A brief explanation of the methods involved in off-site construction kicks off mtech’s list of players

Volumetric modular construction

Volumetric units that enclose useable space and are joined together on site to form the whole building without the need for any kind of additional support structure. These units are invariably fully finished internally in the factory. External finishes can also be factory applied.

Light steel frame

Structural panels assembled from cold formed galvanised steel sections. Light steel framing is typically used for the primary structure of housing and low to medium rise buildings of between two and four storeys. For taller buildings it can be complemented by the use of hot-rolled members at key locations.

Timber frame

Structural timber panels forming the inner load-bearing leaf of the cavity wall; manufactured in factory conditions, brought to site and fixed together to form a rigid load-bearing superstructure. These consist of timber studs and beams, stiffened on one side with wood-based panels, such as oriented strandboard or plasterboard.

Pre-cast concrete

Structural frame using pre-cast concrete columns and beams, and/or panels. These may be factory finished internally or externally and may remain exposed in the final building. The extent of on-site work may vary between projects. Precast concrete may be used with in situ concrete or structural steel as part of a hybrid frame.

Pods

Fully factory finished internally, complete with building services. Can be bathrooms, shower rooms, office washrooms, plant rooms and kitchens.Applications include commercial offices, public buildings, hotels, airports, sport stadiums, hospitals, universities and schools. Some pods may be delivered as flat-pack assemblies.

Structurally insulated panels (SIPs)

Structural sandwich panels typically comprising a core of foam with plywood, oriented strand board or cement-bonded particleboard skins, bonded together to form one structural, load-bearing panel. Cores can be made from a number of materials, including polystyrenes. Properly used, the system needs no frame or skeleton to support it.

Insulated concrete formwork (ICF)

An on-site innovation, sometimes known as permanent insulated concrete formwork, ICF is a building system made from interlocking hollow polystyrene elements that act as permanent formwork as well as permanent insulation. In situ concrete is then poured into the polystyrene framework.

Pre-engineered M&E services

Integrated ductwork with pipework and cable management support trays in a multi-services module mounted in the ceiling or under the floor. Mechanical ducting or pipework systems/modules are often combined with electrical service distribution. Packaged or skid-mounted pre-assembled plant rooms pre-finished in the factory for mains connection on site.

Component

Term used loosely for items that are manufactured off site and then assembled together with other components. If this is completed off-site then the product is defined as a whole. Careful design of components and their interfaces is crucial for effective manufacture and assembly.

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