PAS 8700 launch: A new standard for modern methods of construction

PAS 8700:2025 Modern methods of construction for new-build residential properties. Specification was published on 30 April following over a year of development.

Join us for the PAS 8700:2025 launch to explore how this new standard simplifies and strengthens the use of modern methods of construction (MMC) in residential development. Dirk Vennix, CEO at CIRIA will be presenting on Industry Perspectives on PAS 8700.

The demand for quality housing continues to outpace supply, making modern methods of construction (MMC) more crucial than ever.To ensure MMC is efficient, safe, and compliant, the UK’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has sponsored the development of PAS 8700:2025 – a new framework designed to standardize and streamline its deployment.

This one-hour webinar brings together industry experts and key stakeholders to explore what PAS 8700 means for you and how it will shape the future of residential construction.

Modern Methods, Smarter Building: BIM and Offsite Construction

A CPD event with Boutique Modern and Brighton University on offsite construction, BIM, and constructing 21st Century Britain.

The CIOB, in collaboration with the University of Brighton, is hosting a CPD event on the use of BIM in offsite construction and its role in shaping the future of the UK’s infrastructure. This dynamic event will feature a thought-provoking interview between CIOB Wessex & Channel Islands Hub Chair, Gary O’Brien, and a team from Boutique Modern, examining how BIM and offsite construction are driving innovation in construction and urban development, and exploring how these technologies are vital to building 21st-century Britain.

Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of:

1. The Role of BIM in Modern Construction: How BIM supports the design, planning, and execution of offsite construction projects to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and promote sustainability.
2. Offsite Construction Techniques: The advantages and challenges of offsite construction, focusing on the benefits of prefabrication and modular design in meeting the UK’s housing and infrastructure demands.
3. Shaping 21st-Century Britain: How BIM and offsite construction align with the UK’s goals for sustainable development, addressing housing shortages, urbanization, and climate change.
4. Industry Collaboration: Insights into how organisations like Boutique Modern are leveraging BIM in collaboration with traditional construction practices to create high-quality, sustainable built environments.
5. The Future of Construction: How emerging digital technologies and offsite construction are transforming the UK’s approach to infrastructure, and the skills needed for the future workforce.

CIOB Members: Gain 3 CIOB CPD points when you reflect on the ethical aspects of your learning from this activity.

Factory Visit with Sapphire Balconies

We are delighted to invite you to an exclusive visit at Sapphire Balconies to one of their UK factory locations this April. This unique opportunity will give you first-hand insight into how their balconies are manufactured, prepared, and stored before being distributed to projects across the UK.

The ADS Laser Cutting visit will last just over two hours and will begin with a CPD session, followed by a guided walkthrough of the factory, providing a close-up view of key manufacturing processes.

Please email Adam Turner to register your place.

POSTPONED: Site visit to HadleyFRAME panelised care home

POSTPONED EVENT

Modern methods of construction (MMC) help to reduce material waste both onsite and in the building lifecycle.

Join this visit to a HadleyFRAME construction site to see a light gauge steel framing offsite pre-panelised MMC system being installed. The site and project managers will talk about the project, show you the solutions, explain the parts of their system, and demonstrate the many benefits to working with MMC systems.

This development is a proposed care home located on Coldharbour Road, Northfleet, Gravesend. HadleyFRAME is delivering the structural load bearing frame for the scheme which includes a three-story building (with a lower ground floor basement), light gauge steel load bearing walls with reinforced concrete floors, composite metal decking, balconies, partial flat and pitched roof structures. The building incorporates various features, including bedrooms, day rooms, dining areas, and support spaces with a brickwork and stone-effect cladding with concealed fixing systems. The total gross internal floor area spans an impressive 3,608m².

The scheme includes en-suite facilities throughout, luxury resident amenities and expansive landscaped gardens. The development promotes enhanced care while providing residents, staff and visitors with thoughtfully designed social spaces that support wellbeing and independence. Located on a prominent 1.16-acre plot which was formerly the site of the Battle of Britain pub, the property is an ideal site and addition to the community. The sale, managed by Christie & Co, sees the site acquired by Simply UK where it will operate under the Morar Living brand.

