Mace has unveiled a new system for constructing high-rise buildings using digital technology and an offsite manufacturing approach, which it has claimed makes construction six times more productive than current industry performance.
The new High Rise Solutions (HRS) system, an evolution of Mace’s ‘Jump Factory’, will be used to construct the N06 build-to-rent development in Stratford, east London. The development in the former London 2012 Athletes’ Village is split across two towers of 26 and 31 storeys, creating 524 new homes.
After the success of the Jump Factory, Mace worked with Australian firm Hickory to adapt its building system for construction in the UK. Using parametric modelling tools and artificial intelligence, HRS is able to draw from a catalogue of components to design and manufacture the structure and façade sub-assemblies offsite.
Mace said it was converting site activities to an assembly process by installing modules concurrently with bathroom pods, utility cupboards and mechanical, electrical and plumbing service modules, to reduce programme times and improve productivity.
In practical terms, it claimed the system would shorten the construction programme on the N06 project by 18 weeks, with 20% fewer workers required compared to a traditional approach. Vehicle movements would also be reduced by 40% and waste by 70%, Mace said.
The launch of the new HRS system came as Mace also announces the creation of a new business unit, Mace Tech, that will manage the deployment and delivery of advanced offsite sub-assembly construction methods.
Mark Reynolds, chief executive of Mace, said: “The launch of Mace Tech marks an important milestone, not only for Mace but for the industry; unless we radically rethink how we build, we will never be able to deliver the housing and infrastructure that is desperately needed across the UK while reducing our carbon footprint.”
“Availability of smart data is essential to radically change our industry. Mace Tech will allow us to harness the latest digital technologies and offsite construction methods to create better buildings. HRS is already helping to deliver housing faster with less waste and reduce carbon emissions. I look forward to working closely with the team to roll it out across our business.”
Shaun Tate, business unit director Mace Tech, said: “HRS is more than just a new offsite construction method – it is a new digital approach to how we assemble and construct buildings. We interrogated the entire production to delivery cycle, taking inspiration from the auto industry with its integrated production and assembly line, looking at how we can develop smarter and more efficient offsite assembly methods to drive better outcomes.”
“At N06 we can already see the benefits that this method is delivering with just in time delivery and much more streamlined work processes.”
“As part of Mace’s approach to strategic investment in new construction methods, Mace Tech has been established as a vehicle to launch new sub-assembly and offsite methods to the market, including HRS.”
Rick de Blaby, CEO of Get Living, the developer of N06, said: “Our collaboration with Mace goes back to Victory Plaza, where we launched 480 new homes this summer. N06 is the next part of Get Living’s East Village journey, delivering a further 524 homes and taking us to 2,500 homes to rent in E20.’’
“The industry is changing fast, and Mace is at the forefront when it comes to innovation. As a client we applaud the quality, time and safety advantages Mace is bringing to N06. As we look ahead, more people are renting and with that the demand for better, quality homes is rising. If advances in construction tech can deliver durable, sustainable, high quality buildings more quickly, while reducing disruption for local people, then that’s a win for everyone.”
Artist’s impression of how N06 will look when complete
After the success of the Jump Factory, Mace worked with Australian firm Hickory to adapt its building system for construction in the UK. Using parametric modelling tools and artificial intelligence, HRS is able to draw from a catalogue of components to design and manufacture the structure and façade sub-assemblies offsite.
Mace said it was converting site activities to an assembly process by installing modules concurrently with bathroom pods, utility cupboards and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) service modules, to reduce programme times and improve productivity up to six times compared to current industry performance.
In practical terms, it claimed the system would shorten the construction programme on the N06 project by 18 weeks, with 20% fewer workers required compared to a traditional approach. Vehicle movements would also be reduced by 40% and waste by 70%, it said.
The launch of the new HRS system came as Mace also announces the creation of a new business unit, Mace Tech, that will manage the deployment and delivery of advanced offsite sub-assembly construction methods harnessing the latest technologies.
The HRS system has been developed with Australian firm Hickory
Mark Reynolds, chief executive of Mace, said: “The launch of Mace Tech marks an important milestone, not only for Mace but for the industry; unless we radically rethink how we build, we will never be able to deliver the housing and infrastructure that is desperately needed across the UK while reducing our carbon footprint.”
“Availability of smart data is essential to radically change our industry. Mace Tech will allow us to harness the latest digital technologies and offsite construction methods to create better buildings. HRS is already helping to deliver housing faster with less waste and reduce carbon emissions. I look forward to working closely with the team to roll it out across our business.”
Shaun Tate, business unit director Mace Tech, said: “HRS is more than just a new offsite construction method – it is a new digital approach to how we assemble and construct buildings. We interrogated the entire production to delivery cycle, taking inspiration from the auto industry with its integrated production and assembly line, looking at how we can develop smarter and more efficient offsite assembly methods to drive better outcomes.”
“At N06 we can already see the benefits that this method is delivering with just in time delivery and much more streamlined work processes.”
“As part of Mace’s approach to strategic investment in new construction methods, Mace Tech has been established as a vehicle to launch new sub-assembly and offsite methods to the market, including HRS.”
Rick de Blaby, CEO of Get Living, the developer of N06, said: “Our collaboration with Mace goes back to Victory Plaza, where we launched 480 new homes this summer. N06 is the next part of Get Living’s East Village journey, delivering a further 524 homes and taking us to 2,500 homes to rent in E20.’’
“The industry is changing fast, and Mace is at the forefront when it comes to innovation. As a client we applaud the quality, time and safety advantages Mace is bringing to N06. As we look ahead, more people are renting and with that the demand for better, quality homes is rising. If advances in construction tech can deliver durable, sustainable, high quality buildings more quickly, while reducing disruption for local people, then that’s a win for everyone.”
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Fantastic Innovative approach using tried and tested off site manufacturing techiques and emerging digital systems, congratulations to everyone involved. Mel Prichard