Modular flexibility without compromise
- Optimize by Design
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 5
Project: Innerspace Homes – Designing for Procurement Freedom
When Innerspace Homes approached Architecture by Design, they weren’t looking for a standard house type. They wanted design innovation that would unlock flexibility, reduce procurement risk, and create long-term value.
The brief was clear: develop a suite of homes that could be delivered by any Category 1 modular manufacturer—without locking into a single supplier. We responded by designing a high-quality, modular-ready pattern book that delivers design integrity with procurement agility.
Designing for MMC, Not Just With It
Our designs weren’t bound to one system. Instead, we developed a modular housing typology that can be produced by multiple manufacturers across the MMC spectrum. This meant:
Avoiding dependency on a single supply chain
Allowing cost-competitive pricing across bids
Enabling phased rollout across multiple sites
This future-flexible approach mitigates the "eggs in one basket" risk and futureproofs the client’s development pipeline.
Pattern Book, Precision Engineered
Every house type was designed with modern methods of construction in mind, ensuring compatibility with multiple CAT1 systems. Our pattern book included:
Detailed layouts and sectional information
Coordination of key interfaces for volumetric delivery
Configurations optimised for urban, suburban, and rural sites
This approach allowed Innerspace to retain control of quality and aesthetic, while remaining open to manufacturer input at procurement stage.
Supporting 300+ Homes in Planning
The result? A full design suite now in use across more than 300 homes in planning. Innerspace Homes is able to select the most cost-effective manufacturer for each site, responding dynamically to market conditions.
Setting a New Standard for Modular Design
At Architecture by Design, we don’t just design for construction—we design for delivery, flexibility, and long-term value. This project shows how a modular mindset, applied with architectural rigour, can expand client choice and unlock better outcomes across the board.
