A landmark development for engineering and physical sciences, and the largest single project the university has undertaken since the 1960s.
MMC
Excellence in Modern Methods of Construction
At the heart of our innovative approach to building design is our commitment to delivering projects with unparalleled quality, speed, safety, and efficiency. This dedication drives our continuous adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
Our experience spans collaborations with both public and private clients across build sectors. Our strong partnerships with major government departments, including the Ministry of Justice, NHS, Department for Education, and Defence Infrastructure Organisation, highlight our proven track record. We excel at working on a programmatic level, managing some of the UK’s largest portfolios.
Images of Brent Cross Plot 14 courtesy of PCE Ltd
Awards
Our MMC experience is award winning, with over 40 awards for our offsite projects in the last 5 years. Highlights include:
Best of the Best Offsite Awards for HMP Five Wells (one of only two case studies within the Construction Playbook), Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre and Broadmoor Hospital Redevelopment.Â
Best Use of Hybrid Technology for University of Warwick's Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Building and Durham University's Mount Oswald Student Accommodation.     Â
Building Project of the Year for Sir William Henry Bragg Building, University of Leeds
Sir William Henry Bragg Building Photo (right) © Paul Karalius
Working throughout the project lifecycle
We are uniquely positioned in working across all stages of a project and programme lifecycle: from early concept stages, shaping standard platform strategies and designs that maintain flexibility and interchangeability of parts, through to detailed component design, with varying materiality and build methodologies.
Unlike more traditional approaches, our skills enable us to develop fabrication details early, without the need for direct supplier engagement. This unlocks wider procurement choice, providing greater surety of delivery and maintaining competitive tension. Through the development of standard, repeatable designs, we are also able to support our clients in improving cost certainty, predictability and quality.
Digital Approach
Our digital approach adds substantial value to our MMC strategy by enhancing coordination, improving accuracy, reducing environmental impact, and optimising the construction workflow. Through the integration of advanced digital tools and methodologies, we are able to deliver high-quality, sustainable, and efficient construction solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients and the industry.
Standardised Solutions
Our experience in this approach spans sectors, and we work with contractors and subcontractor partners to develop standardised solutions.
Working alongside our contractor clients, we have developed effective offsite solutions for major public sector and government department programmes of work, including the Department for Education’s Modern Methods of Construction Framework.
With PCE Ltd we have developed our hyTower® hybrid approach for residential projects, hyTower® Health for healthcare projects, and HybriDfma for Secure Prison design.
Partnership Working
Our expertise is supplemented and supported by strategic partnerships. For early stage commissions we work closely with specialist MMC consultants Akerlof: authors of the MoJ MMC strategy, the Product Platform Rulebook and recognised market leaders in platform and kit of parts solutions. We also have a strong relationship with with PCE Ltd, as specialist installer, which ensures our solutions are considered and buildable.
Our MMC Projects
Construction of two distinct colleges for John Snow and 17th Colleges within the University, comprising 1000 bed spaces, two college heart buildings, and a hub building with formal dining facilities.
Mount Oswald, Durham University
A high research laboratory for the University of Cambridge to establish a new centre of excellence for the development of medical treatments.
Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre
The development of a new and innovative Category C Prison, to replace the existing Victorian facility.
HMP Five Wells / Wellingborough Prison
A new innovative building which prioritises the quality of the teaching environment, as part of the Technological University campus in Dublin.
Blanchardstown Campus
Further Reading
See More
News18th Sep 24
Event: The Benefits of Early MMC Collaboration
5th November, London with PCE Ltd, Curtins and specialist guest speakers from Kier Construction and Cast.
Projects27th Jul 21
Decarbonising Precast Concrete project results launched
Curtins have been supporting Akerlof, Forterra, PCE and Accelar on an Innovate UK-funded project to decarbonise precast concrete systems and we are delighted to share the results of the research.
Views9th Feb 21
How MMC is crucial to the delivery of healthcare projects
Healthcare and construction are both in a period of rapid change and transformation. Embracing digitisation and modern methods of construction is key to delivering healthcare infrastructure which meets the needs of today and the future.Â
