Report published on findings for volumetric building and Modern Methods of Construction in the UK
Key risks and opportunities highlighted in the UK report on volumetric building and Modern Methods of Construction.
A new UK Government report has undertaken the significant challenge of investigating the potential of volumetric modular construction to address issues in the UK construction sector. Against the backdrop of a number of high-profile collapses of modular manufacturers in recent years, and the urgent need to deliver 300,000 homes annually by the mid-2020s, volumetric construction has been reaffirmed as a key strategy to enhance efficiency and quality.
The research, commissioned by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, explores both the advantages and risks of volumetric modular construction. While the report ‘teases out’ benefits such as faster build times, reduced waste, and improved quality control, it also highlights specific challenges, including regulatory gaps, skills shortages, and the lack of standardised testing and design protocols.
Focusing on every stage of the construction lifecycle, from planning and design to post-occupancy, the report examines areas where systemic improvements are needed. It outlines steps to better integrate this method into mainstream construction practices while identifying areas for further research and development.
Introduction to the Report’s Intent
The UK government’s report on volumetric modular construction examines the potential of modern methods of construction (MMC) to address the housing crisis and the need to meet ambitious annual targets. By focusing on volumetric construction, the research investigates risks, benefits, and opportunities for improvement across the construction lifecycle. With its promise of speed, quality, and sustainability, volumetric methods are presented as a practical response to systemic barriers, offering pathways for greater adoption and impact.
Key Findings and Risk Identification
The findings emphasise areas requiring improvement to maximise volumetric construction’s effectiveness:
Procurement and Early Decision Making Decisions to use volumetric methods must be made at the earliest planning stages to prevent misalignment in design, procurement, and project management. The absence of clear ownership and accountability often creates fragmented processes and liability gaps.
Design and Integration Challenges A lack of expertise in Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) undermines project outcomes. Design flaws introduced during manufacturing can cascade across entire projects. Involving stakeholders, such as structural fire engineers and manufacturers, early is essential.
Manufacturing and Quality Control Factory-based manufacturing offers strong quality control, but deviations from design specifications and unauthorised material substitutions can cause significant issues. Without rigorous oversight, such problems may replicate across modules.
Transportation and Onsite Assembly Damage during transportation, mismatched tolerances between factory and site, and limited inspection protocols can lead to misalignment and structural problems. These challenges are further exacerbated by onsite skills shortages.
Regulatory Framework and Standards Existing regulations are not designed for volumetric construction. The lack of specific standards and fire safety frameworks presents a major obstacle, leaving volumetric projects at a regulatory disadvantage compared to traditional methods.
Post-Occupancy Risks Inadequate maintenance by unskilled personnel can compromise structural integrity. Limited access to long-term performance data also deters insurers and lenders from fully backing modular solutions.
Recommendations for Improvement
The intent of the report is to provide a comprehensive roadmap for mitigating risks and advancing volumetric modular construction:
Establish Clear Standards and Regulations Develop a unified standard specifically for volumetric construction, along with tailored fire testing methodologies and supporting guidance in building regulations.
Promote Integration Across the Supply Chain Encourage early engagement of stakeholders and adopt integrated project management frameworks. Digital tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM) can improve coordination and efficiency.
Enhance Research and Data Transparency Undertake further studies into material behaviours, structural integrity, and long-term building performance. Establish a centralised digital repository for modular construction data.
Address Skills Shortages Invest in training programmes for DfMA designers and onsite assembly workers to close the skills gap and enhance project quality.
Improve Financial Viability Introduce innovative payment mechanisms and financial safeguards, such as project bank accounts, to stabilise cashflow for manufacturers and reduce insolvency risks.
