Building a better future: are modern construction techniques the magic wand for the housing crisis?

October 25, 2024 by bearz

The UK is grappling with a significant housing shortfall, needing to build 300,000 new homes annually. Modern methods of construction (MMC) offer a potential solution. MMC encompasses various innovative building techniques like offsite fabrication, modular housing, and 3D printing. Though currently underutilized in the UK, experts anticipate MMC usage could rise to 20% over the next decade.

 

 

Perks of Modern Construction Techniques:
  • Quality & Efficiency: Improved quality control and material use lead to quicker site deliveries.
  • Eco-friendly: Reduced waste and emissions due to offsite manufacturing and fewer deliveries.

The government supports MMC to enhance productivity and modernize construction.

Promising Projects:

  • Milton Keynes: Bellway’s 160 homes, combining modular units and timber panels, are part of a Homes England pilot.
  • Secure Trust Bank: Funding projects using structural insulated panels (SIPs), showing innovation in housing finance.

MMC, in tandem with traditional methods, can help tackle the UK’s housing needs. Secure Trust Bank Real Estate Finance supports developers embracing these modern techniques.

References:
1. Spotlight: Modern Methods of Construction (savills.co.uk)
2. Solve housing crisis without risking further climate damage, warns Sir David King (infrastructure-intelligence.com)
3. Modern Methods of Construction (rics.org) [PDF] 4. Developers chosen for pilot scheme to build 160 homes faster in new Milton Keynes estate (mkfm.com)