Modern Building Services

MODERN BUILDING SERVICES MAY 2023 29 FEATURE PACKAGED PLANT One of the challenges that can be faced – and one that will be important to overcome as MMC projects become more widespread – is to ensure early engagement on projects for more effective collaboration with specifiers and contractors to shape a solution that fits a specific project demands. Flagship project For us, if we understand the site and their building requirements, we can understand their specific challenges andmeet them. Another example; a flagship project inManchester the customer wanted fabricated stacks that they were to install in bathroom pods before they were delivered to site. Because we were involved early in the process, we were able to produce an example drainage stack in the required dimensions which they could take to their pod manufacturer tomake sure it was the right fit. With about 20-bathroom pods per floor, this meant significant time savings, if these were done the traditional way it could have taken a week to install. This type of install meant an entire floor can be connected in about half a day. What the market wants We have found that themarket is interested in twomethods of meeting this demand. Full design and fabrication capabilities which allows contractors tomake progress with amade tomeasure drainage or supply system that can be efficiently installed on-site or as part of modular pods. Alongside these fabricated systems designed to meet themost common applications for kitchens, utility rooms and bathrooms in commercial buildings. So, whilst this is not bespoke to an individual project, it increases efficiency for repetitive work where otherwise each roomwould need cutting and jointing. It’s exciting that we are still in the relatively early stages of realising the benefits of MMC, and there will be even greater benefits to come as these techniques mature and become commonplace. The key will be to continue collaborating across projects to find the best solutions that fit the needs of each particular building. More information can be found at www.polypipe.com/ buildingservices