The Modularize Consortium made up of Modularize, Aulis Lundell and Cara Group have secured a place on the Off-Site Homes Alliance (OSHA) Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Framework. The Consortium provides an end-to-end turnkey solution consisting of a MMC Category 2 Panelised system for the Alliance’s Registered Providers (RP’s) of social housing who are looking to build high quality affordable homes across the North using MMC / Offsite technologies. This Consortium is the first of its kind and aims to disrupt the marketplace by offering a flexible solution that can meet the needs of the RP’s as well as supporting MMC growth in the UK’s social housing sector.
The Modularize Consortium
Modularize’s client-led architectural services see them heading up the design for the OSHA members currently consisting of 23 Housing Associations and Local Authorities. Modularize, as a specialist MMC architectural practice, is no stranger to designing the optimum solution for offsite and their knowledge of the supply chain (modular, pods, panelised, hybrid) is second to none. Modularize have worked closely with Aulis Lundell, a steel panel manufacturer from Finland, to understand their system’s design and engineering to develop a solution for the UK housing market. Additionally the duo have joined up with Cara Group, a multi-disciplinary contractor based in the North West of England, to act as Principal Contractor and deliver a turnkey solution for the panel system. This partnership approach is a great example of all the consortium partners being able to work openly and collaboratively to deliver best practice, innovation and quality to their clients.
“We are over the moon to have been appointed as a supplier on the OSHA MMC Framework and look forward to developing relationships with the RP’s and our fellow consortium partners,” explains Matthew Egan, CEO at Modularize. “We believe we have a created a solution to disrupt the housing market by allowing clients to experience the benefits of MMC and pre-manufactured value (PMV) whilst not displacing any traditional trades. By working more collaboratively with our existing supply-chains we can drive innovation and productivity in the sector.”
A panelised SIP solution: first step Into MMC
This Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) solution is made out of steel which is fully non-combustible and thermally broken. Therefore it has all the high performing insulation values of a SIP but is made out of steel to remove fire risk. This MMC Category 2 solution allows the structure of the building to be put up faster, so water-tightness is achieved quicker but also limits the displacement of traditional trades in terms of bricklayers, plasterers, plumbers, electricians etc. This is a crucial because the sector cannot afford to lose these vital skills and this flexible solution allows the benefits of MMC and PMV to be recognised whilst encouraging a new way of working in the sector to drive growth and productivity. For any clients that are new to MMC this is a great first step into the World of MMC.
A net zero future
All the houses have been designed to be compliant with the Future Homes Standard and zero carbon ready. The high level of design detail throughout the building lifecycle ensures that the quality of the build is in line with client aspirations and design guidance. The Modularize Consortium is committed to delivering zero-carbon buildings and the OSHA framework will allow them to showcase their capabilities by challenging the status quo and pushing boundaries to move the industry forward through the use of more efficient building techniques and more collaborative working practices. Thus, creating sustainable net zero buildings for future generations.
For more info on OSHA’s £2bn MMC framework visit: https://www.offsiteha.org/news/osha-framework-announcement/