Modern methods of construction, explained
"Modern methods of construction" (MMC) is the umbrella term for building techniques that move work off site or make it more efficient on site. The UK government's MMC definition framework sorts them into seven categories, from three-dimensional modules built in a factory to panelised systems, pre-manufactured components and site process improvements.
The main families
- Volumetric (3D) modules: whole room-sized units made in a factory and craned into place.
- Panelised systems: walls, floors and roofs built as flat panels, often timber frame or cross-laminated timber (CLT).
- Components and sub-assemblies: bathroom pods, roof cassettes, pre-fitted windows.
- Site process innovation: digital tools such as BIM, robotics and better logistics on conventional sites.
What Scotland tested
Scottish projects explored several of these: an evidence study on offsite housing, the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator with MMC and zero-emissions heating, training through Offsite Ready, and factory equipment such as an offsite manufacturing cell at the Innovation Factory.
Sources
- UK government — MMC definition framework (2019)
- Project summaries from the innovation centre's library, archived on this site.