ARAD (Association of the Rooftop & Airspace Development) panel discussion on airspace construction and MMC
The most recent ARAD panel event that took place on 8th of February and focused on MMC and construction methods in airspace development was a great success. The panel featured industry experts including Adam Clark from BRAC Developments, Lukasz Gruszczynski from MDLR Architects, and Jim Murphy from Lawsons, moderated by Laith Mubarak from Click Above. Here are some of the key talking points from the event.
Construction materials.
After a year of supply chain disruptions related to COVID-19, Brexit, and conflicts in Ukraine, construction material costs experienced significant inflation. However, the situation has improved, and costs have returned to normal levels. While the recent earthquake in Turkey and ongoing conflict in Ukraine may cause future supply chain issues in steel or timber supply, the panel was optimistic about the industry’s prospects.
MMC potential and airspace developments
The use of modern methods of construction (MMC) in airspace development is on the rise, with lightweight steel framing systems and closed wall panels systems being on the rise. Early integration of MMC, ideally from the concept design and pre-planning stage, can help harness its advantages and avoid rework and delays.
However, misconceptions and limitations exist regarding the use of modular construction. For instance, full volumetric modular construction is often financially unviable for airspace projects due to their small scale. Additionally, lifting volumetric modules onto higher floors can be challenging due to access. Therefore, open frame panelised systems are often preferred, and delivery trucks with specialist integrated lifts are becoming popular and cost efficient solutions.
Material choices in airspace developments prioritise fire safety
In light of the Grenfell Tower and changes to teh building regulations, timber frame systems and cladding have fallen out of favour with developers, architects, and local authorities for fire safety reasons. Steel is now the preferred material for the structure in most airspace developments, with light gauge steel framing being the preferred choice due to its versatility. Zinc and brick slips are now also teh most popular cladding materials.
Despite this, timber remains the most sustainable material, and there is potential for it to make a comeback in the future, especially as embodied and whole life cycle carbon considerations become more important.
The future prospects for airspace development
Despite economic challenges, the panellists were optimistic about the future of the sector. The use of lightweight materials is opening up possibilities for airspace development, with some MDLR Architects designs now adding up to five storeys on top of existing buildings. This has the potential to unlock new space and sites, and we look forward to seeing more announcements in this area.
In conclusion, the panel discussion provided valuable insights into the challenges, innovations, and opportunities in airspace development construction. ARAD will continue hosting these events and pushing is the boundaries of what is possible in this exciting field. Stay tuned for more details on our next event in the Spring.
