The MPBA is firmly fighting back against claims that modular homes aren't fit to cope with hot temperatures. Now, it's down to everyone involved in the design, specification and construction of offsite buildings to reinforce the MPBA's assertion and prove that quality design, construction and tools produce modular homes that can withstand heatwaves and embrace cold spells, making them the efficient solution to the housing crisis.
Offsite tools, products, experts and discussions will permeate Birmingham's NEC between 9 - 11 October, as part of this year's UK Construction Week (UKCW). More than 10,000 products and 650 exhibitors, stimulating seminars, invaluable CPD sessions and endless networking opportunities form part of the UK's premier built environment event's nine shows: Build Show; Energy 2018; Timber Expo; Surface and Materials Show; Building Tech Live; HVAC 2018; Civils Expo; Plant and Machinery Live and Grand Designs Live.
Offsite spotlight
With its recent media prominence, offsite is heavily featured throughout UKCW, with a dedicated Offsite section in the Build Show and Timber Expo.
Disruption is the word of the decade, but how can offsite impact the beast that is construction? This October, the dedicated Offsite Theatre will bring together key players and new faces in this burgeoning industry to discuss the wide array of projects and techniques currently being championed around the UK. From airports to bathroom pods, social housing to shipping containers, Passivhaus techniques to 3D printed property, and skyscrapers to schools, the possibilities are endless with offsite.
· The housing crisis is tackled in the Gateshead Innovation Village seminar with speakers including David Frise from the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) on this live research project to teste a range of products under the modern methods of construction umbrella;
· Natalie Bowkett from the Mace 'Jump Factory' tells all on how Mace is responding to the Construction 2025 strategy; and
· Stephen Wade-Palmer from Offsite Solutions shares how bathroom pods can drive efficiency.
Sessions will inspire and educate and cover all the hot topics including sustainability and digital construction.
Offsite exhibitors leading the success of the modular construction industry include Containex, who is displaying its new self-contained staircase modules that are easy to transport and install inside and out.
Other offsite exhibitors include: Elliott Group, Portakabin, REM, Kerkstoel, Extenda Line, KC Cabin Solutions, Fermacell and Morland, with its award-winning fire doors.
Offsite will join Doors, Windows and Glass; Roofing, Cladding and Insulation; and Tools, Health and Safety, to showcase more than 100 exclusive product launches during the show.
Building for the future
This year's theme is 'Future of Construction' and there will be numerous opportunities to see, touch and hear all about what's driving the construction industry forward.
The Future of Construction Hub provides an immersive opportunity to discover how digital construction, 3D printing, robotics, AI and AR and modern methods of construction can deliver the new Construction Sector deal and is a new collaboration with Birmingham City University. Alongside this will be the state of the art construction simulator from Coventry University.
An Innovation Trail will take visitors on a journey of the latest innovative ideas, products and systems from companies including: 3THERMO, Canon, Danosa, Gripsure, Hekim Yapi, Kore Wireless, and Timber Structures, .
Gooee will host the Internet of Things (IoT) Arena at Building Tech Live. The arena will showcase Gooee's award-winning IoT ecosystem with its partnered companies, including Aurora Lighting.
Digging deep into the big issues
The UKCW Stage will provide high-level discussion around important industry issues with a heavy focus on the lessons learned in the past year such as fire safety and how the industry is moving forward.
Speakers include:
- Barbara Res, the project manager behind Trump Tower, will share insights into her experiences as a female in construction and working with Donald Trump. Advanced booking is essential;
- Lord David Blunkett will discuss how technology and diversity can turn the skills gap into a thriving industry that delivers projects on time and to budget;
- Paul Nash, past president of the CIOB and chair of CIOB Construction Quality Commission, will discuss building in quality at the RIBA session with Ben Derbyshire of HTA Design and RIBA president.
- Kunle Barker, property expert and TV presenter, will lead the panel discussion 'political correctness has gone mad?' with industry experts debating diversity in construction.
