offsite

Offsite contractor, M-AR has launched a brand-new CPD module focussed exclusively on modern methods of construction (MMC) and exploring how best to maximise the benefits of offsite.
 
Typifying M-AR’s open and collaborative approach to improving standards across the industry, the new CPD is designed to provide architects, specifiers, cost consultants and end clients alike with insight on the offsite manufacture and installation process as an alternative to traditional build.

Rising accommodation costs, the long-term effects of the global pandemic, and the impact of a harsh winter season continue to compound and exacerbate the difficulties facing those most vulnerable and at-risk in our society.

This presents councils and local authorities with a complex set of challenges finding ways to meet the growing demand for safe, high-quality housing solutions. One of the greatest issues currently facing sector leaders is ensuring temporary and interim homeless accommodation is both cost-effective, fit for purpose and sustainable.

The Offsite Show is the must attend event for housing associations - The brand new event will make its debut in London this year and will run alongside UK Construction Week (UKCW), Concrete Expo (3-4 May) and Grand Designs Live, (3-5 May).

In partnership with Buildoffsite, and supported by the MPBA, the Offsite Show will be the only UK event that unites the client and supply chain for all aspects of the rapidly expanding offsite construction sector.

The Offsite Show will welcome leading content provider, Buildoffsite who will host comprehensive free to attend seminars and workshops with support from key industry stakeholders and Government departments.

Prefabricated Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) products, such as bay window roofs, door canopies and dormers, are enabling the construction industry to work far more efficiently, with offsite and modular construction processes helping to increase productivity.
 
However, increased speed is not the only benefit these products are providing, as Andrew Almond, Marketing Manager at Stormking, a specialist manufacturer of offsite prefabricated GRP component products, explains:

A combination of wall and roofing membranes from Glidevale Protect has been specified and installed on a new build social housing scheme built by Countryside Properties PLC, working in partnership with the affordable housing provider, emh group.
The Protect TF200® breather membrane, branded as Countryside Properties, has been used on all external walls to offer protection during construction and to allow water vapour to escape into the external wall cavity, minimising the risk of condensation within the structure.  All pitched roofs across the site feature Protect VP300, the LR vapour permeable underlay, providing a secondary line of defence to the roof covering, ensuring water tightness and suitable wind uplift resistance to meet the wind zone requirements of the site’s location.

Simon McWhirter, Head of Engagement at Active Building Centre, discusses the need for a zero-carbon approach to housebuilding and how offsite construction can help reduce the emissions produced when providing new homes…

At UK Construction Week recently, offsite and modular featured heavily in the proceedings. There were myriad different structural solutions from lightweight steel frames to the latest in precast panelling. There is no doubt the construction industry is on the brink of significant change in that arena.

As has been the case for several years now, another topic woven through the seminar programme was sustainability. It was clear that policy-makers, contractors and developers are acutely aware of the impending legislative impacts, and the contingent need to introduce more eco-friendly systems and processes – essential to meeting the 2050 targets (or an even more ambitious set of regional, devolved and national aspirations) and the drive towards a net zero-carbon built environment.

Leading cold rollforming manufacturers, Hadley Group, will be bringing its expertise in light gauge steel solutions to stand C1 at the OFFSITE EXPO this year, as well as being a gold sponsor of the dynamic event.

Taking place on 24th – 25th September at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, Hadley Group will showcase its high-performance light gauge cold rolled steel framing solutions for low rise residential buildings. Suitable for stick built or pre-panelised construction, the company can complete load bearing stand-alone structures including roofs, walls, floors, door and window openings, bracing and external finishes.

Components of the steel framing systems are designed, detailed and manufactured at the company’s advanced production facility then delivered to site, which is ideal for housing schemes with high volume requirements and for projects where space is limited on site. Offering a lighter and easier to erect alternative to steel or concrete primary frames, this fast track, lightweight steel housing system will significantly improve build turnaround times.