The construction industry is moving towards modular and modern methods of construction (MMC) due to the innumerable benefits these methods provide. The Construction Innovation Hub was launched in 2011 to guide the industry towards these changes and help it develop innovative and sustainable solutions to transform how it operates. To create these transformative solutions, the Construction Innovation Hub has partnered with over 300 organisations including ASD, allowing us to contribute towards innovative solutions to the modular sector.
Another innovation designed to bring the industry up to the level of the government’s Construction 2025 targets is the Seismic demonstrator. It is a system based on a standardised steel frame and a set of components that build and configure a variety of building types. Opting for this modern method can make construction 75% faster to complete, 70% lower in carbon impact and 47% better value than traditional routes (National Composites Centre*). ASD is part of the Seismic I and Seismic II supply chains by supplying modular steel frame solutions.
Modern methods of construction in the UK are transforming the way educational and healthcare facilities, as well as residential buildings, are built. The future of construction is shaped by various factors, including research, innovation, and collaboration with the Construction Innovation Hub. By aligning platform interface standard components, these methods aim to reduce waste, cost, and carbon emissions while increasing the speed of production and delivery.
Modular Sector in the UK
The construction sector plays a significant role in the UK economy, contributing around 7% to the GDP and 9% to the employment as of 2023 (**ciob.org). It also provides the homes, infrastructure and environment that enable the country to grow, develop, function and prosper.
Strategic Advantages of Modern Methods of Construction and Offsite Modular:
As well as the advantages just mentioned, shifting towards MMC and offsite modular construction also adds following benefits:
- Increased speed of construction – Modular and MMC could help increase the speed of construction as the indoor production line would prevent any weather-related delays.
- Reliable high quality – Factory-built structures are easily quality controlled and are guided by certifications. Hence, they can provide consistently high standards of quality compared to traditional construction.
- Reduced requirement for skilled workforce – While MMC and modular do not eliminate the need for a skilled workforce in the construction industry; it reduces the need for a skilled workforce by providing the ability to achieve more with fewer skilled workers.
- Increased flexibility and recyclability – Elements are easy to assemble and disassemble, hence it is much easier to reuse or recycle them.
- Quicker return on investment – Since they are produced in factories, MMC and modular drive cost savings that result in quicker ROI.
- Reduced waste – The design consistency that factory production offers can help minimise waste by 70-90%(BRE***).
- Environmentally friendly – MMC offers 70% lower carbon emissions, both embodied and operational, than traditional methods of construction. Additionally, the reduced time on site is less intrusive for surrounding households, road networks and businesses.
Comprehensive Procurement Solutions for the Modular Sector
ASD, with its extensive stock range, processing capabilities and fabrication expertise, has substantial experience in supporting the various procurement requirements of modular customers in healthcare, education, commercial, and accommodation construction projects. As part of both the Seismic I and Seismic II supply chains, we offer flexible procurement options to meet diverse customer needs:
- Production/Source Materials: At ASD, we can leverage our partnership with our group mills to produce specific non-standard materials on a quick lead time. This capability not only helps customers to contribute towards a more sustainable construction process (as they can claim significant reductions in steel scrap), but it also allows them to benefit from enhanced reliability, quality control and transparency in their supply chain.
- Laser cut and fabricate kits of parts all under one roof: Our dedicated modular processing cell in Dudley, Midlands, features extensive tube and flat laser processing capabilities, an automated inspection line and bespoke kitting. This processing cell is specifically designated for high volume production of products with close tolerances and complex geometries.
- Ability to Call-off Parts: When fulfilling repeat orders, customers have the ability to request parts/components for quicker turnaround.
- Fabrication Expertise: Part of ASD’s unique offering also includes fully fabricated work up to Execution Class 4. ASD Westok, is an EXC-4 qualified steelwork fabricator and part of ASD group, have been active in the modular sector for a number of years, producing component parts, sub-assemblies, as well as fully fabricated frames. The multidisciplinary approach offered by Westok team, allows them to review the design from a structural, detailing, fabrication, procurement, transportation and erection viewpoint.
Wood Wharf Residential Appartments
With many years of experience working alongside structural engineers, designers and architects Westok engineers are on hand to help find the most economical solution with the smallest impact on the carbon footprint for the scheme. View Westok’s Volumetric Modular Project: Wood Wharf residential apartments
Enabling a Sustainable Supply Chain for the Modular Sector
ASD offers the modular sector a sustainable supply chain. As a company, we are dedicated to building a sustainable future and consciously work towards minimising the impact we have on our planet. We have taken several measures to reduce our impact on the environment. Find out more here
Due to our ongoing efforts towards sustainability, we are BES 6001 certified for the Responsible Sourcing of Products, with ASD Westok has also been awarded BCSA Sustainability Charter ‘Gold Standard’ status.
Modular Construction: Supplying Kits of Parts for Modular Building Frames
Modular Construction: ASD Westok – Delivering Fully Fabricated Volumetric Frames for Modular Sector
Modular Construction: ASD’s Organically Coated Steel Tailored to Modular Needs
References:
*National Composites Centre – https://www.nccuk.com/news/new-platform-based-approach-to-construction-unveiled/
**Chartered Institute of Building – https://www.ciob.org/industry/research/Real-Face-Construction-2023
***BRE- https://bregroup.com/expertise/innovation/modular-construction/