblies and sub-assemblies. There is to be extensive consultation within the industry and its supply chains to ensure any solutions meet the sector’s requirements and generate MMC market growth. 

Housing Minister, Rachel Maclean MP, has stated that:

The DLUHC is conducting a session this week involving members from the sector, aimed at discussing possibilities for standardising MMC to encourage the wider use of modern building materials, equipment and techniques within the industry.

Tim Limberger, who is the Director of project management company Limberger Associates, has said that it’s not yet clear what forms of standardisation could be pursued, but it may range from common language around the topic to various practical applications.

Limberger told CN that “The objective is to reduce limitations which might be supplier-specific or housing-development-specific. We are looking for a solution that opens up the supply chain to more players, and that opens up more choices for housebuilders.”

The DLUHC is hoping to develop a standardisation platform to be made available by the end of March 2024 in its initial form. It is, as yet, unclear whether firms will be required to pay a fee for access to the platform.

In recent times, a number of companies involved in the modular space have struggled or had challenges. Earlier this month, Legal and General announced that it would cease to produce modular homes at its factory as it had become unprofitable. And, back in May last year, Urban Splash’s modular spin-off entered administration, citing factory operating issues as a causal factor.

However, with greater standardisation should come wider take-up which, it is hoped, will increase choices and reduce barriers to entry.

While there have been some struggles within the industry, there have also been some success stories. Back in March, Barratt Homes revealed plans to develop a new MMC factory in Derby following the company’s purchase of Oregon Timber Frame, which manufactures modular structural timber frames with insulated wall panels.

Organisations are currently evaluating what works and what doesn’t. The new project will facilitate collective learning that, it is hoped, will help organisations to pinpoint the right opportunities for MMC.

Co-Founder and Chair of the Offsite Alliance, Gaynor Tennant, has stated that: