A new competition that aims to foster innovative new construction techniques for potential future trials with major housebuilders has launched.
The so-called “sandpit challenge” is the brainchild of the Advanced Industrialised Methods for the Construction of Homes (AIMCH) project, funded by Innovate UK.
Suppliers can apply to be invited to a sandpit workshop to present their product or system. Each workshop will be conducted by one of three AIMCH partners: L&Q, Stewart Milne Group or Barratt Developments.
The partners are looking for solutions that are close to coming to market, are scalable, and can be implemented in the near future.
The first challenge will look at advanced MMC solutions to improve areas such as productivity, resource, waste and quality to deliver homes more reliable and at a lower cost. Potential areas for solutions include external cladding, scaffoldless erect panelised systems, modular roofs or lightweight tiling, lightweight or brick cladding system, and fabric efficiency.
The second challenge will examine standardisation solutions for product families and components such as modular stairs, bathroom pods, windows and doors, or pre-formed services.
And the final challenge will look at zero carbon solutions such as renewable technologies, low carbon technologies, high-performing insulating materials, and replacement for gas services.
The closing date for responses is 4 June.
