For over half a century, MiTek has been a cornerstone in the construction sector, driving innovation and efficiency. Our mission has always been to empower our partners to build better, smarter, and faster, and we’re proud to introduce our Design-Make-Build methodology. By Jimmy Close, Design Engagement Director, MiTek.
Traditionally, the construction industry has been hampered by inefficiencies, delays, and waste. While off-site construction has been around for a while, it’s only now gaining traction as a viable mainstream method. MiTek’s Design-Make-Build isn’t just keeping pace with these changes; it’s setting the standard for what modern construction should look like. By integrating advanced software, automation, and engineered systems, this approach redefines how buildings are conceived and constructed.
Design
In the Design phase, architects and engineers can leverage MiTek’s tools to evaluate holistically a project. This stage is crucial as it sets the foundation for efficiency. By embedding off-site construction methods at this early stage, we’re not just planning for a build; we’re crafting a strategy that minimises waste, reduces costs, and optimises the entire process. The foresight offered by this phase means that every subsequent step – from making to building – is meticulously planned and executed, ensuring a seamless transition from concept to completion.
Make
When we move to the Make phase, we bring in the muscle of off-site automation. This is where high-quality components are manufactured with precision and speed. MiTek’s collaboration with hundreds of component manufacturers means every part fits perfectly when it arrives on site. It’s not just about producing parts; it’s about producing parts that are ready to assemble, reducing on-site labour and accelerating project timelines.
David Arkley, Senior Architectural Technician from Bellway Homes, highlights the challenge lies in integrating these technologies seamlessly. Our Design-Make-Build approach solves this by ensuring that every component and system is designed to work in harmony, simplifying installation and improving overall efficiency.
Build
The Build phase is where our methodology truly shines. With components designed and manufactured to exact specifications, the on-site assembly becomes a streamlined process. Materials are optimised, waste is minimised, and the time required on-site is significantly reduced. Roof trusses, wall panels, and floor joists are delivered ready to be installed.
An example is Plot 256 for Bellway Homes in Horwich, Lancashire. Bellway Homes is one of the UK’s largest housebuilding companies. The challenge? How can the housebuilder successfully integrate Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MHVR) into a home to meet or even exceed Future Homes Standard regulations?
The installation was one of Zehnder UK’s MVHR systems, with MiTek Posi-Joists. Using MiTek software, we optimised the designs and brought a much more streamlined approach to building a home that reaches sustainability targets ahead of the Future Homes Standard for 2025. Federated designs meant that when the project came to site, there were zero clashes, and the installation process was seamless.
David Arkley, architectural technician and project lead at Plot 256, speaks of the challenges: “We know the technologies work. It’s about how we integrate them. How does the air source heat pump work with underfloor heating? But more importantly how does the plumber install these systems seamlessly? These are the challenges we’re solving at Plot 256.”
A vision for the future
Our Design-Make-Build methodology is more than a process—it’s a movement towards smarter, more sustainable building practices. By shifting decisions from the physical to the virtual realm, we can reduce waste and unlock greater value. This isn’t just the future of construction; it’s the present.
At its core, Design-Make-Build is about bringing people and technology together. It’s a collaborative effort that unites designers, architects, engineers, builders. This unified approach not only increases efficiency but also fosters innovation. It opens up new possibilities for what can be achieved in construction, paving the way for more sustainable and cost-effective building practices.