Why attend

• Discover the efficiency, sustainability, and versatility of pre-panelised MMC.
• Gain valuable insights into how pre-panelised MMC can streamline your projects, minimise waste, reduce costs, and enhance quality.
• Ask the experts about HadleyFRAME and understand how their system could be applied to your own project requirements.
• Earn valuable CPD.

Who should attend

This visit is ideal for architects, contractors, developers, and clients who would like to know more about light gauge steel framing, MMC and the HadleyFRAME approach to project delivery.

Sustainability in construction: carbon border adjustment mechanism

When
Thursday 23 January 2025
10:30 – 12:00

BOS members’ Christmas meeting and 20th anniversary celebration

Our sponsors and hosts Arup welcomed the BUILDOFFSITE community to the final forum of 2024 at their beautifully appointed Fitzroy Street office in London on 26 November from 10:00 – 14:00.

Hosted by

London Build Expo 2024

BUILDOFFSITE at London Build Expo 2024: A Resounding Success

BUILDOFFSITE made its debut at London Build Expo 2024, delivering an exceptional lineup of sessions that highlighted the future of construction through Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), offsite innovation, and sustainability.

The event attracted a vibrant and engaged audience, showcasing the growing interest in innovative solutions to meet diverse living and infrastructure needs. BUILDOFFSITE’s sessions were well-received, sparking insightful discussions and fostering valuable connections among industry leaders, innovators, and professionals.

For those who missed the event, a comprehensive follow-up article is available, complete with highlights, key insights, and a video recap. This resource offers an in-depth look at the event’s standout moments and reinforces BUILDOFFSITE’s commitment to driving progress in the construction sector.

Visit the full recap and explore how BUILDOFFSITE continues to lead the conversation on MMC, offsite innovation, and sustainable construction.

Read the full article and watch the video recap here

Together, we can continue to shape a sustainable and innovative future for the construction industry.

DfMA for net zero carbon

Discover different perspectives on the importance of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) for reducing carbon via the use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) at this webinar developed by BOS in collaboration CIRIA’s Driving Net Zero Carbon Community of Practice.

Background

DfMA is a key part of the Construction Industrialisation process, the pre-cursor to MMC and offsite and until it becomes mainstream the full potential of MMC and offsite construction techniques will never be realised. The term describes two separate processes – Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA).

DFM is more closely associated with product development to improve the quality of products and reduce their cost. In the construction sector it is more about standardisation and sometimes referred to as P-DfMA, with the P standing for Platform, a technique widely used in the automotive industry.

DFA is the technique used to make assembly simpler with fewer standardised parts consequently reducing assembly costs. Better quality combined with lean construction can help reduce carbon during all stages of a project.

This free* webinar will explain the process, consider how it can influence net zero, and provide clear examples of carbon reduction. Speakers will be drawn from across the construction sector including clients, consultants, manufacturers and contractors.

*Free to attend for BOS and CIRIA members, and members of CIRIA’s Driving Net Zero Carbon Community of Practice.

Sponsorship opportunities

For information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tam Simmons.

Why attend

• Understand the process
• See how DfMA aids carbon reduction
• Learn from experienced practioners
• Earn valuable CPD

Who should attend

• Everyone in the construction sector with an interest in DfMA and Construction Industrialisation.

GPR Data Post-Processing Masterclass

Join this masterclass hosted by BOS members, Screening Eagle Technologies, focusing on advanced GPR data post-processing using industry-leading software tools: GPR Insights 3.3 and GPR-SLICE v7.0.

Whether you’re a newcomer or seeking to enhance your skills, this two-day course at the prestigious Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) Birmingham offers comprehensive training tailored to your needs.

The workshop will be held on Monday 14 October from 08:30 – 17:30 and Tuesday 15 October from 08:30 – 12:30.

Course Highlights

• Hands-on training in GPR Insights 3.3 and GPR-SLICE v7.0
• Advanced techniques in web-based data analytics and radar imaging
• Expert insights from industry professionals
• Networking opportunities with peers and experts

Special Anniversary Discount

To commemorate 70 years of Proceq innovation, enjoy a special discounted rate:

• Original price: £500
• Anniversary price: £250

Secure your spot today

Registration is open, and payment will be processed via invoice after registration. Please note that travel and accommodation expenses are not included.

