Resolution Interiors, a complete design and fit-out specialist on our Refit and Refurbishment Framework, is well aware of the modern methods of construction (MMC), which have been a talking point for the construction industry for several years now. However, the firm’s Framework Division Manager, Alex Simpson, has recently been using her insight to raise awareness of the benefits MMC offers internal builds or fit out construction processes and refurbishments – rather than focusing on the construction of a whole building.
In our latest supplier Q&A, Alex Simpson tells us more.
Our clients often want fast turnarounds, is this something MMC can unlock in fit-out projects?
Absolutely! Using offsite manufacturing processes means each phase of a project can be efficiently planned, programmed and carried out within the best working environment in advance of works commencing on site. This means that more working activities can be progressed simultaneously, and duration on site can often be significantly reduced.
Our operations team focuses on providing agile mobilisation, and fast fit-out construction by utilising our national supply chain in this way. This can speed up the turnaround time on fit-out projects – a significant benefit to clients, like you say.
Does that mean disruption can also be reduced?
Correct. This is undoubtedly another benefit to clients too, as fit-out projects often take place in live, occupied environments where disruptions can be costly.
A carefully considered programme of planned works can minimise disruption by:
- Working out of typical hours
- Limiting noisy works to the least disruptive periods
- Ensuring best in class health and safety standards
- Maintaining a tidy site that can be handed back in a fit state for building users to continue with their working day
- Planning for any necessary power downs or suspension of services to occur out of the live working period
- Working closely with building and security management teams on site with a clear communications plan to support them
We always want to do the best job possible, but we must ensure we can work alongside building users and accommodate their needs to allow them to maintain their operations throughout.
You mentioned health and safety, how is this specifically improved by MMC?
Offsite construction enables the health and safety for the whole project to be managed more effectively. This is because the processes for offsite construction are often much safer for workers than those on site, since factories can use specialist machinery that would otherwise be difficult to transport, you can monitor safety procedures with more ease and in a controlled environment can be maintained with no external variables to consider.
Consequently, the number of workers completing the fit out on site is kept to a minimum and they have more floor space to manoeuvre.
Sounds great so far. Sustainability is often associated with MMC and is another key topic within construction – does this connection continue with fit out projects in mind?
MMC processes, such as modular construction work, can reduce material usage and waste by up to 50%, while the reduction in time spent onsite also limits the amount of pollution and energy consumption often associated with traditional construction sites. Using MMC for a fit-out projects can definitely support businesses to operate in an environmentally conscious manner or help those that are working towards accreditations like BREEAM.
Undoubtedly, MMC is the way forward for large construction projects, but we believe it can have significant benefits for fit-out construction projects too.
Finally, we have to ask, what role do you see procurement playing in increasing the use of MMC in the fit-out industry?
We’re seeing more and more frameworks, like Pagabo, driving forward industry best practice and promoting the principles of the Construction Playbook – which promote the use of MMC.
As competition intensifies and the needs of clients are communicated with laser sharp focus, the role of MMC is only set to grow and it will often be up to framework providers to judge capability.
We agree with Pagabo that where MMC can be used, it should be used. This means that MMC processes will continue to be embedded in fit-out projects, and eventually they’ll no longer be viewed as modern – instead viewed as expected.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insight, Alex. Where can people find more information on Resolution Interiors?
For more information, just visit our website.
Alternatively, by using Pagabo’s Refit and Refurbishment Framework and making your project available to bid for – I’m sure we will be interested.
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