Architects have a fantastic opportunity to help achieve sustainability goals. We can use different techniques like MMC to produce buildings that are energy efficient while still serving the needs of the end users. This includes homes as well as public buildings, offices, and more. As a leading provider of residential architecture in London, we want to have a closer look at MMC and how it can make things more sustainable.

What is it?

The term stands for Modern Methods of Construction. MMC utilises new building techniques, equipment and technology, and materials to create structures. There are several different methods, and new ones are created occasionally too.

There are many advantages with using these methods. Typically the main ones are they make it faster, cheaper, and more efficient to create structures. On top of this, they can allow innovations and increase reliability. Most importantly though, they can create buildings that maximise sustainability.

The government has already shown support for MMC. In 2020 a condition of the £11.5bn affordable homes programme was that buildings needed to be high quality and sustainable. With that in mind, at least 25% of the structures had to be built with modern methods of manufacturing in mind. This has had an impact on various areas, including residential architecture in London.

How does it work?

There are a number of factors at play here that make MMC more sustainable.

Firstly, the practices can involve techniques like prefabrication and modulation. Here structures are built in sections in a controlled factory setting. The off-site production can boost sustainability by saving energy, materials, and labour costs. There are also savings when it comes to installation on site. This normally takes less time, consumes less energy, and does not require as much labour.

MMC generally also makes better use of new technologies and equipment. As a result, it can make the buildings more sustainable in terms of ongoing energy use. It can also improve repeatability, making it more efficient and leaner to create multiple structures.

Sustainable design

Designing buildings is also easier with an MMC approach. Here you can use new technologies to look at 3D and 2D structural systems and more. You can also explore different materials more effectively to see which will offer the best in terms of sustainability.

The best thing to do is focus on how to make a building sustainable from the outset. You can do a number of things to achieve that, including reusing existing infrastructure. An important thing is to do a full site appraisal. This way you can design the structure with the best orientation to look at solar gain and natural heating/cooling, light, access, and more.

Do you want to talk to us about residential architecture in London?

Everybody can make changes at home to be more sustainable. It can be simple little things like being more careful with energy use, heating, and water. Or it could be a larger project like creating a new home that champions sustainability in every area. We would love to help with projects. Coffey Architects is a passionate, creative team you can rely on.

So, speak to us today about anything regarding residential architecture in London. We can help you use ideas like MMC to create stunning properties that are sustainable.