Beyond the UKCW stage each of the shows will host at least one seminar programme discussing sector-specific issues with a wealth of industry experts:
- Timber Focus Theatre, delivered by TRADA, will cover topics such as designing CLT for durability and how specifiers research and source timber products with speakers including Anthony Thistleton from Waugh Thistleton Architects and Daniel Kreissig of ZÜBLIN Timber;
- Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI) Time for Timber workshop will be delivered by the Structural Timber Association, Timber Trade Federation, Trussed Rafter Association, British Woodworking Federation and supported by the timber industry's campaign, Wood for Good;
- Regeneration Hub, sponsored by Easy-Trim, will explore planning for growth with Victoria Hills, chief executive at the Royal Town Planning Institute, and Passivhaus at the heart of regeneration with several sessions chaired by Kunle Barker, property expert and TV presenter.
Other theatres include the Digital Construction Hub, Building Tech Live Theatre, Sustainability Hub, Surface and Materials Hub, Infrastructure Hub and the REA Theatre.
Building up your industry knowledge
Following the huge success of the fully-booked CPD sessions last year, there will be three hubs based around UKCW.
Topics will include:
- Building Regulations - update post-Grenfell with Dr Graham Smith, MCIAT at the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists;
- High rise and high-risk buildings with Tim Vincent, head of technical at Rockwool; and
- Are you fire door sure with Hannah Mansell, head of technical research and insight at the British Woodworking Federation.
Booking is essential for all CPD sessions as spaces are limited so book your space early.
A Working at Height CPD hub will be supported by the Access Industry Forum and health and safety CPD sessions are available from UKCW's H&S sponsor OM Group's stand. A separate CPD programme will also be run by the BRE Academy, covering topics such as BIM, ethical labour sourcing, offsite construction, urban planning and design, and more.
Forums for change
UKCW will play host to a number of conferences including the Midlands Construction Summit, IEMA Conference and the first BMF Young Merchants Conference as the BMF focuses on youth recruitment and succession planning.
UKCW will also be championing future leaders following the launch of the UKCW Role Models initiative to inspire others and raise awareness of the breadth of roles available in the construction industry. The winner will be announced on 10 October on the UKCW Stage from a shortlist of 36 people of more than 130 high-quality entries.
The launch of the new Passivhaus Student Competition will arm the next generation of architects and designers with the design skills needed to deliver sustainable buildings.
Another highlight for aspiring construction professionals is to design your home of the future, with George Clarke's MOBIE.
Be inspired
With more than 650 exhibitors exhibiting their latest products and services it's well worth taking a look at the exhibitor list before attending to see which of the many exhibitors will bring value to your organisation.
New products include Velux's curved glass rooflight and futuristic smart window system, Styrene's Stylite inverted roof insulation system and OnLevel has two new product launches to add to its balcony range.
Fischer Fixing will give virtual reality training, Rawlplug will educate on its comprehensive site testing service, Rockwool will share the latest on insulation, Soudal is bringing its Genius Gun Expanding Foams, and Quinn Building Products will showcase its latest building materials.
Opportunities to unwind
UKCW isn't all work, work, work, and there are many opportunities for casual networking, celebrating the best in the industry, and unwinding after a long day.
Celebrations are in order as the Construction Enquirer Awards, hosted by George Clarke and STA Structural Timber Awards, hosted by TV presenter Mark Durden-Smith, both take place during the event.
The Beer Festival, sponsored by Velux, will take place throughout the event so look out for beer vouchers from exhibitors and enjoy live bands, street food and rockaoke. There will also be a gin and fizz bar and FIX Radio will be broadcasting from the festival for all three days. The Central Bar, located in Hall 11, will be sponsored by Elliott Group.
Registration, sponsored by Total Gas & Power, is live. Get your free visitor tickets from www.ukconstructionweek.com
Keep up to date about exhibitors, product launches and speakers via www.ukconstructionweek.com and Twitter at @UK_CW or using the hashtag #UKCW2018.
Original Link - UKCW
