Addressing delegates at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast, the Minister said: “Housing and the provision of social housing in particular are currently the focus of much debate and I have made it clear on many occasions that everyone must have the opportunity to access a decent home at a price they can afford, whether they are owner-occupiers, first time buyers, social tenants, key workers or people who rent privately.
“Through Modern Methods of Construction we can achieve much greater efficiency and higher quality. The technology and ‘know-how’ exists, the challenge is for Government and industry to work together to provide the appropriate framework.”
The modern methods of construction highlighted at the one day event included the manufacture of a wide range of products and individual building components. Entire factory built structures and building modules are now being constructed in a controlled environment.
The conference was organised by Constructing Excellence in Northern Ireland (CENI), a new centre of excellence located in the School of the Built Environment, University of Ulster with the support of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the National House Building Council.
Notes to Editors:
1. Off-site provides benefits in terms of:-
- Faster speed of construction
- Greater quality control
- Improved health and safety
- Reduction in waste as a result of less surplus and damaged materials
- Variety of manufactured products in shapes and styles that is almost impossible to create on present day construction sites
2. Off-site solutions include:-
- Pre-assembled components
- Timber framed structures
- Lightweight gauge steel frames
- Structural insulated panel systems (SIPS)
- Pre-cast concrete systems
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