Reviewing innovation in house building since the 19th century, this new report interrogates past failures, identifies high-quality design elements, and explores the social and economic influences that fuel change.
The latest report commissioned by the NHBC Foundation is now available. Modern Methods of Construction: building on experience, prepared by Studio Partington, explores the paradox: if the arguments for houses to be manufactured like cars are so compelling, why is factory-built housing not more common?
We are at a critical time in the development of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). The potential benefits of MMC are well-rehearsed and compelling, but conventional construction remains dominant in the UK.
This report from the NHBC Foundation looks at the history of non-traditional housing through a range of different technologies and advancements since the 19th century. It considers and compares steel, concrete and timber, examining the inherent qualities of each material and its suitability for factory fabrication.
By exploring the historical developments, it seeks to identify elements of high-quality design, interrogate past failures and explore the social and economic influences that fuel change.
Developers and house builders can harness technological advances to respond to pressing housing need, while still delivering homes that are good looking, long lasting and better performing for homeowners. And, as we navigate the Covid-19 pandemic and come out of the EU, there is an opportunity to innovate. This report looks at the best features of homes from the past to inform the homes of the future.
NHBC Accepts is the comprehensive review service from NHBC for Modern Methods of Construction and is one of the ways we can build confidence in innovation. It’s the fast-track route for acceptance for new building products and systems used in homes covered by our Buildmark warranty.