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your GPR data processing skills with Screening Eagles and celebrate a milestone in Proceq’s legacy of innovation. Reserve your place now for this essential Masterclass experience!

Offsite Expo | Offsite Summit

BOS partnered with Offsite Expo for this year’s event.

Celebrating our 20th anniversary this year, we continued to be the principal and trusted voice of the industry in the world of offsite construction, with members based in the UK and across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Building on our international connections, we co-hosted the Offsite Summit, a two-day programme showcasing global best practices, enabling our members to access new markets and remain at the forefront of innovation.

This prestigious event served as a platform for international collaboration and knowledge exchange within the offsite construction industry. The Summit featured free-to-attend seminars, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions, chaired by some of the most renowned global leaders in offsite construction. By sharing insider knowledge on the latest technical innovations, comparing international policies, and promoting transparency and cooperation, the Summit influenced our approach to the future of construction.

The final programme can be found on the Offsite Expo website.

Presentations from the event

Offsite Construction Week

Offering unrivalled access to leading industry pioneers, demonstrators, dynamic factory tours, thought provoking roundtable discussions and CPD accredited masterclasses – BOS is part of a collective of industry bodies which are collaborating to deliver Offsite Construction Week.

Taking place from 16-20 September 2024, Offsite Construction Week will revolve around three major industry events – Offsite Expo, the Offsite Summit co-hosted by BOS, and Offsite Awards, with a wide range of parallel activities taking place in the UK and overseas via a coordinated programme of offsite activity.

Read the press release.

Industry consultation on BOS Manifesto

Thank you for joining us in seeking industry views on the new BOS Manifesto followed by informal networking with key stakeholders at this year’s summer social.

Hosted by

Our 2021 manifesto, Collaborating for Impact, focuses on DfMA and pre-manufacturing. Initiatives like the DLUHC Digital Kit of Parts and PAS 8700 aim to enhance residential construction, addressing safety, skills shortages, and cost overruns.

Attendees were invited to review the manifesto and the Terms of Reference for a new Built Environment Working Group.

For more information and to get involved in the Built Environment Working Group, please contact Ken Davie.

Tour of Energy House 2.0, NERIC and the Acoustic Laboratories

Join us for a visit to the University of Salford’s award-winning Energy House 2.0 project – the ‘world’s-first’ all-weather research centre. The visit will also include a guided tour of the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC) and the university’s Acoustic Laboratories.

This event is organised in collaboration with BUILDOFFSITE and CIRIA’s Driving Net Zero Carbon Community of Practice.

Places on this free tour are limited. The visit is planned as a full day event with the option to attend either the full day or morning/afternoon only.

Background
Attendees will visit the award-winning Energy House 2.0, a world-first research project designed to help create the energy-efficient homes of the future, in the morning. Completed in February 2022, it has two environmental chambers each capable of accommodating two detached houses where the climatic conditions with temperatures ranging from -20°C to +40°C and variations of wind, rain, snow, and solar radiation can be simulated.

If you are serious about reducing carbon emissions for both existing and new residential buildings, it is the place to visit. University of Salford personnel will be on hand to speak about the facilitates and the results of the testing. The BOS/CIRIA visit is taking place while testing is in progress so access to the test chambers will not be possible.

In the afternoon, attendees will visit the Acoustic Laboratories including their Anechoic Chamber which is one of the quietest space you might ever experience. Used for world-class research and study, it is great for generating virtual acoustics of city streets and other spaces.

The visit will conclude with a visit to the ground-breaking North of England Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC). Focus areas since the facility opened in late 2022 include robotics for intelligent infrastructure, digital automation and supply chain improvement working across a range of sectors including robotics and automation, the requirements of net zero, healthcare technologies, vehicle automation and the development of smart cities.

