January 2021 - Self build homes_2

The Government is calling on the construction industry to help solve the UK’s housing problem, by urging them to embrace modern methods of construction (MMC). With an ambitious target of 300,000 homes per year, a new MMC taskforce has been appointed to promote the benefits that this alternative construction method holds.

At Graven Hill, we are committed to playing our part in the movement and can proudly reveal that between 2018 and 2021 a third of our self-build homes have used MMC.

What is MMC?

MMC refers to non-traditional methods of building. This includes off-site factory production of homes, using processes such as modular construction, as well as other innovative on-site techniques such as timber frame construction.

Benefits of MMC include:
  • Simpler and quicker construction
  • More reliable timescales, due to factors such as weather having less of an impact
  • Reduction in on-site labour
  • Environmentally friendly due to reduced waste and use of sustainable materials
  • Less disruption for residents, as a large portion of the construction is done off-site
Wood Crescent - Aerial Photo_webHow we are embracing MMC

This year, one of our specialist suppliers is on track to complete 25 prefabricated homes on the development. Since 2018, a total of 34 self and custom build projects have been built on our site using MMC.

MMC homes take an average of 2-3 days to assemble and make watertight, then around 6-7 weeks to construct and finish on site, which is considerably quicker than the average bricks and mortar home. Despite the increased speed, all of our homes still meet or exceed our high-quality building standards and promote sustainability in construction.

Enjoy your dream home sooner

Here at Graven Hill, each of our self-build plots has a ‘Plot Passport’, which is pre-approved by the local council and outlines the parameters and other key guidelines for that specific plot.

Providing self-builders follow these guidelines, they can secure planning permission in just 28 days, as opposed to the usual 8-13 weeks. For those that have chosen to build their home using MMC, this further increases the speed of completion.

June 2021 - Green space and self-build homes5_web
A comment from Karen Curtin, managing director:

“The announcement of the MMC taskforce was positive news. All of our Plot Passports allow for the use of MMC techniques, and we believe it will play an important role in the future of housing developments.

“With the help of our specialist suppliers, we have proven that prefabricated homes can be just as high quality and aesthetically beautiful as traditional homes. Offering both speed and affordability, MMC certainly looks to be the way forward for the construction sector and we’re proud to be part of the revolution.”

Want to find your perfect self-build plot? Get in contact with our team today.