Six offsite firms picked for £600m NHF-backed procurement scheme

Building Better took the decision to create a DPS rather than a fixed framework so that panelised manufacturers could join at any point across its duration.

All of those selected on the DPS must be certified by the Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) or assessed by building warranty provider the National House Building Council (NHBC), and their products must aim to meet the Future Homes Standard.

The DPS will run in parallel with Building Better’s first modern methods of construction (MMC) framework, which launched in July 2021 and covers category 1 volumetric 3D systems.

The framework, which was also worth £600m, saw modular giants such as TopHat, Ilke Homes and Impact Modular picked. It is expected to deliver hundreds of homes over the next five years.

Since the launch of its volumetric framework in 2021, alliance members have put nearly 40 schemes through it, getting costs on more than 900 MMC homes. With the launch of its DPS, Building Better will help the social housing sector to produce around 5,000 MMC properties by 2026.

Trina Chakravarti, project director of Building Better, said: “The emerging nature of this part of the MMC marketplace means that social housing organisations have, to date, been wary of category 2. Some told us they were anxious about committing to a panelised manufacturer, not knowing if the company or even this form of MMC would be around in four years.

“Because of this, we knew a different procurement approach was needed – one that would still provide high standards and ease of access like our category 1 framework, but a solution that didn’t ‘clip the wings’ of manufacturers operating in such a fluid environment.”