What is the Modern Method of Construction?
As innovative technology advances different sectors and the workforce, Modern Methods of Construction, MMC or commonly referred to as ‘smart construction’ is becoming increasingly popular. MMC uses off-site construction ideas such as mass production and assembly factories to create buildings, rather than the traditional methods of on-site construction. The idea of prefabricated homes initially began during World War 2 because of the urgent need for homes, make-shift hospitals and bases. With newer and improved expertise in technologies like artificial intelligence, MMC now aims to maximise construction efficiency.
Figure 1: On-site assembly of prefabricated homes
Modern Method of Construction follows the key practices of:
Modular Construction: a panelised system of modular units built and assembled off-site, where modules are fitted together on-site to form a building.
Volumetric Construction: construction of components like walls, pipes, ceiling and wiring using 3D printing and prefabrication techniques.
Pre-cast Concrete: manufactured concrete bases designed and made in a factory using re-useable moulds that are ready to install on-site.
Prefabricated Flooring and Roofing: computer or artificially intelligent designed ready to fit roof trusses and cassette floor panels built off-site.
Figure 2: Installation of prefabricated walls
Advantages of Modern Methods of Construction
There are several advantages of using MMC in comparison to traditional methods of construction. Using modular construction reduces the completion time of a construction project, as building components are produced in a controlled factory environment with recycled and new materials ready to use. While in traditional construction methods, there are complex processes in sourcing and delivery of materials and tools, which may result in construction workers waiting for materials to arrive to begin construction. Following the modern method, construction workers are called once production and delivery of modular units are completed and are ready to be installed and fitted together. MMC also ensures better quality and precision of assembly.
Using prefabricated roofs improves the safety on a construction site for workers because it removes the need for them to climb or be hoisted at roof levels, risking fall related injuries. MMC reduces the likelihood trade teams like plumbers and electricians will need to be on-site working simultaneously, therefore making the site less crowded. Future developments of robotics will also improve safety on-site as automated robots can be programmed to complete repetitive and hazardous tasks.
Consumers will have more freedom in design and aesthetic preferences using volumetric construction since all modular units are made to fit each other. For example, consumers will have the choice of what style and material their prefabricated flooring could be.
In recent years, the idea of sustainability around construction has become more important and with MMC a site’s carbon footprint can be lessened by minimising the transportation of materials and tools to and from work sites. It will also reduce the overall material, building and demolition waste.
Challenges around Modern Methods of Construction
Since this practice is becoming increasingly popular and relatively new, there are no solid regulations and legislation in place. In particular, which stakeholder is responsible for faulty products and in-proper fittings and assemblies. This could be challenging for consumers looking for solutions to any problems that may arise.
This process has a high initial investment, investing money, time and resources to build factories that have the capacity to construct modular units, trainings of factory workers to oversee these processes and further training delivered to construction worker to learn how to manage these new types of fitting. In the short-term there are much more logistical challenges, compared to traditional construction methods.
Modern Methods of Construction in South Australia
In June of 2025, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas announced a partnership with Amplify to construct 120 prefabricated homes following the MMC practices. Amplify notes from their research, that 73% of South Australians support the practices of MMC, especially in the context of housing. This pilot plan will firstly construct 6 homes with off-site prefabricated floors, walls and roofs that can be fitted together to address the urgent need for more affordable housing. These homes will be displayed in Metropolitan Adelaide then transported to regional areas to support the Regional Key Worker Housing Scheme, which intends to provide housing for workers such as police officers, teachers and healthcare workers based in regional South Australia. This plan demonstrates how modern methods of construction can be beneficial and its real-life applications.