The Modular Matters conference and exhibition, taking place at the Birmingham NEC on 30 October 2018, will focus on the latest developments, innovations and investments in the volumetric modular sector and outline the continuing evolution of offsite construction.
Volumetric modular construction has gained considerable momentum over the past 3-5 years in the UK due to its positive impact on cost, programme, quality and safety. The critical success factors for ‘modularisation’ have recently highlighted the need for engineering, procurement and construction project delivery systems to be developed to support optimal use of volumetric modular technology.
The advantages have been known for decades and yet ‘modularisation’ at scale, has only just recently been realised. New methodologies need to address the lack of knowledge about the limitations of the manufacturing process of modules, as well as considering a set of practical constraints and factors that affect module configuration such as, transportation and weight restraints together with onsite connection and crane cost limitations.
The need for faster, leaner and smarter construction is becoming more and more apparent in the UK. With only 63% of site-based developments completed on time and an even lower 49% delivered on budget, it is clear that traditional construction methods are failing to meet the major challenges facing the built environment today. This presents the opportunity for offsite construction to play a major role in the coming years across a range of sectors.
Offsite construction has not only advanced the housing industry but has also gained traction within mainstream
sectors requiring rapid, reliable and high performing building solutions. However, the offsite construction industry is still facing significant challenges in order to be considered ‘conventional’ instead of ‘specialist’.
Modular Matters will demonstrate how to tackle industry challenges through a range of project case studies, innovative architecture and building design together with software developments. The conference and exhibition will explore what the future holds for volumetric modular construction – technology trends, interoperability, capacity constraints, manufacturing – with presentations from a collection of the UK’s pioneering offsite designers, engineers and manufacturers.
Volumetric modular solutions are becoming increasingly commercially viable – structural engineers and architects are now designing and engineering for high rise modular buildings. It is clear that economies of scale are being realised and modular construction is becoming a truly viable alternative to traditional construction techniques. There can be no doubt that there is a groundswell of activity in respect of offsite construction and there is a growing sense that the time is now right to embrace the latest technology on offer.
Modular Matters will demonstrate the application of volumetric modular technology across a range of vertical markets including: education, leisure, student accommodation, private residential, affordable housing, private rental and specialist applications. The event will focus on the latest developments, innovations and investments in the volumetric modular offsite sector and aims to engage with industry pioneers from within the offsite supply-chain, leading designers, specifiers, engineers and ground-breaking clients.
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To find out more about Modular Matters, visit: https://modularmatters.co.uk/
