May Event - The Benefits and Challenges of Modular & CLT Construction

Morgan Sindall Image

On the subject of modularisation   - Justin and Sean talked about the fate of the old Hammersmith Palais - it has definitely danced its last tango! It has been demolished to make way for student accommodation.  It is being constructed by Make, Morgan Sindall and others.  To show that times have really changed the accommodation on offer will be 17m2 en-suite bedrooms renting at £228 per week with a 99% occupancy rate - being a student is way different these days!


Very interesting  comparisons were made between the traditional on-site and off-site delivery methodologies. The statistics prove that the offssite method beat traditional in terms of programme, working at height, temporary works, standardisaation, foundation load, design life. But about 1% more expensive - which maybe be considered a lot in these lean times. Lessons were learnt in respect of oquality - surprising as the repeated manufacture in factory onditions should have solved this issue. The units were “complete” including IT and fire alarms.

BRE Image

On the subject of Cross Laminated Timber -  The 2 speakers were Gavin and Sophie,  academies designed by Sheppard Robson & Ramboll. An individual CLT component can be 13.5m x 2.95m x 200mm thick. Transportation becomes a limiting factor. Construction gives a good air tightness quality (a la Passivhaus). Unlike the component modular the space in the academies is created and then sub-divided. This means that future teaching methods (whatever they may be) and thus larger smaller spaces can be created / re-configured.  The aesthetics in having so much wood is of course a very personal thing. Wood is more forgiving in terms of knocks and bumps.The Q&A afterwards brought up the question of  fire rating – A very erudite answer was given whereby it is easier to set fire to a match than it is to a log! 

Two very different and interesting takes on innovative construction methods. As with all events it was topped off with ample time to network and, as is the custom, enjoy a few glasses of wine!