Why attend

• Learn about Energy House 2.0’s capabilities and how their research will help the building industry invest in low carbon technologies and work towards net zero.
• Find out how NERIC is supporting  digital transformation for sustainable infrastructure and a net zero future.
• Hear how the Acoustic Laboratories support research and testing in the built environment.
• Discover the legacy and best practice evidenced throughout including early cross-sector collaboration, industry-leading design excellence and construction methods, zero accidents, and the promotion of sustainability through Soft Landings, BREEAM, and Social Value.
• Earn valuable CPD.

Who should attend
Those who are engaged in the built environment, clients, designers, manufacturers and builders.

Future Water Association Developer Services (supported event)

The UK Developer Services Event with a Water Focus, presented in collaboration with CIRIA, BUILDOFFSITE, and Future Water, aims to convene professionals from the development and water industries. The event seeks to facilitate discussions on challenges, innovations, and opportunities in water management within urban development contexts. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and explore the latest technologies and strategies for sustainable water resource management in urban environments.

BOPAS Forum & British Offsite Factory Tour

Join us for the next BOPAS Forum which will comprise of insightful presentations and panel discussions on themes that are relevant to you and the MMC sector. The Forum will also include the BOPAS certification awards and a factory tour of British Offsite.

Wednesday 22 May 2024
10:00 – 14:00

Book your free place today!

Please email us any special dietary requirements by 10:00 on Friday 10 May.

Assets decarbonisation through reuse of key materials

Join this CIRIA / BOS webinar to discover how carbon emissions can be reduced by repurposing buildings and reusing key materials.

The Earth’s resources are not infinite and there will come a time when raw materials required to develop the infrastructure and buildings we need will become scarce and unaffordable. A lack of natural resources has been the cause of conflict in the past so it is not too difficult to image what the consequences could be.

The best way to minimise carbon emissions is, where possible, to repurpose buildings and the materials they are built from retaining the embodied carbon and reducing the carbon emitted as a consequence of extracting, processing, manufacturing, and transporting construction products for new developments.

This event, developed in collaboration with CIRIA’s Driving Net Zero Carbon Community of Practice and CIRIA, will feature presentations about current research and project case studies giving an insight into the art of the possible and what has been done.

Sponsorship opportunities
For information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tam Simmons.

Why attend

• Improve your knowledge and understanding of the circular economy and its key principles.
• Learn from good practice case studies on implementing circular economy principles by reusing or substituting with alternative materials.
• Embed circularity when commissioning and decommissioning assets to reduce waste.
• Gain insight into RECONMATIC – a project to develop automated solutions for sustainable and circular construction and demolition waste management.
• Discover how CIRIA is providing support and guidance in this area.
• Earn valuable CPD.

Who should attend

• Environment manager, ecologists, project and sustainability managers, engineers, waste management experts
• Anyone with an interest in net zero carbon including companies’ and supply chains’ footprints, embodied and operational carbon.

Trees, People and the Built Environment 5 (supported event)

We’re partnering with the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) for the fifth Trees, People and the Built Environment conference (TPBE5). CIRIA members are entitled to a 20% discount on the two-day conference fee.

Bringing together professionals working in the built and natural environment sectors to support the integration of more urban trees, the conference plans to examine two very different roles for trees:

• how they can improve the quality of place for both people and nature and
• how they can contribute to the net zero carbon ambition for buildings and the built environment.

National Construction Summit 2024 (supported event)

BOS is happy to be associated this year with the 10th edition of Ireland’s largest construction industry event which will take place on 18 April 2024 in the Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, in partnership with Kingspan Group.

With 3,500 industry professionals expected to attend, this will be the biggest event of its kind in Ireland and a great opportunity to learn from various speakers and to develop connections with fellow professionals.

CIRIA Annual Lecture: Increasing infrastructure resilience

Join us in person for our 3rd Annual Lecture discover how the construction industry is working collaboratively to increase infrastructure resilience and enhance living standards for decades to come.

Background
The resilience of the built, social and natural environment is key to a sustainable future. Although the UK’s infrastructure has proved fairly resilient historically, it is increasingly vulnerable to environmental and socio-economic pressures – both acute (immediate shock) and chronic (progressive change).

