Concerns surrounding the immaturity of MMC (modern methods of construction) manufacturing is the greatest barrier to uptake by UK social housing providers, new research has found.
The independent study, commissioned by Epwin Window Systems, surveyed social housing development managers with the aim of gaining insight into the sector’s use of and attitudes toward MMC.
The study examined issues such as perceived barriers and benefits, the extent of uptake, development sizes, and plans for future use.
Further findings show:
- Over half of the social housing providers surveyed have constructed homes using MMC
- For 65% of respondents, MMC counts for less than 10% of their total construction output
- 100% of those who have constructed homes using MMC said they are increasing the number of MMC developments
This research follows Epwin’s independent research – called Building for the Future’ and Building for the Future – Social Housing – which asked architects and social housing providers what they thought would influence housing design and build over the coming decade.
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“Far from commonplace”
Sonia Travis, head of Commercial Sales at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Modular construction isn’t a new concept, and the potential reported benefits are numerous, however these construction methods are still far from commonplace in the UK.
“Some large social landlords are investing in manufacturing facilities, and we are now working on a small number of modular developments.
“However, it is not clear how many social housing providers are using MMC and why the uptake of these construction methods has been so slow?
“Modular homes appear to have finally reached that commercial tipping-point that makes them a viable, scalable option, so are smaller social landlords now using MMC? If not, why not?
“This research examines these very issues, and the survey of UK social housing providers has uncovered some interesting results.”
Travis concluded: “By commissioning independent research which enables us to better understand the challenges facing our customers, and by placing innovation at the heart of everything we do, we are able to constantly develop new solutions and technologies that meet the demands of our ever evolving built environment.”
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