Modern Methods of Construction
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) can be defined in many ways, but perhaps the most useful definition comes from the insurance industry, given that you'll want peace of mind that your new building can be insured once it's built!
A construction process that can encompass the use of composite new and traditional materials and components often with extensive factory produced sub-assembly sections and components. This may be in combination with accelerated on-site assembly methods and often to the exclusion of many of the construction industry traditional trades. The process includes new buildings and retrofitting, repair and extension of existing buildings. (1)
Here at Darkin Architects, our generally accepted definition of MMC is pretty much anything that's not a standard masonry (brick and block) building. Below are some examples of MMCs such as Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) and Timber Frame.
BECO Wallform
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)
Advantages include:
- Rapid construction time
- Ability to construct during colder weather
- Improved air-tightness
Durisol
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)
Above: Construction detail from New Home in Swansea, designed by Darkin Architects to be constructed from ICF.
Very similar to the Beco Wallform, this product is made from a wood product.
Advantages include:
- Rapid construction time
- Ability to construct during colder weather
- Improved air-tightness
- Simple cutting method
- Excellent BREEAM rating
Timber Frame
Above: Timber Frame Home under construction in Ammanford
Timber frame construction may not be as rapid to construct as ICF buildings, but is still a relatively quick way to construct.
Advantages include:
- Quick Construction
- Typically Cheaper than ICF
- More familiar form of construction to most building contractors