The National Infrastructure Commission’s Report Anticipate, react, recover – Resilient infrastructure systems (2020) outlined a framework for evaluating resilience based on understanding of risk, ability to withstand and adaptation. The Second National Infrastructure Assessment (2023) builds on the first Assessment and the Commission’s wider body of work and focuses on key challenges not covered in the first Assessment.

Better maintenance and renewal of the existing asset base will be essential, as will building new infrastructure to protect households and businesses from flooding and drought. Investment, removing barriers to progress, increasing productivity, adaptive planning will be key to achieving resilience.

This member-exclusive event will convene thought-leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities to create low carbon, connected and resilient infrastructure.

Sponsorship opportunities
For information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tam Simmons.

Why attend

• Discover how CIRIA is researching, informing and understanding resilience across the built environment including social, economic and environmental resilience.
• Understand the effect of climate change on assets.
• Learn how risks might be exacerbated by environmental, social, and economic risks combining, compounding, and cascading.
• Explore how we can balance natural and engineered solutions to increase resilience.
• Discuss how we can incorporate adaptation into our thinking.
• Network with fellow industry professionals.
• Earn valuable CPD.

Who should attend

• This is an exclusive event for CIRIA members and Community of Practice members only.
• Decision makers, asset owners, designers, constructors and suppliers interested in resilience.

Our Communities of Practice include: Biodiversity, BUILDOFFSITE, Driving Net Zero Carbon, Geospatial, PFAS, Sustainable soil, and susdrain.

When
Wednesday 17 April 2024

Unlocking the Future of Construction Decision-Making Workshop

Join us for an exclusive workshop introducing new software developed by The Offsite Guide, designed to revolutionise decision-making in the construction industry. This workshop is targeted for architects, designers, offsite manufacturers, property developers, and local authority planning departments seeking to navigate the intricate landscape of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) effortlessly.

Modular Matters (supported event)

BOS is attending the 6th Modular Matters conference this spring.

Modular Matters is an opportunity to join the conversation, gain the latest information about emerging technologies and investigate the solutions to the challenges faced by the sector. Offering two days of evidence-driven presentations, case studies and interactive facilitated debate, Modular Matters will address roadblocks, analyse successes and separate the myths from the facts.

Presenting an insight into the future of construction, this event represents a great opportunity to gain industry intelligence and network with those who are at the forefront of the volumetric modular sector.

Water Dragons and Future Water Awards Evening (supported event)

We are partnering with Future Water Association to celebrate emerging entrepreneurs and talent in the water sector.

Now in its 16th year, Water Dragons provides a unique opportunity for companies from across the globe to pitch product, service or process innovations to a panel of senior water company executives and industry specialists. Submit your Water Dragons entry today!

Once again Future Water will be celebrating the best in the industry and their amazing contribution to the sector over the past year. More information about the awards categories and to submit your entry is available here.

Fire safety and Building Regulations for MMC structures

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) outlined their concerns about modular methods of construction (MMC) in their Position Statement (November 2022) and Written Evidence (November 2023). Their concerns include:

• lack of guidance of design and build an MMC building incorporating fire safety
• lack of long-term data on the performance of MMC and fire safety
• exposure to legacy issues from existing MMC buildings

This webinar, organised by BUILDOFFSITE and CIRIA, will consider whether the new regulations will reduce the fire safety risk posed by cavities in modular buildings, and explore key considerations including Building Regulations for consultants, local authorities, developers, and designers to be aware of when using modular construction.

Speaker Dr Jennifer Charlson will provide an explanation of the Building Safety Regime and the legal/regulatory framework drawing on research from her book Lessons from Grenfell Tower: The New Building Safety Regime which analyses prior significant building fires.

Sponsorship opportunities
For information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tam Simmons.

Why attend

• Gain insight into the legal framework, regulatory issues, and insurance risks for MMC construction.
• Earn valuable CPD.

Who should attend

• Building owners, managers and inspectors
• Property risk specialists
• Safety, Health and Environmental leads
• Fire risk assessment managers and fire safety coordinators
• Engineers
• Anyone wishing to understand more about building regulations and fire safety for MMC construction.

Futurebuild (supported event)

We’re partnering with Futurebuild. Join us in taking a stand and be a part of the solution for shaping the future of the built environment – BUILDOFFSITE and CIRIA members are entitled to a discount on all stand packages.

