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Modern Methods of Construction

Over the last 30 years, MTX has continued to refine and evolve its approach to Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to ensure faster, greener and cost effective delivery of healthcare schemes for our NHS and private sector clients, ensuring no compromise on quality.

What are Modern Methods of Construction?

The term Modern Methods of Construction or MMC is a broad catch-all term to describe the use of innovative construction techniques to deliver high quality built environments quickly, using both on-site and off-site construction methods.

In basic terms Modern Methods of Construction includes:

  • Traditional volumetric modular buildings
  • Light gauge steel frame (LGSF)
  • System-build wall panels
  • Structurally insulated panels (SIPS)
  • Concrete pre-cast buildings
John Radcliffe – Thinking outside the box

Read why the word ‘modern’ can be misleading:

The word ‘modern’ is in itself quite misleading as many of the methods and their underlying construction principles have been around and used by MTX and other construction companies, for decades. However, they are described as ‘modern’ because they have yet to be adopted by the mainstream.

However, more recently the UK Government has been increasingly encouraging the adoption of MMC for building projects across the public sector. Pre-manufactured value (PMV) and the other benefits MMC has to offer is often incorporated within business plans to demonstrate the use of MMC at the outset.

MTX’s approach to MMC, in line with DfMA

Our experienced approach to MMC is in line with the latest Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA)1 principles and Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Works. Working closely with our clients, we’re able to act as MMC Advisor on healthcare projects, as early as RIBA Stage 1.

Our ‘Platform Approach’ to Modern Methods of Construction allows us to adopt a combination of the following MMC categories to ensure our clients receive maximised pre-manufactured value (PMV).

  1. https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/resources-landing-page/dfma-overlay-to-the-riba-plan-of-work#available-resources

Categories of MMC2

Category 1 Pre-manufacturing – 3D primary structural systems
Category 2 Pre-manufacturing – (2D primary structural systems)
Category 3 Pre-manufactured components – non-systemised primary structures
Category 5 Pre-manufacturing – non-structural assemblies and sub-assemblies
Category 6 Traditional building product-led approaches that reduce site labour and / or improve productivity
Category 7 Site process-led site labour reduction / productivity / assurance improvements
  1. https://www.cast-consultancy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MMC-I-Pad-base_GOVUK-FINAL_SECURE.pdf
Hillingdon Hospital – Reception Desk

What is pre-manufactured value (PMV)

Pre-manufactured value (PMV) is a measure of the proportion of construction and manufacture that happens off-site, thus indicating project efficiency. In principal the higher the PMV, the smaller proportion of the capital cost spent on prelims and on-site labour, the greater the projects efficiency.

By using a Platform Approach to MMC, MTX healthcare schemes can deliver up to 70% pre-manufactured value.

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Wider benefits of Modern Methods of Construction

Faster

MTX buildings are pre-manufactured off-site to exact specifications, whilst the sub-structure is prepared on-site, reducing the overall programme by up to 50% compared to traditional alternatives and allowing for a faster ROI.

Greener

Off-site construction equates to 60% less waste, better use of materials, and up to 45% reduction in carbon emissions.

Better Energy Performance

MTX buildings are extremely energy efficient in operation and exceed the standard regulatory guidance, providing significant savings over the buildings whole-life.

Minimised disruption

Off-site construction means less disruption and noise, especially important for sensitive healthcare environments.

Safer construction processes

According to the 2016 Buildoffsite report, on-site conditions can be 80% less safe than factory conditions.

Quality control

Build quality and inspection is more easily controlled in a factory environment, ensuring the highest levels of quality.

Reduced labour cost

On-site labour is significantly more expensive compared with factory based labour, delivering a more cost effective solution.