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paper presentation topic modern construction materials and techniques
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28-03-2017, 09:27 AM
In recent months much has been done to increase the cost of bricks. With the economy taking a turn for the better and housing construction - massively backed by the government helps buy scheme - looking particularly pink, demand has increased much faster than the ability of manufacturers to increase supply. Thus the most basic laws of economics conspire to push brick prices to an all-time high.
What's more, home builders not only need bricks - they also need people to put them. And here again the laws of supply and demand are working against home builders. According to a senior executive, the daily rate required by bricks, at least in London, has almost doubled in the last three months from £ 140 to £ 240.
So what needs to be done? The choice is clear. Home builders should stop expanding, absorb additional costs and have a hit on their profit margins, or should look for alternative materials and construction techniques. And the evidence is emerging more and more for the latter option.
"For years the industry tried to push forward modern construction methods and never took off because it required a different approach and when builders did not need a different approach," says Richard Jones, a partner at EC Harris. "They were good as things were, I think for the first time what you can see are the modern construction methods that are being promoted because there is no alternative."
So what impact does the trend have on companies that specialize in modern construction methods (MMC)? And how long will that change last?
Looking at alternatives
Anecdotally, industry analysts say many homebuilders, while still expressing a clear preference for bricks and mortar, are starting to look for alternatives such as wood or steel frame. These alternatives may ultimately entail higher maintenance costs, but in general they are much faster and, crucially in the current market, do not suffer from a supply problem.
John Anderson, president of Berkeley Urban Developments, is typical in his assessment. "Brick remains the ideal product because it reduces maintenance costs and service charges - it has longevity," he says. "But we are looking at building systems and all products. As a group, we are definitely looking at other opportunities [because of the high cost of bricks and mortars]."
Certainly, the wood frame sector thinks it has spied an opportunity. Structural Wood Association (STA) - formally known as the UK Wood Frame Association - is in the midst of a charm offensive, organizing a series of factory and site visits for the Federation of Home Builders And the national council members. He says the timber frame represents about 18% of new housing in England and Wales (it is significantly higher in Scotland) and believes that it is time to increase the market share of the sector.
What's more, home builders not only need bricks - they also need people to put them. And here again the laws of supply and demand are working against home builders. According to a senior executive, the daily rate required by bricks, at least in London, has almost doubled in the last three months from £ 140 to £ 240.
So what needs to be done? The choice is clear. Home builders should stop expanding, absorb additional costs and have a hit on their profit margins, or should look for alternative materials and construction techniques. And the evidence is emerging more and more for the latter option.
"For years the industry tried to push forward modern construction methods and never took off because it required a different approach and when builders did not need a different approach," says Richard Jones, a partner at EC Harris. "They were good as things were, I think for the first time what you can see are the modern construction methods that are being promoted because there is no alternative."
So what impact does the trend have on companies that specialize in modern construction methods (MMC)? And how long will that change last?
Looking at alternatives
Anecdotally, industry analysts say many homebuilders, while still expressing a clear preference for bricks and mortar, are starting to look for alternatives such as wood or steel frame. These alternatives may ultimately entail higher maintenance costs, but in general they are much faster and, crucially in the current market, do not suffer from a supply problem.
John Anderson, president of Berkeley Urban Developments, is typical in his assessment. "Brick remains the ideal product because it reduces maintenance costs and service charges - it has longevity," he says. "But we are looking at building systems and all products. As a group, we are definitely looking at other opportunities [because of the high cost of bricks and mortars]."
Certainly, the wood frame sector thinks it has spied an opportunity. Structural Wood Association (STA) - formally known as the UK Wood Frame Association - is in the midst of a charm offensive, organizing a series of factory and site visits for the Federation of Home Builders And the national council members. He says the timber frame represents about 18% of new housing in England and Wales (it is significantly higher in Scotland) and believes that it is time to increase the market share of the sector.
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