Futurebuild provides the stage for inspiring ideas, innovative solutions and knowledge sharing to drive sustainable construction and help us reach our goal of net zero. The exhibition brings together the entire supply chain to showcase, debate and understand the advancements in sustainable construction and the emerging technologies that will make net zero possible.

Carbon tracking and calculation

Discover the different approaches to carbon tracking and calculation at this webinar developed in collaboration with CIRIA and CIRIA’s Driving Net Zero Carbon Community of Practice.

Background
The revised PAS 2080 calls for the whole life management of carbon including tracking and calculating carbon within construction activities. Many methods exist, all share a common purpose, but have differences based on client needs or proprietary software.

This webinar aimed to raise awareness and explore the variety of approaches with a discussion on how we can consistently benchmark across different sectors of the industry. For anyone involved in embedding sustainability or driving net zero carbon this webinar is not to be missed.

Why attend

• Navigate the myriad of carbon calculating.
• Understand the different approaches to carbon tracking and calculation.
• Earn valuable CPD.

Who should attend
Anyone with an interest in net zero carbon including companies’ and supply chains’ footprints, embodied and operational carbon

When
Tuesday 16 January 2024
10:00 – 12:30

Post-event materials
Please watch the event recording here.

Tour of The Forge

Join us for a tour to the Bronze building of The Forge which will be hosted by Landsec.

The Forge is the UK’s first net zero carbon office and featured in BUILDOFFSITE’s free guidance on Offsite construction – concept design and delivery (X538).

The Forge was built using the platform approach to design for manufacture and assembly (P-DfMA).

Using these techniques has contributed to a circa 39% reduction to date in embodied Carbon A1-A5 reduction compared to the same building built traditionally. The developer has also saved 178 tonnes in steel by using the platform approach – that’s the equivalent of just under 13.5 London double-decker buses in weight.

Places on the tour are limited, and available to BOS and CIRIA members only.

BOS Christmas members’ meeting hosted by Arup

Our sponsors and hosts Arup welcomed the BUILDOFFSITE community to the final forum of 2023. This took place at the beautifully appointed Charlotte Street office in London on 12 December.

All presentations for the day can be accessed here.

Welcome and introduction by Dirk Vennix, Executive Director, BUILDOFFSITE

Presentation on new BOS guidance by Fareita Udoh, Industry Advisor, BUILDOFFSITE

Overview of Arup’s current practice in offsite construction by Sam Hopkins, Associate, Arup

Insight into how modular construction could spark a housing revolution by Katie Kerr, Associate, Arup

Q&A and closing remarks by Dirk Vennix, Executive Director, BUILDOFFSITE

The afternoon was rounded off with a beautifully presented lunch and ample opportunities for networking and engagement.

BOPAS Forum

In a spectacular showcase of innovation and excellence, the BOPAS Forum and Factory Tour took centre stage at the newly refurbished Lighthouse premises. With over 80 delegates from the offsite/MMC sectors in attendance, the event left an indelible mark on the landscape of modern construction.

A heartfelt commendation goes to the diligent Lighthouse team, who orchestrated a venue transformation that dazzled attendees. The deadline for the Forum was met with precision, and the entire event, including a seamless factory tour, unfolded flawlessly. The Lighthouse crew’s commitment to excellence was palpable and truly appreciated by all in attendance.

Presentations from the day can be accessed here.

Developer Services – Networks November 2023

Member Event hosted by Danfoss Climate Solutions

Unlock the Future of Wastewater Treatment
Join our BUILDOFFSITE member Danfoss Power Solutions on Nov 2nd at 10 am GMT / 11 am CET!
Curious about the next wave in energy-efficient solutions for wastewater treatment?

Dive into a groundbreaking event featuring the game-changing Danfoss Heat Exchangers.
Discover how to transform wastewater treatment into a powerhouse of efficiency, making a positive impact on our environment.
Revolutionary Danfoss Heat Exchangers
Sustainable Solutions for Wastewater Treatment
Elevate your knowledge and contribute to a greener, cleaner future.