PIN - Modern Methods of Construction Supplier Engagement

Pre-Manufacturing - 3D primary structural systems

A systematised approach based on volumetric construction involving the production of three-dimensional units in controlled factory conditions prior to final installation. Volumetric units can be brought to the final site in a variety of forms ranging from a basic structure only to one with all internal and external finishes and services installed, all ready for installation.

The system includes structural performance. Full volumetric units in apartment buildings can include apartment space and common area space. Mini volumetric structural units can include bathroom pods and the like which are structurally stacked and loaded.’

Pre-manufacturing (2D primary structural systems)

A systematised approach using flat panel units for basic floor, wall and roof structures of varying materials which are produced in a factory environment and assembled at the final workface to produce a final three-dimensional structure. The most common approach is to use open panels or frames, which consist of a skeletal structure only, with services, insulation, external cladding and internal finishing being installed on site.

‘More complex panels – typically referred to as closed panels – involve more factory-based fabrication and include lining materials and insulation. These may also include services, windows, doors, internal wall finishes and external claddings. The system includes structural performance for primary walls and all floors (note – this excludes unitised or composite external walling systems that are not load bearing included in Category 5).

Pre-manufacturing (non structural assemblies and sub-assemblies)

A series of different pre-manufacturing approaches that includes unitised non-structural walling systems, roofing finish cassettes or assemblies (where not part of a wider structural building system), non-load bearing mini-volumetric units (sometimes referred to as ‘pods’) used for the highly serviced and more repeatable areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, utility cupboards, risers, plant rooms as well as pre-formed wiring looms, mechanical engineering composites would fall into this category.

‘Conventional masonry site constructed schemes utilising conventional building products such as windows and or door-sets – which might otherwise be part of the fabrication process in the other pre-manufacturing categories – should not be included as sub-assemblies or components in this category unless there is a further level of consolidation from traditional configurations. Also excludes and structural base elements that composite assemblies are fixed to and which are to be included in Cats 1-4. Any structure in this category is purely to support the sub-assembly in transit / install phase.