The Masonry Frame Systems (MFS) team have formulated an offsite construction rationale, which has been trademarked as the MFS i-Form Solution™.
This combines large scale calcium silicate elements and precast concrete components with an offsite methodology to drive forward a suite of 'platforms', or standardised and repeatable offsite components.
This enables the delivery of a bespoke solution to the client's needs, in terms of building function and site demands. The MFS i-Form Solution™ was trademarked in 2020 and is a highly engineered construction process, best described as a platform for design, manufacture and assembly (P-DfMA) approach. Platforms – this is a tried and tested suite of construction components – or standardised and repeatable platforms Design – digitally designed in BIM to enable highly efficient construction and high-performance buildings for end users – without any compromise to the architect's vision Manufacture – over 90% of all components are manufactured offsite, using methods that minimise the reliance on cement in the precast concrete components Assembly – delivered as a complete kit of parts for easy, swift and cost effective onsite assembly, with 80% less labour and up to 200% faster than traditional build.
Masonry Frame Systems are a specialist frame contractor with the i-Form Solution™ applied to everything that they design, manufacture and assemble and see the construction industry as a "low volume, high variety" industry with pretty much every project unique or bespoke to its environment or surroundings. One of the big advantages of the system is that it can be tailored to each project, specifically. The i-Form Solution™ is a masonry and precast concrete solution, combining the benefits of a suite of standardised calcium silicate or concrete components that can flex to bespoke designs, with all the cost, time and sustainability benefits of a volumetric or modular construction.
The MFS i-Form the combines Xella elements with precast concrete, such as floor planks, staircases and balconies, where we pre-stressed Hollowcore technology is used, which maximises strength, but minimises the need for cement. So, the system makes the most of concrete technology to achieve the highest technical achievements but with sustainability and the environment as primary drivers. Core to the i-Form Solution™ is offsite manufacture and sustainability.
By constructing the whole structural envelope of a building, from 'oversight to weathertight', using offsite methodology savings of time and money can be delivered (typically 20% saving on the overall build programme) for clients and provide a high-performance solution.
Read the full article, go to Offsite Magazine
