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Research

Discover more about research and development projects in the world of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) led by Irish higher education institutions and other research-performing organisations, alongside a showcase of research activity across the country, highlighting what is being done to drive new innovation and workforce development in Irish construction.

  • Translating R&D on Innovative Building Materials from the Lab to Real Application in Construction

    Concrete production is one of the more carbon-intensive construction activities. But researchers from Trinity College Dublin are working to showcase that a lower-carbon concrete, produced with biomass ash, offers building companies a commercially viable and equally appliable alternative. How can research and development lead theory to practice and contribute to a more sustainable construction sector?
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    Group of construction workers in hi-vis vests and hard hats inspecting an outdoor facility.

  • How Can Standardising MMC Product Designs Drive New Efficiencies in Construction Developments?

    Despite the expanded use of offsite construction, Ireland still lacks publicly available, non-proprietary detail libraries for manufacturers, designers, certifiers, and regulators. The STANDARDIZE project in University College Dublin is addressing this, aiming to standardise MMC technologies for greater sector efficiency and mobility.
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    Five people seated in a semicircle having a panel discussion in an elegant, warmly lit room.
Researching and Developing the Right Concrete Products and Application Systems for 3D Construction Printing

3D construction printing is still in its earliest phase in Irish building, but research into the best-practice materials and applications of this type of Modern Method of Construction (MMC) can help increase the rate of uptake. Two researchers from the Construct Innovate unit of the University of Galway are making this happen. 

Industrial blue mechanical clamp or gripper tool shown in multiple close-up views on a workbench.
Platform4MMC: Supporting Decision-Making to Drive the Adoption of Modern Methods of Construction in Ireland

Ireland’s housing targets need to be met rapidly while achieving high sustainability standards. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) offer the opportunity to digitise the construction sector, improving project delivery speed, efficiency, and quality. 

Logo for Platform MMC featuring stacked layers graphic in gray and dark tones.
Taking MMC Research to the Construction Site and Beyond

The MMC Research Group at University College Dublin (UCD), spearheaded by Dr Daniel McCrum, is leading the innovations behind Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).  

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Research showcase

  • slide with the Government of Ireland logo and the title 'Standardised Design Approaches – Promoting greater adoption of MMC' on a white background with green graphic shapes.
    Oct 2025

    Standardised Housing Design to Reduce Costs and Optimise Housing Delivery

    Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
    The study is intended to raise awareness and actively promote the adoption of standardised housing design including layouts, construction methodology, building services and building components, which can reduce costs and promote Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), while also maximising sustainability and maintaining quality.
    View Report on gov.ie
  • Cover page of a research article "Is MMC the Silver Bullet to Solving Ireland’s Housing and Infrastructural Deficit? "
    Sep 2025

    Is MMC the Silver Bullet to Solving Ireland’s Housing and Infrastructural Deficit?

    Oluwasegun O. Seriki, Ruairi Hayden (Technological University of Dublin)
    This study delves into how and why MMC techniques are gaining popularity despite the underlying concepts of off-site manufacturing, prefabrication and modular construction being more than 100 years old. This study agrees that the future of MMC looks promising and has potential for increased adoption within construction in Ireland.
    View Report on tudublin.ie
  • Logo promoting timber research and innovation in Ireland with green forest background.
    Aug 2025

    Pioneering Research and Innovation for Timber and Wood‑Based Products in Ireland

    Dr Patrick McGetrick (National University of Galway), Department of Food, Agriculture and the Marine
    This publication presents an overview of research and innovation on timber and wood-based products in Ireland over recent years, showcasing the significant progress achieved through collaborative national and international efforts. It aims to facilitate an understanding of the existing knowledge base on Irish wood products to advance research and support of timber as a construction material.
    View Report on gov.ie
  • Cover page with the Government of Ireland logo. Text reads: 'Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Action Plan, June 2025
    Jun 2025

    Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Action Plan

    Ernst & Young, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
    This report has been prepared by Ernst & Young, in accordance with an engagement agreement with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (“DFHERIS”) for professional services, covering an Action Plan which outlines the actionsneeded to deliver the recommendations in the detailed skills assessment report, Research and Forecast for Skills Required for Modern Methods of Construction”.
    View Report on gov.ie
  • ACEI Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland logo on a Position Paper on CWMF BIM Requirements document cover.
    May 2025

    Position Paper on the CWMF BIM Requirements

    Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland (ACEI)
    This position paper sets the context for the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland’s (ACEI) support of the Capital Works Management Framework Building Information Modelling requirements — to be implemented on public sector projects in a staged manner over a four-year period — and provides recommendations to Government and ACEI members.
    View Report on acei.ie
  • Illustration titled “Building a Circular Ireland – A Roadmap for a Resource Efficient Circular Built Environment,” featuring the map of Ireland within a multicoloured circular graphic, surrounded by icons of buildings, cranes, vehicles, wind turbines, and cyclists, symbolising sustainability and circular economy in construction.
    May 2025

    Building a Circular Ireland

    Irish Green Building Council
    The approach of the ‘Building a Circular Ireland’ roadmap (2025-2040) is to focus on strategies for prevention and reuse, better design, resource efficiency, and the added value of innovative business models.
    View Report on igbc.ie