Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) have been on the agenda for years, yet they’re still treated as an optional extra. Despite the proven benefits of speed, safety, quality, and sustainability, MMC remains at the fringe of how we build.
Recently, I joined an expert panel at TSA Riley’s MMC — Now or Never? event, alongside industry leaders from Homes NSW, Freecity Group, and Building 4.0 CRC. The message was clear: it’s not technology holding us back, it’s mindset.
What needs to shift?
MMC can’t be retrofitted into a traditional process. It must be embedded early in the brief, the budget, the procurement model. We also need to broaden our definition of value. Beyond cost, we should also consider measuring carbon footprint, reusability, and long-term adaptability.
What’s working?
Examples like Freecity’s Macquarie Park and CRC’s System 600 prove that standardised systems, when planned up front, can deliver scale and flexibility — without compromising design.
At Taylor, we’ve seen success with CLT structures and prefabricated pods at projects including The First Building, Scape Kingsford, and Wildlife Retreat at Taronga Zoo. These projects show that MMC can deliver quality outcomes, but only when the right conditions are created from the outset.
If we want different results, we need to build differently; with early alignment, clear intent, and the courage to challenge business-as-usual.
Written by Jessica Evans, Head of Strategic Partnerships
