An Introduction to Modern Methods of Construction in the Interior Space
Amid the backdrop of interior construction, alongside the demands of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, a transformation is gathering momentum and reshaping the foundations of the
interiors market.
Many of my peers and co-workers are already familiar with MMC. If you have an interest in estates management or have a desire to learn more about Modern Methods of Construction in the interior
space, and want to hear about it from someone who’s been part of the industry, this is for you.
Outdated construction practices have conditioned us to accept project costs, schedules, and design alterations as inevitable risks. This perception is far from the truth. By embracing Modern Methods of Construction, we can gain certainty of pricing, timelines and design specifications. This approach not only minimises material waste but also reduces the construction time spent on-site and the overall lifetime costs associated with a building’s interior infrastructure. Read on for my thoughts on Modern Methods of Construction in the interior space.
What are Modern Methods of Construction?
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) refers to a range of techniques that offer an alternative to traditional on-site construction. The methods prioritise efficiency, sustainability and precision, using advanced technologies and off-site manufacturing processes to create interior spaces. Unlike conventional construction MMC integrates digital design, prefabrication and modular construction. The result is a streamlined process and a reduced impact on the environment.
The Rise of Prefabrication and Modular Construction
As the term suggests, prefabrication involves off-site manufacture, and it is helping to change the game of interior construction. Walls, floors and ceilings can be prepared offsite and pre-plumbed with power, network and medical gas containment in a factory-controlled environment.
The components are then transported and assembled on-site, which significantly reduces construction time and minimises on-site waste.
Our prefabricated interior solutions are modular in that they are assembled in frames in the factory and then easily connected on site and finished with pre-painted or laminated boards. This allows rapid construction and customisation.
With the use of intelligent software, advanced manufacturing and high performing sustainable materials, any feelings of uncertainty on a project are obsolete. It is this technology that we are proud to be leveraging through Architectural Wallsz.
The AWallsz Difference and our Software-led Design
The key difference between conventional and modern methods of construction is the use of intelligent software driving the design from concept through to completion. At Architectural Wallsz,
our ICE Design software helps us to deliver on our promise. This powerful visualisation tool allows stakeholders to make design changes in real time and view high quality 3D renderings of their changes as they are being made.
Combined with the ability to produce realistic visual packs, video flythroughs and even virtual reality experiences, there is no question that the initial vision will translate into the final built space, as expected.
Project costs are an essential component in the execution of any construction project. One way, as an industry, that we can alleviate the financial burdens of our clients’ internal construction plan is, at the very least, to ensure that the price you are quoted is what you pay on completion. Prefabrication takes the guesswork out of material and labour costs offering that peace of mind.
The ICE Design automatically feeds a live, fully costed bill of materials, meaning the financial implications of any design changes are immediately visible. This makes it easier to build to budget. Furthermore, as the materials are all manufactured to fit the confirmed floorplate, there is no cutting down, measuring or retrospective material ordering required on site. The impact of this is that the labour requirement is easily quantified and accurately costed in early stages of the project.
Once the design is confirmed and the cost is agreed upon, the software communicates directly with the factory floor. The file that stakeholders have been working on throughout the design period is exactly what gets manufactured; there is no redesign process where minute project details may get lost in translation en-route to the machine. What you see is really what you get.
Benefits of Modern Methods of Construction in Interior Spaces
Having worked in this industry for much of my professional career, I have summarised the benefits of Modern Methods of Construction in Interior Spaces to the following:
1. Speed and Efficiency: MMC significantly reduces construction timelines, allowing interior
spaces to be completed in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: Streamlined processes, reduced labour requirements and minimised
material wastage lead to cost savings for both contractors and clients.
3. Flexibility and Customisation: Prefabricated and modular components offer a high degree of
customisation, allowing for tailored interior designs to meet specific requirements.
4. Quality Control: Factory-controlled manufacturing ensures high-quality standards,
minimising errors in the final product.
5. Sustainability: MMC promotes sustainable practices by minimising waste, optimising
resources and integrating known environmentally friendly materials.
What does the Future Hold for MMC?
Whilst Modern Methods of Construction offers several benefits over traditional methods of construction, it is all about educating the industry. As with all new technologies, there is an education process to take people through.
Although there are considerable savings that will be made in the long-term, this can be a difficult model to explain when purchasing teams are tasked with immediate cost savings.
This being said, I am hopeful that the ongoing advancements in technology and the increasing emphasis on sustainable construction practices will help to overcome these challenges in the not too distant future.
In summary, Modern Methods of Construction has helped to redefine the landscape of interior design and construction. By embracing digital innovation, prefabrication and modular construction,
interior spaces are becoming more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly. As the industry continues to evolve, the integration of MMC will hopefully become the norm, shaping a
future where interior spaces are not just aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable and functional.
If you would like further information on how Architectural Wallsz are leveraging the benefits of MMC and delivering tried and tested prefabrication solutions to the NHS and other healthcare
facilities, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Web: https://awallsz.co.uk/
Email: enquiries@awallsz.com
Telephone: 0121 374 0070