After spending most of his working life immersed in ‘traditional construction’, Box Associate Simon Stallard says that modern methods of construction (MMC) in house building are a ‘breath of fresh air’.
“In this world of ‘I want it now’, MMC is responding to the demand for speed of construction, reliability, precision, cost certainty and innovation. For me, and my colleagues as Box Architects, it’s a breath of fresh air. For example, can laying brick on brick on a muddy building site really be 21st century thinking?
We believe that modular housing and standardisation of components in factory-controlled working environments will ensure consistent quality and will result in a range of exciting new products that are safer, more sustainable and better value for money than anything that has gone before.
It’s a view that was backed up at the recent Housing 2019 conference in Manchester. Europe’s largest festival of housing provides a good indication of the health of this vast sector (robust, I’d say), and highlights recent innovations. I wasn’t surprised to discover that modern methods of construction were high on the agenda.
Presentation after presentation insisted that we must challenge traditional ways of thinking, and drew parallels with the automotive industry, where advances in technology and a greater understanding of the processes have transformed production
The conference reinforced my view that collaboration between architects and modular house constructors will not only increase standardisation but will allow architects to move away from the fine constructional details, and concentrate on a bigger picture of community start-ups, regeneration and placemaking.
At Box Architects, we see our role evolving in this new world order – using our skills to think outside the box, embrace innovation and bring our visions to reality by creating better places to live, work and play.”
“Modular housing and standardisation … will result in a range of exciting new products that are safer, more sustainable and better value for money than anything that has gone before.”
Simon Stallard, Associate, Box Architects