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Innovative Thinker: Shaun Tate On Modern Construction Methods

With an emphasis on offsite manufacturing, modern methods of construction (MMC) improve efficiency and safety and have the potential to revolutionise the industry.

“We’re on the cusp of a massive change,” says Mace Tech business unit director Shaun Tate. “I’m more excited now at this point in my career than I ever have been – you can see an opportunity to be part of something that will be a legacy that generations beyond us will see as the norm.”

Jumping factory

Tate speaks from experience – Mace is using the MMC method High Rise Solutions (HRS) to construct N06, a build to rent scheme at Stratford’s East Village in London. This follows the success of the company’s “Jumping Factory”, the UK’s first rising factory which facilitated the construction of retail, leisure and residential development N08, also in Stratford .

Using parametric modelling tools and artificial intelligence, HRS involves the offsite design and manufacture of a structure and façade sub-assemblies. This includes installing modules concurrently with bathroom pods, utility cupboards and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) service modules to reduce programme times and improve productivity.

When it comes to safety, the factory approach is a complete cultural shift, Tate says. Fewer people on site reduces safety risks. Working at height is also reduced as cladding, for example, is installed in the factory at ground level.

Meanwhile, the digital platform used means that components can be designed and replicated for future projects.
I think innovative delivery solutions are being looked at in a more open-minded way than 12 months ago

“You can have all the benefits of offsite – all the quality, the reduced vehicle movements and operatives onsite – but you can have your bespoke design and use the base design for the next building if you want to,” Tate adds.

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The digital and logistical aspects of construction can also be combined. Tags embedded in the building elements gather data for a digital database but also enable tracking, so the team knows when elements leave the factory, arrive on site and how long they take to install.

Importance of predictability

During the Covid-19 pandemic, such predictability has become increasingly important. “Moving operations offsite becomes a no-brainer,” Tate says. “As dreadful as Covid has been, one thing it has done is force people to think differently. I think innovative delivery solutions are being looked at in a more open-minded way than 12 months ago.”

Tate says widespread uptake will require teams to have confidence they can deliver across multiple projects.

“The industry has to be brave enough to take the leap of faith that clients will see the benefits case and start to demand this – not just want it,” he adds.

With an increasing interest among clients, Mace Tech is currently looking at how the approach can be rolled out beyond residential , Tate explains: “It’s very much a mindset and if you apply the mindset to the solution you’re looking to deliver, the benefits are the same.”

Source: newcivilengineer

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