MMC

At London Build 2026 Expo at Excel on 25th and 26th November, on Booth D99, TBA will display its flexible fire barrier systems such as Zeus and Titan Lite which provide compartmentation in commercial, industrial and other buildings across the country and has been steadily adding to the functionality and versatility of its passive fire protection range.  Specialist fire contractors and other past customers will though, have recognised some of the primary materials used.  The new FIREFLY® FB180 Raised Access Floor System, for instance makes extensive use of the company’s fully proven ablative batts to provide up to 240 minutes protection against the spread of flames within computer floors or even infrastructure projects like tunnels.   Then up above, the lightweight Apollo Lite 30:30 has been repurposed to enhance compartmentation and smoke control across suspended ceilings.  

Frameclad is once again spearheading the charge to take sustainability to another level with the launch of ECO-LSF – a more environmentally conscious light steel frame option.

Produced from 100% recycled content, this milestone marks a major step in Frameclad’s commitment to low carbon construction and the future of responsible building practices. Often referred to as ‘Green Steel’ – ECO-LSF is produced using Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology. Unlike traditional blast furnace methods, EAF uses electricity generated from renewable sources to melt and recycle scrap steel. The result is a product that not only delivers the performance and reliability expected from Frameclad but also offers major environmental advantages.

Leading offsite timber frame manufacturer, Donaldson Timber Systems has launched an industry-first timber frame skills hub, to develop a workforce capable of building using offsite timber frame. 
With over 50 years of experience, Donaldson Timber Systems is responding to the skills crisis by harnessing its knowle

Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions is celebrating securing a place on the Offsite Homes Alliance’s £2 billion off-site national modular construction framework.
Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions has been appointed to deliver panelised modern methods of construction (CAT2) over the next four years on the OSHA Framework, administrated by Great Places Housing Group, to supply homes to its 23 members and to future new members of the alliance.

With the economic and financial effects of Covid-19 continuing to pile pressure on those most vulnerable, concerning figures emerging from recent homelessness studies demonstrate why the housing crisis remains a top priority for local authorities and housing associations as we move further into 2022.

Highlighting the severity of the crisis, figures report around 37,000 people have required emergency accommodation since March 2020, with this number likely underestimated due to the pandemic. According to studies by UK charity Shelter, 668 people died while homeless in England and Wales in 2020. Meanwhile, homelessness-related deaths in Scotland presented an increase of nearly 20% year on year with 256 estimated mortalities. The vast majority of mortalities registered are males, with men representing a staggering 88% of the total number.

Offsite contractor, M-AR has launched a brand-new CPD module focussed exclusively on modern methods of construction (MMC) and exploring how best to maximise the benefits of offsite.
 
Typifying M-AR’s open and collaborative approach to improving standards across the industry, the new CPD is designed to provide architects, specifiers, cost consultants and end clients alike with insight on the offsite manufacture and installation process as an alternative to traditional build.

Rising accommodation costs, the long-term effects of the global pandemic, and the impact of a harsh winter season continue to compound and exacerbate the difficulties facing those most vulnerable and at-risk in our society.

This presents councils and local authorities with a complex set of challenges finding ways to meet the growing demand for safe, high-quality housing solutions. One of the greatest issues currently facing sector leaders is ensuring temporary and interim homeless accommodation is both cost-effective, fit for purpose and sustainable.