Modern methods of construction take a variety of forms – including volumetric and panel systems, and construction platforms.
Volumetric systems are complete modules, highly finished before being delivered to site. Panel systems are a ‘2D’ form of MMC, also prefabricated and capable of being highly finished. Solutions of either type are usually bespoke, and therefore not compatible with other modules or panels.
A construction platform is a type of design for manufacture and assembly (P-DfMA). It is an open, standardised system, for which any manufacturer can offer a kit of parts – not unlike the approach to manufacturing seen in the automotive industry. Standardisation and interoperability make reuse much more likely in the future.
The Seismic demonstrator building has shown what is possible with modern methods of construction.
Significant investment is being put into exploring the concept of construction platforms. Initiatives like the Construction Playbook show the UK government is serious about procuring these systems to drive lower costs and emissions, and achieve faster delivery, in the construction industry.
We developed a complete set of components, including floor, ceiling and roof cassettes that are completely interoperable with the frame. As well as the internal walls and external facade.
Our deck profiles and hollow sections are components in the kit of parts being used to build the UK’s first net zero commercial building.
The Forge is two office buildings around a public courtyard. It will be the UK’s first net zero commercial building, as defined by the UK Green Building Council, in both construction and operation. The project represents many years of P-DfMA development, and putting platform construction into practice.
Our standard ComFlor® Beam composite deck was repurposed to stitch together the standardised grid of vertical hollow section columns. Using an existing product in this new way shows that products don’t necessarily have to be redesigned completely to make construction platforms work. The solutions for long-term sustainability are already with us.