MMC- Modern Methods of Construction is the term used to describe the range of offsite manufacturing techniques used to build high quality homes faster, with less waste, under closely controlled conditions using a variety of methods which are explained below.

Volumetric Modular – Three dimensional structural units which are manufactured in controlled factory conditions from a combination of steel and timber before delivery to site for erection by crane onto prepared foundations. The level of fitting out can vary from the basic weathertight module complete only with windows and doors, to a fully fitted module complete with external finishes, internal mechanical and electrical services and internal finishes including staircases, kitchens and bathrooms.

Timber Frame - Timber frame construction uses timber studs within the external structural wall to carry the loads imposed to the foundations. Timber frame buildings include the walls, floors and roofs, are designed as one coherent engineered structure. The timber frames are delivered to site as either ‘open’ or ‘closed’ panels depending on the manufacturer and erected onto the prepared foundations by crane. The roof is left with a waterproof covering and, once the frame erectors have finished, work can commence both inside and outside of the house.

The overall timber frame wall system incorporates a number of different elements from outside to in, these include:

• External cladding and cavity (brick, render, composite or timber boarding) to provide weather resistance.
• Breather membrane to provide weather protection during the build and ensure the frame breathes and resists moisture penetration during its life.
• OSB (oriented strand board) or Plywood lining fitted to the frame to provide strength and rigidity.
• Wall insulation fitted between the structural studs to enhance thermal performance and lower energy bills. In the case of ‘open’ panels this is done on site but with ‘closed’ panels it is fitted in the factory.
• Vapour control layer (VCL) to prevent interstitial condensation and limit air leakage.
• Service zone to distribute electrical and mechanical systems.
• Plasterboard for fire resistance and internal finishes.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) - construction is sometimes referred to as timber frame without the timber. The strength of the panels derives from bonding insulation within an inner and outer skin of OSB board to make a very rigid, highly insulated shell. Structural Insulated Panel buildings include the walls, floors, and roofs, are also designed as one coherent engineered structure. The factory produces these panels, leaving holes where the doors and windows will be placed later, and then ships them off to site where, together with flooring elements and roof trusses, the superstructure of the house is erected on to the prepared foundations in a few days using a crane to handle the elements. The roof is left with a waterproof covering and, once the frame erectors have finished, work can commence both inside and outside of the house.

The overall SIP wall system incorporates a number of different elements from outside to in, these include:
• External cladding and cavity (brick, render, composite or timber boarding) to provide weather resistance.
• Breather membrane to provide weather protection during the build and ensure the frame breathes and resists moisture penetration during its life.
• SIP incorporating wall insulation fitted between the structural panels to enhance thermal performance and lower energy bills.
• Vapour control layer (VCL) to prevent interstitial condensation and limit air leakage.
• Service zone to distribute electrical and mechanical systems.
• Plasterboard for fire resistance and internal finishes.

Honka Fusion Log - The Honka Fusion log is manufactured from six sections of Finnish pine that are laminated crosswise. Pioneering Honka Fusion™ technology uses vertical, non-settling, cross-laminated solid wood beams to create a state-of-the-art superstructure which gives all the benefits of a timber-frame together with the solidity of traditional block work with far less environmental impact.

In the UK to comply with Building Regulations the construction is made up as follows from outside to in.
• Honka laminated timber panel exterior which provides water proofing and fire resistance
• Insulation and service zone
• Plasterboard for interior finishes

Light Gauge Steel – The building structure is formed from panels made up from individual c sections of light gauge steel. These panels are then clad externally to create a weatherproof envelope. Insulation is fitted within the panels.

The overall light gauge steel wall system incorporates a number of different elements from outside to in, these include;
• External cladding and cavity (brick, render, composite or timber boarding) to provide weather resistance.
• Boardex cladding to provide fire and moisture resistance
• Light gauge steel frame with insulation and service zone to distribute electrical and mechanical systems.
• Plasterboard for fire resistance and internal finishes.

THE EVERHAUS PANEL SYSTEM (PHPS)

The Structurally Insulated Steel panel system can be used on any house build project irrespective of individual design requirements. It is created using thermally strengthened light gauge steel, insulated and clad on both sides with a A1 fire board.

The system is designed to work with a well constructed passive floor slab as well as triple glazed Aluclad windows all within a passive house framework..

PHPS is panelised off-site and assembled on site, which decreases overall project build times. Each house is individually designed and the walls, floors and roof panels are precisely made in the factory in line with the architect’s requirements.

The Everhaus PHPS is designed to stringent Passivhaus standards. The standard wall section and roof section thickness provides a U value of 0.13W/(m2k) each. The building envelope is constructed using the PHPS system, giving a continuous insulation layer around the house. The internal walls are made in light gauge steel.
• The Everwall panels are insulated in the factory with EPS/XPS(other materials are also available)
• The outer face of the panels has a wind/breather membrane.
• External cladding can be brick, brick slips, render, composite or timber boarding to provide weather resistance and meet planning requirements.
• The internal face of the panels is provided with an airtight membrane.
• The inner face of the panels has a service zone to distribute electrical and mechanical systems and plasterboard for fire resistance and internal finishes.
• The internal walls are light gauge steel studwork with plasterboard.
• Upper floors are light gauge steel floor deck with concrete floor screed creating a thermal mass as well as a strong upper floor area which is sound proof and has the option of under floor heating within the slab.

Passive House systems are normally associated with very high costs – Everhaus PHPS makes passive house affordable to all.