National construction firm Kier is at the forefront of offsite technology innovation, with Head of MMC, Andrew Dewdney leading the way.
He spoke to Offsite Hub to highlight the work Kier is doing to help support the MoD and the MoJ in their construction projects across the UK.
How can MMC be leveraged to meet the specific security and operational requirements of facilities built for the MoJ and MoD?
Kier use a range of different MMC solutions that offer the best requirements for each of the assets performance needs, for example for higher security or higher CTM buildings we currently use a precast concrete solution, while for other buildings we may use 3D volumetric modular or engineered timber.
The repetition of design enables standardisation of the processes and governance and we can leverage industrialised construction practices, while the material or method becomes par-for-the-course to suit the assets security and operational performance requirements.
What are the key challenges in integrating MMC into the procurement processes of MoJ and MoD projects?
As always, early involvement is key to maximise opportunities.
The MoJ have been really successful in using the FAC-1 Alliancing model via the Alliance 4 New Prisons to overcome challenges, which enabled the four contractors to work together to accelerate pre-construction and maximise the procurement power of four Tier 1 contractors buying the same components.
The MoD have now launched two frameworks aimed at using the Alliancing model to emulate this success.
In what ways can MMC enhance the speed of project delivery for MoJ and MoD facilities, and what are the potential implications for project timelines and budgets?
We have been able to reduce the timeline of a Cat C T60 houseblock by around 22 per cent compared to traditional in-situ concrete construction.
Thanks to the platform design of the T60 house block, we have been able to utilise lessons learnt and have seen increased programme certainty and productivity in our latest prison using the T60 houseblock.
Working on MoJ and MoD sites requires mandates security checks and clearances, which can result in a 15 per cent reduction in productivity.
We minimise disruption to these live environments we optimise the amount of offsite and PMV, as this leads to reduced onsite labour requirements and vehicle movements.
What are the environmental and sustainability benefits of using MMC for MoJ and MoD projects, and how do they align with the government’s broader sustainability goals?
The Decarbonising Precast concrete report is a great example of where 40 per cent reduction in embodied carbon can be achieved in the precast concrete of a T60 houseblock through an improved mix, optimised design and improved construction practises, leading to a net zero solution.
Our industry leading digital twin pathfinder with the MoJ aims at making the estate more energy efficient by combining a digital twin with the data from physical onsite estate.
What are your thoughts on Offsite Expo and can you give us a teaser of what you will be speaking about in the Infrastructure (MoJ and MoD perspectives) masterclass session?
I always enjoy the Offsite Expo and catching up with like minded individuals in the industry.
In my master class session I will be focusing on how we can maximise the learnings from the New Prisons Programmes for the upcoming MoD programmes.
