What Is Mivan Construction?

The construction industry has evolved rapidly over the past few decades, and one technology that has made a noticeable impact is Mivan construction. Known for its speed, accuracy, and clean finish, Mivan technology is now widely used in large residential projects, high-rises, and mass-housing developments. If you’ve ever wondered why developers promote “Mivan-formwork buildings” as a premium feature, this guide will walk you through everything: what Mivan construction is, how it works, its advantages, drawbacks, and how it compares to traditional brick construction.

Before diving into the comparison, let’s start with the basics.

What Is Mivan Construction?

Mivan construction is a modern building technique that uses aluminium formwork to cast entire structural components, walls, slabs, beams, and columns, using fresh concrete poured into moulds. The term comes from Mivan Company Ltd., Malaysia, the firm that originally developed this technology.

Instead of building walls with bricks or blocks, Mivan relies on monolithic concrete casting, meaning the whole structure is formed as a single concrete shell.

Key Characteristics

• Uses lightweight aluminium shuttering

• Produces uniform wall thickness and smooth finishes

• Casts walls and slabs together instead of separately

• Offers fast repetition cycles, enabling one floor per 7–10 days

This approach drastically changes how buildings are constructed, especially in high-volume residential projects.

What Is Mivan Shuttering?

In traditional construction, shuttering (or formwork) refers to temporary moulds used to hold wet concrete until it sets. Mivan shuttering takes the same concept but upgrades it with precision-engineered aluminium panels.

Features of Mivan Shuttering

• Made of high-strength aluminium alloy

• Very lightweight, easy to assemble and remove

• Designed to interlock, creating a stable mould

• Custom-made for each project’s layout

• Can be reused 150–200+ cycles, making it ideal for mass production

Because every panel is pre-designed, the shuttering process looks more like assembling a kit than improvising on-site.

How Mivan Construction Works (Step-by-Step)

To understand how Mivan technology achieves speed, it’s important to look at the complete workflow.

1. Planning and Design

The building is first planned using detailed drawings. Since Mivan panels are custom-made, the design stage involves high precision.

2. Fabrication of Aluminium Panels

Panels are manufactured based on architectural and structural drawings. Each panel corresponds to a specific wall or slab section.

3. Assembly on Site

Workers assemble the panels like a large 3D puzzle:

• Wall panels

• Beam panels

• Deck panels (for slabs)

• Support props

The system ensures no gaps, which leads to smooth finishes.

4. Reinforcement Placement

Steel bars are placed inside the formwork. Any plumbing or electrical conduits meant to pass through concrete walls must be fixed before the pour.

5. Concrete Pouring

Fresh concrete is poured into the assembled moulds. Since the structure is monolithic, the walls and slabs are cast together.

6. Curing and De-shuttering

Within 24–48 hours, the panels are removed, and the freshly cast structure reveals smooth walls that need very little plastering.

A floor cycle can be completed every 7–10 days, which is fast compared to brick-and-mortar methods.

Applications of Mivan Technology

Mivan construction is widely used in:

• High-rise residential towers

• Mass housing under government projects

• Affordable housing schemes

• Township developments

• Hotels and dormitory blocks

Any project that needs speed, repetition, and uniformity benefits from this technology.

Mivan Construction vs Brick Construction: A Deep Comparison

One of the most common questions people ask is how Mivan compares to traditional brick construction. Here is an in-depth breakdown.

1. Construction Speed

Mivan Construction

• One slab can be completed in 7–10 days

• Panels are reused floor after floor

• Casting walls + slabs together saves time

Brick Construction

• Slower due to separate processes (brickwork, curing, plastering)

• Dependent on skilled masons

• Weather delays occur more frequently

Verdict: Mivan is significantly faster.

2. Strength and Durability

Mivan Construction

• Monolithic concrete structure with no joints

• High resistance to earthquakes

• Durable and long-lasting

Brick Construction

• Multiple joints reduce structural uniformity

• Strength depends heavily on workmanship

• Not as resistant to seismic forces

Verdict: Mivan offers superior strength and uniformity.

3. Finishing Quality

Mivan Construction

• Smooth, uniform walls

• Very little plastering is required

• Perfect alignment

Brick Construction

• Needs thick plaster to correct alignment

• Finishing depends on the mason's skill

• Walls may have variation

Verdict: Mivan wins due to better accuracy and a cleaner finish.

4. Flexibility in Design Changes

Mivan Construction

• Low flexibility

• Once panels are fabricated, design changes are difficult

• Electrical and plumbing must be pre-planned

Brick Construction

• High flexibility

• Easy to modify walls, openings, and duct spaces

• Suitable for customised homes

Verdict: Brick construction is more flexible for changes.

5. Cost Comparison

Mivan Construction

• Higher initial investment

• Aluminium formwork is expensive

• Best suited for large-scale projects

Brick Construction

• Lower initial cost

• Labour varies, but overall cheaper for small projects

Verdict: Mivan is cost-effective only for large developments.

6. Maintenance and Long-Term Performance

Mivan Construction

• Fewer cracks due to the uniform structure

• Water seepage risk is lower

• Better for long-term maintenance

Brick Construction

• More susceptible to cracks

• Plaster maintenance required

• Seepage can occur through joints

Verdict: Mivan offers better durability and low maintenance.

Advantages of Mivan Construction

Mivan has several strengths that make it popular among developers.

1. Fast Construction Cycles

Rapid floor cycles reduce project timelines and costs.

2. High Structural Quality

Monolithic RCC structure performs better during earthquakes and heavy loads.

3. Smooth Finishes

Walls come out clean, saving costs on plaster and finishing.

4. Great for Mass Housing

Because panels can be reused hundreds of times, it's ideal for repetitive layouts.

5. Reduced Wastage

Material waste is significantly lower compared to brick construction.

6. Long-Term Durability

Crack formation is minimal due to the uniform casting process.

Disadvantages of Mivan Construction

Even with all the benefits, there are drawbacks you should know.

1. High Initial Cost

Aluminium formwork systems are expensive.

2. Not Suitable for Custom Homes

Design changes are almost impossible once panels are made.

3. Needs Skilled Labour

Workers must be trained to assemble and handle the formwork system.

4. Hollow Sound in Walls

Some homeowners feel Mivan walls sound slightly hollow when tapped due to their thin but dense structure.

Is Mivan Construction Better Than Brick Construction?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each method works best in its domain.

Choose Mivan Construction if:

• You’re building high-rise towers

• Speed is a priority

• Uniformity and durability are essential

• You’re developing mass-housing projects

Choose Brick Construction if:

• You want flexibility in the floor plan

• You’re building a single home

• You want lower initial costs

• You prefer tried-and-tested methods

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Mivan construction earthquake-resistant?

Yes. The monolithic concrete structure performs much better in seismic zones.

2. Is Mivan construction expensive?

Initial costs are high, but overall costs become manageable in large multi-unit projects.

3. Do Mivan buildings develop cracks?

Minor cracks may appear due to shrinkage, but they are significantly fewer than in brick structures.

4. Can interior modifications be done later?

Major changes are difficult since walls are part of the structural frame.

5. Is Mivan better for high-rise buildings?

Yes. It ensures safety, speed, and strong overall performance.

Final Thoughts

Mivan construction has become a powerful option for large-scale and high-speed construction projects. Its accuracy, durability, and fast progress make it ideal for developers and contractors. While brick construction still has a place in smaller or customised homes, Mivan is the future for large developments that demand consistency and speed. Understanding the difference helps homeowners and professionals choose the right method for each project.