Shaking off the reputation

Dispelling the modular myth

Shaking off the reputation

Despite all the positives, modular still has a reputation to shake off, and whilst the corridors of County Hall were right behind the scheme, everyone is aware that this journey has to continue to be showcased so that everyone sees just how much the product has transformed from yesteryear.

Dale Smith, Contracts Manager for Morgan Sindall Construction in Essex explains the benefits he has seen for himself: "We’ve been delivering modular projects for several years across the UK, and it’s just one form of construction we deliver.The benefits are clear, and on this scheme in particular, it was the best option because it enabled us to respond at speed to the school places challenge, whilst also delivering on the sustainability and quality outcomes that education estates deserve."

A key element in dispelling any modular myths was bringing our users on the journey. Enabling the Headteacher to come to the modular factory with us and experience the process was vital. During one factory visit he was even jumping on the concrete floors and was excited at the level of robustness and quality he’d be getting from these units.

Dale Smith, Morgan Sindall Construction

Whilst the scheme is an innovation project for Essex, Andrew describes a measured approach.

We spent time with other authorities such as Manchester City Council to look at their work, and interrogate the outcomes, before embarking upon the scheme.

Andrew Lawrence, Essex County Council

They also married that with their own examples of MMC, identifying lessons learned, so that the decision would be based on a robust, calculated and methodical strategy.

Simon Rawson, CEO at Eco Modular, agrees that the perception challenge is fading.“We don’t see as many challenges now. There are a lot of examples in action too, so it is much easier to see the product in action and gather experiences from other people to reinforce the benefits that our story tells. The challenges that need to be overcome are in the process and in the way we engage the end user to maximise the benefits of this offsite process.”Dale adds though that it is important to note that it’s the right tool for the job.Whilst two of the schemes in the batch are purely modular, one is showcasing how a hybrid approach can also work:

These three schemes are not all purely modular – at Clacton we have modular class bases wrapped around a traditional steel framed sports hall. The limitations of the product in terms of the spans for the hall meant we had to use a traditional frame for this element of the project. However, what we’ve proved is you still don’t write modular off – it’s proving how the two methods can co-exist harmoniously.

Dale Smith, Morgan Sindall Construction

Mixing modular with traditional at Clacton