McBains readily supported the client’s design team and contractor in their choice of ‘Design for Manufacture and Assembly’ (DfMA), developed by Laing O’Rourke, as their preferred construction method.

The DfMA system allows components, including the concrete frame and bathroom pods, to be manufactured off-site. The benefit of this manufacture is precisely controlled conditions leading to products that are checked during production and quality assessed for high standards before they leave for transportation to site. By removing construction activities from the site and placing them in a controlled factory environment there is a significant positive impact on safety.

This modular construction method allows a shorter construction programme, with a new storey being completed every six days during the construction’s peak. Each pre-cast concrete piece was asset-tagged with a barcode and coordinated to be crane-delivered precisely when needed; reducing the need for onsite storage and lorry waiting time. Reducing activity on site also reduces the movement of large numbers of people, materials, waste, plant and vehicles thus benefiting the project and local environment.

The key to an effective DfMA construction is the successful co-ordination of disciplines, contractors and consultants to ensure efficiency in the delivery programme. As a pioneering inter-disciplinary consultancy, McBains staff have always been leaders in the field of collaborative working and thrive in an environment where co-operation is key.