Mace launches next generation construction method

Mace has launched a next generation construction method that, it says, will transform the way that high rise buildings are constructed in the UK.

The UK: High Rise Solutions (HRS) system – described as an evolution of the thinking behind Mace’s ‘Jump Factory’, used to deliver Get Living’s most recently completed project at Victory Plaza, East Village – combines the latest advances in digital technology with a new off-site manufacturing approach to “construct buildings faster, safer and to a consistently higher quality.”

Mace Tech, they say, is able to reduce the design and construction programmes by 25%, vehicle movements by 40% and waste by 70%. This, they claim, will ensure clients are able to reduce their finance cost, homes can be delivered quicker and disruption to local communities is minimised.

Following the success of the ‘Jump Factory,’ Mace has worked with Australian firm, Hickory, to adapt its building system for construction in the UK. Using parametric modelling tools and artificial intelligence, HRS draws from a catalogue of components to design and manufacture the structure and façade sub-assemblies off-site.

Mace are converting site activities to an assembly process by installing modules concurrently with bathroom pods, utility cupboards and MEP service modules, to drastically reduce programme times and improve productivity up to six times compared to current industry performance.

Following a pilot of the system, the HRS system is now being used to construct N06, a build to rent scheme in East Village, the former London 2012 Athletes’ Village, being built by Mace on behalf of Get Living. Split across two towers of 26 and 31 stories, the project will deliver 524 new homes.

Mace Tech say they will be able to significantly shorten the construction programme by 18 weeks with 20% less workers on-site compared to a traditional building approach. The construction of N06 is well underway with four floors already built across each of the two towers.

The launch of the new HRS system comes as Mace also announces the creation of a new business unit, Mace Tech, that will manage the deployment and delivery of advanced off-site sub-assembly construction methods harnessing the latest technologies.

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 off-site 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 off-site 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 off-site assembly methods to drive better outcomes. 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 off-site methods to the market, including HRS.”