In partnership with Volumetric Homes Group (VHG) and the Modular & Portable Building Association (MPBA) – Modular Matters Conference & Exhibition is set to return to the National Conference Centre (NCC) in Birmingham on 15 and 16 February
Modular technology is being hailed as the solution to numerous construction issues – from helping to achieve housing targets to increasing quality and sustainability. To keep pace with this rapidly evolving and fast-moving sector, Modular Matters demonstrates how to tackle industry challenges through a range of project case studies, innovative architecture and building design together with net zero. Presenting an insight into the future of construction, the conference and exhibition represents a great opportunity to gain industry intelligence and network with those who are at the forefront of the volumetric modular sector.
Architects and engineers are now moving away from design for construction approaches to Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) principles. Innovation is happening at pace in the volumetric modular sector, which allows projects to capture the efficiencies gained by integrating the processes of design, manufacturing, and construction without having to compromise on aesthetic intent. This approach has been shown to result in higher quality buildings delivered in shorter timeframes with more predictable costs while also reducing environmental impact.
Net zero construction
The MPBA will be out in force at Modular Matters, with director of learning and development Richard Hipkiss presenting: Can volumetric manufactured buildings deliver a net zero future for construction? Andy King from the MPBA’s technical committee will continue the environmental theme offering a manufacturers perspective on the complex lexicon of carbon – from embodied to net zero in the volumetric manufactured building sector.
Alex Pullin, project architect for HLM Architects, will present a case study on the Dinton Activity Centre, which is a Net Zero Carbon Operational (NZCOp) building delivered using volumetric modular technology. This new 2.4m outdoor activity centre provides a state-of-the-art educational and leisure facility for the local community and supports Wokingham Borough Council’s mission to be a carbon neutral borough by 2030.
Speed and efficiency
Volumetric modular technology reduces build times by an impressive 50-60% when compared to traditional processes and is now being used to tremendous effect to alleviate the homeless crisis. This event offers a great opportunity to discover more about MODULHAUS™ – a new concept in volumetric modular homes for rough sleepers, which was crowned Winner of Winners at the 2021 Offsite Awards. Designed and developed by VOLUMETRIC™ – Victoria Moore will provide in-depth insight into this award-winning concept, which offers outstanding functional performance (in terms of acoustics, thermal, fire and robustness) and superior finish quality.
Modular construction can radically reduce risk for developers and contractors on a number of levels. Delivering enhanced predictability, the modular way lowers the financial risk and personal implications of delays, project overruns and accidents on site, together with mitigating the impact of an increasingly volatile labour market.
Speed and efficiency are particularly important in the education sector and the Valentine project used volumetric technology to rapidly deliver 321 student accommodation homes on the site of the former Valentines pub. The design team worked closely with Redbridge Council to design a building that is sympathetic to local architectural character with feature landscaped gardens, generous communal spaces and a range of studio and cluster typologies. Rory Bergin from HTA Design will deliver a case study on the building, which is stepped in form ranging from three to 11 storeys.
Improving levels of safety and increasing the quality of build are under increasing scrutiny, particularly in the residential sector. The modular approach offers assurances through the certainty and quality embedded into the manufacturing process. All performance data can be verified and coordinated as part of a structured process and time can be taken upfront to validate the correct specification of materials.
Affordable homes
On the housing front, Andrew Shepherd, managing director for TopHat, will share the benefits of modular timber construction in delivering excellent homes at an affordable price that are aesthetically pleasing and highly sustainable. The use of a modular timber solution for White Road is an exemplary showcase that results in homes that have 1/27th the embodied carbon of a traditional masonry-built house.
Thanks to advances in ilke Homes’ manufacturing processes, robotics and AI-driven design – the innovative company is now in a position to commit to only creating zero carbon communities by 2030. CEO Giles Carter will present ilke Homes’ Commitment to Zero Carbon Housing at Modular Matters and demonstrate the benefits to investors, housing associations and occupiers.
With its powerful combination of controlled deliverables and customisable outputs, using volumetric modular construction provides the repeatable quality and safety needed to meet client demands while delivering the benefits of economies of scale, as well as single point procurement.
A joint address featuring Andrew Tindale from Hawkins\Brown Architects and Simon Elliott from Premier Modular will illustrate the context and vision for the temporary Innovation Hub development for British Land in Canada Water. The presentation will also feature the first phase of development, which houses TEDI-London, as a case study in utilising standardised modular construction to provide sustainable and flexible, high-quality teaching and workspaces. TEDI-London is a new higher education provider co-founded by Arizona State University, King’s College London and UNSW Sydney delivering a transformative engineering education approach focusing on project-based learning in partnership with industry with the aim of producing job-ready graduates.
Secure your place at Modular Matters
This two-day conference will create a platform to learn directly from those involved in delivering transformational change in the sector and how to apply volumetric modular technology – breaking the myths on design restraints. The event will focus on technology knowledge transfer, providing a dynamic and interactive learning experience for all visitors through presentations and the wide array of exhibitors.
To find out more and book your place at this essential fast-track construction conference and exhibition go to: www.modularmatters.co.uk
For details on exhibition or sponsorship packages email: julie.williams@radar-communications.co.uk
Modular Matters Conference & Exhibition
Tel: +44 (0)1743 290 044
jessica.holland@radar-communications.co.uk
