Modern methods of construction architects in the UK
Studio Anyo is a UK architecture and interior design practice that specialises in modern methods of construction (MMC). As modern methods of construction architects, we design modular and offsite buildings, advise developers and manufacturers on MMC, and take schemes from feasibility through planning, factory design and installation. We work across the UK and Ireland on hotels, student accommodation, build-to-rent, housing, lodges and offices.
Our modern methods of construction services
- MMC architecture: buildings designed for volumetric modules, panelised systems and DfMA from the first sketch, so the design suits the factory as well as the site. See MMC Delivery.
- MMC advice: independent advice to developers, investors and contractors on whether MMC suits a scheme, which system to use and how to procure it. See MMC Adviser.
- Manufacturer support: working with modular suppliers on product design, technical submissions, warranty sign-off and Building Control approval for the UK market.
- Planning and delivery: planning applications, production drawings, factory inspections and support on site through installation.
Selected modular and offsite projects
Hotels
- citizenM Tower of London, London EC3: a 400-room flagship modular hotel built above a working tube station, inside the Tower of London World Heritage Site. At the time it was the largest modular building under construction in the UK. We were design manager, working with Sheppard Robson and Polcom Modular.
- citizenM Shoreditch, London EC2: a 135-bedroom modular hotel with eight homes, delivered with Bouygues UK under a design and build contract.
- Courtyard by Marriott Luton Airport and Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh West: modular hotels for Polcom Developments. At Luton we were development manager, project manager, architect and interior designer.
- Hampton by Hilton Reading: a 132-room modular hotel with a prefabricated façade, built on the car park of an operating hotel.
- Mercure Oxford Eastgate: a three-storey SIPS panel extension, light enough to carry through an archway onto a constrained city-centre site.
- Room2 and YOTEL: MMC roll-out strategies and a modular cabin and supply framework for brand roll-outs.
Student accommodation and build-to-rent
- Riverside, Canterbury: 491 student bedrooms built with Bouygues UK’s volumetric system. On completion it was the largest fully modular student residential block in the country.
- Rockbrook, Sandyford, Dublin: 492 build-to-rent apartments in three 14-storey modular blocks, designed with IRIS and Polcom.
- Stelling Unilife, Winchester and the iQ expansion strategy: student accommodation and MMC strategy for operators.
Housing
- The Officers’ House, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich: 19 apartments and retail in 48 modules alongside a restored Grade II listed building, for Berkeley Homes. Winner of a Housing Design Award; a finalist at the 2020 Offsite Awards.
- Spectrum House, Hendon: 32 apartments built as fully volumetric MMC with ESS Modular. Up to 80% of the work was done in the factory and the modules were installed in three weeks.
- Great Oaks, Basildon: planning permission for 245 modular homes in a building of up to 11 storeys, with modular apartments and lift cores.
- Golders Green Road, London NW11: planning permission for 111 modular apartments.
Lodges and leisure
- Samlingen lodges, including Torp and Hydda: factory-built holiday lodges designed to UK caravan standards, developed with Prestige and Landal.
- Landal Barnsoul, Dumfries: a holiday lodge resort based on the Torp lodge.
See all projects in our portfolio.
Who we work with
Our clients and partners include citizenM, Marriott and Hilton brand hotels, Berkeley Homes, Bouygues UK, iQ Student Accommodation, Landal, Polcom, ESS Modular, Sheppard Robson and private developers. We work with modular manufacturers on both volumetric and panelised systems.
Frequently asked questions
What does a modern methods of construction (MMC) architect do?
An MMC architect designs a building around the way it will be manufactured and assembled. That means planning layouts on a module or panel grid, coordinating structure and services with the factory, and preparing the technical information manufacturers, warranty providers and Building Control need. Read more in What is an MMC architect?
When should a developer bring in an MMC architect?
As early as possible, ideally at feasibility. Choosing MMC after planning usually means redesigning the scheme. Starting with an MMC-ready design keeps options open and protects the programme and cost savings.
Which building types suit modular construction?
Buildings with many repeated rooms suit volumetric modules best: hotels, student accommodation, build-to-rent and apartments. Panelised systems and SIPS suit extensions, constrained sites and smaller schemes. Read more about the 7 categories of MMC.
Where do you work?
Across the UK and Ireland, with projects in London, the South East, the Midlands, the North, Scotland and Dublin, and international work in Switzerland and Dubai.
Planning a modular or offsite scheme? Book a free feasibility study, contact us or call 020 4526 8965.