Modern methods of construction (MMC)

Advances in pre-fabrication are enabling larger and more complex components to be manufactured elsewhere and assembled on-site. Components can range from wall panels – such as structural insulated panels (SIPs) – to whole sections of buildings, complete with plumbing and electrics pre-installed.

While using these techniques can be quicker, cheaper and more accurate, extra care needs to be taken to avoid large losses occurring.

Modules, for example, are often built using timber and other combustibles, and may feature voids between each module once in situ. While each module should have built-in firebreaks, it is important that these are not compromised.

'Fire breaks are only as good as their weakest link,' explains Andy Penny, Construction Underwriting Manager at Zurich. 'So, if any aspect of the module is altered – for example new services installed by drilling into walls – then it is important that those fire breaks are reinstated.'

Not doing so can allow fire, smoke and water to spread quickly throughout a building, leading to disproportionately high losses. This not only applies at the construction stage – losses can come to light many years afterwards.