MMC Solutions

Building Better, backed by the National Housing Federation, is an alliance of housing associations and local authorities working together to procure high quality, sustainable homes built through modern methods of construction (MMC) via a PfH framework and DPS.

Set up in 2018 as part of the National Housing Federation’s Greenhouse innovation programme, Building Better aggregates demand from its members and collaborates with offsite manufacturers.

This partnership approach, listening to feedback, learning and innovating together, improves quality, safety, energy efficiency, downstream maintenance and resident satisfaction. It’s an alliance that encourages information sharing and strives for continuous improvement.

Fully compliant with UK Procurement Regulation, the procurement solutions provide housing associations, local authorities and other social landlords with direct access to manufacturers of volumetric and panelised solutions, with the option of engaging on a full turnkey or supply and install basis.

To ask any questions or talk through a scheme, contact us mmc@pfh.co.uk

Due diligence already completed

Building Better and Procurement for Housing have assessed the MMC market and narrowed the field:

We’ve appointed three MMC manufacturers who can offer the very best in quality and cost to the MMC Category 1 framework

We’ve appointed a range of approved MMC manufacturers to our MMC Category 2 Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS).

Choice and flexibility

Our MMC Category 1 framework is flexible, allowing housing providers to procure MMC as supply only or as a full turnkey solution.

Our MMC Category 2 DPS allows manufacturers to join at any point until 2026, giving housing providers access the latest solutions and suppliers.

To filter this marketplace for each housing provider, a ‘decision tree’ of guidance asks about their needs and refines their options, minimising the number of bidders involved in each call-off.

Swift route to market

On our framework, Ilke Homes, Impact Modular and TopHat have been appointed on a direct award basis, so housing providers don’t need to go through an additional tender process.

On our DPS, once manufacturers have been approved, they can bid via a streamlined call-off process. Housing providers receive a tender template pack and hands-on support from PfH.

Customisable design

Via our framework, all manufacturers provide high quality, safe and sustainable Category 1 homes with a customisable finish, adaptable for varying planning requirements.

Through our DPS, housing providers can procure Category 2 systems that are manufactured to their own designs. These bespoke solutions are often used for sites that already have planning in place.

Fabric first approach

All procured homes will take a ‘fabric-first’ approach, adhere to nationally described space standards and can be wheelchair accessible.

Assessed and certified

Building Better homes will be certified by the Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) or assessed by building warranty provider the National House Building Council (NHBC) and must aim to meet the Future Homes Standard.

Find out more about our MMC solutions

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