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Modern methods of construction (MMC) are revolutionising the way we build school infrastructure. With their rapid delivery and exceptional outcomes, MMC is an ideal choice for teams needing to complete educational buildings within tight timelines.

In this blog, we will explore:

• What modern methods of construction involves
• The role modern methods of construction have in school infrastructure
• The benefits of modern methods of construction for educational buildings
• Examples of buildings delivered using modern methods of construction
• The support available to help you deliver your educational designs through modern methods of construction

Read our blog to discover how modern methods of construction can transform your school infrastructure projects, ensuring efficiency and excellence every step of the way.

MMC in construction stands for Modern Methods of Construction, an approach that focuses on the off-site design and manufacturing of building components, often referred to as smart construction. This method accelerates the construction process, enabling faster project delivery while optimising the use of resources.

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) encompass various innovative techniques that streamline the construction process, improve efficiency, and enhance the quality of educational infrastructure. Understanding the different types of MMC and their specific benefits is crucial when planning and executing school building projects.

Key MMC techniques include:

• Pods: Prefabricated, self-contained units that can be integrated into a building. Pods are often used for bathrooms, kitchens, or plant rooms, where repetitive elements can be standardised and installed quickly on-site. In school infrastructure, pods can expedite construction timelines, reduce on-site labour, and ensure consistent quality.
• 2D Volumetric Construction: This involves the assembly of flat panel units that form the structural elements of a building, such as walls and floors. The panels are manufactured off-site and then assembled on-site. In schools, this method allows for quick assembly, minimises disruption, and provides flexibility in design and layout.
• Tunnel Form: A construction technique that allows the simultaneous casting of walls and slabs using a formwork system. Tunnel form is particularly useful in building repetitive structures like classrooms or accommodation, where it can significantly speed up the construction process and improve structural integrity.
• Flat Slabs: A type of concrete slab with no beams, supported directly by columns. This method simplifies the construction process, reduces the overall height of a building, and provides flexibility in the placement of partitions, making it ideal for school environments that require adaptable spaces.
• Precast Foundations: Precast concrete elements for foundations are manufactured off-site and then installed on-site. This method reduces construction time, improves quality control, and minimises site disruptions, making it a practical choice for school projects where speed and efficiency are priorities.

By leveraging these MMC techniques, educational institutions can achieve faster construction times, improved build quality, and cost savings, all while maintaining a high standard of safety and sustainability.

• Time efficient: MMC significantly reduces construction time, allowing educational facilities to be completed more quickly. This ensures that schools and university buildings can open sooner, minimising delays in providing essential educational services.
• Less disruptive: MMC typically involves off-site construction, reducing on-site activities and disturbances. This approach is particularly beneficial for educational environments, where minimising noise and disruption is crucial to maintaining a conducive learning atmosphere.
• Cost efficient: By streamlining construction processes and reducing labour and material costs, MMC offers significant cost savings. Educational institutions can reallocate these savings to other essential areas, such as technology upgrades or program development.
• Faster building timeframes: MMC accelerates project timelines, enabling educational buildings to be ready for use in a fraction of the time compared to traditional construction methods. This is particularly advantageous for meeting urgent educational demands.
• Greater design flexibility: MMC offers enhanced design flexibility, allowing for innovative and adaptable educational spaces that can meet the evolving needs of students and educators. The modular nature of MMC also allows for future expansions with minimal disruption.
• Sustainable: MMC is inherently more sustainable, using fewer materials and generating less waste. Additionally, the controlled environment of off-site construction leads to better energy efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint, aligning with the growing emphasis on sustainability in education.

At Lungfish Architects, we are deeply committed to designing educational spaces that inspire and support learning. Whether you're looking to expand a single classroom or undertake a large-scale, multi-million-pound project like an innovative forest school, our expertise allows us to craft creative, ambitious, and sustainable designs tailored to the education sector.

Our team is approachable and fully engaged in every project. We place your ideas at the heart of our design process, involving you at every stage. By partnering with us, you'll transform your vision for a school, college, or university into a sustainable, and effective design solution.

Our skilled designers are experienced in delivering educational builds using MMC techniques. We can guide you in selecting the appropriate methods to ensure your educational building is designed and constructed quickly and efficiently.

Since 2013, our accomplishments include:

• Over 20,000 school places established
• More than 119 completed projects
• Over 105 offsite projects delivered
• 150 approved plans