Knauf and the MMC market – innovation driven products
In recent months, the government has announced both a research study and a taskforce to encourage uptake of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in housing delivery.
With an ambitious target of building 300,000 new homes a year, one of the core reasons behind the government’s drive to increase uptake of MMC building methods is the speediness they offer in comparison to traditional methods.
Knauf is an innovation-driven organisation that has been ahead of the curve in developing a suite of products for modular and offsite developments. Having always placed great importance on research and development, Knauf has a range of products well suited to the MMC market. These include Dry Screed Flooring, Airless Ready-mixed Finishing Solutions and Exterior products.
Knauf’s Ready-mixed Finishing Solutions offer a modern and efficient method for finishing as an alternative to traditional plastering with rapid working times that can boost productivity for contractors. At the same time delivering superior sustainability and environmental credentials.
Offering similar time-saving benefits, Knauf Brio, Hugo and GIFAfloor FHB flooring systems are ready for foot traffic and floor finishes 24 hours after installation – a fraction of the time compared to traditional wet screed flooring.
Wet screed and concrete floors require lengthy drying times and therefore Knauf’s solutions enable improved productivity. Furthermore, the dry screed panels are lighter and thinner than equivalent screed systems, and can be easily transported.
In terms of exterior products, as an example, Knauf AQUAPANEL® Cement Board Outdoor is ideal for offsite construction and can be used as an alternative to traditional brick and block construction, as demonstrated on the Winnersh Care Home project.
On this project, Knauf AQUAPANEL® Cement Board Outdoor was modularly assembled in Castleoak Group’s factory, having been introduced early in the design stage when the decision was made to assemble much of the external façade system offsite. Factory fitting, transport and site installation has no adverse effect on its final performance.
Government and ministers have consistently displayed their desire for MMC building methods to be pursued, and Knauf products and systems can help facilitate this.
If you’re interested in learning how MMC solutions could improve your productivity, please contact us at [email protected]
