Overcoming inertia
While MMC is slowly becoming more accepted, industry inertia is holding things back. Significant challenges exist, including getting architects and industry veterans to change their mindset. Most are used to traditional, on-site building methods and can't (or won't) think like a manufacturer.
The technology and expertise to have MMC become the world’s construction method of choice exists, but the way most projects are currently funded doesn't align well with MMC, as it requires significant upfront investment - especially in factories which require a consistent flow of orders.
Another challenge is that clients sometimes struggle with the concept of MMC procurement. Many want to stick to traditional project-based procurement – not understanding that a replicable Kit of Parts or catalogue of prefabricated products is what drives MMC procurement.
Overcoming these challenges means shifting towards standardised production methods, better coordination, education, and scaling up MMC operations to make it a more viable construction option.
Aotearoa New Zealand playing catch-up
While modern methods of construction (MMC) are gaining traction globally, New Zealand is playing catch-up compared with other parts of the world.
Although some MMC projects have been undertaken here - such as the Scott Base redevelopment - their adoption hasn't been as extensive. However, there's growing interest and potential for MMC across various sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, defence, and housing.
We don’t need to look too far afield for more inspiration and examples. A Manufacturing for Schools program has just been introduced in New South Wales, Australia - where cutting-edge construction techniques including digital technologies, off-site manufacturing and on-site assembly of prefabricated elements, are set to be used to deliver high quality school buildings faster and at a lower cost than with traditional construction methods.
Encouragingly, the government has shown interest in exploring MMC solutions to achieve cost savings, optimise construction processes, and support local suppliers. The Infrastructure Commission has suggested the use of modularisation and standard design, reflecting a recognition of the potential benefits of MMC and how New Zealand's construction industry can capitalise on its advantages. MMC Kits of Parts could, for example, be used to respond to urgent housing crises or in the aftermath of natural disasters.
MMC a must-do
Given the expected future demand for housing and infrastructure, MMC isn’t just a nice-to-do; it's a must-do. Coupled with materials recycling / reuse and increasing market access to lower carbon products, building in this way is plain common sense.
MMC represents the next frontier of innovation in the building industry, akin to the transformative period at the end of the 19th century. Just as that era saw the invention of essential elements like lifts, toilets, drywall, lighting, and steel frames, we’re on the cusp of a similarly disruptive phase today.
Consider iconic structures like the Empire State Building, which showcased the potential for rapid construction. Despite technological advancements over the past century, construction productivity has remained stagnant, prompting a call to shift more work to factories and away from traditional onsite methods.
By leveraging technologies such as Internet of Things, cloud computing, and smart factories, the construction sector can (and should) use MMC for significant environmental and productivity gains - driving us into a new era of efficiency and innovation.
While MMC is slowly becoming more accepted, industry inertia is holding things back. Significant challenges exist, including getting architects and industry veterans to change their mindset. Most are used to traditional, on-site building methods and can't (or won't) think like a manufacturer.
The technology and expertise to have MMC become the world’s construction method of choice exists, but the way most projects are currently funded doesn't align well with MMC, as it requires significant upfront investment - especially in factories which require a consistent flow of orders.
Another challenge is that clients sometimes struggle with the concept of MMC procurement. Many want to stick to traditional project-based procurement – not understanding that a replicable Kit of Parts or catalogue of prefabricated products is what drives MMC procurement.
Overcoming these challenges means shifting towards standardised production methods, better coordination, education, and scaling up MMC operations to make it a more viable construction option.
Aotearoa New Zealand playing catch-up
While modern methods of construction (MMC) are gaining traction globally, New Zealand is playing catch-up compared with other parts of the world.
Although some MMC projects have been undertaken here - such as the Scott Base redevelopment - their adoption hasn't been as extensive. However, there's growing interest and potential for MMC across various sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, defence, and housing.
We don’t need to look too far afield for more inspiration and examples. A Manufacturing for Schools program has just been introduced in New South Wales, Australia - where cutting-edge construction techniques including digital technologies, off-site manufacturing and on-site assembly of prefabricated elements, are set to be used to deliver high quality school buildings faster and at a lower cost than with traditional construction methods.
Encouragingly, the government has shown interest in exploring MMC solutions to achieve cost savings, optimise construction processes, and support local suppliers. The Infrastructure Commission has suggested the use of modularisation and standard design, reflecting a recognition of the potential benefits of MMC and how New Zealand's construction industry can capitalise on its advantages. MMC Kits of Parts could, for example, be used to respond to urgent housing crises or in the aftermath of natural disasters.
MMC a must-do
Given the expected future demand for housing and infrastructure, MMC isn’t just a nice-to-do; it's a must-do. Coupled with materials recycling / reuse and increasing market access to lower carbon products, building in this way is plain common sense.
MMC represents the next frontier of innovation in the building industry, akin to the transformative period at the end of the 19th century. Just as that era saw the invention of essential elements like lifts, toilets, drywall, lighting, and steel frames, we’re on the cusp of a similarly disruptive phase today.
Consider iconic structures like the Empire State Building, which showcased the potential for rapid construction. Despite technological advancements over the past century, construction productivity has remained stagnant, prompting a call to shift more work to factories and away from traditional onsite methods.
By leveraging technologies such as Internet of Things, cloud computing, and smart factories, the construction sector can (and should) use MMC for significant environmental and productivity gains - driving us into a new era of efficiency and innovation.
