The UK construction industry is moving into a new phase defined by safety, precision manufacturing, automation and digital integration, according to a new White Paper released by the Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA).

Titled Driving Circular, Low-Carbon and Industrialised Delivery Across the Built Environment, the report sets out a strategic roadmap for public sector clients, particularly the NHS, as healthcare construction increasingly adopts industrialised delivery methods.

At the centre of this shift is NHS England’s capital delivery framework, which now places Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) at the core of procurement and project delivery.

Current NHS guidance states that all new healthcare developments must achieve at least 70% MMC adoption, measured through Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) using the NHS MMC assessment toolkit.

According to the LSFA, the policy marks a major shift towards offsite manufacturing, standardised systems and platform-based construction.

Shift towards data-led construction

Light steel frame systems are increasingly seen as a key enabler of this transition because of their compatibility with digitally driven manufacturing processes and industrialised construction techniques.

Ben Towe, chair of the LSFA, said: “As demand for healthcare facilities continues to grow, the construction sector is under increasing pressure to deliver buildings more quickly, more efficiently, and with greater long-term value.”