A UK insurance provider's initiatives for progress in building was recently supported by a government report and the organization is now encouraging builders to use new processes, new materials, and collaboration to drive further progress in housing. An aim is to focus beyond materials and construction method to more integrated design approaches.
For many years, NHBC has helped the UK housebuilding industry embrace innovative forms of construction through a rigorous review of MMC systems that provides confidence to buyers, mortgage lenders and housebuilders alike. We have reviewed over 150 MMC systems, ranging from site-based innovations to large-scale volumetric units, formed from conventional as well as less conventional materials, with 52 currently accepted for use in NHBC-registered developments.
Recently, we have seen an upsurge in the number of systems that we are being asked to review, reflecting a growing demand among housebuilders to trial innovative technologies. Since 2016, the average annual number of MMC systems submitted for review has more than tripled and 2018 is set to be a record year with over 20 new systems submitted to NHBC so far.
To meet this rising need, in 2017, we launched the MMC Hub – an online portal that lists building systems accepted for use on NHBC-registered sites and provides guidance on the use of Modern Methods of Construction. We have also invested in our people and processes to enable a prompt and effective review of MMC systems and enabling effective inspection by NHBC staff across the country.
The trend in increasing volumes reflects the growing interest in the housebuilding industry in Modern Methods of Construction and particularly offsite manufacture. The government’s 2017 White Paper and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government-commissioned report Modernise or Die set out the opportunities for greater use of MMC and industry is responding.
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