24/05/05
Modernisers should be more cautious - claims BDA director
The take up of modern methods of construction has not been as fast as some people wish, according to architect Michael Driver, director of the Brick Development Association. But he has warned against “blind adherence” to modern methods at the expense of traditional materials.
Speaking to members of the Mortar Industry Association, before their annual lunch in London, Mr. Driver said: “There is no question that the building industry needs to modernise. However, some of the zealots have taken this to extremes and I have been surprised at the hostility expressed to traditional methods of construction by some of those with blind adherence to modern methods of construction.
“To a certain extent there is an aspect of déjà vu. In the sixties the building industry was encouraged to invest in factory-produced buildings. This meant that an industry that had never been capital intensive was suddenly faced with the new problems of running a factory and finding a home for the production. It left all sorts of problems, many of which were well documented in the scandal sheets of the time.”
Mr. Driver did offer his support for factory-produced mortar saying: “Silo mortar is one of the most impressive results of the Egan era. In a way silo mortar is a symbol of the way things are going in the construction industry. Anything to reduce time on site and to reduce waste is applauded.
“To the architect mortar is probably not as important as it ought to be. You only realise what good mortar is when you use it yourself. However, knowing factory-produced mortars are available to a specification gives the architect confidence and makes his job easier.
“Mortar is very important to brickwork. We know it makes up at least 17.5 percent of the surface and we know how it will moderate the colour of the brick and even make people believe that by changing mortar you have in fact changed the brick.
“Architects are well aware of this effect and the consistency of factory-produced mortar allows them to produce consistent brickwork.”
Mr. Driver claimed that supporters of modern methods of construction “are quick to claim the moral high ground in the question of sustainability,” but added, “I see no particular justification for this claim.
“The Government has jumped onto the sustainability bandwagon and is currently preparing a Sustainable Buildings Code. The early indications are that this is likely to concentrate on environmental performance that, as we know, is only one part of the sustainability equation.”
Mr Driver concluded his presentation by saying “This is an interesting time to be involved in the production and promotion of construction materials. We do not want to appear as Luddites, nevertheless it is important that people are constantly reminded of the time-tested solutions which these materials have provided and will continue to do so, alongside, and involved with, modern methods of construction.”
Further information or access to any photographs contact Brian James at Brian.James@mineralproducts.org or call 020 7963 8000.
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