With Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) playing an increasingly important role in UK housing delivery, and influencing how new homes are designed and constructed, Superglass explore why insulation has become a key component of MMC systems.
With continued pressure to increase housing supply, the housebuilding sector is evolving, with innovative MMC construction methods coming to the fore. And it’s easy to see why, these approaches can offer benefits such as shorter construction programmes, improved quality control through factory-based manufacturing, and reduced exposure to weather during the build process. While the old adage says you can have quality, speed and cost, MMC systems can help balance these factors when appropriately designed, specified and installed, and when suitable materials are used.
Insulation in MMC
MMC is typically associated with a ‘fabric-first’ approach, where the performance of the building envelope is prioritised. Within this approach, insulation plays a key role in helping prefabricated and lightweight construction systems achieve required levels of thermal performance. It contributes to the control of heat loss, supports energy efficiency targets, and can assist in reducing the risk of a performance gap when correctly specified and installed. Insulation can also contribute to acoustic performance and fire resistance when used as part of a tested and compliant system.
In MMC, insulation can support several important outcomes:
• Consistent energy performance: by helping control heat loss within the building envelope, insulation supports more predictable thermal outcomes when installed correctly.
• Quality control: incorporating insulation in a factory-controlled environment can support better standardisation, less waste and reduced gaps around structural elements.
• Efficient, comfortable buildings: combined with controlled ventilation strategies, insulation supports overall building efficiency and can enhance acoustic comfort by reducing sound transmission between spaces.
How insulation and offsite construction work together
In offsite construction – including 3D volumetric and panelised systems – insulation is integrated into the building fabric during manufacture. This allows performance-critical elements to be installed in a controlled environment, supporting consistency and improving the reliability of as-built performance.
• Integration with modern heating systems: by helping to deliver low U-values when correctly specified, insulation can support the use of heating systems such as heat pumps.
• Space efficiency: thermally efficient insulation can support compliant performance with slimmer wall constructions, helping to maximise usable internal floor area.
• Acoustic and fire performance: when installed as part of a tested system, insulation can support acoustic separation and contribute to fire resistance in line with relevant standards.
• Thermal continuity and airtightness: offsite assembly allows for insulation layers to be integrated within the building envelope during manufacture, helping to reduce the risk of gaps that can contribute to heat loss and air-leakage.
• Helping to Reduce the Performance Gap: factory-based installation allows insulation to be installed in line with design intent, supporting more consistent as-built performance compared with site-based installation alone.
How Superglass insulation caters for MMC
Superglass glass mineral wool insulation is used across MMC and offsite building systems. Designed with factory-based construction in mind, it enables insulation to be incorporated within prefabricated elements as part of a controlled manufacturing process. Its physical properties and ease of installation make it well suited to factory-based processes, helping manufacturers integrate insulation efficiently within prefabricated elements.
Manufactured using up to 84% recycled glass, the range includes rolls, slabs and batts designed for use across a variety of construction types. Superglass insulation is used in applications including:
• Modular units
• Non-structural pods
• Panellised systems
• Timber frame construction
• Steel frame construction
• Floor cassettes.
Supporting efficient installation
With versatility and customisation being integral for constructing with offsite materials, Superglass insulation is manufactured to be fit for purpose within these systems, allowing it to be cut and installed to suit a wide range of applications and construction details. Fire performance is an important consideration in MMC and offsite construction. Superglass insulation products are deemed non-combustible, achieving Euroclass A1 when tested to EN 13501-1:2018 Reaction to Fire. As Ben Connelly, Technical Manager at Superglass, explains: “We believe fire safety should be in-built into every product across the construction supply chain.”
Technical support
For MMC manufacturers and specifiers, Superglass offers full technical support through its Technical Team, providing U-value calculations and Psi-value calculations, to assist with meeting project requirements. The team can also advise on product selection, including bespoke solutions where project-specific requirements demand a tailored approach. The Superglass Technical Team can be contacted by calling 0808 1645 134 or email at [email protected]
