WHY MMC?

The current construction industry has been diagnosed as “synonymous with a sick, or even a dying patient.” The evidence indicates that the construction industry and its labour model is at a critical crossroads in terms of its long-term health. Based purely on existing workforce age and current levels of new entrant attraction, we could see a 20-25% decline in the available labour force within a decade.

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The housing shortage is no secret. The Governments Affordable Housing Programme, which runs to 2026, currently has the target that 25% of homes delivered through strategic partnerships, must be built using Modern Methods of Construction.

 

The use of Structured Insulated Panels (SIPs) as a high-performance building system for residential and light commercial construction means no reliance on the ‘brick and block’ labour force and will assist in meeting the government targets. They are lightweight, quick to erect and do not suffer from compression shrinkage and cold bridging associated with stud walls. They have a SAP rating of 92 which represents an average SAP/EPC rating of Band A.

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Once installed, SIP panels deliver unrivalled insulation and airtightness, which reduces energy costs over the building’s lifetime. SIPs are known to be about 50% more energy-efficient than traditional timber framing. A SIP building envelope has minimal thermal bridging and delivers excellent airtightness. Code 6/Passive homes are attainable with increased thickness of material and design choices.

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There is also the high waste element of normal construction as half the total waste produced in the UK comes from construction. Modular can be optimised to minimise material waste to below 1% of the total.

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