FAQs
Modern Methods Of Construction
What are modern methods of construction?
Modern methods of construction is a process which focuses on off-site construction techniques, such as mass production and factory assembly, as alternatives to traditional building.
The process has been described as a way ‘...to produce more, better quality homes in less time.’ Historically, it was created to meet an urgent demand for residential buildings after the Second World War and the method became popular again during the housing crisis in 2005.
Modern methods of construction can be employed to create whole homes using factory-built modules or may be used to speed up particular techniques, through innovative working processes.
This approach arguably provides benefits by speeding up delivery, reducing labour costs, eliminating unnecessary waste and improving quality.
Modern methods of construction has been seen as a way to help solve the UK’s housing crisis as, according to reports, there is ‘...the potential for a 30% improvement in the speed of construction of new homes through the adoption of innovation, with a potential 25% reduction in costs, as well as the potential for advances in improving quality and energy efficiency.’ *
Modern methods of construction employ innovative practices such as:
Creating paneled units in factories, which can be quickly assembled onsite to create 3D structures.
Volumetric construction, which sees 3D, or pre-fabricated, units created under factory conditions.
Pre-cast concrete foundations and pre-formed wiring looms.
Pre-fabricated floor and roof cassettes (panels).
Tunnel form or thin-joint blockwork.
What challenges are faced with modern methods of construction?
Uptake of modern methods of construction within the industry has been viewed as poor, due to regulatory changes, lack of training and inadequate certification. Employers have had difficulty recruiting workers with the necessary skills - a shortage which may be exacerbated by issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit.
There have also been criticisms of the process in the UK as many of the materials and pre-fabricated systems used in modern methods of constructions are imported, and therefore could undermine British manufacturing.
Generally, the desire for pre-fabricated houses in the UK is low, perhaps as ‘pre-fab’ houses are synonymous with low-quality buildings created in the post-war years.
Many pre-fabricated homes use timber. Whilst this sustainable material is often more eco-friendly, the increased fire safety risks of a timber-framed building may also put people off homes created using modern methods of construction.
What modern methods of construction have been successful?
Due to new innovations and increasing awareness around sustainability issues, modern methods of construction processes are, however, becoming more popular. Let’s look at a couple of projects in more detail to discover the benefits:
Modular Houses
What is the difference between modular homes and prefabricated homes?
The term 'prefab' (prefabricated) is a catch-all used to describe a building made in sections that have been constructed off-site. In most cases, modular homes are also considered to be prefab because most sections are built off-site.
Due to the streamlined process used to create modular homes, builders are able to ensure that the materials used on your home are environmentally safe and sustainable. On the construction site, the indoor modular process allows for construction waste to be properly managed.
Modular homes are eco-friendly
Due to the adaptability of the design and building process, it is easy for manufacturers to source eco-friendly and sustainable materials. Modular homes can also be designed to minimise their environmental impact on the surrounding area.
How much do modular homes cost? Modular homes are budget-friendly
Modular home financing is easier and cheaper than your traditional home. As mentioned before, modular homes are cost-effective, quick, and are able to be built off-site.
Generally, a modular home's average cost will be 15% less than a similarly sized home that is built using traditional methods. All these factors contribute to a lower price for those interested in this unique living experience.
Most inspections and third party checks will be completed off-site in the modular factory. Nevertheless, it is good to mention that the more you build and tailor the home, the more expensive it will be for you.
Also, you'll need a standard homeowners insurance policy, which is the same insurance you would get for a traditionally built home.
Elements like electricity, plumbing, and even ductwork are also generally not included in your quoted starting price. If you are looking to get a modular home, it is crucial you take the time to properly include these costs in the bottom line.
Thankfully, banks can and do offer home loans for modular houses. However, every lender has different rules, and every situation will be different. But generally, lenders will provide finance on a modular home just as they would for a traditional home.
It should also be noted that many people consider modular homes a good investment, and they are becoming increasingly popular. It is a high possibility that they will increase in value, therefore this makes them a good home investment.
Product
What is the life expectancy of an EcoCocon building?
How do EcoCocon buildings resist fire?
Do EcoCocon buildings attract rodents and insects?
Why do you use an airtight layer on the outside of the straw panels?
Why do you use a wood fibre board on the outside?
How many houses have been built with EcoCocon?
Where are the panels built and is it ecological to import them?
What are the acoustics like in an EcoCocon building?
I am an allergy sufferer, is your system out of the question?
How thin can walls built from EcoCocon panels be?
Where can I find technical documents and certificates?
Your project
How much does EcoCocon cost?
How many floors can I build?
Is my EcoCocon house going to be automatically passive?
Will my architect and building company be able to work with EcoCocon?
I have a project designed with a different material. Does it need to be modified?
I am planning on building a house. I do not have a project yet, but I would like to use the EcoCocon system. How should I proceed?
I am an architect. What design constraints can I expect when working with the EcoCocon wall system?
Are there any design principles to keep in mind to make my project cost-efficient?
Project implementation
How do you take care of an EcoCocon building?
What interior finishes can I use?
What exterior finishes can I use?
Can I build a house with your system myself?
Do you build turnkey houses?
Other Products we use
What is CLT?
CLT is a multilayer construction of solid wood. Warping of the wood (swelling or shrinkage) is reduced to a negligible level by bonding longitudinal and transverse layers together. More information about the relevant product, CLT BBS, can be found over on the Binderholz website here.
The solid finished component is effectively a single piece of wood – with just 0.6% comprising environmentally friendly glue – and is fireproof while having sound and heat insulating properties.
Wood fibre Insulation
The outer walls of the CLT kit require further insulation to be applied. We offer wood fibre insulation as part the kit supply. This is made up of organic matter, is breathable and a healthy alternative to standard insulation types. More information on the advantages of wood fibre insulation can be found here.
The green choice
The CLT flat-pack home is our most expensive option, both due to material cost and the additional cost of transporting to the UK. But environmental concerns are very important to us and to many of our customers – and CLT with wood fibre insulation is the most environmentally sustainable construction method on the market.
SIP’s
Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are engineered panels used to construct walls, ceilings, and floors. As a replacement for construction methods using traditional framing lumber and insulation, SIPs provide an extremely durable, strong, and energy-efficient building option.
Structural insulated panels typically consist of a rigid foam insulation layer sandwiched between two structural skin surfaces, such as oriented strand board (OSB). These panels are manufactured in various sizes or dimensions, with thicknesses ranging from 4 to 8 inches. SIPs can also be manufactured in larger sizes for custom work, but these larger panels may require a crane for installation. SIPs for interior sheathing can also be custom-tailored to particular needs as the project specifications require.
SIPs can handle dead loads of about 10 pounds per square foot (PSF) and live loads up to 70 PSF. They can be used in roofs and floors as well as walls and can span as much as 18 feet with no additional support. This makes them considerably stronger than comparable surfaces constructed with traditional wood framing.