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Media hub is a centralised content hub gathering videos, newsletters,vox pops, media coverage, and interviews related to the MMC ecosystem. This is designed to improve content discoverability and increase user engagement with MMC day to day.

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The 7 Categories of MMC

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) is a term to describe a range of manufacturing and innovative alternatives to traditional construction. MMC can help boost productivity and efficiency of construction projects.

There are seven categories of MMC (as defined by the UK’s MMC framework) which reflect the diverse range of innovative approaches in construction, from pre-manufacturing to on-site techniques. 

Check out below introductory videos (commissioned by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science) as Harrison Gardner provides an overview of each of the MMC categories.

Harrison Gardner introduces MMC

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Person standing in front of a graphic illustration of a building.

Harrison Gardner introduces MMC

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has created eight videos, in conjunction with industry leaders and TV personality Harrison Gardener, to give Irish construction businesses a solid grounding in the fundamentals of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). 

Pre-Manufacturing: 3D Systems

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Person in high-vis working on a window module inside a large factory, standing on a mobile platform.

Pre-Manufacturing: 3D Systems

This involves constructing three-dimensional units in a factory setting, which are then transported to the site for assembly. These modules can be fully finished, with internal fittings and services installed, before they even reach the site for efficiency and to reduce the time spent onsite. 

Pre-Manufacturing: 2D Systems

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Steel frame structure of a building under construction

Pre-Manufacturing: 2D Systems

These are flat panels that are manufactured off-site and assembled onsite to form a building. They can be used for walls, floors, and roofs and are often made from materials like timber, steel, or concrete. The panels can be insulated (like Structural Insulated Panels, or SIPs) or non-insulated. 

Pre-Manufacturing: Structural components

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Crane lifting a prefabricated wall panel with a door and windows against a cloudy sky.

Pre-Manufacturing: Structural components

This category combines elements of both volumetric and panelised systems. Hybrid systems offer the flexibility of panelised systems with the speed of volumetric construction, allowing for more complex designs and layouts. 

Pre-Manufacturing: Additive Manufacturing

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Workers operating a 3D concrete printing machine on a сonstruction site.

Pre-Manufacturing: Additive Manufacturing

Commonly known as 3D printing, this involves the use of digital 3D models to fabricate building components or even entire buildings by layering material. This method offers high levels of customisation and can significantly reduce waste. 

Pre-Manufacturing: Non-structural assemblies

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Crane lifting a prefabricated metal balcony module into place beside a building.

Pre-Manufacturing: Non-structural assemblies

This includes non-load-bearing mini-volumetric units (pods) or pre-formed wiring looms. It also includes unitised non-structural walling systems, roofing finishes, and pre-sized materials. This category aims to improve efficiency and safety by pre-fabricating components that are then easily assembled onsite.

Product labour reduction & productivity improvements

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Construction workers assembling rebar on a site with a red truck visible in the background.

Product labour reduction & productivity improvements

This includes traditional building methods but using modern materials and techniques to improve performance. It’s about applying contemporary knowledge and practices to conventional construction approaches. 

Process-led labour reduction & productivity improvements

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Close-up of a worker’s hands placing interlocking concrete blocks with steel reinforcement on a construction site.

Process-led labour reduction & productivity improvements

This category involves innovative techniques applied onsite. These could include novel methods of site preparation, innovative building techniques, or the use of modern, high-performance materials. Examples could include using advanced lifting equipment, robotic construction, or optimised digital workflows to streamline tasks onsite.