Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are quickly becoming accepted as mainstream. 2D panellised systems and 3D modular systems are both becoming very popular, and significantly many of the top tier of developers are beginning to understand the clear benefits of MMC, not least the considerable savings that can be garnered from speed of construction and reduction in waste, the outstanding quality that is achieved through factory-controlled manufacturing processes, and the customer satisfaction derived from the value for money experienced, the quality of the final delivered product, and the minimal defects and consequent major reduction in snagging.
One of the barriers to MMC has been the relative difficulty in demonstrating compliance with regulations to regulatory bodies and local authorities when compared with more traditional forms of construction. To be very clear, there is no problem ensuring MMC systems comply with regulations, the difficulty lies in their relative novelty and innovation. There can be, justifiably, a gap in the detailed understanding of these systems, and better levels of education will be required in future.
Importantly, NSAI Agrément is helping bridge that gap by examining, reviewing and ultimately certifying a number of steel-based systems, including the following (which all include references to suitability for residential use):
MHI (Modern Homes Ireland) Modular Steel Frame Building System (Agrément Certificate Number 17/0394)
A factory manufactured structural building system comprising of pre-assembled modules
Certified for buildings up to 10 storeys in height
Horizon Offsite Steel Frame Building System (Agrément Certificate Number 18/0404)
For the manufacture and erection of structural cold-formed Light Gauge Steel (LGS) Frame Buildings
Certified for buildings up to 6 storeys in height
Metal Frame Construction Steel Frame Building System (Agrément Certificate Number 19/0412)
For the manufacture and erection of structural cold-formed Light Gauge Steel (LGS) Frame Buildings
Certified for buildings up to 30m in height
Vision Built Steel Frame Building System (Agrément Certificate Number 17/0391)
For the manufacture and erection of structural cold-formed Light Gauge Steel (LGS) Frame Buildings
Certified for buildings up to 10 storeys in height
Each of these MMC systems, when built in accordance with the NSAI Agrément certificate, is deemed to comply with the Irish Building Regulations.
Evolusion Innovation are leading experts in the development and third-party certification of MMC building systems and our Product Development department has been, and continue to be, centrally involved in the certification process for several such systems. If you have a system you want certified to enable it to be placed on the market (in any jurisdiction) please contact us at any time.
ABOUT EVOLUSION INNOVATION
Our team of construction technology and offsite construction experts at Evolusion Innovation has been involved in over €2.5 billion worth of offsite construction projects across Ireland, the UK and Europe over the past 15 years. The company is growing quickly, and we recently opened our newest office in Birmingham in the UK. Brochures describing our various expert services are available for download.
Comments