BPS 7014 will provide a route to certification for modular systems for use in the construction of residential buildings.
The key objectives of the standard are:
The Standard is being aimed primarily at the certification of modular building systems for residential construction that:
Residents, owners and the financial sector have long term needs for the performance of residential buildings utilising modular systems. Historically, new building systems were often adopted without rigorous scrutiny, testing or certification, beyond that required by regulation. In some cases systematic problems emerged with particular building systems, with the result that over time these dwellings became unpopular with residents, landlords, owners, mortgage lenders and insurers. The purpose of the Standard, being:
The Standard will require building systems to meet the requirements of the UK Building Regulations for safety and functionality, a range of characteristics including buildability, durability, resilience, reparability, whole life performance, adaptability, and the provision of guidance on installation and maintenance. Manufacturers shall also have a factory production control system to ensure ongoing quality and undergo regular surveillance audits of these systems by the Certification Body.
In addition to meeting the requirements of UK Building Regulations, the Standard makes provision for manufacturers to submit building systems that exceed the requirements of building regulations, so that enhanced performance characteristics may be appropriately assessed and duly recognised. The new test methods and requirements are being developed to demonstrate additional characteristics of innovative building systems.
The Standard also includes factors that make the accommodation a comfortable place to live, including additional acoustic, climate and wellbeing elements.